Meet the Mother and Daughter Team Behind Mexican Food Brand Saucy Lips

Saucy Lips, a mother-daughter-founded Mexican sauce brand, combines the thoughtful, traditional recipes of their Mexican heritage with wholesome ingredients and modern, health-conscious touches. We spoke to Saucy Lips founders Natalia and her mother, Gabriela, about their inspiration behind creating a food brand, their thoughts on sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship as a family, and how they honor their Mexican heritage through their business. The duo also shared their favorite dinner recipe, which comes together in just 15 minutes thanks to one of Saucy Lips’ signature sauces. 

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Q&A With Saucy Lips Co-Founder Natalia Dalton Salazar 

Tell us a bit about Saucy Lips and how it started.

“Saucy Lips is a reflection of our family’s love for authentic Mexican flavors and our dedication to health-conscious choices. Growing up in Mexico, our kitchen was always filled with the aroma of freshly made sauces. Just like bread and butter are staples in many homes, our fridge was always filled with our mom’s sauces. These sauces, crafted with a blend of spices and peppers, were more than just condiments; they were a piece of our heritage.

What truly distinguished our family’s creations was my mother’s relentless pursuit of natural goodness. While she deeply revered traditional recipes, she was an innovator at heart, never willing to let health take a backseat. I have vivid memories of her experimenting in the kitchen with various fruits and veggies. She artfully incorporated them into traditional recipes to add sweetness, enhance consistency, and most importantly, to infuse a healthier touch without ever compromising on the authentic taste.

From these cherished memories and culinary adventures, the concept of Saucy Lips emerged. Our mission was clear: to share with the world our family’s distinct recipes, allowing everyone to savor the rich, authentic flavors of Mexico in a wholesome manner. Today, Saucy Lips stands not just as a brand, but as a legacy—a reflection of our family’s values, traditions, and the love we pour into every product.”

How do you approach honoring your Hispanic heritage when creating your products and running your business? 

“Honoring our Hispanic heritage is at the very core of Saucy Lips. Every product we create, every decision we make, is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and values we grew up with in Mexico. Our heritage is a combination of vibrant flavors, age-old recipes, and heartwarming family gatherings, and we strive to incorporate these elements into every creation we develop.

When crafting our products, we draw inspiration directly from our family’s recipes, passed down through generations. These recipes are more than just a list of ingredients; they are stories, memories, and a reflection of our culture. We prioritize authenticity, ensuring that every sauce captures the genuine taste and essence of Hispanic cuisine. But we also innovate, blending traditional methods with modern techniques, always with a nod to our roots.

In running our business, we embrace the values that our Hispanic heritage has instilled in us: hard work, family unity, and a deep sense of community. We believe in building strong relationships, not just with our customers but also with our suppliers and everyone involved in our journey. 

Ultimately, Saucy Lips is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of our Hispanic heritage. It’s our way of sharing a piece of our culture with the world, and ensuring that the rich traditions and flavors of our ancestry continue to thrive and inspire future generations.”

What’s the best part about running the business with your family? 

“The best part about being a family-run business is the deep sense of connection and shared purpose we feel every day. At Saucy Lips, our business isn’t just about sauces; it’s about preserving our family’s history, sharing our cherished recipes, and creating moments that bring families together around the dinner table.

Working closely as a family has allowed us to build a foundation of trust, understanding, and shared values. We celebrate our successes together, learn from our challenges, and always have each other’s backs. There’s a unique synergy and harmony in our operations, born from years of shared memories and experiences.

In essence, being a family-run business is our strength. It’s what drives us, what inspires us, and what makes Saucy Lips truly special. It’s the heart and soul behind every product, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

What makes Saucy Lips products stand out from other, similar sauce brands? 

“What sets Saucy Lips apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and health. While many sauces might compromise on ingredients for convenience, we prioritize natural, wholesome components. Our sauces are crafted from recipes passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic Mexican flavor. We’ve innovated by incorporating fruits and veggies for natural sweetness and consistency, eliminating the need for excess sugars or additives.”

What are your favorite Saucy Lips products, and how do you recommend using them? 

“One of my all-time favorites has to be the Tacos Al Pastor Sauce. It’s a nostalgic trip back to our family outings in Mexico, where we’d indulge in the most flavorful pastor tacos. I love using this sauce not just for traditional pork tacos, but also as a marinade for grilled chicken or even to spice up a veggie stir-fry. It’s that burst of authentic Mexican flavor, combined with the memories it evokes, that makes it a staple in my kitchen.

While our sauces come with traditional recipes on the back of every package, I encourage all Thrive Market members to get creative with them. Our sauces are incredibly versatile. Think beyond the usual and experiment with veggie casseroles, blend them into dips, or even drizzle over salads as dressings. The possibilities are endless, and I promise, each dish you create with a touch of Saucy Lips will be a delightful surprise. Dive into the world of flavors we offer and let your culinary imagination run wild!”

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Tacos Al Pastor Casserole Recipe 

This Tacos Al Pastor Casserole is made with Saucy Lips’ signature Al Pastor sauce. Natalia says she loves it because it’s “an easy-to-make dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes, from start to finish”.

Yield: 4 servings
Active time: 6 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 pound cooked chicken or pork, shredded

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 pouch of Saucy Lips Tacos Al Pastor sauce (coming soon!)

8 corn tortillas, cut into strips

1 cup shredded cheese

Toppings to serve:

Half a small onion, diced

Freshly chopped cilantro

Diced pineapple

1 avocado, mashed or sliced

Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions:

Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Add your choice of protein, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 minutes.

Stir in the Tacos Al Pastor sauce and tortilla strips, ensuring they’re well-coated and absorb most of the sauce.

Sprinkle the cheese on top and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted.

Garnish with your chosen toppings and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!