Natasha Brao blends culture and creativity with Shooka Sauce

Entrepreneur and MBA student Natasha Brao has been awarded a Hunter’s Fund grant to launch her innovative food startup, Shooka Sauce—a brand that celebrates cultural fusion through creative variations of the classic Mediterranean dish, shakshuka.

“When I was learning about Hunter [Watson], his ‘why not me?’ mentality really resonated with me,” Natasha shares. “When I look at grocery store shelves and see brands that have made it, I think, ‘Why can’t I achieve that too?’”

Described by Natasha as a CPG (consumer packaged goods) brand, Shooka Sauce aims to inspire adaptable cooking and introduce new flavors to the modern table. While shakshuka is becoming popular in restaurants, it’s still unfamiliar to many home cooks—something Natasha hopes to change by making it accessible and inspiring.

“Food is a window into other cultures and a tool to spark conversation around new experiences,” she says. With her grant, Natasha is expanding Shooka Sauce’s reach, blending her passion for design, food, and entrepreneurship into a flavorful brand that celebrates connection through cuisine.