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Meet Victoria Mack of Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Mack.

Victoria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has definitely been anything but traditional. I’m a proud West Side Chicago native who has always had a passion for storytelling, creativity, and bringing people together. Over the years I’ve worked in television and entertainment, launched businesses, volunteered in my community, and never stopped believing that God had something bigger for me.

That passion eventually led me to create “Fork Da Rulez Y’all”, a platform dedicated to celebrating the small businesses that often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Instead of only highlighting the restaurants everyone already knows, I wanted to shine a light on neighborhood bakeries, food co-ops, family-owned markets, ice cream shops, and hidden gems that make our communities special.

Today, Fork Da Rulez Y’all has grown into more than just a food platform. It’s expanding into a magazine, digital content, and storytelling that celebrates food, culture, entrepreneurship, and the people behind the businesses. Every interview, every visit, and every story is about building community and reminding people that some of the best experiences are found by stepping outside the ordinary—and that’s exactly why we say, “Fork Da Rulez Y’all.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes this journey meaningful. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had moments where I questioned myself, dealt with financial challenges, and had to build things with more passion than resources. There have been times when I was creating content, planning interviews, designing magazines, and running multiple businesses all at once, often wearing every hat myself.

I’ve also experienced personal loss and seasons that tested my faith. Those moments could have easily made me give up, but instead they reminded me why I started. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting God’s timing.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about going viral or growing quickly. It’s about consistency, serving people well, and staying true to your mission. Every small business owner I interview has their own story of perseverance, and in many ways, their stories remind me to keep writing my own.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change the journey because every challenge has helped shape the vision for Fork Da Rulez Y’all into something that’s bigger than food—it’s about community, culture, and creating opportunities for others to be seen.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the heart of everything I do is storytelling. I’m the creator and host of “Fork Da Rulez Y’all”, where I travel to discover and highlight locally owned food businesses, hidden gems, and the incredible people behind them. While food is what initially draws people in, the real focus is the stories, cultures, and communities that make each place unique.

I specialize in showcasing businesses that may not always receive mainstream attention—from neighborhood bakeries and food co-ops to international markets and family-owned restaurants. I believe every business has a story worth telling, and I enjoy helping owners share their passion with a wider audience.

I’m especially proud that Fork Da Rulez Y’all has grown beyond a food series into a multimedia brand that now includes a magazine dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurs, makers, chefs, and creatives who are making a difference in their communities. Seeing small business owners light up because someone took the time to tell their story is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

What sets me apart is my approach. I’m not chasing viral moments or the trendiest restaurants. I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, learning their stories, and creating content that feels authentic, welcoming, and community-driven. I want viewers and readers to leave inspired—not just to try a new place to eat, but to support the people and dreams behind it.

If Fork Da Rulez Y’all becomes known for anything, I hope it’s for reminding people that every neighborhood has amazing stories waiting to be discovered—sometimes you just have to fork the rules and go find them.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say the most important qualities have been resilience and authenticity. Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path, and there are always challenges, setbacks, and moments where you wonder if you’re making progress. I’ve learned to keep showing up, even on the days when things don’t go as planned.

At the same time, I’ve never wanted to create something that wasn’t true to who I am. Whether I’m interviewing a bakery owner, visiting a neighborhood market, or producing content for Fork Da Rulez Y’all, I want people to feel like they’re experiencing it alongside me. I believe authenticity builds trust, and trust builds community.

I’m also naturally curious. I genuinely love meeting people, learning about different cultures, hearing how businesses started, and discovering what makes each place special. That curiosity keeps the work exciting and reminds me that every person has a story worth sharing.

More than anything, I try to lead with kindness, stay teachable, and remember that success isn’t measured only by numbers—it’s measured by the impact you have on the people you meet along the way.

Pricing:

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Three stacked cupcakes with white frosting on an orange background, surrounded by icons and text about flavors and ingredients.

Smiling woman with long dark hair in a denim shirt holding a cup of green latte, sitting at a table in a cafe.

Two people sitting outdoors in front of a colorful background, one wearing a black shirt and the other in a patterned top and glasses.

Hand holding a box of Who Bites strawberry sun butter sandwiches against a beach background with rocks and sky.

Two women posing in a store, one wearing large glasses and making a peace sign, the other smiling with short curly hair.

Storefront with signs advertising food and beverages, including a colorful sign for a food co-op, and a sidewalk with a potted plant.

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