Meet Krista

Krista Matusky is an automotive content creator, entrepreneur, brand strategist, and enthusiast community builder known for combining authentic storytelling, hands-on vehicle experience, and strategic marketing to connect automotive brands with passionate audiences.
 

Her journey began in 2020 when she launched her YouTube channel, Buckle Up Buttercup, documenting her family’s RV adventures and cross-country travels as a first-time RV owner. In 2021, she expanded her content into the automotive world, bringing her audience along for vehicle builds, modifications, product testing, and real-world adventures.
 

The phrase “Buckle Up Buttercup” was born during one of her off-road adventures as a reminder to her kids to secure themselves before Mom took on the trail. What started as a family saying became a recognized automotive brand built around exploration, education, and inspiring others to experience the automotive world.
 

Today, Krista is known as a versatile automotive creator covering everything from off-road trucks and SUVs to performance vehicles and enthusiast builds. Her content spans platforms including Ford Bronco, Bronco Raptor, Ranger Raptor, Porsche, and other automotive enthusiast vehicles, combining hands-on modifications, driving experiences, product reviews, and storytelling that brings audiences into the full ownership journey.

Krista’s approach is rooted in learning by doing. She documents real builds, installs, upgrades, and driving experiences while providing honest insight into what works in the real world. Her ability to explain complex automotive topics in an approachable way has helped her build a loyal community of enthusiasts who trust her perspective.
 

As a Social Media Correspondent for SEMA, Krista has covered major automotive industry events including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and SEMA Garage events across California and Michigan. She participated in the 2022 all-female Bronco build, highlighting the growing role of women in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Krista is an author and contributor for automotive publications including FordMuscle and OffRoad Xtreme. Her work has been featured by outlets such as the Detroit Free Press and Hemmings, and she has appeared on television programs including Todo Tampa Bay. She was also recognized by Ford Motor Company through its Women Entrepreneurs Day 2022 spotlight and is a member of the Friends of Ford community.

Beyond content creation, Krista specializes in automotive marketing, social media strategy, influencer partnerships, community development, and brand storytelling. With a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications and years of experience building digital communities, she understands how to create meaningful connections between brands and their customers.
 

In 2023, Krista co-founded Buckle Up Off-Road, an enthusiast-driven automotive aftermarket company focused on vehicle upgrades, accessories, and solutions inspired by real-world builds. Her experience spans product development, sourcing, e-commerce, marketing, and customer engagement.
 

As Krista’s influence and experience in the automotive industry continued to grow, she expanded beyond content creation into building and developing automotive-focused businesses of her own. Through Buttercup Media, she provides social media consulting, marketing strategy, content planning, brand collaborations, and automotive-focused creative services, helping companies connect with their audiences through authentic storytelling and strategic digital engagement.
 

Through Buckle Up Garage, Krista continues to expand her hands-on automotive presence by offering services including mobile mechanics, detailing, vehicle wraps, tint, and custom automotive solutions for cars and boats. The garage also serves as a platform for vehicle builds, product development, education, and enthusiast experiences rooted in real-world knowledge.
 

Along with additional automotive ventures under the Buttercup Collective umbrella, Krista combines her background in Integrated Strategic Communications, industry relationships, business development experience, and firsthand enthusiast perspective to create brands and services that support the automotive community. Beyond automotive, she has also expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio as an investor and mentor, supporting the growth of new ideas, businesses, and creators across multiple industries.

 

Whether she is building an off-road vehicle, exploring performance platforms, testing new products, covering industry events, or creating educational automotive content, Krista brings a unique combination of communication expertise, technical curiosity, and enthusiast credibility. Her mission is to help people better understand their vehicles, build with confidence, and enjoy the automotive lifestyle.