How did your business get started?

I helped my best friend cater for about ten years. My job was to “make it pretty” after the prep work was done. I think this experience laid the foundation for Amazing Grazing. During the summer of 2021, I began making boards for friends and family and realized this was the start of something that could grow into a business. The vision of Amazing Grazing sprouted. I launched Amazing Grazing in October 2021 and it has taken off faster than I imagined through various social media outlets and word-of-mouth. I am truly humbled and thankful for my community that has helped me launch this venture.

What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?

My biggest startup challenge was fear of the unknown. I knew my idea was good and I was not going to let that little voice inside my head grow louder and keep me from my dream (again). I consulted with a small business advisor, had a checklist and keep moving forward. I also worried about not being good enough–there are a lot of charcuterie artists and businesses out there. I avoided comparing my art to someone else’s and concentrated on creating boards that make me feel proud to send out. Not everyone is going to like your style. That’s okay. There’s plenty of charcuterie styles to go around. Your dream has to be bigger than your fear and you have to tell that negative voice (or person) to go sit down and be quiet.