Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Kirkland, owner of Champagne & Charcuterie, LLC., located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created Champagne & Charcuterie for the everyday person to enjoy charcuterie. When everyone was stuck at home, I took advantage of bringing our loved ones together by delivering Date Night Boxes to customers' homes.
I now have taken that little box of joy and grown my business. I provide charcuterie and catering in a vast amount of options that will accommodate corporate events, social gatherings, and in-home events. We provide charcuterie classes in person and virtually, charcuterie memberships, and delivery of cheese boxes to the 48 states.
Tell us about yourself
I moved to Colorado in 2019 after I sold my personal assistant business in Austin, TX. My love of the finer things, including food, was just one more step forward in creating Champagne & Charcuterie. Starting my business and, like many other business owners, during a pandemic isn't easy. I wanted to make sure that what I was serving was conscientious of the current environment we are dealing with. That's why delivering individual charcuteries made it easy for the everyday customer. Now that things are slowly progressing with the pandemic, I'm taking the opportunity to grow/scale my business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting a call from a corporate account wanting me to ship my charcuterie all over the US. I now ship for this client 10-15 boxes a week.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You are always working…no matter if you are taking time off to vacation. The emails and phone calls never stop, and I am forever grateful that it's like that.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do what you love…honestly, it's not a job when you are doing this. Surround yourself with like-minded people that support your business. Take a break…even if it's for just 15 mins, to rest your mind and soul.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/champagneandcharcuteriedenver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagneandcharcuteriedenver/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmkirkland/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.