Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alessia Ieraci, owner of Charcuterie To Go, located in Woodbridge, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Charcuterie To Go. I create custom charcuterie and cheese boards for any occasion you may have. But it doesn't stop there; I have a wide range of options from veggie boards, candy boards, sweet and salty boards, charcuterie cups, and I also bake my very own fresh artisan bread. My customer base is not limited to any age group- because who doesn't love food?! I strive to have options for everyone's budget and want everyone to be able to enjoy what I have to offer.
Tell us about yourself
Charcuterie boards were always something I enjoyed creating when friends came over or even just for a quiet night in. During the first lockdown, I decided to give it a shot and create an Instagram page for my boards to see where it took me. I had nothing to lose, so I thought, why not? Day after day, I became busier and busier with more orders than I could have ever imagined I would ever do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business is just being a business owner. I never thought something I did for fun would ever become a business that I created and could share with everyone.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing that comes with having a business is being able to manage your own socials and keeping up with daily interactive posts/ stories. We live in a technology-based society, and growing your business depends on social media.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you have a passion for something, just throw yourself in; there will never be a "right time."
- Having user-friendly socials. Make sure it is easy for your customers/client base to navigate and understand what products you are offering and selling.
- Open communication with your customers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://charcuterietogo.wixsite.com/website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charcuterie.to.go/
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.
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