Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Svetlana Safir, founder of Charcuteriela Inc., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Initially, the French word "charcuterie" represented the product of a fancy pork butcher. The meaning of this word evolved with time. Today, when we hear "charcuterie," we think of platters filled with a variety of cheeses, fruits, vegetables, meats ... And even desserts. We made unique and showstopping charcuterie, cheeseboards, and grazing tables. Our products/services help create an exceptional experience for any small or big event (a party, a wedding, a birthday celebration, a corporate gathering, and more).
We are very particular when it comes to the standards of our products. We source our produce at local farmers' markets several times per week to give our clients the freshest fruits and vegetables. We follow decades of cultural traditions while pairing food items on the platter. We take time to pick the most flavorful and extraordinary cheeses and meats. I believe that our customers appreciate the finest foods and aesthetics.
Tell us about yourself
It seems like everything that I was doing before led me to Charcuteriela. During my late 20s, I began to travel to various parts of Europe. I had the privilege to experience the great food culture that exists in other parts of the world. The amazing cheeses, wines, and care surrounding food were fascinating. This parlayed into an interest in food science, nutrition, and dietetics which I currently am studying—this, combined with my love language that is food and hospitality, transitioned into our small business. I am absolutely passionate and in love with what I do. Making platters doesn't feel like work - it is so calming and satisfying.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the most significant achievement is creating a unique and recognizable brand from scratch. It is fascinating how many things you learn along the way. I definitely can say that I wasn't fully aware of what I am capable of. Being only one year and a half on the competitive market, we could find our niche fast enough.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging part, I guess, is to stay loyal to yourself. What I mean by that is finding your way of doing things and trusting yourself more than anything. There is no guarantee that you won't make mistakes. Sadly, there will be a lot of them. But you can choose how to react and deal with those mistakes. It is the best way of learning from my experience. Imagine that you must create each element and the whole process for operating your business - it takes all your thoughts - you are dreaming and talking about it all the time. Therefore, balancing personal life and professional becomes challenging, especially at the start-up stage.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The best tip/advice to start a business is actually to start doing something right now. There is never a right moment, never a right time. Charcuteriela began during the Pandemic, and logically, it was the worse time to start. However, I took that time to conceptualize the menu, put everything together, experiment with ingredients, and explore my opportunities. To successfully run the business is best to find ways to use your time more efficiently. Time is money, and your time as a business owner and creator is precious. There are many free existing resources - no need to invent the wheel use what is available.
For example, online ordering systems, scheduling, functional apps, utilize free consultation services in your community. Lastly, to grow, you need a team. Great things can't be done alone. For that reason, carefully choose people who work for you and work with you. It is essential to have a positive and fun environment - then everything seems doable together.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://charcuteriela.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charcuterie.la/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charcuterie.la_/
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.