Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Engie & Jason Heidelberg, founders of Graze Box (Graze OC, LLC), located in Lake Forest, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We're proud to be considered Orange County's #1 Charcuterie destination. We provide an array of offerings from charcuterie boxes boards to elaborate tablescapes. In addition to our charcuterie, we offer a variety of lunch options for corporate events and catering. We're open Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm for walk-in lunch orders - come visit us!

Tell us about yourself

We were both laid off weeks apart, like so many others, in 2020. We were inspired by our love of travel and good food. What started as a way to make ends meet turned into something far more than we could have ever imagined.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We kept going. We moved from a rented commercial kitchen into our very own Brick n' Mortar. We faced many obstacles during the buildout process. Then, two weeks prior to our anticipated opening date, Engie's mother, our biggest fan, motivation, and inspiration, passed suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a dark time, it still is, but we keep getting up and doing what we do for her. We are motivated each and every day knowing that she is watching over us with the biggest smile on her face; she is so proud of us - and we want her to continue to be.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest aspect of being a business owner besides wearing numerous hats is putting personal obstacles aside in order to keep showing up for your customers. There are no days off, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We are honored that our customers keep coming back. Our priority is to ensure we are serving them to the best of our ability.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't compare yourself to others. Each day focuses on being a better version of yourself.
  2. When starting, reinvest all of your profits towards growing the business live modestly.
  3. Be willing to adapt to the market and learn new skills. Become an expert in every aspect of your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://grazeoc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graze.box/

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.