Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Boyce, founder of Something Bleu Custom Charcuterie, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own Something Bleu Custom Charcuterie and create artisanal cheese & charcuterie boards for all types of gatherings, large and small. Every board is handcrafted and customized for each client's event. The wonderful thing about this business is that it can appeal to everyone! Who doesn't love cheese, after all?! From kid and teen birthdays to weddings, adult birthdays, anniversaries, and more, I create beautiful platters for every special occasion!
Tell us about yourself
I have always had a determined mindset and knew I wanted to start my own business one day. I brainstormed for years but never settled on the 'one thing' I was passionate about - until charcuterie popped into my mind! I have enjoyed creating festive boards for the family for years, but it was one day during the pandemic (when I had a lot more time on hand) that it clicked - styling cheese and charcuterie was the perfect fit. What I didn't know when I started my business was that the story behind each board would motivate me - knowing that I'm creating something special for someone's birthday or wedding, or even as a sympathy gift for a grieving family, makes me feel inspired to keep going. Food is a love language and the best way to show you care, and I love being able to be a part of my client's story.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Turning this little cheeseboard hobby into a thriving business has been so rewarding. Of course, hitting certain revenue goals has been a huge accomplishment for my business, but that's not all. Seeing my daughters be excited and inspired by their mom 'owning her own business is the biggest reward of all. They all have a newfound entrepreneurial spirit and have been making plans for their own businesses one day!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be challenging to be everything to everyone. As a wife and mom, family is a top priority of mine, and since starting my own business, I've had to shift my time and priorities on occasion. It's a give and take some days, I have to focus on my family, and business falls to the wayside - meaning I get behind on communication, errands, etc., that keep my business running smoothly. And other days, I have a very busy day working and have to forego family time or miss out on school events or birthday parties. As a business owner, I have my hands in every aspect of my business, and if I'm not doing certain tasks, well, no one is! Occasionally, that means I'm sitting on the sofa at 10 pm responding to emails that I didn't have time for during the day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be ready to dive in headfirst. It's hard to just dip your toes in - you really have to be ready to dig deep and get to work. Don't be afraid! Find something you're passionate about, and it will be so easy to turn it into a business, and it won't be hard for you to market your new business. I wanted for so long to have my own business, but it required me to find something I was truly passionate about before I could proudly shout it from the rooftops and build something from the ground up. Never give up on your dreams, but don't rush it - make sure you find that 'one thing' that excites you!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner has challenged me in the best of ways, and I've gained so much in both a personal and professional manner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.somethingbleucharcuterie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomethingBleuCLT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingbleuclt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyworrell/
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.