Today we’d like to introduce you to Adela Chavez.
Hi Adela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always had a passion for event planning and entertaining people. I started doing charcuterie boards as a hobby. Friends and family members then started asking me if I could make boards for them. I then thought to myself, hey! I can turn my hobby into a business. I began to research business plans and decided to take on the challenge of opening up my own small business. Although the idea was out of my comfort zone, I always had the support of my family and friends. This is how Honey and Lavender Charcuterie was established in 2019.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business comes with a couple of road bumps. I had to get certified, create a business plan, learn how to price items, inventory, creating social content on a daily basis, and the list goes on and on. I asked for assistance from other charcuterie colleagues and took courses on business management. It has been a lot of trial and error, but you learn from your mistakes and keep going. Social media has been a challenge, definitely, I’ve spent hours learning how to create content and how to interact with my audience every day and it has also been very exciting. Let’s not forget about the photos! The time, dedication and craziness that happens behind the scene of food photography is out of this world. One good picture has dozens of doubtful photos that you think are not perfect. Although it has been a challenge at times, I like to push myself to do the best I can and see all challenges as an opportunity to improve and learn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If I am not creating cheese platters, I am at the office. I have been working in Human Resources for the past six years. I specialize in Organizational Development. I focus on improving culture and values within the organization. I decided to take a page from my day to day job and use my goal setting skills for my business venture. When I started my business I had one goal in mind, and that was to bring happiness to someone through my food. I used to make these cheese platters for my family and friends when we got together to celebrate a happy moment in our lives. There is nothing better than to hear or see that your clients enjoyed their order. Every order is an opportunity to be part of their happy moment and I am blessed to be part of it. That, in my opinion is what sets me apart from others.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
This pandemic has been very rough for us all. I learned that family comes first and that I should’ve listened to my mom and learn how to sew. It was very heartwarming to see people coming together to help others in need. That people can truly express their creativity and make a living out of it. It is very Interesting that wearing a mask has become my new normal.
Contact Info:
- Email: Honeyandlavendercharcuterie@gmail.com
- Instagram: honey_and_lavender_charcuterie
Image Credits
Photos by Gabriela Heredia
