Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalia Peña.
Hi Dalia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Seven years ago, my husband got a job opportunity in the bay area, and as a family, we decided to give it a try. As an immigrant family, the challenges were not different from other immigrants. After a year, my work permit came; I couldn’t wait to be back in the work field, so ready and thirsty to re-start my professional life back. And I did! I was excited to be in the bubble of the tech and software environment and so proud of my husband and son (back then, he was 1.5 years old) that adjust to our new life routine.
While I was conquering the world of being a director in the AI industry in the Bay Area, getting to know the world of software and remarkable people from all over the world, and being fortunate enough to grow a wonderful family. I started to take up the hobby of taking small cooking classes and the one that developed my creative side.
Although I always enjoy cooking and hosting parties at my home, my hobby extrapolate during the pandemic and exploring other cuisines, technics, flavors in my kitchen and always learning from others, meaning I was obsessed with the cooking shows. I got to say that is the hobby that my husband and I share, so having someone to discuss what is a good pair with a New York steak, or how any smoked cheese is different and delicious helps a lot to explore the food that we haven’t tried.
As soon as the pandemic was getting under control, having friends at home was the only thing we could do during the weekends, and as everyone was ready to go outside, even if that meant going to someone else house, people would arrive early and leave late just because we wanted to get the most out of it; and as a food and cook lover my day starts with the thought of ‘what are we going to eat today if 5~7 people will be at the house?’ What is a good appetizer to try this time? Main course? Just beer and wine? Sweet or salty for kids’ snacks? I don’t want to brag about my cooking skills but love how people enjoyed the meals, ask for the recipes, or thought that meals are from a store or a restaurant.
In 2022 as a family, we decided to move to Chula Vista to be closer to our families, and we immediately fell in love with the San Diego area and its people. How welcoming, warm, open, and awesome the people are.
Unfortunately, where I worked was not achieving the desired success, as the AI company files for bankruptcy, allowing me to evaluate what It should be in my next chapter.
Now, I was sure that I wanted to continue working and be able to have the flexibility of being the mother of my 7 and 3-year-old children. And it’s how I jumped into this woman-owned business field.
And at the end, it’s about family and friends getting together; it’s about quality time, it’s about the talks around a food plate, it’s about laughs from great memories, it’s about the cheese bite that goes perfectly with all of the above. And that is how I started my small business, Glamorous Guest.
Glamorous Guest is about to bring joy, cheeses, sweets, and salty treats to your most memorable moments. Whether it’s a social event, a relaxing picnic, or even a regular day, our grazing boards will give you and your guests amazing flavors. They’re a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing in life is easy and fair, and that is OK.
Like many others, my journey as a one-person business has been full of struggles, both unique and common. Wearing all the hats of my business, I’ve experienced moments of humbleness, arrogance, and insecurities. Despite thinking I had it all figured out and was ready to fulfill orders, reality hit me hard when things moved slowly at the beginning. I found myself questioning if I was doing something wrong if I needed to change my products, or if I should try something different. However, I learned from other entrepreneurs that slow starts are normal and not everyone needs my services right away. I now understand that it’s important to be persistent and give it time before considering any major changes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Glamorous Guest. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Glamorous Guest is handmade artisan charcuterie boards and grazing tables business.
Our charcuterie boards will delight your guests and yourself with the finest, freshest, and most delicious ingredients.
Glamorous Guests will take care of your Salty and Sweet treats while you host a memorable event.
GG is a catering service, and if you are looking for something that you don’t see on the product menu, I’d love to hear your ideas and expectation for you and your guests.
Special Promo: 15% OFF your first order. Use the code: WELCOME15
My work
Special Promo for SD Voyager readers: 30% OFF. Use Code: SDV30
How do you define success?
Success is the moment of satisfaction when my clients are happy with the results of something they ordered and impressed by the service and quality of my products.
Pricing:
- Let’s Get Together (Serves 7 to 9)
- Five fresh soft, creamy, and hard assorted kinds of cheese, dry cured meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread, crackers, nuts, olives, honey, jams, chocolate, and sweet and salty treats.
- $90.00
- Special Promo for SD Voyager readers: 30% OFF. Use Code: SDV30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glamorousguest.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/glamorousguest/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091629300247
