Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Marcotti.
Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Art of Grazing in September 2020 under the name The Grazers Box. I was talking with my friend Kalea about the name early 2021 and I didn’t want to be confined to just making boxes, I wanted to easily be able to branch out to whatever areas my boxes and boards took me. After going back and forward with other names, she finally called me with the name Art of Grazing and I instantly knew that’s what I needed to call my business.
I am from Australia and grazing tables, boxes and platters are basically a staple at any backyard party and after being here a few years and either making platters for my guests or taking them with me to parties I was shocked to realise it wasn’t a “done” thing here in SoCal as it is in Australia and that’s where it began.
First off, I started an Instagram and I had a few wonderful people who put their trust in a brand new local business and places orders from me and when I knew strangers would buy from me I knew I would be able to make it into a business.
Now almost a year and a half later I have grown more than I expected and I have the most supportive and loyal customers I could’ve ever asked for. I have just started doing public and private workshops, where I teach others the art behind the charcuterie board and demonstrate how to properly fold salami, style cheese, choose ingredients and put together a platter. These have been so much fun and so successful and I’m so excited for more of these through 2022.
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?
Self doubt was one thing I would constantly have to battle. I also have 3 kids and making a business work and a house run is a challenge, my biggest lesson I have learnt is to make time for myself. It’s good to be busy but it’s also just as important to take care of myself. One of my main changes for 2022 is that I no longer offer delivery outside 10 miles from 92011 but I do have pick up available. The cost and time that went into making deliveries outside of this distance wasn’t adding up financially for me. I may look into a delivery service for this year so that I can accommodate customers outside of my current radius.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in making Charcuterie boards, tables and now also teaching the Art of Grazing in our public and private workshops, we are offering face to face and virtual workshops this year.
I think my dedication and real love for what I do sets me apart. There is nothing like absolutely loving what you do for work and I like customers can see that in my work.
Return customers and referrals are by far what I am most proud of, when you have people coming back for more, you know you have something people love.
Whenever an order comes in no matter how big or small I am always so excited to get the notification on my phone. When a customer orders from me they are truly purchasing from a small business owner who appreciates each and every customer.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I only just recently discovered that I have a major love for Goat Cheese.
Contact Info:
- Email: courtney@artofgrazing.com
- Website: www.artofgrazing.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artofgrazing_?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/artofgrazing
