We recently connected with Lilly Mucilli & Catherine Lie and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lilly Mucilli & Catherine Lie, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When we decided to dive into the world of charcuterie, one thing was crystal clear: we needed a name that sparkled with originality and a dash of intrigue. We weren’t looking for something as straightforward as “Cheese Please”—oh no, we wanted a name that told a story, hinted at our passions, and showcased our unique flair.
Our brainstorming sessions were a whirlwind of blue hues and cheese fantasies. We’re both unapologetic bleu cheese aficionados, so naturally, the color blue and its branding potential were top of mind. But we didn’t stop there. We wanted something that would set us apart and shine a light on our women-owned business. A nod to the origins of charcuterie—France—was also on our wish list, along with a sprinkle of French elegance.
As we sifted through endless name possibilities, inspiration struck from an unexpected source: the Bleu du Maine. This rare and distinctive French sheep, known for its striking blue face, embodied everything we aspired to be—unique, desirable, and full of character. And so became, Bleu Sheep!
The Bleu du Maine wasn’t just a name; it was a symbol of what we wanted our charcuterie business to represent. With its notoriety of being a top female producer, blend of French charm and rare allure, it perfectly captured our vision. And so, Bleu Sheep became more than just a name—it became our identity. Here’s to celebrating the art of charcuterie with a touch of French sophistication and a splash of bleu brilliance!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Picture this: it’s 2011, and at a graduation party, two future besties, Catherine and Lilly, are about to embark on their college adventures. Catherine is set to room with Lilly’s grade school BFF, and from that serendipitous meeting, a trio of inseparable friends is born. College days are filled with endless laughs, spring break escapades, and birthday celebrations galore. Fast forward, and Catherine and Lilly are not just best friends but roommates in Milwaukee, where their bond deepens into a lifelong sisterhood.
Then came the pandemic pause, a time when the world seemed to slow down and possibilities seemed endless. It was during this surreal pause in 2021 that Lilly and Catherine’s telepathic friendship kicked into high gear. Lilly had been toying with the idea of starting a business, and, lo and behold, Catherine had the exact same thought. With both women dreaming of business ownership but tethered to traditional corporate roles, they found their spark in an unexpected place: charcuterie boards.
Combining their passions for new foods, fabulous parties, and the occasional champagne toast, they set out to create something special. It all began in Lilly’s kitchen with small charcuterie cups and boards designed to serve 2 to 15 people. They crafted prototypes, snapped photos, and hit social media, and just like that, their venture took flight.
What started as modest boards quickly evolved into extravagant grazing tables, and before they knew it, they were catering weddings, private events, crafting custom themes, and preparing meals on private jets for Stevie Nicks and Peter Gabriel. Their secret sauce? A luxury experience that turns any event into an unforgettable affair. From humble beginnings to creating charcuterie magic, Catherine and Lilly have transformed their friendship into a flourishing business, proving that a simple idea can turn into a gourmet sensation.
When you book with Bleu Sheep, you’re not just ordering charcuterie or catering; you’re curating a culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests raving for years to come. Imagine a feast that is not only visually stunning but also a delightful symphony of high-quality, handcrafted ingredients. Each graze and event we create is a work of edible art, meticulously designed to dazzle and delight.
From the moment your guests lay eyes on our creations, they’ll be enchanted by the sheer grandeur and aesthetic allure. But it’s the ultra-luxurious details—those little touches of elegance and sophistication—that truly set us apart. We don’t just make hors d’oeuvres; we craft gourmet sensations that transform any event into a memorable experience. Prepare for a culinary journey that’s as extraordinary as it is delectable!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Running a catering business isn’t all glamorous spreads and sparkling champagne—it’s also a journey filled with unforgettable challenges and dramatic comebacks. Picture this: our shared kitchen, once a bustling hub of culinary creativity, went up in flames, turning our tools, products, and even our beloved Boska into a charred mess. It was a fiery setback that could have extinguished our dreams.
But we didn’t let a little blaze—or a lot of burnt cheese—keep us down. We dusted ourselves off, rebuilt from scratch, and switched kitchens like pros. Every challenge became a stepping stone, and each new process was an opportunity to refine our craft.
Even after rising from the ashes of our kitchen fire, finding repeat clients proved to be a fiery challenge. But instead of letting this setback burn us out, we decided to turn up the heat! We pivoted with pizzazz, whipping up a batch of innovative new products and jazzing up our catering menu.
With a fresh burst of creativity and a marketing makeover, we set out to show the world just how extraordinary our luxury creations really are. Now, we’re not just serving up delicious boards—we’re serving up a full-on feast of flavors and flair that keeps our clients coming back for more. From the ashes, we’ve crafted a gourmet experience that’s hotter than ever and ready to dazzle at every event!
Owning this business has been a whirlwind of evolution, a constant reinvention fueled by resilience and passion. From starting over to finding our rhythm with fresh products, we’ve turned every hurdle into a chance to elevate our charcuterie game. So here’s to the wild ride and the incredible journey—one where even the toughest moments spark the most dazzling comebacks!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
When it comes to finding new clients, our best advertising is good old word of mouth. Why? Because seeing truly is believing when it comes to our culinary creations! Imagine your guests walking into an event and being greeted by a stunning display of edible art that stops them in their tracks. The grandeur and artistry of our grazing tables have guests snapping photos, chatting about it for weeks, and eagerly sharing the experience with their friends.
But it doesn’t stop at just the visuals. Once they dive into our charcuterie and savor our handmade caviar dip, they’re hooked! Every bite is so delicious that they can’t help but salivate at the mere thought of it. The result? A buzz that spreads faster than you can say “charcuterie” and a reputation that keeps our calendar packed with excited clients. Come for the spectacle, stay for the taste—our creations are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bleusheep.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleusheepcharcuterie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleusheepcharcuterie/
- Yelp: https://www.bleusheep.com/
Image Credits
N.A