We recently connected with Katie Hogan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking friends and family to support my business is a huge contributing factor to my success. I never expect or ask anyone to purchase a board….however, the shares/likes and referrals from friends and family (and, new found friends!) is so appreciated. This business began and grew all based by social media shares/likes. I posted my very first board on facebook….and, then, it took off!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Katie. I am a wife to Sean, and mother to Conor and Maisey. Being a mother is the most important job; however, my creative mind needed an outlet. And, lets be honest, I could use some adult interaction. I started this business in October 2021. It began as a fun, creative outlet to make a few extra bucks. Then, it grew. It grew into themed boards, snack boxes, fruit boards, breakfast boxes, grazing tables AND charcuterie classes. What I thought was going to be simple meat/cheese platter turned into a creative, unique, and beautiful EDIBLE masterpiece. When this business began it would take me an hour to put a platter together. I wanted to add the tiniest details to make each platter stand out in its own unique way. Don’t worry ….It only takes me 30min now!

I am very proud of where Bleu & Brie Co. is today. My first holiday season – I created ten boards. I was ecstatic! Then, the next year…it was 35! Here we go!! I was incredibly proud that I did this through referrals, and social media based. I didn’t even have a website, yet!

Grazing tables have become my “baby” of the business. They are gorgeous! I often say that your grazing table can be your centerpiece. The table is covered with eucalyptus and greenery, and an arrangement of cake stands, and tiers. My team and I will arrange an array of fruits and vegetables to add a ton of color, as well as a variety of meats and cheeses. “Lets Graze” is my motto. What is better than having a little bit of everything to choose from!?

I am now incorporating other small businesses into my tables. Which I love more than anything. Small businesses need the support of each other to make it work.

I love to bring a vision to life. If a client has colors, or a theme – I will do my best to incorporate all of that into my boards and tables.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Big thanks to Facebook and Instagram. This is how Bleu & Brie was born. Its incredibly important to continue posting! What I feel is more important is to add a personal base to your business. Show your face. Share your stories. Because there is not one or two….there are many that can relate to you! I feel its very important to connect to your audience. In my case, NOT just about cheese.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Uniqueness. Not only do I add beauty to the board, but also UNIQUE flavors. I try to incorporate cheeses that you cannot buy at a local grocery store. In addition to that, I add several different flavors from other items (flavored nuts, chocolates, fruits). This is something I discuss in a charcuterie class. You want to have a burst of COLOR and FLAVORS on each board. Its a “gathering” piece. Therefore, I have a little something for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bleuandbrieco.com
• Instagram: @bleuandbrieco
• Facebook: Bleu & Brie Co.