We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlie Kerbel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Charlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

A big lesson that left a lasting impact on my journey as a business owner traces back to my time as a Design Director working with large brands like Target. This experience really opened my eyes to some crucial aspects like teamwork, trust, self-confidence, and building strong relationships.

Back then, I had this realization that success isn’t a solo endeavor – it thrives when a team works together. Collaborating with talented individuals showed me firsthand how different skills and ideas can blend to create amazing outcomes. One thing that struck me was how kindness often carries more weight than being right.

In meetings where we discussed creative ideas, I noticed that listening and being open-minded often lead to much better results than just sticking stubbornly to my own viewpoint. This concept stuck with me in my interactions with colleagues and even in everyday conversations. Another lesson I picked up was about staying cool and composed, especially when faced with challenges.

Staying level-headed and finding solutions became really important, not just for effective leadership but also for maintaining a positive work environment. However, what hit me the most was understanding that everyone has their own opinions, and that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes, even if I poured my heart into something, not everyone would share the same enthusiasm. This taught me that creativity is personal, and people have different perspectives.

Over time, I learned that hard work and dedication play a crucial role in achieving success. That saying “the harder you work, the luckier you get” became my personal mantra. Combining this with staying true to my values and principles made me realize that authenticity matters most.

When I look back, I can’t help but acknowledge the mentors who guided me along the way. Their wisdom and support shaped me into the person I am today. All these lessons I learned continue to be my compass as a business owner. They remind me that each step, each lesson, and each connection contributes to my journey of growth and success.

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?

Hello, everyone! I’m Charlie Kerbel, the Founder and CEO of ME’N’U Grazing LA. Allow me to share my story with those who might be new to what we do. My journey into the world of charcuterie board, box, and table styling started as a creative outlet during an unexpected turn of events: the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the world faced challenges, I was determined to find a way to spread love and creativity. This determination led me to establish ME’N’U Grazing LA. Our focus is on crafting exquisite charcuterie experiences that go beyond just food. We’ve cultivated a unique range of products and services that leave a lasting impression on every occasion.

Our offerings include:

Charcuterie Creations: We specialize in crafting stunning charcuterie boards, boxes, and even table setups that elevate any gathering, from intimate moments to grand celebrations.

Charcuterie Styling Classes: Looking to build your own charcuterie masterpiece? We offer classes that teach the art of creating beautiful charcuterie boards, perfect for team-building activities and girls nights!

Specialized Kids’ Boxes: As a mom of three young kids, I recognized a crucial gap in the market, kids candy boxes and food items, we’ve designed kids’ boxes that add a delightful twist to children’s parties and events. Our creative approach ensures that both young and young-at-heart guests are captivated.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creativity and innovation. From experimenting with diverse food offerings to designing captivating floral arrangements, ME’N’U Grazing LA is your one-stop shop for culinary experiences with an elevated and artistic edge. But that’s not all—our devotion to customization is what truly makes each experience special and unique.

We take pride in tailoring our creations to suit the preferences and themes of our clients. Additionally, our custom cookies add a touch of personalization that ensures everyone feels special. These delectable treats are crafted with care, reflecting the essence of each event and individual.

One of my proudest achievements is the relationships we’ve fostered with our clients. We don’t just create charcuterie boards; we curate experiences that leave a lasting memory. The trust and joy our clients find in our work are what drive us to continually raise the bar.

Behind the scenes, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that supports and collaborates with me. Their dedication and passion contribute to the magic we bring to every project. Together, we’ve transformed a side hobby into a thriving business that brings joy and connection to countless individuals.

ME’N’U Grazing LA was born out of a desire to spread love and creativity during challenging times. As we continue to grow, I’m excited to invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re seeking to celebrate a special moment, enhance team cohesion, or simply experience culinary artistry like never before, we’re here to make it happen.

ME’N’U Grazing LA is more than a business; it’s an embodiment of passion, creativity, and the power of human connection through food. I’m thrilled to share our story with you and to invite you to savor the experiences we create.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe a few key principles have really helped me stand out. First and foremost, it’s all about communication. I’ve always made sure to be there for my clients, listening to their needs and keeping them in the loop every step of the way. It’s that personal touch that makes a difference.

One thing I’ve always believed in is underpromising and overdelivering. It’s about setting expectations realistically and then going above and beyond to exceed them.

Punctuality and reliability are key and I’ve always made it a priority to be on time and dependable. It’s a mark of respect for my clients’ time and the success of their events.

Efficient planning is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve learned that considering every detail in advance ensures that my events run smoothly. It’s about being proactive and having a plan in place for any scenario.

But above all, I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built. My clients aren’t just clients; they’re partners on this journey. Their trust in me is what keeps me going, and knowing I’ve made a positive impact on their special moments is truly rewarding.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The story of how I connected with my fantastic co-founder, Michelle Duwe, takes us back to the first grade in South Africa. Fun fact: Michelle and I have been best friends since then! We’ve spent our whole lives being obsessed with two things: fashion and food. Fast forward a bit, and we took our friendship to the next level by becoming roomies in London when we were 17. We had a blast living it up in the big city for two whole years.

Oh, and let’s not forget the adventures we’ve had traveling together to various destinations. Our journeys have brought us closer and added a unique layer to our partnership.

After conquering separate paths in the fashion world, we both felt a gravitational pull towards a joint venture. What started as a side gig turned into something amazing. Michelle’s dedication and hard work turned our shared dream into reality. And trust me, she’s not just a co-founder; she’s a visionary who’s taken our partnership to a whole new level.

Michelle runs our South African branch, adding her touch of magic there, while I manage our LA branch, bringing our flair to the West Coast.

From those early days in South Africa to our times in London and now our thriving business, I couldn’t be more thankful. Michelle Duwe isn’t just a partner; she’s the creative genius, the friend, and the driving force behind our dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.menugrazing.com
• Instagram: @me.n.u.grazing.la
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-ezekiel/
• TikTok: @me.n.u.grazing.la