We were lucky to catch up with Cynthia Ramirez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cynthia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Almost three years before launching The Sacred Flame Charcuterie Bar, I was in a season of deep transition. I had just stepped away from teaching after experiencing complete burnout, and I was battling crippling anxiety and depression. Teaching had been such a big part of my identity. For a long time, I focused on my mental health and caring for my family, but eventually I knew I needed more—I needed not only a second income but also a creative outlet that would bring me back to life.

The first step I took was purchasing a PDF guide on how to launch a mobile cart business. That guide gave me a blueprint and the confidence to believe this dream could really become a reality. I also joined a group of women who were starting mobile charcuterie businesses, and that support system was such a blessing. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely and isolating, so having a group to bounce ideas off of, share struggles, and celebrate wins with gave me the courage to keep going.

What really helped me move from idea to execution was setting clear timeline goals. My first goal was to tackle all the legal and compliance work during spring break. I filed my LLC, submitted my permit paperwork, researched commissary kitchens, opened a business bank account, and took my food manager certification test. Knocking those tasks out gave me momentum and made the dream feel real.

My next goal was the branding and launch phase: getting my cart built, setting a launch date, taking branding photos, and committing to posting consistently on social media. This part was the hardest. There were delays with my cart buildout and hiccups with my branding photos, but I kept pushing forward because I knew visibility was key.

A huge part of my launch was the support I received from my friends and family. They encouraged me every step of the way. Networking also played a big role—even though it felt scary at first, I started going to events like BOSS BABES & BRUNCH and serving my charcuterie there. Every time I told someone about my business, the reaction was so uplifting: “That’s awesome!” or “OMG, what a fun idea!” Those words reassured me I was on the right path.

My first bookings were smaller—birthday parties, graduations, and that first networking event—but they helped me learn and grow. From there, thanks to recommendations and me reaching out directly to businesses, I started booking larger events like the Young Austin Board of Realtors (YABOR) workshop and Blushing Belle Boutique’s new merchandise launch. Little by little, my event crowd has grown bigger and bigger, and I can feel my business gaining momentum.

The guide gave me the blueprint, but everything else—the cart, the logo, the branding, and the way I connect with people on social media—is all me. And that authenticity is what makes The Sacred Flame Charcuterie Bar so special. Even though I’m still in the early stages, I’m proud that I had the courage to set a plan, stick to my goals, and build something beautiful and meaningful from the ground up.

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.

I’m a mom of four, a former teacher, and someone who found a new chapter of life through entrepreneurship. After leaving teaching due to burnout, I knew I wanted to create something that combined creativity, flexibility, and connection. What started as an idea for a mobile food cart has grown into a way for me to share joy, community, and beauty with others.

One of the things that makes what I do unique is that the cart is fully customizable. While many people think of charcuterie as just meats and cheeses, I see it as so much more. The cart can be tailored to fit the theme and vibe of each event — from classic charcuterie spreads with artisanal cheeses and fruits, to brunch pairings with mimosas, to sweet treats like cannolis or s’mores. Each setup is designed to feel abundant and interactive, so guests don’t just eat, they experience.

We’re also looking to expand into additional food offerings so we can continue to surprise and delight our clients. The vision is to keep evolving and making the cart a versatile centerpiece for any type of celebration.

The biggest problem I help clients solve is the stress of trying to create a memorable food experience for their guests. Instead of juggling all the details, they get to enjoy their event while knowing the food will be both beautiful and delicious. My goal is to bring that “wow” factor without adding more work to their plate.

I’m most proud of how far this business has come in such a short time. Starting with small gatherings and now serving larger events, I’ve seen firsthand how food styled with intention can transform the atmosphere of a celebration. But what makes me proudest is hearing guests say, “This was the highlight of the event.”

What I want people to know is that this work is personal to me. From the way I design each cart to the way I connect with clients, everything is done with love and authenticity. This isn’t just about food — it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration that people will remember long after the last bite.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My cofounder is my sister, Samantha. She was already an entrepreneur herself, running an online boutique, when I first shared the idea of starting a mobile charcuterie business. She loved the concept right away and, being someone who also wanted to create another stream of income, she decided to jump onboard with me.

What makes our partnership so special is that we each bring something unique to the table. I launched in Austin, while Samantha focuses on growing our presence in Houston. Together, we’re able to reach more people and create the kind of memorable, customizable food experiences that we envisioned from the start.

Having Samantha as my cofounder has been such a blessing. Not only does she have her own entrepreneurial experience, but she also truly shares the heart of the mission — that this business isn’t just about food, it’s about creating joy, connection, and unforgettable moments for our clients. Working alongside my sister makes this journey so much more meaningful, and I’m grateful every day that we get to build this dream together.

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

Building my audience on social media has been one of the most intentional parts of growing my business. When I first started, I didn’t have a huge following or a marketing budget — what I did have was a willingness to show up authentically and consistently.

From day one, I made it a goal to post daily, even if it wasn’t perfect. I shared behind-the-scenes moments, the process of building my cart, and my journey as a new entrepreneur. People connected with the realness of it — not just the pretty boards, but also the story behind them. I noticed quickly that whenever I shared my “why,” people were more engaged.

Networking also played a huge role. Every time I served at a networking event, I would share photos, tag businesses I collaborated with, and encourage guests to tag me as well. That organic exposure introduced me to new audiences who might not have found me otherwise.

Word of mouth on social media has been powerful too. Friends and family have been incredible about recommending me, sharing my posts, and talking about my business. That support has been priceless, especially in the beginning.

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is:
• Show up consistently — even if it feels like no one is watching at first, the consistency builds trust.
• Be authentic — don’t just post the highlight reel. Share your journey, your personality, and your “why.”
• Engage with others — comment, share, and support other businesses, especially local ones. Social media is meant to be social.
• Use visuals wisely — invest in good branding photos if you can, but also don’t underestimate the power of simple, authentic behind-the-scenes content.
• Don’t wait until it’s perfect — the connection you create is more important than polished perfection.

My audience has grown little by little, but what makes me proud is that it’s a community of people who are genuinely excited about what I do. That kind of connection is worth more than numbers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sacred_flame_tx?igsh=bTZkdXcyMjRtd3o0&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fkw1pdDEz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-e-ramirez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Photo credits: Kevin Escobar & Vanessa Piña