Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Pettus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

As a business owner, I find great happiness in being able to work for myself and help support my family. It brings me immense pride to have built something from scratch and witness its growth over the past three years. I am excited about the future and the possibilities it holds. While I acknowledge the benefits of having a regular job, such as set hours, I am constantly driven to improve our systems and brainstorm new creative products. Unfortunately, my mind doesn’t easily switch off after a typical 9-to-5 day, and there are often late nights dedicated to completing necessary tasks.

Kelsey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kelsey Pettus, and I have been happily married to my husband, Jamie, for eight years. We are blessed with two wonderful children, a son named Grayson and a daughter named Kinsley. About seven years ago, we made the move to Charleston, and we absolutely love living here.

In terms of my professional life, I work as a respiratory therapist in the healthcare field. However, my journey into the charcuterie business was quite unexpected. It all started with me occasionally preparing appetizer charcuterie boards for gatherings with friends or when we visited someone’s home. Surprisingly, I received positive feedback, with a few people even suggesting that I should consider selling them. Initially, I brushed it off as a joke, unsure if anyone would actually be interested. But eventually, I decided to give it a shot.

One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I became the proud owner of CHS Coastal Charcuterie, located here in Charleston, South Carolina. We rent commercial kitchen space and operate a food truck as well. Our offerings include an array of charcuterie boards, from classic options to veggie boards, brunch boards, dessert boards, birthday boards, and even single-serve charcuterie options. Additionally, we provide event and corporate catering services, with convenient pick-up and delivery options available.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This is a story about a significant period of change and adaptation in both my personal and business life. When I initially launched my business, my daughter had just turned one year old. As a new mom, I was still figuring out how to navigate the responsibilities of parenthood while also managing the demands of being a business owner. That was three years ago, and during that time, I’ve had to make several pivots in both aspects of my life.

In my business, I realized the need to expand beyond solely offering charcuterie boards. I introduced new options such as veggie boards, brunch boards, dessert boards, birthday boards, and more. Additionally, I shifted my focus towards catering and wedding receptions, particularly in creating grazing tables for cocktail hours and similar events.

On a personal level, I faced another significant change when I discovered that I was pregnant with my second child, Grayson, two years into running the business. I learned to swiftly adapt as a business owner while raising two young children at home. Learning effective time management became crucial, and it continues to be a skill I strive to improve to this day.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

When I initially started my charcuterie business, it was simply a side hustle, and I never anticipated it would become my full-time career. From selling just a few boards per week to now exceeding 60 boards weekly, the growth has been remarkable. The journey of scaling up to where it stands today can be attributed to a combination of factors.

I do believe my determination & hard work played a significant role in ensuring the success of this business idea. I refused to let it fail and firmly believed in myself and my abilities. Along the way, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive tremendous support from my husband, parents, and friends. Their unwavering encouragement and assistance have been invaluable throughout the entire process.

Moreover, effective marketing efforts have played a vital role in scaling up the business. I have employed various strategies, including leveraging social media platforms, implementing email marketing campaigns, engaging in face-to-face marketing interactions, and organizing charcuterie board workshop classes across the Lowcountry. These workshops not only provide an opportunity for me to meet new people and expand my network but also allow me to share an enjoyable skill with others.

Through a combination of determination, support, and strategic marketing, my charcuterie business has grown exponentially, surpassing my initial expectations and becoming a thriving venture in its own right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chscoastalcharcuterie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chscoastalcharcuterie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHSCoastalCharcuterie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chscoastalcharcuterie/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chs-coastal-charcuterie-charleston

Image Credits
the main picture is taken by Jacqueline Fugatt photography in charleston, sc