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

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

I had a client gift to me wall canvas art of some of my charcuterie boards and graze tables to hang in my retail shop. She told me I truly am an artist and everyone should walk in and see my beautiful work. I was in tears and so moved by her kindness and support of what I do.

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 Kim Potsos and I am the owner and operator of Social Graze. I got into charcuterie boards out of my passion for entertaining and food photography. I worked full time in a surgery center and them the pandemic hit. I needed to stay busy but also supplement my income and Social Graze was formed from my desire to take the stress off of others by providing delectable, stress free artisanal foods during a very chaotic and unknown time in our lives. I am most proud of the fact that I made it through the pandemic with a small business and continued the momentum into opening up my first retail cheese and gourmet provisions shop in O’Fallon, MO. I take great joy in providing artisanal cheeses and meats that are sourced internationally, along with some local favorites.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Staying true to who I am as a woman and as a small business owner has been the most effective thing in growing my clientele, along with my returning clients. I believe in being honest to my business values and goals, and that sometimes means not booking an event or taking on a client.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started my business as an online business so my sales were based off of standing out and being able to grab the attention of social media followers but in my demographic area. I struggled with Instagram because I just did not want to make reels or spend hours figuring out algorithms so potential clients could find me. I did not find it to be beneficial to invest all of my time on IG as it is not just a local avenue to advertise. I went strictly to a business Facebook Page that allows me to advertise to more of my local and surrounding areas to generate sales. My advice would be to advertise and promote locally and organically

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.socialgrazestl.com
• Instagram: @socialgrazestl
• Facebook: @socialgrazeSTLouis