We recently connected with Kori Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Kori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I’ve been managing my own social media presence, and it’s been an interesting journey. While it’s undoubtedly a fun way to stay authentic to my brand and connect with people, I’ve also come to realize that social media is essentially another job in itself and can become all-consuming if it’s not managed carefully. Using social media as a platform to inspire and share aspects of my lifestyle and business has been my approach. I firmly believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all magic formula for success in this realm, and I’m continually learning and evolving. Posting consistently helps, and growth can be incremental. It doesn’t happen overnight for most of us.

However, I admit that there have been moments when I’ve considered passing the reins to social experts. Balancing social media, marketing strategy, content creation, and running a business can indeed be challenging, as they are essentially distinct businesses in their own right, and I’m not an expert in all of them.
For now, I’ve chosen to maintain personal control over my social media because I value the authenticity and personal touch it brings to my brand. But I also recognize that there may come a time when it’s more practical to bring in professionals to manage it more effectively.
To fellow business owners grappling with this decision, I would advise carefully weighing the pros and cons. It’s crucial to assess your own strengths and available time, alongside your business needs. If you do decide to delegate social media management, make sure to collaborate closely with the experts to ensure your brand’s authenticity is maintained. Regardless of the path chosen, remember that staying true to your story, engaging with your followers, and maintaining authenticity should always be at the core of your social media strategy.

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 like to think of myself as a complete resource for the home host, offering guidance about what to serve and how to serve it, from flowers to table linens to a bar menu. While the core of my business is creating swoon-worthy grazing platters that clients can order for all sorts of gatherings and events, I also love to share my ideas and tips for every aspect of hosting a phenomenal gathering, whether that’s teaching people how to create their own grazing platters, or providing a full-stop party plan. The concept of bringing people together through a shared food experience is what I like to call a purposeful gathering. Putting thought and effort into presentation, and creating a delicious spread for friends and family. Has always held a special place in my heart. My husband’s extended family and mine are all out of state, and because of that geographical distance that’s separated us from our loved ones, we’ve created a community of friends—many of whom are also far away from their family of origin— that feel very familial. Hosting that community of friends has been a significant source of joy for us. Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is key to hosting an effortless, easy gathering. That’s how the grazing platters became the focus for me. They’re the perfect way to foster connections because they encourage mingling, sharing, and communion over a shared spread. Over the years, as we continued to host our “chosen family” from various backgrounds, it became evident to me that a welcoming ambiance, coupled with grazing platters, truly unites people. People don’t stay strangers for very long if they’re all gathered around a bountiful table.
The process of hosting, for us, is more than just setting a table and preparing a meal; it’s a labor of love. It involves curating an environment where conversations flow naturally, laughter is abundant, and friendships are nourished. Through these gatherings, we aim to bridge the physical gap that separates us from our biological families, while forging deep bonds with our chosen family.
[
I have always been a creative and detail-driven culinary artist with a love for organizing casual but elegant gatherings, Whenever I host a party in my own home or bring family and friends together for a holiday meal, the focal point of my table is a grazing platter filled with what can be best described as exquisite snacks—a plentiful mix of local produce sourced from Los Angeles farmers markets, imported cheeses, charcuterie, healthy dips, rustic crackers, chocolate-dipped fruit. Inevitably, my guests ask, ‘Will you please come to my house and do this for me?’ And that’s how and Simple Life Things came to be.

Arranged on vintage European bread boards, or sustainable balsa wood disposables, a Simple Life Things platter is as delicious as it is beautiful. I can customize the selections to your liking, offering vegetarian, vegan, nut-free and child-friendly options, and will deliver the artfully arranged trays including wooden serving spoons and forks right to your door.

I totally believe that great food brings people together and that entertaining should be joyful and easy. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, particularly when it comes to crafting grazing platters and serving as a resource for those who want to host their own gatherings, is the ability to blend artistry with the joy of hospitality. It’s the most rewarding combination that engages all of the senses—the taste of the food, the feel of the different textures on the plate or the table linens, the visual appeal of a beautifully set table or artfully arranged grazing board, the smell of the floral arrangement or a lovely glass of wine— and taps into authentic feelings of warmth that come from being invited into someone’s home. I believe that food and beauty are inseparable, and I derive deep satisfaction from not only creating visually stunning grazing boards but also infusing them with a sense of thoughtfulness and culinary expertise. I’m fulfilled by the knowledge that my creations, beyond their aesthetic appeal, become a catalyst for authentic connections among people. It’s the ultimate ice-breaker. It’s a profound experience to know that I’ve played a part in bringing people together to share meaningful moments. In this role as both an artist and a resource, I have the privilege of inspiring others to explore their own creativity in the realm of hospitality, and that, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of my creative journey.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Maintaining strong connections with clients and fostering brand loyalty in a busy custom grazing platter marketplace can be challenging. I’ve taken a multi-faceted approach that centers around meticulous attention to detail, providing the highest quality ingredients available, maintaining flexibility and a unique brand identity, and making client collaboration and connection a priority. My clients often become my friends, and vice versa.

Attention to detail is everything. It’s about going above and beyond to ensure every aspect of the grazing platter aligns with the client’s vision. Whether it’s selecting the finest ingredients, arranging them with utmost care, or considering dietary preferences, every detail matters.
Consistently offering the best products is a cornerstone of brand loyalty. Clients appreciate and remember the quality they receive. By sourcing the freshest and most delicious ingredients, we not only meet but exceed their expectations, leaving a lasting positive impression.

Flexibility is another key element. Clients often have unique requests or preferences. Being open to adapt and customize the grazing platter to their specific needs not only demonstrates a commitment to their satisfaction but also sets us apart in the market.

Uniqueness plays a significant role. Clients seek an experience that stands out. By offering a distinctive service with a creative flair, we provide clients with something they can’t easily find elsewhere, making them more inclined to return.

Maintaining communication and working closely with clients is essential. Listening to their specific requests and collaborating throughout the planning and execution phases ensures that their expectations are met. This personalized approach not only ensures client satisfaction but also fosters long-term loyalty.

Reaching out to clients around the holidays and busy entertaining seasons is also key. Maintaining connections, maintaining high standards, staying focused on details, providing top-quality products, embracing flexibility, and offering a unique service and customer experiences is the recipe for success. Above all, working closely with clients to fulfill their desires and create unforgettable experiences is paramount.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplelifethings.com/
• Instagram: @simple.life.things
• TIKTOK @simple.life.things
• THREADS @simple.life.things

Image Credits
Black dress photo credit: Megan Small, Photo labeled Maya/Sowden House -photo credit PorterhouseLA other photos: Simple Life Things