We were lucky to catch up with Meghan Symonds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Meghan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?

I started my business during Covid, December 2021-whether this is crazy or smart has yet to be determined. Starting before we went into umpteenth lockdown taught me the importance of pivoting and being able to adjust to the tide. We’ve all seen many businesses fold during the pandemic because they didn’t pivot; and, we seen other businesses scrap and fight to pivot to a “Covid-friendly” model. Being able to adapt is a trait I’ve had due to life experience and it’s a transferable skill in business.

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.

Meghan’s journey, marked by an early realization that the traditional path of psychology might not fulfill her aspiration to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, led her down an unconventional road. Meghan’s quest wasn’t merely about understanding the human condition but actively improving it, steering her talents toward the infinitely complex and rewarding realm of personal fulfillment and happiness.

Transitioning from the world of academia to the pulsating heartbeat of the financial industry, Meghan didn’t stop there. Her curiosity and drive morphed into a passion for creating platforms that uplift and inspire. As a podcaster and digital creator, she began carving out a niche for herself, dedicating her voice to empowering others to architect the life of their dreams.

Yet, it wasn’t until she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit that Meghan truly began to reshape the narrative of success and influence. Her latest venture is nothing short of revolutionary—a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to elevating everyday experiences into unforgettable memories.

Imagine savouring the world’s delicacies, the harmony of flavors telling a story of distant lands and cultures, all from the comfort of your own home. Meghan’s newest enterprise does exactly that, transforming the simple act of eating into a life-changing [food] experience. With her unique take on charcuterie, she brings the richness of global cuisine to your doorstep, obliterating the need for a passport or plane ticket. Meghan’s vision is clear and compelling: to make luxury and culinary exploration accessible to all. Through her work, she not only challenges the status quo but invites us all to dream bigger, live better, and embrace the beauty of the world around us.

In the end, Meghan’s story is more than a tale of success; it’s a beacon of innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of fulfilling one’s purpose by making a difference in the lives of others. In her hands, food is not just sustenance but a bridge to worlds unknown, an invitation to experience life in its fullest, most vibrant hues. Join Meghan on this extraordinary journey, and discover that the life you’ve always wanted might just begin with a single bite.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting a business may seem like a daunting endeavour. I didn’t think I needed a stellar credit score to secure funding, because I thought it would be much like a young university student applying for their first credit card. This was a huge misconception. But the reality I discovered (in Canada), is that your personal credit is your business credit. Surprisingly, I also found out you don’t necessarily need to start from scratch. Rather than relying on bank loans, I turned to grants and personal finances-not using my savings though. The advantage of this approach is not only in circumventing the need for credit, but also in retaining full control and ownership of your business from the get-go!

Embarking on my business journey, I proactively sought out free resources. Social media platforms, a simple Gmail account, and good old-fashioned word of mouth became my marketing arsenal. It helps that the food speaks for itself. In an innovative twist, I opted for crowdfunding to cover the registration of my business. The process was quick, straightforward, and, most importantly, proved there are indeed generous people ready to support burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Just six months after launching Halifax Charcuterie, I applied for my first grant through a virtual pitch competition. The experience itself was exhilarating, but the real joy came when I emerged victorious, securing the funding needed to take my business to the next level. I was one of 5 winners across Canada to win the 2022 Shea Moisture Dream Fund Grant.

The moral of the story is clear: you don’t need lending to start a business. While it can certainly be beneficial, it’s far from necessary. With grants and alternative funding sources readily available, there are a multitude of ways to secure your business startup costs. Starting a business may be a challenge. But with resourcefulness, passion, and a touch of creativity, capital shouldn’t deter your entrepreneurial path.

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

I always joke I have a built in board whenever Halifax Charcuterie scales to into a size that requires one. For now it’s just me, however my friends are the ones who propelled me into starting this business. In 2021, a group of my girlfriends and I sat around a table eating a charcuterie board (what is now our Girls Night board). I shared my dream of creating an elevated, full sensory experience for others to enjoy, and thus, Halifax Charcuterie was born. Without these women Halifax Charcuterie would have remained a dream. They helped me create my product listing, price points and advertising angles.

I have a product tester/quality assurance expert, marketing and branding manager, legal counsel and advisor built in. Not to mention my friends and family are my best clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://halifaxcharcuterie.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/halifaxcharcuterie
• Facebook: N/A
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-symonds-57a49595
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/meghanbetter
• Youtube: N/A
• Yelp: N/A
• Soundcloud: N/A
• Other: tiktok: halifaxcharcuterie
  Personal IG: instagram.com/meghanbetter

Image Credits

Head shots by Duyami’s Photography