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

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I’d like to share the story behind Curated Spread, a concept that blossomed during an unexpected time in my life. As someone with ADHD, I’ve found that my impulsive nature often fuels my creativity. This journey began in 2020 when I returned home after celebrating Mother’s Day. With the pandemic limiting our celebration options, I decided to create a cozy picnic for my mom, filled with an assortment of snacks, a charcuterie board and my signature tablescape designs.

As I navigated the challenges of being furloughed, a lightbulb moment struck me: why not design delightful charcuterie boxes for picnics? This idea quickly grew, and I soon found joy in crafting these eye-catching boxes for friends and family alike. I saw an opportunity to bring something fresh and unique to gatherings and special occasions.

Influenced by the richness and color of my culture, my offerings are not only delicious but also visually stunning, often featuring whimsical touches like edible flowers. With a vision for the future, I aimed to expand my culinary offerings beyond charcuterie. That’s why I chose the name Curated Spread—it represents a beautifully arranged selection of food experiences, whether it’s grazing tables, hors d’oeuvres, buffets, or drink stations.

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.

As the founder and creative force behind Curated Spread, I have discovered that kindness, attentiveness, and a genuine enthusiasm for my brand are key factors that distinguish me from my competitors. I frequently receive inquiries about curating events with concepts I may not have previously explored, and I am always open to embracing new challenges.

This approach not only allows me to maintain a sustainable livelihood but also provides a platform for artistic growth. I work closely with clients to understand their ideas, and then I present a detailed mockup of my vision for their event. For instance, if a client requests a buffet that includes light appetizers, desserts, and a drink station while accommodating dietary restrictions, I offer a comprehensive overview of my capabilities. This often leads clients to choose my services, as it simplifies their planning by keeping everything under one vendor.

My focus on a bespoke, all-inclusive service model has contributed significantly to my success. At Curated Spread, we prioritize quality over quantity, all while ensuring a swift turnaround time. We consistently receive positive feedback regarding our efficiency, all without compromising the quality of our ingredients or presentation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation in the industry has been built on a foundation of kindness and strong connections across various fields. Initially, I sought to elevate my profile by reaching out to celebrities, brands, and influencers that I genuinely admired and followed. With heartfelt messages inviting them to try my products—without any strings attached—I was fortunate to receive their enthusiastic support, which often led to shoutouts for my business.

One positive mention quickly drew the interest of others, and my reputation grew rapidly. As a woman of color, I also experienced significant support from my community, which I value deeply. I made it a point to personally deliver my products, expressing gratitude along the way. This approach helped me reach new clients, allowing me to pivot away from traditional marketing strategies. For three years, I saw my reputation and revenue grow organically.

Additionally, participating in pop-up events and women founder clubs, such as Regarding HER Food, significantly contributed to solidifying my reputation within the culinary industry in Los Angeles. These experiences have been instrumental in establishing a strong foothold in the market.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

An effective strategy that has significantly contributed to my growing clientele is maintaining close communication with my customers. I have a policy that ensures I personally handle all calls and inquiries, only allowing my team to step in when I’m extremely busy. This approach fosters a sense of comfort for my customers, knowing they’re receiving assistance from a real person who values their concerns.

Many clients express their appreciation for the kindness and attention they receive, which reinforces their decision to book with us. Additionally, my active online engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X helps attract new potential customers by reaching diverse audiences.

Finally, partnering with a reputable marketing agency has proven beneficial for expanding our reach and

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.curatedspread.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedspread
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curatedspread
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/curatedspread
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/curatedspread
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/curatedspread