We were lucky to catch up with Natalia Savchuk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Natalia, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I come from a humble working-class family in Kyiv. My parents moved to Kyiv from small towns across Ukraine when they reached adulthood, working hard and earning modest incomes. They always prioritized my education and gave me the very best they could.

As a child, I loved cooking, arranging dishes, buying tableware, and setting the table. I was always drawn to something new and innovative; I loved surprising people and being different from the crowd.

With the emergence of recipe magazines, cooking websites, and cooking shows, I became even more inspired. As a teenager, I would search for foreign ingredients and new flavors in international grocery stores in Kyiv, making Italian or Japanese dishes for my parents. Eating out was expensive in Kyiv, and my parents could only afford it on special occasions.

When I was a teenager, I started working and spent extra money trying new dishes at different restaurants, training my palate throughout my life. Dining at nice restaurants with friends was a rare treat. Now, looking back, I’d say it was a worthwhile investment.

My love for good food has only grown stronger each year. In the working class, there’s often a stigma that one should study engineering, finance, law, medicine, or programming—creative fields are considered frivolous and unserious. Out of all technical fields, I chose the most creative: publishing.

But fate had other plans. I had to leave my studies, my country, and my family to move to New York in pursuit of love and a better life.

My culinary skills and love for food continued to develop, but I had to work an office job to support the high cost of New York City life. By early 2023, I was seeking a more creative outlet, as the office was starting to drive me crazy. I experimented with drawing, photography, music, floristry, fashion, and even a personal blog.

Then, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my favorite clothing brand (I am not allowed to mention the name of the brand) as an artist! This was my first time earning money for creative work, realizing my dream of working in fashion and art.

In May 2023, my friends launched an art picnic project in Central Park and commissioned me to arrange the food. That’s when I decided to start my own company, Savory Soirées. This was what I had been searching for—food art. It’s my dream job, combining aesthetics, creativity, and food. Now, I am a food artist. My clients are creative individuals, entrepreneurs, fashion brands, bloggers, magazines, car dealerships, spas, beauty salons, art schools, and people who value aesthetics and quality. I am incredibly proud of this journey.

Natalia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a creative entrepreneur and the founder of Savory Soirées, a food art and catering business based in New York City. I come from a modest working-class family in Kyiv, Ukraine, where my passion for food, presentation, and creativity blossomed at an early age. Even as a child, I loved arranging dishes, setting tables, and experimenting with ingredients from different cultures. These early experiences shaped my journey and planted the seeds for my unique approach to food art.

When I moved to New York, my love for food and creativity stayed with me. I began experimenting with various creative outlets, from fashion to art, while working in a corporate job. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passions in a meaningful way. After a collaboration with a fashion brand, which marked my first paid project in the creative world, my vision became clear. I launched Savory Soirées in 2023, offering a fusion of artistic catering with an emphasis on presentation, high-quality ingredients, and a unique food experience.

Savory Soirées offers custom-designed charcuterie boards and grazing tables tailored for events. I work with clients who value aesthetics and enjoy unique culinary experiences, including brands, bloggers, magazines, spas, and individuals looking to elevate their gatherings. Each board is a carefully curated piece, featuring gourmet cheeses, organic fruits, fine meats, and artisanal treats. I provide vegan, kosher, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. My clients often say that these boards become the centerpiece of their event, sparking conversation and drawing people together.

What sets Savory Soirées apart is our commitment to artful presentation and personalized service. Every detail matters—from the layout and color scheme to the taste of each ingredient. I’m most proud of the recognition we’ve gained among creatives and businesses in NYC, from fashion brands to art schools. This recognition reaffirms my mission to blend food, art, and community.

To potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Savory Soirées is more than just catering; it’s a carefully crafted food experience designed to enhance the mood of any gathering. I pour my heart into every creation, so my clients can share a memorable and meaningful experience with their guests.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Starting out as a creative entrepreneur can be daunting, especially in a competitive market like New York City. My advice is to stay authentic and true to your vision, even when it feels challenging. Your unique style and passion will attract the right audience. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but also be patient—success doesn’t come overnight. Seek feedback from others in your industry and build a network of support. And most importantly, invest in your growth and never stop learning, whether it’s new techniques, trends, or business skills.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the joy and surprise on people’s faces when they experience my creations. Food is universal; it brings people together and creates memories. Knowing that my boards or grazing tables become a central part of someone’s celebration, or even inspire a sense of awe, makes all the hard work worthwhile. Additionally, working with such diverse clients and collaborating with creative brands allows me to constantly evolve my style and approach, which keeps me inspired and passionate about my craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavorysoirees/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Savory-Soirees/61567060295022/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savory-soirees