We recently connected with Olivia Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When I first had the thought of starting a Charcuterie Business – the excitement I initially felt was totally eclipsed by fear. Everyone deals with self doubt in one way or another and thinking about starting my own business seemed like something that was too out of reach. I have friends who are creatives, business owners, entrepreneurs – I’ve seen people just like me figure it out and make it happen. But when it’s you sitting there in from of the “how to start an LLC” article on Google – you convince yourself that you can’t do it. At the start of 2023 I started, like most people, a list of resolutions for the year. Halfway into my list I wrote “put more time into a side business.” Once that list was completed, I had that jolt of “new year” motivation where I was convinced I could do anything and would have all of my goals done by March. I started doing research on starting a business, looking up competitors, thinking about prices, logistics, legality etc. I started spreadsheets- an email address and I was full steam ahead. However, when I got closer to the steps that would make it official (filing for my LLC, making a bank account etc.) I found my old friend self doubt come back. Sure this all sounded nice in theory but now that it was getting serious, I felt like my head was just about to go underwater. What am I thinking? I have a full time job and plenty going on in my life already – why would I make life more complicated? What if people aren’t interested or I’m not as good as other businesses out there? I shut it down. I said – forget it. I don’t have the time or money to jump into something like this right now.
So for a little over a month I completely put it out of my head an but it into the “someday” category.

As I was going through my day to day life – I would friends of mine who are business owners, posting or talking about how much they love what they do. I could feel my toes curl and think “did I make a mistake?” I kept pushing those feelings down and convinced myself that the cons out weighed the pros.

But finally one day – I realized that the reason I was irritated seeing those other people successful was because I knew I was just as capable and hardworking as them. And all of those things in the “con” category didn’t matter because the number one bullet under Pro was that I loved doing Charcuterie. I loved bringing a concept to life, taking stress off of someone’s plate, getting creative and seeing people’s eyes light up with gratitude when they see the finished product. If I got a chance to do that while getting paid, even just a few times a year – that was worth it for me.

So I made the LLC and even shed a few proud tears when I clicked submit. I had a good friend of mine design a logo for me that felt so authentic to who I am. I got that email back, made an Instagram and just got to work. The thing that surprised me the most is that when I told people I knew that I had this business – the response was joy. It was as if no one was surprised that I’d start a business and put myself out there. They had confidence in me and said “if anyone could figure it out, it’s you.” As simple as that sentiment is – it helped me realize that I was the only one who couldn’t see that at first.

Looking back, of course it’s a vulnerable place to be to put yourself out there with a business. It’s hard not knowing if you’ll fall flat, be a hit, or be somewhere in between. But I would encourage anyone who as an idea they are passionate about, get curious! Ask questions from those who have been there before and embrace the unknown. Having this business had opened up so many doors for me to meet new people, try new things and still have time for work/life balance. No matter how the business ends up or the money that I make – I can take pride knowing that I did something to be proud of. It always seems impossible until it’s done. You are capable, worthy and deserving of good things – so don’t hold yourself back.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Olivia Brown and I am the founder of Little Olive Charcuterie. Designing and preparing Charcuterie is something that I have always loved to do. I’d instinctively redirect my car to Aldi when I knew friends were coming over so I could put a spread together. As someone who loves control and is very Type A – the idea of organizing food or a presentation is extremely rewarding for me. After having friends of mine mention the idea that people would be willing to pay me to do this – the though had never really crossed my mind before. So once I finally decided to start the business and put feelers out there – I was pleasantly surprised by the responses.

I create custom boards or grazing table for my clients. Typically they are used for some kind of milestone event like a baby shower, wedding, birthday, bachelorette party, grand opening etc. But I’ve also had smaller spreads for a date night or a girls night in. They can truly be any food or any theme the client wants. I help them from consultation to set up on the day of.

I really love helping my clients dream big. I think sometimes they may come in with a very black and white idea of what charcuterie “has to be” and I hope to give them options of what it “could be.” Seeing them get excited about a design or idea as we plan the spread is so rewarding. Usually them hiring me takes something off of their plate for that event and they are so kind with their gratitude to have that piece of mind worked out.

I am proud of the variety and size of events that I am able to bring to life. Whether you have 5 girlfriends coming over or a 200 person wedding cocktail hour – I will promise to deliver something you can be proud of and want to show pictures of to all of your friends. I am a girl who does HR by day but manages cheese at night and I just want you and your event to feel as special as it should be.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think the best way to support business owners, creatives etc. is to stay connected. We are all creatures of habits so if you can intentionally follow local businesses on instagram, facebook etc. and see their work regularly – when you have a need come up – it will be top of mind. I think their can be a misconception that local can maybe mean more expensive or time consuming compared to more well known options but I’ve found that to not be true. The experience and connection to the business owner is much more custom because you have the ability to connect in a more meaningful way. I also thinking continuing to encourage people of all ages and lifestyles to not be afraid to try thing and embrace the failure if it doesn’t work out. Consistency & perseverance are so crucial to getting back and trying again. Our community is truly better when we have thriving businesses and artists among us.

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

I am most inspired by getting to support people in my community and bring joy to their life. Having something like charcuterie that is both delicious and beautiful is something that can get anyone excited. I would also say – getting to collaborate with other local creatives and inspiring the next girl behind me. There is room for everyone at the table so if I can connect with someone and give them the encouragement I needed early in my journey – that means everything to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @littleolivecharcuterie
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Amelie Ferdais Photo