We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vanessa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vanessa below.

Vanessa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I launched my small business in April of 2020, and looking back, it honestly felt like the perfect moment to start something new. With COVID in full swing and everyone stuck at home, I saw it as an opportunity to bring a little joy into people’s lives. Whether it was helping families connect or offering something special for those enjoying quiet moments alone, I wanted to brighten their days in any way I could.

If I could change one thing about my journey, it would be not easing off the gas towards the end of 2021 and into 2022. That period was one of the hardest in my life—I was going through a divorce, struggling with mom guilt, battling depression, and juggling a 30+ hour workweek. Slowly, I began to lose the fire and passion that had fueled both my personal life and my business. Looking back, I can’t help but feel like I missed out on some incredible opportunities. I truly believe that 2020 to 2022 was a pivotal time for small businesses to thrive, and I regret not pushing through during those crucial years.

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.

For those who don’t know me or are new to my business, I’m proudly half Mexican, half Guatemalan, and a mom of three amazing kids—Dominic (12), Nala (12), and Layla (10). Before starting my charcuterie business, I spent about five years working at Albertsons in the produce, Premade section. That experience played a huge role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey—it’s where I learned about produce health and safety, which laid the foundation for my business. But my true passion for cheeses started with my sister, Brenda. She brought the first charcuterie board I ever tried to a family gathering, and I was instantly captivated by how beautiful it looked and how perfectly everything paired together.

What truly sets us apart in the charcuterie world is the unique style each of us brings to the table.

One of my proudest moments was getting the chance to collaborate with one of my all-time favorite podcasts, Straight Up Sisters the Podcast. When I’m in the zone, crafting charcuterie boards, I love listening to podcasts, so partnering with them felt like a full-circle moment for me. It was an incredible experience that truly highlighted how far my business has come and how much I’ve grown.

For me, what makes this all worth it is when customers return to order again, when they share their experiences and tag my business, or when they ask me, “What is this cheese called?” It means the world to me knowing they took time out of their busy day to show love for my work. That support is honestly the greatest reward.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been two pivotal moments in both my career and personal life that really stand out. The first was during a time when I was struggling both mentally and emotionally. Life was weighing me down, and I honestly felt like giving up on my business. I was overwhelmed, just trying to keep my head above water, and the thought of juggling everything seemed impossible. But my then-boyfriend, now-husband, was the voice that kept me going. He’d remind me, “Not just anyone can start a business and make it successful.” He encouraged me to keep posting, to take breaks for my mental health, but never to let go of what I had built. I’m beyond grateful for his support—he’s always there, cheering me on and asking, “What if it DOES work?” It only takes one person to believe in you to spark that momentum in your life.

The second turning point came when we moved from West Covina, where most of my customers were based, to Ontario, CA. I was anxious about how the move would affect my business, but moving to the Inland Empire turned out to be a blessing. It opened up so many new opportunities and introduced me to a thriving small business community. The support and collaboration here among local businesses has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s been amazing to experience, and even more rewarding to be a part of.

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

I’ve made it a priority to connect with my customers on a personal level, whether it’s through social media, follow-ups after orders, or simply engaging with them when they share their experiences. People appreciate when you genuinely care about their experience, and that builds loyalty.

Additionally, collaborating with other local small businesses and influencers has been key. Cross-promotions and partnerships have helped me reach new audiences that I wouldn’t have connected with otherwise. Offering incentives like discounts for referrals and consistently sharing high-quality content that resonates with my audience has also played a big part in growing my customer base.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Charcuterie_2GO