Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Parrilla.
Hi Tatiana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, but I grew up in Rio de Janeiro — the beach has always felt like home to me. I was raised by the most wonderful parents, alongside my brother, and I’ve always carried with me a strong personality, a creative spirit, and a love for connection. I moved to the U.S. right after my 22nd birthday. I became an accountant by trade and built a life here with my husband and kids.
I’ve always craved a creative outlet — something hands-on, beautiful, and connected to people. That outlet began to take shape through Kind Ideas Home and Gift, a small business my husband and I started in 2019, where we designed and hand-crafted wooden goods — like serving trays and charcuterie boards. As part of building Kind Ideas, we styled charcuterie boards for photo shoots — and of course, we shared them with friends and family afterward. People loved them. The boards weren’t just photogenic; they brought people together. That’s when Lowcountry Bites was born.
What started as a side project quickly became a way to bring joy to people’s tables with elevated, stress-free entertaining. Hosting can be overwhelming — I wanted to make it easier, more beautiful, and even a little magical. Whether it’s a girls’ night in, a baby or wedding shower, a beach picnic, a corporate event, or just because, every board is a story told through color, texture, and flavor.
Since then, we’ve expanded into brunch boards, campfire boards, grazing tables, and even a charcuterie cart — all rooted in quality and creativity. Growth came slowly but steadily, through word-of-mouth, loyal customers, and a deep commitment to thoughtful presentation.
My husband, Joe, joined me in dreaming up new ideas. My kids have helped out (a little) on busy weekends. It’s still mostly just me behind the scenes — I’m the one who listens to your needs, helps you figure out the best options for your event, and remains your point of contact from start to finish.
I am proud of what Lowcountry Bites has become — a blend of my practical side and my creative soul. Today, Lowcountry Bites is more than a small business — it’s a celebration of craft, connection, and community. I hope when people see our boards, they feel thought of. I hope they see the care behind each bite. And I hope they know they’re supporting someone who deeply loves what she does.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, yes — though there were definitely some early hurdles. In South Carolina, you can’t legally prepare charcuterie from home, and I knew I wanted to do things the right way from the start. Finding a commercial kitchen was a key step. It took a few weeks (and a fair amount of paperwork) to secure all the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance, and it came with upfront costs. But it was worth it — not just for peace of mind, but to ensure we’re serving our customers safely and professionally. I take a lot of pride in knowing this business is built on a strong, compliant foundation that allows us to deliver the best quality to the best customers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Lowcountry Bites, we specialize in creating beautifully crafted food experiences that turn everyday moments into something special. While we’re known for our charcuterie boards — thoughtfully arranged with the highest quality ingredients and a strong sense of visual storytelling — our offerings go far beyond that.
We also craft gourmet sandwiches, fresh seasonal salads, hors d’oeuvres, brunch boards, campfire boards, grazing tables, and even an on-the-go charcuterie cart. Whether it’s an intimate girls’ night in or a larger celebration like a wedding shower, cocktail hour or corporate event, everything we make is rooted in elevated taste, thoughtful presentation, and a deep desire to make hosting easier and more joyful.
What makes me proud is seeing how this business has grown from a small side project into something that truly brings people together. It’s not just about the food — it’s about the experience. It’s about helping people celebrate life’s moments, big or small, with something beautiful, delicious, and hassle-free.
What sets me apart is the blend of practicality and creativity I bring to every order. My background in accounting ensures things run efficiently behind the scenes, while my creative heart drives me to design each board or spread with love and care. I’m intentional about ingredient selection, presentation, and customer experience. I’m also personally involved from start to finish — which means my customers can trust that they’ll be heard, supported, and surprised in the best way.
At the end of the day, I want people to feel thought of when they open a box or walk up to one of our grazing tables. I want them to see the love in every detail. That’s what Lowcountry Bites is all about: creating meaningful, memorable moments through food — beautifully, effortlessly, and with heart.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
The beach has always been my happy place. Some of my favorite childhood memories are tied to the ocean, sun, and sand.
I have always been drawn to creativity. I loved making posters with magazine cutouts, my own photos, and anything I could turn into a little work of art.
Hands-on school projects were my favorite. I thrived when I got to express myself that way, and it’s a passion I still carry today.
I’ve also always been someone who speaks my mind. My parents encouraged me to always be honest and share my thoughts, as long as it was done with kindness and respect. This confidence has shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities, especially in my business.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a mom — it’s something that’s always been close to my heart. Now that I have my own kids, I get to experience that joy (and challenges) every day. Balancing motherhood and business has taught me the importance of hard work, creativity, and staying true to myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lowcountrybites.com
- Instagram: @lowcountrybites.sc
- Facebook: @lowcountrybites
