Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Avery.
Hi Mandy; thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always loved being creative and bringing joy to others. My husband and I moved from Southern California to start our family here in South Carolina in 2018. When I had our son three years ago, I needed an outlet to combat the stresses of new motherhood. Although my son is the light of my life, I wanted a way to have something for me to bring me joy and help me find my value outside of motherhood. My mother-in-law and I took a charcuterie class in the summer of 2021, and I fell in love! I had always admired the Instagram pages of charcuterie businesses, but when I was able to make my creation, I knew it was something I wanted to keep doing. The following year I took any opportunity to bring a charcuterie board to parties or events. It was a hobby that brought me joy, and I was able to let my creativity flow. Many friends and family told me I had a gift and could do a real business out of my work. I didn’t think much of it until one of my friends believed in me so much she hired me to do her daughter’s birthday party. My boards were a hit at the party, and many wanted my information for future events. This gave me the final push to leap of faith and open Fig & Fine Charcuterie LLC in October 2022.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I will start with the fact that I have been blessed with amazing clients so far! Working to make boards catered to each client to make their event or experience special has been so fulfilling. The biggest challenge is balancing my new schedule with being a full-time stay-at-home Mama. I have had to dust off old excel skills from college to make balance sheets, inventory records, and calculate margins to ensure I am doing what I can to provide an awesome board at a fair price. The time aspect of marketing on social media has been an adjustment in itself to post pictures, reply promptly to clients, and advertise on different pages. I am up to a little over 400 followers on Facebook in three months, but I am hoping that will grow.
We’ve been impressed with Fig and Vine Charcuterie LLC, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I make custom charcuterie boards for events, parties, celebrations, and anything. Each board I make is different, and I work with the client to understand what they prefer or enjoy most to make their event special. I love making food look beautiful, specifically finding new ways to organize cheese, meats, fruits, veggies, dips, and snacks to form a unique board for each client. Being able to be a small piece of a special memory for families and friends is an honor. A lot of love goes into creating my clients’ boards, and it’s not just an order to me. I have high expectations for myself and require perfection when I create. So hearing my client say “Wow” as I hand them their board brings me so much joy. I’m most proud of having made 105 charcuterie boards since opening 3 months ago while still being a full-time stay-at-home Mama. What sets me apart from others is the intake process, attention to detail, and working with clients to ensure what they are getting will be something they will enjoy and make their event memorable. Throughout the intake process, I get a feel for their preferences related to special requests, dietary restrictions, etc. My attention to detail and strive for perfection sets me apart, as I will not put something on a board unless I am fully satisfied. It looks as good as it will taste. Lastly, I love all my clients and truly enjoy the process of individuality in creating uniquely different boards for each client.
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck, but God has a reason and purpose for everything. I have seen God’s providence in this business journey and have been so blessed to meet all these wonderful people who have referred me to others. It was perfect timing/luck to start my business right during the Holiday season and kickstart my business with positive momentum. Although I am no stranger to failure, I do my best not to think of circumstances as bad luck but rather try to look at bad circumstances or bad luck as what God is planning and what purpose there may be. Through those trials, it’s usually the season I find the most growth as a person.
Pricing:
- Small – 12×12
- Medium – 10×14
- Large – 12×17
- Extra Large – 12×22
- Non Disposable boards available to rent, per request
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Https://instagram.com/figandvinecharcuterie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086686657417
