Flavors of Canada in a Jar - Claudia's Charcuterie Kitchen
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claudia Mason, owner of Claudia's Charcuterie Kitchen, located in Vancouver, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Claudia's Charcuterie Kitchen is taking a fresh approach to charcuterie night with craft charcuterie condiments. They are designed to elevate any charcuterie board with flavors inspired by Canada, from Vancouver to Montreal. Claudia's Charcuterie Kitchen craft condiments are handcrafted in Vancouver with fresh, local ingredients to create unique flavors rooted in quality, freshness, and taste.
Claudia's Charcuterie Kitchen products are distinctly delicious, from local Sour Cherry Compote to Montreal-inspired Smokey Apple Mustard. Born during the pandemic, the company is dedicated to making it easy for Canadians to enjoy good food with friends.
Tell us about yourself
My husband and I love food. We love creating new recipes, trying new flavors, and just sharing a really good laugh with a really great dish. The last year and a half has been hard for everyone. So, I was making these little craft condiments for my friends, dropping them off for them to enjoy with their families. It was my way of showing my appreciation for them even if we couldn’t enjoy the food together, in person.
The feedback was phenomenal, and we had tons of people requesting more to share with their friends – so we decided to make that happen. That joy of good food with good friends is what really motivates me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I’m really proud of everything we’ve done so far as a new business, the highs, and the lows. I’ve built a team of really supportive women who are helping me grow the business online and in retail, where we’ve already landed on the shelves of 7 stores across the region.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This is a really interesting question. What I thought was going to be the most challenging part of being a business owner was finding new business. What actually is the hardest part is making sure I leave enough time in every day to be creative and think to the future while still getting done with what needs to get done.
This business is all about food and flavors and creating new and innovative ways to enjoy a charcuterie board. So I have to make sure that I still have time to be creative in the kitchen, go to smaller markets, and look around different fruit or different flavor combinations. Because in essence, this is why I do what I do to help others enjoy eating with friends and family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t be afraid to start, to go all in, to let your dream see the light of day.
- Everything takes 2 to 3 times longer than you think it will, so plan for that.
- Look for ways to collaborate and promote others - it truly takes a village.
- Be kind and straightforward.
- Be prepared to work a lot. 😀
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't wait for a special occasion to break out the good cheese, have some laughs and make those memories.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.claudiascharcuteriekitchen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiascharcuteriekitchen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudiascharcuteriekitchen/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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