Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Holleran.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Thank you so much for asking me to share my story. I am honored. When I started She Salt Charcuterie it was just good timing & good luck. I needed a job and there was an opportunity at my brother’s bar. It was early February 2021 and businesses were just getting back into re-opening mode. My brother had an outside bar that was perfectly situated by the fire & at the time it was not being used for service. I cleaned it up & loaded coolers with pre-made charcuterie boxes to-go. I have always been a big fan of cheese plates and think they are the perfect meal. I filled little boxes with my version of a charcuterie board, thinking this is what I would want if I went to a bar. So, I offered them during happy hour. They sold really well & the feedback was positive. Eventually I started setting up at other local breweries on different nights of the week & acquired a tiny following. For me this was a dream job. I got to socialize with people, make charcuterie boxes & be my own boss. One night while selling my charcuterie boxes, someone asked if I did large charcuterie boards for parties. I really hadn’t done one yet, but I said I did. They needed a charcuterie board for 8 people. So, I made my first full-size charcuterie board and posted pictures on my Instagram. From that post my business started to grow. I realized this could be a full time job for me when I started getting more and more orders. So, I got my catering license and insurance to take on larger events. This started to lead to a whole other world of opportunities. I started offering charcuterie workshops, grazing tables and light catering services.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The journey has been a learning process. I like to be unique and offer unusual ingredients. I like use local ingredients when I can. North Florida has some great farmers, local bee-keepers, jam makers and butchers. I like making homemade jams, dips, cheeses & spreads that you can’t find in the local grocery stores. Finding a consistent source for goods can be tough, thats when homemade items can be your best source.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in charcuterie boards & grazing tables which is how my catering business started. I try to be creative and make food pretty and delicious. I am most proud of the idea that I get to work every day at a job I love in a supportive environment that my community created. I would not have this business if it weren’t for my community. My business exists because of referrals and my community support. I love making food and love that I get to share my creations with other people. Cooking for people is so rewarding. It is so nice to get a thank you or positive feedback through a hand-written note, email or text message. Every comment and referral means everything to me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t be afraid to promote yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends & family for support. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know. Your tiny idea can turn into a grand idea. Think outside the charcuterie box.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shesaltcharcuterie
- Facebook: She Salt Charcuterie
- Email: shesaltcharcuterie@gmail.com
Image Credits
Daniel Borrer
