We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Aguilar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This all has been a big life career change, never in my wildest dreams did I think making charcuterie boards would lead me to where I am today. I was unfortunately laid off my corporate job as an Estimator in the oil and gas business back in March 2020 due to the Global Pandemic, I of course panicked and started thinking of updating my resume to send out as soon as possible. My husband sat me down and talked about possibly taking my charcuterie business to the next level. At the time, the thought had not crossed my mind. I initially started my charcuterie page as a hobby, people started asking if I was selling the boards and it all just went from there. I risked it all and focused on furthering my passion for my boards and making this my life long career. I’m truly excited with how great this venture is going. The support from my local community has been outstanding. I look forward to what the future holds with my small business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started @charcuterieboardhtx Instagram’s page in 2019 as a hobby. While stuck inside with not much to do and a cheese obsession, I decided to take a leap of faith and transition my hobby to a small business. I have so many yummy options. To start off, I have my favorite, which is the Charcuterie Cone. The bottom of the cone is stuffed with honey roasted peanuts, chocolate covered raisins and praline pecans, you have a choice of one meat and cheese to stuff on the top of the cone. It’s the perfect portion for you not to share. My mini board is a top seller, it comes in a 10X10 white box and feeds up to 4 people. This option is perfect for date night or just a quick appetizer before dinner. I have personalized letters and numbers available. I have them available in 2 sizes, 16 inches and 8 inches,  it is a great way to add to any celebration. Grazing tables are another popular item, this is a gorgeous set up done on location. Grazing Tables are filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and plenty of yummy goodness. I love going all out when it comes to holidays. Last Halloween I made a 6ft coffin board that was just the perfect amount of spooky. The past year has been an amazing journey and I enjoy every single part of being a small business owner.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is super easy, I love the views at Buffalo Bayou Park. Something about a picnic (with charcuterie of course) at the park is just so perfect. If you’re looking for something indoors to do because we all know how Houston summers can get. Seismique is a mind-bending, interactive experience filled with immersive exhibits and stunning displays designed to both entertain and inspire your mind. It is so much fun. My favorite restaurant in Houston is True Food Kitchen, the food is spectacular. They have the most creative menu and drinks are delicious. A great outside patio bar I love to be at on a nice summer day would have to be Secret Garden. I’m all about presentation and they have the cutest drinks, totally Instagrammable. A nice way to wind down the night would be at 13 Celsius, the wine list goes on for days and of course charcuterie is on the menu, the perfect way to end the night would be with their famous Smores board. YUM!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have 1,000% support around me from family and friends. It truly takes a village. The holidays were especially tough on me, being a first time small business owner, I had no expectations on being busy, I knew we would have a few sales but nothing like it was during the holidays. Which I am forever grateful to the community that continues to support me. I hired 2 assistants with help of my husband, parents and siblings. From deliveries, making the wooden boards, assembling the boards, shopping for supplies, prepping for early morning deliveries the night before. We had help around the clock. I would love to dedicate this shout out to them.

Instagram: @charcuterieboardhtx

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