Meet Marleene Cerda | Catering & Event Planner

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

Hi Marleene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business was developed out of a need that I saw in my own life. I’ve always been a go-getter, a problem solver, a brainstormer, a planner, and a fixer. I found myself planning a lot of events for family and friends. When my little sister Lizette was planning her wedding; grazing tables were all the rage. We decided to reach out to a well known catering business for a meeting. After a few mix-ups with dates, time, and budget amounts we decided to put a pin in it for the time being. After lengthy discussions with my husband Arron and my sister Lizette regarding this “charcuterie/grazing table idea”, I took the plunge. In December of 2021, I did my first grazing table for my sister’s wedding, and by January of 2022, Charcuterie by MC was born. My small idea grew into full-circle event planning. I’ve always had a huge support system in my husband, my kids, and my family, they know how much of a dreamer I am. I never settle for mediocrity; I strive for the best to show myself and teach my kids that there’s no dream too big to achieve. I heard a saying, “If people don’t laugh at your dreams, they’re not big enough.” Over the years, a lot of people have laughed at me and my dreams. I smile all the more because I know that I’m moving in the right direction if people are doubting me. Owning a business is hard daily work, but it’s worth it to be autonomous and have a say in your present and future.

What should our readers know about your business?
Charcuterie by MC is my catering and event planning business. We aim to translate the joy and gratitude we feel for our clients into our work. We truly believe that everything you do, including business, should be done with a happy and thankful heart.

At Charcuterie by MC, we’re not just about another face you’ll soon forget. We’re striving for friendships with our customers and want to be a part of every life event, bringing your continued visions to life. I’m thankful for our clients who have become friends and have been extremely happy and satisfied with our work. I pray that it continues to be that way for many years.

It hasn’t always been easy, but I would choose to do this job again and again. We’ve overcome obstacles by paying attention to the needs of our customers. With each new opportunity, a lesson has been learned in the most wonderful of ways. The most important lesson of all is that of clear and concise communication. We’ve also learned that contracts and invoices should be detailed to avoid confusion; all things should be explained up front and have both verbal and written acknowledgment that all parties are on the same page.

Many people in this industry can create beautiful grazing tables or organize and plan an event, that is true. Charcuterie by MC stands apart because of our willingness to exceed your expectations, and bring your unique visions to life. We continue to work and live by this standard, and it has worked very well for us. We strive for perfection and lead with integrity. We hope to continue to grow and be around for a long time.

As a mom of three, I relish the challenge of being a business owner. It will empower my kids to see that all things can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Your only competition should be you. Work hard and believe in yourself; set your goals and run towards them.

A motto I live by: “You won’t know true success until you’ve had the bitter taste of failure.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I are serious creatives, and having a city at our disposal is a challenge we would happily take on. We are both huge fans of the arts; music is a way of life for us. We have music that inspires us in any moment or circumstance. So, we would fuel our need for art and music during our time in Houston.

I would start with brunch at Annabelle Brasserie – their cappuccinos and food is just amazing!
Continue the day with a walk through Hermann Park – maybe take a bike ride.
Head to Cuchara for lunch and drinks to cool down followed by people watching. That area is so fun!
I would end the night with dinner at B&B Butchers. Everything about this steakhouse is amazing!

We would visit the Museum District, as creatives ourselves we love that scene.
Continue with coffee shops like “The Coffee House at West End” and “Hebrews Coffee House”
Breakfast eateries like “Snooze AM”, Toasted Yolk” or “Another Broken Egg”
Lunch eateries: Ojo de Agua, Federal Grill, Treebeards, and Perry’s Steakhouse
Dinner: Seasons 52, Dish Society, Arpi’s Phoenicia Deli
We love fancy or down-to-earth, authentic or unique, big foodies at heart!

I am an individual with eclectic tastes, so I love all people, music, and food. Sitting outside of restaurants or just enjoying a drink or coffee and people-watch is interesting and fun. I love living in Houston because of the diversity this city brings. Going to midtown eateries or stopping at Heights Bier Garten for a drink is relaxing and fun. Meeting new people and getting to know them and their life stories is sometimes a humbling experience when it brings about lessons learned. We must approach each day with an open mind and a willingness to learn something new.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to first thank God for my gifts and abilities and for being the firm foundation on which I stand.
I am 100% aware that I could never do this without the unwavering support of my husband Arron, our sons Ayden & Jeremiah, and our daughter Ava. They are the first pillar that stands on my foundation. They are the crew behind the scenes. From going product shopping with me, to hand cutting anything and everything, to loading up my SUV with everything I’ll need, to cutting 200 tiny flowers for mason jars courtesy of my daughter. Arron has been my biggest cheerleader in this endeavor. He stays up late with me hashing out business plans, helps me fix all issues, and is the best support system! I love you more than words could say.

The second pillars are my siblings (all of them, including my in-law siblings and my bonus siblings) they promote my business, find new things I can use for my setups, and come to my rescue when I need an extra set of hands. They help in a range of things, from marketing to physically joining me to do a full setup. They are the crew that does so much for this small business and it shows their heart in our finished product. Your willingness to help and uplift me when I’m in need has never gone unnoticed. I love each of you fiercely.

The third pillar is my parents along with my mother-in-law. These individuals I can’t say enough about. They have stood on the sidelines with pride and joy at all of my achievements. My accomplishments have been theirs too. They have laughed when I’ve laughed and cried when I’ve cried, and have with love and encouragement pushed me to move forward and never give up. I am who I am because of you, I love you. I hope to continue to make you proud.

My fourth and last pillar has been all of my friends who have walked in this journey with me; and have supported this dream that was born in a kitchen in Humble, TX. My loving friend would hop in my SUV and leave all day with me and my son to do multiple setups without hesitation when this business first started; in her effort to see me succeed. Guera I love you so much for that! The ones that have supported me by sharing my videos, clips, and promotions. Those who have cheered Charcuterie by MC by purchasing a board or a table or have hired me to do their events. This business would not be a success without each of you.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/char.cute.erie_bymc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/char.cute.eriebymc

Image Credits
Michael Deen (Michaeldeenphoto) – for one of the photos. All other photos I own the rights to.