We recently connected with Stephanie Felix and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was a journey that evolved over time and was significantly influenced by my life experiences and heritage. I got married and had my first daughter at the age of 20. My second daughter came along soon after, and I dedicated over 20 years to being a stay-at-home mom. This period was very rewarding, but as my children grew older, I found myself with more time on my hands and a desire to explore my own passions and talents.
The turning point came during the pandemic. Like many, I found myself with a lot of time at home and a need to find new ways to stay engaged and productive. My Italian and Mexican heritage has always placed a strong emphasis on food and family gatherings, and I’ve always had a keen eye for making things look beautiful and perfect. I decided to channel these influences and my creativity into something new.
I began by helping a close friend with her baking business, which sparked my interest in the culinary arts. Soon, I found myself gravitating towards creating charcuterie boards. These boards allowed me to combine my love for entertaining with my passion for artistic presentation. It wasn’t long before I discovered the concept of Grazing Tables – a larger, more elaborate version of charcuterie boards. This concept excited me because it allowed for even more creativity and personalization but also allowing the time to continue working with my friend.
Starting my own business, grazingbystephanie, scared me, a lot. But it was the natural next step. It allowed me to fully express my creativity while bringing joy to others through beautifully presented food. Incorporating clients’ needs and themes into my Grazing Tables has been particularly fulfilling, as it lets me connect with people and be a part of their special moments.
I found my purpose by blending my cultural heritage, my life experiences as a mother, and my creative passions. And I am so happy I took That leap of Faith.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
What sets grazingbystephanie apart is my commitment to elevating the concept of classic-style grazing tables. Each Grazing Table is meticulously designed to reflect the client’s vision and theme, ensuring a truly personalized and memorable presentation. I spend a significant amount of time gathering requirements, understanding the client’s needs, and researching the perfect boards, risers, elevation tiers, and decor to bring their vision to life.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to create something unique for every event. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a private celebration, I take pride in making each Grazing Table a centerpiece that enhances the overall experience. The feedback from clients has been incredibly rewarding, as they appreciate the attention to detail and the effort put into making their events special.
In summary, grazingbystephanie is not just about food; it’s about creating beautiful, memorable experiences that bring people together. I am passionate about what I do and excited to continue growing my brand, exploring new ideas, and exceeding my clients’ expectations.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey with grazingbystephanie, there are three key qualities that have been particularly impactful: perfectionism, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. These attributes have been instrumental in shaping my brand and ensuring the success of my business.
Perfectionism: While some might view perfectionism as a double-edged sword, it has driven me to consistently deliver results. I strive to create Grazing Tables that are not only beautiful but also flawless in presentation. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing a perfectionist mindset while also learning to balance it with practicality. It’s important to set high standards for yourself, but also to know when something is ready to be shared with the world.
Attention to Detail: Being detail-oriented is crucial in my line of work. Every element of a Grazing Table, from the choice of ingredients to the arrangement and decor, contributes to the overall experience. My meticulous nature ensures that nothing is overlooked, and every aspect is carefully considered. For aspiring entrepreneurs, honing your attention to detail can set you apart. Always look for ways to refine and improve even the smallest elements of your craft.
Commitment to Quality: Quality has always come first for me. I believe that delivering high-quality products and services builds trust and loyalty with clients. This means using the best ingredients, investing in high-quality materials, and dedicating the time needed to perfect each Grazing Table. My advice for those starting out is to prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on delivering exceptional work, even if it means taking on fewer projects initially. Your reputation for quality will help you grow sustainably.
Additionally, understanding my strengths and weaknesses has been vital. For instance, I know I excel at taking great pictures of my work, which helps in marketing and showcasing my brand. However, I also recognize that my video-taking skills could use improvement. For those new to their journey, I encourage you to regularly assess your skills. Play to your strengths and seek opportunities to improve in areas where you may be less confident.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is growing my clientele. As a creative entrepreneur who specializes in a niche market, I understand that reaching a broader audience requires effective marketing strategies. However, marketing does not come naturally to me. Unlike younger generations who grew up with social media, sharing my work and personal insights with strangers on the Internet feels quite challenging.
Despite these hurdles, I am committed to overcoming this obstacle and growing my business organically. Here are some steps I am taking to address this challenge:
Leveraging Social Media: I recognize the power of social media in reaching potential clients. I am currently only on Instagram and maybe this is an opportunity to hire a Social Media Manager.
Client Referrals and Testimonials: Word-of-mouth marketing has always been powerful, especially in niche markets.
Showcasing Quality and Creativity: To differentiate my brand, I focus on consistently delivering high-quality, creative Grazing Tables that exceed client expectations. By doing so, I ensure that my work speaks for itself and leaves a lasting impression on clients and their guests. This organic approach to growth relies on the exceptional quality of my service to drive repeat business and referrals.
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