An Inspired Chat with Kelsey Pettus of Charleston

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsey Pettus. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a mix of business and creativity. I start by responding to emails and messages, then spend time creating social media content to showcase what we do. Most of my day is hands-on—building charcuterie boards, prepping for deliveries, and scheduling out event set-ups for corporate gatherings, weddings, and private parties. I also focus on marketing our charcuterie cart, planning workshop classes, and coordinating grazing tables. Every day looks a little different, but that’s what I love about it—it keeps things exciting!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started CHS Coastal Charcuterie in July 2020, which means we’ve now been open for over five years—crazy to think about! What began as me balancing a newborn at home and a full-time hospital job has grown into a full-time business with multiple team members.

Today, we create custom charcuterie platters, veggie platters, sandwich platters, dessert platters, and more for pickup and delivery. We also cater large-scale corporate events and wedding receptions. Corporate gifting has become a big part of what we do—everything from employee appreciation gifts to real estate closing gifts. On top of that, we host both private and public workshop classes across the Lowcountry and rent out our bottomless Charcuterie Cart, where two of our team members come and serve at events.

On the personal side, I’m now a mom of two—ages six and three—and married to my husband, Jamie. It’s been such a rewarding journey to see how far the business has come since those early days.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has taught me the most about work. He started his own commercial plumbing business, and growing up I watched how much dedication and perseverance it takes to build something from the ground up. Over the years, he’s shared a lot of insight with me about running a business—everything from the importance of treating people well to keeping a strong work ethic. Those lessons have stuck with me and definitely shaped how I approach my own business today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—about five million times! Running a business is not always easy, and there have definitely been moments where I felt overwhelmed. But seeing how far this business has come—from absolutely nothing to what it is today—reminds me why I started in the first place. That growth is what encourages me and motivates me to keep going, even on the hard days.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is absolutely the real me. I always try to incorporate humor and real life into everything I do with the business. I want people to feel like they’re connecting with a real person, not just a brand. That shines through on social media, in the way I teach our workshop classes, and even in how I approach creating catering spreads for all kinds of events. My goal is for people to experience the same genuine personality whether they’re seeing a post online or working with me in person.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my family, my friends, the people who love me, and most importantly, my identity in Christ. My identity isn’t rooted in what I do as a profession, what I own, or even how others see me. It comes from my Father who created me. That truth gives me peace—knowing that who I am isn’t defined by myself or my work, but by Him.

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