Meet Meagan Janis

We were lucky to catch up with Meagan Janis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Meagan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I get my work ethic from my dad.

He’s been a small business owner for over 30 years, and that didn’t come without sacrifice. He started at the bottom as a windshield installer, making maybe $10 an hour. He kept his head down, learned the trade, and eventually gained the confidence (and maybe a little cockiness) to go out on his own.

He didn’t come from money- but he always knew he wasn’t meant to work for someone else. And $10/hour wasn’t going to feed four kids. So he grinded. For over a decade, he worked seven days a week, 12–14 hour days, by himself, and never complained.

When the recession hit, his first business failed. But he didn’t see it as the end- he saw it as a lesson. A stepping stone for the next chapter.

Fast forward to today, as I walk my own small business journey, my dad has been there every step of the way. He’s the first to lend a hand with orders, the first to listen when I doubt myself, and the one person I can always count on for honest advice and guidance in this wild world of entrepreneurship.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Meagan, owner and creator behind Lady Mea’s Charcuterie Company, where we specialize in curated grazing tables, charcuterie boards, and themed catering experiences designed to bring people together around good food and beautiful presentation.

Our motto- “Locally Grazed, Ohio Raised”- reflects everything we stand for. We source as many ingredients as possible from local farms, artisans, and small businesses, because supporting our community is at the heart of what we do. Each board is thoughtfully crafted to highlight seasonal flavors, local products, and the artistry of food itself.

What I love most about this work is how it blends creativity, community, and connection. No two boards are ever the same, and every event tells its own story- whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, corporate gathering, or cozy night in.

What’s new for the season:

We recently launched our Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards, just in time for the holidays, and we’re already gearing up for Christmas boards filled with festive touches and local favorites. I’m also really excited to introduce something new- DIY Charcuterie Kits, complete with ingredients, instructions, and styling tips. They’ll be available in two fun options: a family-friendly version perfect for creating together around the holidays, and a couples DIY box for a cozy, hands-on date night experience.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help people slow down, gather, and enjoy the moment- one board at a time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1) Resourcefulness.
Things will go wrong- whether it’s during prep, at an event, or on the drive there. The key is to stay calm and pivot. Be willing to Google, improvise, or call a friend when you need an extra set of hands (or ears). Running a small business means you’re constantly solving problems on the fly, and that’s where creativity and adaptability shine the most.

2) Resilience.
Life throws curveballs, and your business won’t be spared from them. Resilience is all about how you respond- bouncing back when things don’t go as planned and “taking it on the chin,” as my dad would say. Every setback is a lesson in disguise, and those lessons are what build your foundation over time.

3) Grace.
Give yourself grace. You’re one person trying to carry the world on your shoulders, and some problems are simply out of your control. That’s when you pause, take a breath, and remind yourself how far you’ve come. Pat yourself on the damn back for showing up, trying again, and continuing to pour your heart into what you love.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with other local small businesses and creatives who share a passion for quality, community, and craftsmanship. I love featuring products that complement our boards and grazing tables- things like floral arrangements, desserts, jams, honeys, and other artisan goods. It’s such a great way to highlight local talent while creating something truly unique for our clients.

I’m also interested in connecting with organizations and corporations that would love to have our grazing tables at their events, employee appreciation days, open houses, or networking gatherings. These displays bring people together in a memorable, interactive way that sparks conversation and connection.

If you’re a business owner or event planner who’s interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through Instagram @ladymeacharcuterieco, Facebook at Lady Mea’s Charcuterie Company, or via email at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ladymeacharcuteriecompany.com/
• Instagram: @ladymeacharcuterieco
• Facebook: Lady Mea’s Charcuterie Company LLC

Image Credits

Jerusha Jacobs- @forkeeps.byj