Meet Nai Zhao

We recently connected with Nai Zhao and have shared our conversation below.

Nai, 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.

My passion has been shaped by the search for freedom and self-expression. Growing up as a first-generation Iu-Mien immigrant and the youngest of three, I often felt more American than Mien, navigating life in Portland with only a loose connection to my roots and assimilating in the ways I knew how. Building Charcuterie Me has been my way of pushing boundaries and defining a path that feels true to both parts of who I am. Growing up in Portland, I rarely saw myself represented, and it often felt like there was no clear roadmap for someone like me in the entrepreneurial world.

After graduating from college, I went straight into the workforce, finding a job in data analysis. While I was grateful for the stability, I always felt a creative spark was missing, and I searched for the right outlet for years. Starting my business was a bold step toward finding that balance between structure and creativity. My dad was a serial entrepreneur, and seeing him work hard without resources or connections inspired me to pursue my dreams with the privilege and access I have here. I approach every challenge with a mindset that’s open and fearless—if I don’t know how to do something, I know I can figure it out. This belief is central to how I find passion; I dive in, build as I go, and take inspiration from my journey and those around me. Ultimately, I want to inspire others to believe in their possibilities. My goal is to be the example I didn’t have, to show that it’s possible to take risks, pursue dreams, and find freedom in building something you love.

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

Charcuterie Me is all about bringing people together with curated spreads of artisan meats, cheeses, and antipasto, delivered right to your door. We take the guesswork out of creating a beautiful spread so that you can focus on enjoying the moment. Charcuterie Me offers made-to-order boards, monthly subscriptions, catering for events, and interactive workshops.

Our journey began during COVID-19 when people couldn’t gather with loved ones, and we saw an opportunity to help them stay connected during life’s biggest moments—birthdays, new babies, career milestones, celebrations of life, and everything in between. The name “Charcuterie Me” itself reflects a bit of indulgence and self-care. I actually came up with it while waiting for a charcuterie board at a restaurant and captioned a photo, “Charcuterie Me,” meaning “give it [the charcuterie] to me” Since the beginning, we’ve championed the idea that everyone deserves to treat themselves, even in the simplest of ways.

I’ve always been a creative at heart with a love for personal growth—I was reading self-help books back in middle school! Building Charcuterie Me has allowed me to combine my love for aesthetics, branding, and food, and bring this passion to life. A recent project I’m especially proud of was our Lunar New Year snack box. This was a blend of nostalgia from my childhood with treats like White Rabbit candy alongside modern favorites like a Hello Kitty macaron. It was such a fun way to celebrate tradition while connecting with our customers in a new way.

We also keep things fresh with projects that allow me to connect personally with our customers, like our charcuterie workshops. Teaching these has been an incredible way to share my love of food and creativity. As Charcuterie Me grows, my focus is shifting towards bigger-picture goals and stepping into a management role to keep innovating and expanding our reach. We’re just getting started, and there are so many exciting things on the horizon! Keep an eye out—we have more to come!

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?

1. Lean on your network, whoever they are. I can’t stress enough how crucial my network has been. Since I was already in my thirties, I had this incredible group of close friends and coworkers who became my sounding board when I first pitched my idea for Charcuterie Me. Their enthusiasm and belief in me gave me the push to move forward. Not one person said, “It won’t work,” which was the positivity I needed to take the leap. Even after launching, they’ve remained some of my biggest supporters, sharing referrals and hiring me when they could. My former coworkers have stayed in my corner, and my last workplace still books me, proving how meaningful connections can open doors beyond expectations.

2. Stay inspired through learning, but know when to step back. I’m constantly learning through books, podcasts, and other entrepreneurs. How I Built This, Wisdom From The Top, and Wealthy Woman Podcast are just a few of the resources that have given me insights and inspiration to keep moving forward. There are definitely times when I need a break, but I go back to these resources whenever I’m ready to refresh my mind and learn from the best in the business. For me, it’s about learning from others’ journeys and using those insights to inspire new ideas for Charcuterie Me.

3. Believe in your instincts as a decision-maker. It’s tempting to try every trend or suggestion, but I’ve learned that staying true to my vision is essential. In food, managing costs like food waste is crucial. So, while a “dog charcuterie board” might sound fun and trendy, I know it wouldn’t align with my brand or my practical business needs. I trust my gut to make decisions that balance creativity with sustainability.

For anyone just starting out, immerse yourself in your community. In the early days, I was constantly seeking connections with women entrepreneurs and attending local meetups, mentorship programs, and chambers of commerce events. These relationships have been my backbone, giving me support and encouragement through every phase of this journey. Surrounding yourself with people who get it is invaluable.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One of the most important books for me has been A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. The biggest lesson I got from it was about being present and seeing my thoughts as something separate from who I actually am. This was huge for me, especially since I dealt with a lot of anxiety back in college. Tolle helped me realize my thoughts aren’t me, and that perspective has been a game-changer.

Learning to manage my anxiety and focus on positive thinking has really helped in my business too. I’m super mindful now about how I talk to myself, the words I choose, and I try to approach life with a mindset of abundance rather than fear. That shift has made me more grounded and able to handle challenges with a lot more confidence.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

it depends which photos are used

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
What do you do for self-care and what impact has it had on your effectiveness?

We asked some of the most productive entrepreneurs and creatives out there to open up

Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
How do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping your creativity alive has always been a challenge, but in the era of work