Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Barroso. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sabrina , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from the Lord. I am aware that every day is a gift and that it all can be taken from us so quickly. After my mother passed away in 2016, I learned that I have to make the most out of every moment that God has blessed me with. He continues to show me that even through the trials and tests that happen, they are here to make me stronger and prepare me for the next stepping stone. I may need a quick cry, iced coffee and some worship music but in all situations, I can find the silver lining.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Every year I have grown closer and closer to what I feel like is my purpose. As a little girl I had this vision of becoming a school teacher, being married, having children and living out ‘the American Dream’ or so I thought. The dream turned quickly when I realized I did not like the mundane existence a regular 9-5 provided for me and the financial ceiling that being an educator also presented was stifling. Everything for me became crystal clear when my mom passed away in 2016. I was told by my principal that I was out of PTO + sick days for the year so I had to make a decision. I would have to come back to teach the week after her passing and finish the school year or take a leave of absence. Knowing that a job…actually my career that I invested so much time and energy into, made me put a timeline on my grief left me feeling so inspired to carve my own path. I knew I was meant for more. I have always loved food, wine and culinary experiences but did not know how I could make that a career. In 2019, I was randomly asked to fill in as an instructor for a charcuterie workshop. I had no idea what I was doing but I was an educator at heart, quickly did some research to learn about cheese, in addition to styling and pairing it together and jumped in to instructing a group of women how to create their own charcuterie boards. It was no where near perfect but I am so glad I said yes! The class was a hit and I was asked to be the new instructor moving forward, once a month, for these workshops. After a full year of teaching these classes, COVID caused the owner to shut down her business and these workshops but I personally did not want to stop. I just knew in my soul that this was what I needed to be doing.
Through market research I learned that there was nothing like this in the area so I decided to jump right in. With my best friend being a graphic designer, we developed a website and curated the brand my community knows today as Graze & Prosper, a boutique culinary experience through handheld bites and charcuterie. This is the 4th year in business.
Each grazing experience brings joy through flavors inspired by my travels to Europe, soul-filled meals with my girl friends and the beautiful moments shared with those I have loved and lost. My desire is for Graze & Prosper to become your ‘legacy catering option.’ Which means, you invite me into the most intimate and precious moments of your lives to bring your family and friends together. From a birthday party for 100 year old Gran, engagement party for their daughter, then cocktail hour at the wedding and then the baby shower and every family gathering in between. I hold that dear to my heart as I also get to experience the highs and the lows with the clients as well.
With hospitality engrained in my bloodline, I will always be a people first business. My prayer is to leave you and your guests hearts and bellies better than I found them…every…single…experience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First and foremost developing a strong faith walk with God as put me into rooms, sat me at tables and overflowed my bank account in ways I could have never desired for myself. Putting him first in all you do will align you with the right opportunities. Secondly, being a business owner is a personal development journey. I thoroughly believe that your business will only grow as far as you do. So being a continuous student and having the desire to learn and grow is utmost importance. Never being the smartest one in the room will serve you in ways that money cannot buy.
Last but not least, developing your character into someone of integrity has helped my relationships with clients and fellow business owners/vendors in the community to build trust and a strong ‘word of mouth’ marketing campaign. This will outlive your business for generations.
My advice for those who are early in their journey is to find mentor in your field. This can be through podcasts or even in your community, someone you admire who can provide wisdom from their own personal experience. Be curious and ask all the questions. I noticed this was hard for me as a women though in my community so I changed it. I founded a local organization called, Nice Ladies. We are a group of entrepreneurial minded women from startup phase to veterans in their fields whose purpose and mission is to collaborate with each other rather than compete. It has provided a much needed sounding board and ‘open arms’ community where these women feel a sense of belonging. When you can find one or even a group of like-minded individuals who can buffer ideas and really dream BIG together, you will find so much more fulfilment from being a business owner.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was reminding me that “No is never an option!” We lived below the median family income range all of my childhood and on one working income from my father. Looking back, they were living paycheck to paycheck. I witnessed both of my parents experience the hardships of life through bankruptcy, illness, losing everything and rebuilding all while raising a family. Both parents were extremely resourceful and showed me that it is not about how much you have but your ability to be creative and tap into those resources to make that “no’ a ‘yes.’ My father is a master mechanic and was taught almost every trade there is. It serves me in all areas of my life and reminds me that we all know life is going to happen so what resources are in our toolbox to reach for that can change our reality into the dream life that we want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grazeandprosper.com
- Instagram: Grazeandprosper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grazeandprosper
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91384535/admin/feed/posts/
