We were lucky to catch up with Ilona Rennert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ilona , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
In my line of work there are the busy seasons, the slow seasons and the customers who say they went with someone else. There are times throughout the year I question myself, my services and what I may be doing wrong. Something I have learned through time, and previous jobs, is life and work will always give you ebbs and flows. It’s important to not look only at where you are in the moment, but focus on how far you have come, and where you want to go. To keep a positive mindset and attitude helps me attract the energy and business I want. It’s not always easy. It’s easy to get caught in the comparison game, but when I catch myself going there, I shift my focus on my “wins”, the value I add, and what I have accomplished. There is plenty of work for everyone, and one needs not to feel like they should service all but be grateful for those you have and be open to receive more.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the Chief Grazing Officer of Bits & Bites Graze Boards. We are a premier charcuterie catering company based out of Carlsbad, serving San Diego county. We are entering our third year and are so grateful and appreciate to all our clients and supporters who have helped us grow throughout the years. We have some fun events coming up this year, like our Charcuterie Workshop at the Carlsbad Flower Fields in April.
Another big focus for us this year is building relationships with local vendors/small businesses so we can provide more artisan bites on our charcuterie boards and grazing tables. This includes local jams, honey, produce, bread and confectionaries. If you know anyone, or provide those yourself, please reach out! We’d love to learn about what you have to offer.
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?
Bits & Bites Graze Boards was born so organically, from my love of cooking and entertaining. I used to make what I called “snack boards” for all our parties and it was only when a friend suggested I make a business out of it that I took that leap of faith. I’m fortunate to have a background in inside sales and marketing, which really helped me develop a work ethic or putting myself and company out there. As uncomfortable as I may be in-front of the camera, it’s important to show your face to build a relationship with your potential clients.
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?
Yes! As mentioned earlier I want to give back and support other small businesses in the areas, as well as provide something unique on our charcuterie boards and grazing tables by working with local artisans. From jams, honeys, nuts, breads to sweets and confectionaries, I’m excited to meet new people, try new items and share them with my customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: bitsandbitesgrazeboards.com
- Instagram: @bitsandbitessd
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bits-and-bites-graze-boards-carlsbad
