I started out in business, like so many people do, focused on building a career and doing what was expected. As I got older, I found myself coming back to what I really enjoyed. For me, that has always been food.
Some of my earliest and most meaningful memories are baking with my grandmother. Those moments stayed with me. It was never just about the food. It was about time together, learning something with your hands, and creating something you could share. That feeling is what led me back to the kitchen.
Rustic Charcuterie and Barkuterie grew from that place. What started as cooking and creating boards for friends and small gatherings turned into something much bigger. People connected with it. They were not just interested in the boards themselves, they wanted to learn how to create that same experience for their own friends and families.
That is where teaching became a natural next step. I genuinely enjoy working with people and helping them feel comfortable trying something new. My approach is simple and practical. I focus on quality ingredients, balance, and showing you how to build something that looks great and tastes even better. This is not about perfection. It is about creating something you are proud to put on the table.
The classes are designed to feel relaxed and social. Whether it is a date night, a girls night, or a group event, the goal is to create an experience where people can connect, learn, and enjoy themselves. You are not just learning how to build a board. You are creating a moment.
One of the more unique parts of what we do is Barkuterie. We create thoughtfully sourced, dog-friendly boards so that people can include their dogs in the experience as well. It has been a fun and meaningful extension of the business and something our clients really love.
Over time, I have had the opportunity to create experiences for private events, celebrations, and corporate groups. That hands-on experience is what shapes how I teach. Everything we do in class is meant to be approachable and repeatable in your own home.
Now I get to bring that same sense of joy and connection that I experienced growing up to so many others. That is what makes this work meaningful to me.
If you leave with something you are proud of and the confidence to do it again, then I have done my job!