Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Calderon
Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I launched my charcuterie business in 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. Food, flavors, and baking have always been my passions, and with more free time on my hands, I began to explore new ways to express that love. During this time, I discovered “graze boxes” and “graze tables,” and I immediately felt a connection to the concept. I instantly knew I wanted to start a business of my own and I began taking steps to turn that vision into reality. It felt like the perfect opportunity to blend creativity, food, and entrepreneurship, so I set out to create a brand that would bring joy to people through beautifully crafted charcuterie and cheese boxes.
As interest in my product grew, customers began to ask for other products – charcuterie cups, fruit platters, French macarons and more. It was fun to explore new product offerings and really see my creativity and business potential. Each new request helped shape where I am today.
No business succeeds without a team of support and my husband and family were there every step of the way as I was growing (and still are there for me today!). They would come in town for large orders and events, take on deliveries for me and be there to talk through new ideas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course it was never easy, but I have always felt a sense of joy, passion and pride in every aspect of my business. There were/are late nights and early mornings – and they happen for back to back weeks at a time. You have to learn how to navigate your schedule to ensure you have downtime and enjoy life outside of your business as well.
There can also be a learning curve to running your small business. It can’t just be ran on passion. You have to know what products to offer and how to price them, cost of goods, small business taxes, permits and more. It’s stressful, but necessary. When you take the time to get your business admin organized, you feel a lot more confident and clear headed when you’re working on the creative and fun parts.
I’m at a point where I’m scaling to larger orders and I know I can’t do that if I’m working in the weeds of everything. Hiring support to work with me has been the biggest game changer this past year.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of Calderon Curations, a small business that specializes in charcuterie products, fresh bites and french macarons. We are the perfect product for you whether you need a gift for your loved one, or you’re hosting a personal or corporate event or if you just need to treat yourself!
We’re known for our beautiful aesthetics, quality ingredients and top notch customer service. Those 3 things working together on every single order/event is what sets us apart from others.
I’m most proud that I’m running a business that people are excited about, that I take pride in and that has been growing year over year since 2020. It’s a dream!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s important to know your “why” for starting your business because you will question yourself along the way on why you are putting yourself through so much work! haha Know that you can’t do it alone and it’s ok and necessary to ask for help – your friends, family and community will support you! Know that you’re the expert in your product – and hire experts or purchase software for the areas you’re not an expert in (taxes, bookkeeping, online, etc.).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calderoncurations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calderoncurations/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Calderon-Curations-100072421960169/
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/wGu4HfM
