Exploring Life & Business with Natalie Di Raimondo of The Graze Mama

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Di Raimondo.

Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It was mid-2020 and we were all being impacted by shutdowns and quarantine. At the time, I would put together charcuterie boards, on occasion, for date nights and small gatherings. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed doing. One day, a close friend a mine suggested I post my boards on Instagram and start a small business.

The next morning, I woke up to a post in my inbox that my close friend sent me. I remember feeling inspired. To me, I had always seen building grazing boards as an avenue for me to express and channel my creativity but I never imagined starting a business in the food industry.

Two years later, I have curated hundreds of boards for clients, big and small. I’ve built large grazing tables for weddings, birthdays, galas and nonprofits. I’ve even started doing workshops where I teach my students how to build their own platters.

Starting The Graze Mama has definitely been an experience I will always be proud of.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been pretty smooth for the most part. I’ve met amazing people along the way. Many of my clients have become friends and it has been a pleasure building those relationships. I would say the biggest obstacle I’ve encountered along the way has been work/life balance. Managing my workload alongside tending to my family can be difficult. Raising four children (and now a puppy) on top of running a small business can feel overwhelming at times. But, I love what I do and being able to use my business as a creative outlet makes it all worthwhile and rewarding for me. Plus, my kids and husband don’t mind eating the sample platters I create for content. I feel fortunate to have a supportive husband and close-knit family that help me out.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Graze Mama started off simple with just cheese and charcuterie platters for small groups. Two years later, It has developed into so much more. We now offer fruit platters, crudités, brunch and dessert boards.

Our latest addition is themed-inspired workshops, both public and private.

The service we offer that I enjoy working on the most is grazing tables because it allows me to express my creativity. They are unique and no two tables are the same. I’m able to completely create something special for someone’s big day. We offer catering services for gatherings of all sizes. I love creating delicious spreads that are not only tasty but visually appealing. We also offer floral installs for all tables for an even more eye-catching aesthetic. I love all things colorful, with that said, whenever given the opportunity to implement bright foods and florals, I take it!

I’m proud of the brand that I’ve created thus far & I’m extremely excited for what’s to come. Next, I hope to create a website to showcase my work. It’s definitely overdue.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I don’t necessarily have a “favorite childhood memory”. But I do remember always creating something out of nothing. If I didn’t have a certain color shoelace or belt that matched my shirt, I would grab a marker and color it. If my dolls didn’t have the cutest dress for the day, I would cut my own clothes and try to make her a fashion statement piece. I remember always trying to make food pretty even if I was the only one who thought so. I was told my mom was the same way growing up so I’m sure I got that creative spark from her.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/the_grazemama/ 

Image Credits
@yan.yesandno