Today we’d like to introduce you to Karly Torres.
Hi Karly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Working as a nanny for 12 years allowed me to discover my creative side when it came to food. Making new dishes every week and challenging myself in the kitchen brought me immense joy. It also allowed me to heal my previously broken relationship with food. The idea to start my own business came about after I realized my maternity leave was ending. I was panicked and felt as though I was about to be robbed of precious time with my son that I would never get back. I took this opportunity to start something I was truly passionate about while being able to care for my son full-time. I’ve been a snacker as long as I can remember, so charcuterie isn’t only what I do, it’s who I am.
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?
I started this business three months postpartum and had no idea what I was doing. I hate to say it, but gatekeeping is real in the charcuterie industry. There’s no step-by-step guide on how to start a charcuterie business, and no one really wants to share how they started out. That being said, I’ve formed some amazing friendships with other charcuterie business owners around the country. I can thank social media for that! @the.salted.safe and @grazeandgala have really helped me in my journey. I also wouldn’t have been able to handle the stress of being a new mom and starting a business without the help and support of my family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Honeybee Boards provides handcrafted artisan-style charcuterie using high-quality locally harvested ingredients. We serve members of our community who seek a unique, memorable cheese-pairing experience. Our presentation and pairings are inspired by femininity and all that it encompasses. We’re also the preferred charcuterie vendor for Oak & Iron and Mizel Estate Winery in Thousand Oaks, CA. Maintaining a cohesive brand aesthetic, using high-quality ingredients, and having cultivated partnerships with companies like Beecher’s Cheese, Bavarian Meats, Cheese Brothers, and Hellenic Farms sets me apart from others. I’m very proud of how my boards have evolved artistically over the past year and half. Over time, I’ve incorporated food-safe flowers and greenery, which has really added to the visual aesthetic of my boards.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I realized how much people rely on each other. I never really understood how important human connection was until I didn’t have it. Now that COVID has slowed down a bit, it’s nice to reconnect with friends and family. I love bringing people together, and what better way to do that than with food.
Pricing:
- Buzz Box (feeds 1-2)-$40
- Beekeeper Box (feeds 2-4)-$65
- Beehive Box (feeds 3-5)-$85
- Pollination Platter (feeds 6-8)-$150
- Queen Bee Platter (feeds up to 20)-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeybeeboardsofficial.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/honeybeeboardsofficial?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeybeeboardsofficial
Image Credits
Photographer: Lexa Cobey
