Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Burton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Burton

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Los Angeles native, and my journey began with my parents—my dad in the culinary field and my mom who had an exceptional touch with all things delicious and beautiful. I attended culinary school in my early 20s, and after a detour in the art gallery world, I found my way back to food, launching my business, Roquefort and June. It all started with small gatherings for friends, and soon I was catering weddings and hosting magical dinners, like “Dinner in the Desert” in Joshua Tree. As a woman-owned business, I focus on cooking with local ingredients and supporting other small, local businesses. Word-of-mouth and the opportunity to meet people at events allowed the business to grow so organically in such a short amount of time. It really is something special.

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?
Smooth roads don’t build character! Like any business, I’ve faced my share of challenges—logistics, time management, and balancing budgets—but every hurdle has taught me something valuable. I’ve learned to adapt, stay resilient, and keep delivering the best experiences for my clients. Each event, no matter the challenge, is an opportunity to grow, and as an artist, I’m always asking, “How can this be even better?” That mindset drives me to constantly improve and elevate each authentic experience.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom graze boards, offering a range of appetizers and bites tailored to the theme and ambiance of each event. What started with cheese and charcuterie has grown into curated, artistic spreads that combine movement, color, and diverse flavor profiles. I’m drawn to elaborate florals and love experimenting with both bold and muted palettes, creating tables that feel as vibrant as the people around them. I take pride in using premium, organic ingredients, much of which is locally sourced from LA and California-based farms and businesses, ensuring both quality and supporting the local community.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and the personal connection I build with each client. I work closely with them to understand their vision, and my favorite part is adding the final touches—whether it’s a sprinkle of Maldon salt or a perfect plate adjustment, to bring everything together. Watching people gather, connect, and create moments around the food is what drives me. And what I’m most proud of is carrying my mom’s energy through this journey—her influence is at the heart of everything I create, and she continually redefines my approach to this work.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success is heavily influenced by the creative artists who came before me, including two prominent figures in our space: Rick Rubin and Anthony Bourdain. Rubin’s view of success—“being passionate, enjoying life, and being great at what you do”—resonates deeply with me. It’s about loving what you do and always pushing for excellence. Bourdain’s quote, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together,” highlights the power of connection, which is at the heart of my work. For me, success is found in the relationships built around food. Without that sense of connection, Roquefort and June wouldn’t exist.

Pricing:

• Please inquire for pricing!

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming soon!
• Instagram: @roquefortandjune

Image Credits
n/a