Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Way.
Hi Brittney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always enjoyed cooking and creating delicious spreads to enjoy with friends and family. Growing up with Mexican and Italian family, food was very important. It’s how we show our love, we feed you. It never occurred to me that it would lead to starting my own business. In fact, for the past ten years I was on a completely different career path as BCBA helping children with Autism and their families. In late 2019 I became a new mother and took a few months off for maternity leave. When the shelter in place orders forced the clinic I worked at to temporarily close its doors, I decided to use the time as an opportunity to try something new. I decided to start Salt & Sage Grazing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As I’m sure is true with all small businesses, there have been bumps in the road. Although my experience working in the foodservice industry through high school and college has been helpful, it did not fully prepare me to run a grazing business. Starting a small business meant I was now in charge of accounting, website design, marketing and order fulfillment among many other things. I am terrible with technology and have no experience with marketing or accounting. I quickly found that my degrees in Psychology and Special Education, which were invaluable in my last career, did not give me any of the tools I needed to grow a business and run it successfully. I also had to figure all of this out and create boards with a very clingy infant who is now a very active toddler. I am very fortunate to have an amazing support system of family and friends which were key in helping me get Salt & Sage Grazing off the ground.
I have a friend that spent a lot of time with me building my website and designing my logo and helped put me in contact with a boat charter company to collaborate with. My husband is a business major and entrepreneur who I lean on for advice when it comes to the business financials. He also hand-made all of my boards for the first six months until it was finally time to outsource in order to keep up with the demand. My next door neighbor, Andrea, happened to be the creator of the succulent arrangement and landscaping company Just Succ It and has been nothing but encouraging and has been a great resource for advice. Perhaps the biggest benefit and obstacle of starting this business is that I can do it while staying home with my son. My family stepping in to help with him on days with high volume orders has been the biggest help of all.
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?
What I love most about my work is that I get to be a part of people’s special moments, whether it’s a baby shower, a proposal, a family birthday, a special date night or just one person stopping and taking a moment to engage in some self-care and treat themselves. I take pride in providing others with something that is not only delicious but beautiful as well. I strive to find flavors that are both universally pleasing and unique.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about being located in Orange County is the natural beauty. It allows me to enjoy their boards at a picnic in parks with beautiful views of lakes, the mountains or the ocean or on a boat cruising the harbor or anchored near Catalina Island. What I love best about starting my business in San Juan Capistrano is the people. The residents have been very helpful in spreading the word about Salt & Sage Grazing and most of my business in the area has come from local referrals. San Juan Capistrano is laden with other small business owners who are always willing to collaborate and help one another promote their businesses. I’ve done give away contests with Just Succ It, collaborated with an artisan woodworker Bud’s Boards, and included sourdough bread from FKN bread in my arrangements. In fact, a collection of small businesses started a maker’s market in my neighborhood where local vendors sell everything from craft cocktail mixers, desserts, fresh sourdough and beef jerky to pottery and natural skin care products, even dog leashes and collars. Even the city clerk’s office was extremely helpful when I was navigating the process of getting all of the correct licensing and permits.
The only drawback would be the traffic on PCH when making deliveries, but it’s a small price to pay.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.saltandsagegrazing.com
- Instagram: @saltandsage_grazing
Image Credits:
The Family photos are both taken by Remi + Tori
