Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Chan.
Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our backstory: Victor, my husband, used to own and operate Brunch Kafe off I-10 and Wilcrest. It was a local, “mom and pop” brunch restaurant. After being in business for a few years, we’ve decided to sell the business to travel and explore the world before starting a family.
You can take Victor out of the restaurant, but you can’t take the restaurant out of him.
Fast forward: In recent years, Victor kept hinting about opening another restaurant. However, between my full-time day job and our 3-year-old son, I had no interest in adding more stress to my plate. So how did we get started in the charcuterie business, right? It all started when we were in the 14-day quarantine back in February 2021. I was scrolling through IG and these charcuterie sponsored ads started popping up on my newsfeed. First off, I didn’t even know how to pronounce charcuterie, I kept referring it to the fancy cheese board. Of course, being curious, I started looking more into it – wondering if it was just a trend. After sharing the pictures with Victor, he then proceeds to say, “Let’s do it.” I had such a confused look on my face, because I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. He then took it upon himself to register the business name! I guess we’re doing this then? So we started doing our research on how to build the business, market our brand, and buy supplies and ingredients to practice. Next thing you know, we got our first order through the Next Door app. Fun fact: Not only now is she our friend, but a loyal, returning customer. We call her our OG!
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?
Of course, with any startup business, the beginning months will be slow as you’re building your brand. You’ll question yourself from time to time on whether or not you made the right move to embark on a new journey. It’s frustrating but normal, honestly. We’re fortunate that we have the background and prior experience in the restaurant industry, because it was helpful in starting the business. Through the weeks and months, we experienced lots of trial and error – seeing what works and doesn’t work for us. Being in business with your spouse includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. The basic rule of thumb is to keep communication open with each other.
For me, personally, is learning how to balance EVERYTHING! Being a full time employee, Mother, Wife and part time entrepreneur. It definitely has been a challenge, mentally, physically and emotionally. However, I’m getting better day by day as I’m learning how to better prioritize my schedule.
We’ve been impressed with Charcuterie Houston, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, anniversary, baby or bridal shower, open house, corporate event, or just a night in with friends, we are here for you. At Charcuterie Houston, our luxury, delicious boards, grazing, cones or jars are hand curated using the freshest ingredients and can be delivered right to your door steps! We are based in Sugar Land, but offer delivery in the Houston areas. Our luxury boards are gorgeous and can make a statement at your next social gathering. Check out Charcuterie Houston’s website (www.charcuteriehouston.com) and book one of yours today. What are you waiting for!? Let’s brie friends!
Fun fact: One thing that sets us apart from others is our custom wooden board. Our charcuterie is hand curated on a wooden board (with our logo) rather than the disposable bamboo plate.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
This is a tough one. I’m not sure if it was luck or coincidence when I stumbled upon the charcuterie sponsored ads in my IG newsfeed. It was odd, honestly, because I never searched for charcuterie or anything related to it. Therefore, when reflecting back, I felt as if it was a sign for Victor and me to start this new venture.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charcuteriehouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charcuteriehouston/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CharcuterieHouston/
Image Credits
@jncbranding
@natalie.j.photography
