Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mercado.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started this business because I wanted something more meaningful than a traditional 9–5. I wanted work that felt like passion, joy, and fun — something that didn’t feel like a job, but a hobby that makes me smile.
That feeling became real the moment I decided to build this business. I kept thinking about my children, about creating something special for our family, and about building a future that inspires them. Charcuterie gave me a way to express creativity, love, and intention all at once.
Some of my favorite memories are making charcuterie boards with my daughter — choosing cheeses, arranging meats, laughing, sipping wine, and enjoying the moment. Those simple nights brought us closer and created memories we’ll alway cherish. I recently loss my daughter last December. I cherish these memories even more and turned my focus into this business idea and it brought me out of my sadness and gave me passion again and helped me in more ways than I can describe. It helped me to hold on tight to what matters. I now put all my passion and creativity into this business to make her proud of me.
Now, I want to help create those moments for others. Through my boards, I hope to bring people together, spark joy, and deliver that “wow” factor the moment they see the display and taste the quality ingredients. This business is my passion, my creativity, and my heart shared with every customer I serve.
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?
No it has not. I struggled not only since I had just lost my daughter but trying to be a single mom of two other boys. Starting a new business was scary but exciting. There were so many obstacles that made it challenging. Some days I wanted to scream and others I said to myself don’t give up you’re a strong independent woman, mom and your daughter is with you through this process to help you get through it. I kept going and pushing through. From getting the name, logo, business licenses, health licensees, marketing, website, training on how to for everything, a lot of research and a lot of failed attempts at things that didn’t work until I found a method that did. Then pricing the menu, to what audience I am trying to reach. There were so many things coming at me in every direction it was very overwhelming and late nights of no sleep from being glued to my computer to get this done so I could enjoy all the hard work when it opened up finally. Each step was a challenge and took a lot to get done and a lot of time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always been a hard worker started working at 14 years old to earn my own money. I always help others and I am known for that a giver. I always feel like a mother to others and I have to help them and nurture them. I hustle and worked many careers in my time. The ones I enjoyed the most, I was in skin care at a day spa, helped run and operate the business for 6 years. My clients loved me. Always sent others to me they said I had the gift of listening and nurturing energy. Then into the government DOD in finance. I have been in it for 15 years and I am still in as I run my new business too. I have moved up quickly in my positions due to my hard work ethics, and strong leadership which I am proud of. I love to lead. I am particular to details, the beauty and art of something. I love designing, creating something that stands out and is unique. I have a huge kind heart, and I always try to help others and put a smile on their face. I am also known for not giving up even if it’s hard or I am exhausted. I push through, do it anyway and I have to get things done right then and there. I don’t procrastinate I want things done on time.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, find someone inspiring, positive that can motivate you and help you want to learn. Someone with knowledge of what you may be seeking out for. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and ask questions. I did and it helped me a lot on my journey. I am still seeking advice all the time from others; I am in a community group of others that do what I do, and we help each other out by giving advice to each other.
I always try to network a lot its important. I use all social media platforms. I within those platforms reach out to other vendors that I may be able to collaborate with, other charcuterie business owners and ask them questions. I cold call around to businesses. I walk around into business with my cards and hustle to get business. I send collab email requests to multiple vendors like winery’s, party planners, wedding venues and many others trying to get business or network together. I attend local public vendor events to network. I meet a lot of amazing vendors to collab with or amazing people that are potentially going to be my customers and order services from me. Working together with other small businesses, supporting each other is important and helps build each other up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecharcuteriesocial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecharcuteriesocialllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589756998862
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.charcuterie.s
