Today we’d like to introduce you to Chesley Thorn.
Hi Chesley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I launched this business on April 18th, 2020 on a whim in the middle of the pandemic after being furloughed from my corporate sales job. When I realized how much time corporate America was keeping me from my 3-year-old daughter, I decided that I did not want to return. This came just 2 short months after launching Say Cheese GR, which completely exceeded my expectations. With an extensive history of working in the restaurant industry, I have always had a passion for not only food but for making food look pretty. While taste is important (and yes, these boards are just as good as they look), presentation truly is everything.
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?
Aside from launching a business in the middle of a global pandemic… things have been pretty smooth! The most challenging part was finding kitchen space to operate out of since businesses were closed. Once I partnered with Top This (the store that I work out of) things only got better. I was crazy busy during a season where people weren’t supposed to be hosting and entertaining, so you can only imagine how busy things have gotten now that the world has opened back up again!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create custom charcuterie boards/grazing tables for all occasions. I specialize in making food pretty! Food brings people together. I love that my boards are a focal point on my customers’ dining room tables for special events such as Christmas, weddings, birthdays, etc., the list goes on! It’s really special to be a part of so many memories.
I am fully licensed and certified, and I operate out of a commercial kitchen. I do not have a specific list of meats/cheeses to choose from. I build my boards based on your preferences, likes/dislikes. Every board is unique and handcrafted to your specific liking.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a HUGE role in my business! I took a big leap walking away from my corporate job just 2 short months after starting an INSTAGRAM page! I had no idea that things would turn into this. It has been a very pleasant surprise. While luck plays a big role in the beginning of this journey, I have worked REALLY hard to establish my brand and continue to grow Say Cheese GR. This is just the beginning!
Pricing:
- Small board (10.5 inch round) $55
- Medium board (13 inch round) $85
- Large board (16 inch round) $115
- Grazing tables priced per person
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.saycheesegr.com
- Instagram: @saycheesegr
- Facebook: @saycheesegr
Image Credits
Arianna Zimmerman Photography
