Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Sanchez.
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 come from a family of hard working women — beginning with our matriarch, my grandmother.
Growing up, I remember my grandmother, who suffered from cancer, receiving her chemotherapy treatments then taking burrito orders from all the doctors and nurses. This is where I get my entrepreneurial spirit.
After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and journalism, I moved to El Paso to pursue my career in journalism. I worked as a reporter for the El Paso Times then entered into a career in communications for higher education institutions, which led me to San Antonio.
I soon realized that I wanted to do more to help my community, so I worked to earn my teaching certification and transitioned into becoming a teacher. I have been teaching for almost 10 years. I am currently a second grade teacher in Helotes, Texas.
Given my professional experiences, I have always been more creative. I have always enjoyed style in the form of clothing, jewelry, shoes — and food!
Grazing with Steph sort of just manifested on its own. I received a few charcuterie box orders from family and friends during the holidays, and I really enjoyed carefully curating the meats, cheeses, fruits and accompaniments. From there on, I began receiving more orders. Given my communications background, I soon realized I needed a logo and branding materials. I ordered some stickers to add to my charcuterie boxes and char“cuties” (individual serving cups) and business cards. I also was offered a T-shirt with my logo, and I said, “Hey, why not!” With the logo also came social media.
Now, I continue to receive orders through Instagram (@grazingwithsteph) and Facebook (@grazingwithsteph). I have received orders for all types of occasions from date night to family coming into town to bosses treating their staff.
I feel completely fortunate and blessed to have the support and opportunity to serve so many amazing people. Each box or order of char“cuties” is made with so much attention to detail and love. The feedback — the feedback I have received just fills my heart with so much joy and content.
I also am a mom of a three-year-old daughter and six-year-old son; and everything I do, I do with them in mind. My hope is that they remember that their mother worked hard to pursue her dreams and passions, and she persisted through difficulties and hardships. I hope that their passions and dreams always outweigh their fears and obstacles. They give me my purpose and drive. I also am able to do everything I do with the support of my fiancé, Art, who supports and encourages me in everything I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am completely fortunate to have Grazing with Steph as a side hustle. Eventually, I would love to turn this into a full-time business; but, for now, I do not have many expectations. I am kind of going with the flow, for lack of better words. I will say since I am barely starting off, I think I am putting more money into my business than I am receiving, so profits are not high right now. I know as my business continues to grow, profits will grow as well. I just feel completely fortunate and blessed to have the support I have had so far.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Grazing with Steph specializes in making charcuterie boxes, boards, cups and grazing tables. Charcuterie can have a bougie-type reputation but that is not how I treat my brand. Charcuterie can be for anyone and everyone! You don’t even have to have it on a special occasion either … you can treat yourself to a single serving box any day, any time.
I also pride myself on serving the freshest ingredients and giving my customer’s palates a rollercoaster of flavors and textures — from sweet to spicy and from soft to crunchy. Every box or char“cutie” is carefully curated with my customer in mind.
When ordering, I take the time to chat with my customers to see if we can personalize or customize their box. Their experience doesn’t end there, I offer every person who orders suggested wine pairings to go with the cheeses served in their box. Pickup times are flexible or I can deliver any box for an additional flat rate fee. Once the customer has their box in hand, I send them a picture of their box with a list of food items inside in case they come across something they absolutely love!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The support has been overwhelming. I am so incredibly grateful. I hope to continue serving delicious, fresh charcuterie to our San Antonio community for years to come. Order your box or board by messaging me on Instagram or Facebook.
Pricing:
- Large box (serves 4-6) – $65
- Medium box (serves 2-3) – $45
- Individual box (serves 1-2) – $25 for one or $15 for orders of 3 or more
- Char”cuties” (sampling cups) – $8, minimum order of 4
- Boards (to keep) available for an extra $30, grazing tables available upon request (message me for a quote)
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @grazingwithsteph
- Facebook: @grazingwithsteph
Image Credits
Stephanie Sanchez
