Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Pearce.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Entertaining, creativity and a passion for people and are the founding grounds of Apricot & Olive; a perfectly curated charcuterie experience through elegance of the eye and detail of the palate.
After working years in the service industry and having a passion for impressing guests through food and beverage, I took the encouragement of family to create something of my own. Apricot & Olive started as a creative outlet from my most important job as a Mother but I soon realized that the opportunities I would be presented with and relationships I would build would take me from a passion project to truly a full-time Boutique Charcuterie business!
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?
At the time when Apricot & Olive was launched, it was mid pandemic, strange times where gathering and being with larger groups were not quite acceptable. What I had thought would be strictly larger Charcuterie Boards quickly became smaller orders like Boxes that were ordered to enjoy intimately or sent as gifts. Something I navigate daily is inventory and trying to say as consistent as possible all while finding comparable substitutes to items that may be delayed or out of stock.
Lastly, the area we have revisited time and time again is knowing our worth and product value and not wavering to accommodate each and every client.
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?
Charcuterie is ultimately a beautiful expression of food, an aesthetically pleasing story to share with others. The creation of such is something I am constantly changing and evolving. Not only is Charcuterie gorgeous it is delicious, knowing pairings and being sure to add those elements to a board are just as important as the pretty food in front of the guest. It is always flattering when a client tells us that they were at an event and knew it was Apricot & Olive Charcuterie being served, whether is was our salami roses or delicate placement of fresh herbs, I am proud that people recognize the “brand”.
Beyond the aesthetics of the product, my hope is that guests take away from an Apricot & Olive Charcuterie experience being intrigued and confident in trying new items and combinations of cured meats, gourmet cheeses and all their accompaniments.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have to giggle at this question because behind every small business, you will find the foundation, not always seen but always there supporting. No one person can bare the stress or navigate business ownership alone. Behind the face of Apricot & Olive you will find my fiancé and my children who are my day in and day out teammates. They are givers of honest feedback, moral support and coffee, But truly my fiancé works a full-time career and in his evening and weekends helps with all things logistics and even salami rose making!
Outside of the home front comes extended family; mother, siblings, in laws- all of whom express how proud they are, check in on all-nighters and are always willing to be taste testers!
Of course, no business would be a successful business without their clients! The relationships I have made in fourteen short months will never fall short on me!
Lastly, the opportunity to work alongside some of the absolute best creators, vendors, planners and other artistic based companies in South Florida will always be an amazingly humbling experience!
Contact Info:
- Email: apricot.and.olive.charcuterie@gmail.com
- Instagram: apricot.and.olive
- Facebook: apricot.and.olive.charcuterie
Image Credits
Chrissy O’Neil & Co (2 images- main image of Charcuterie Cones and 3rd image in “Additional Photos”)
