Meet Katie Hogan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Hogan. 

Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi! My name is Katie! A little over a year ago, I jumped on the latest craze and trend and began my small charcuterie business, Bleu & Brie Co. With the support of my family and friends, I have grown exponentially in the last year. Starting with small charcuterie platters to now, my show-stopping grazing tables. A grazing table is typically a 16 ft table with a variety of meats, cheeses, assorted vegetables and fruits, crackers, breads – and even chocolates and desserts! I love to add a creative side to any event, this comes from my past experience as an event coordinator! But now, I get to use FOOD! I bring a variety of artistic designs… salami roses, prosciutto ribbons, and different cuts to cheeses. Grazing tables are a flavor explosion! It’s a perfect addition to corporate events, cocktail hours, and even weddings! 

Along this journey, I have met some incredible small business owners! Some I even incorporate into my platters and tables. From a locally owned chocolatier to custom cookies. Owning and learning how to run a small business has been quite a challenge, however – the “sisterhood” it has brought me, I will forever be thankful for. 

In addition, Bleu & Brie Co. shares its charcuterie “tricks” by offering Charcuterie Workshops! This is one of my personal favorites to offer! The “oohs” and “ahhs” on how to create a salami rose -makes me smile every time! Since covid, we were very limited with our “social hours” …I wanted to bring that back! Charcuterie workshops are such a fun option as a ladies’ night, date night, or team-building event. 

Overall, I enjoy entertaining and meeting new people. There is nothing better than bonding over a board. 🙂 

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?
It has been quite a challenge starting my own business! To start – it took months to come up with the name Bleu & Brie Co. 

I had no idea what I was doing! Haha! I had to figure out all of the legalities and licensing all on my own. I have been incredibly lucky to meet some people along the way that were able to provide connections and advice. A customer alone gave me an opportunity to work in a shared kitchen. My previous employers encouraged me and pushed me along and shared tips! Thankful for all of those years in the hospitality industry! 

I grew quickly – therefore, finding the help as needed was a struggle in itself. I am blessed with my forever business partner, my husband, Sean – school teacher by day cheese slicer by night. Haha. He has been my greatest supporter and I could not have done this past year without him. 

Owning my own business has been emotionally, mentally, and financially straining…however, once you get through the big jobs, I feel proud and accomplished. It’s truly a work of art that I LOVE to display and share with others. 

Now that I am a year in, I have learned SO much at a very fast pace; and would encourage anyone to follow their dreams of being their own boss. 

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?
I would say I stand out with my charcuterie by applying a creative, artistic design. Adding height, color, an assortment of flavor… really adds a WOW factor to the board/table. There are different cuts of cheeses and different techniques (salami rose, prosciutto ribbon, dragon tails) that can be applied to make your board (or table) more appealing and desirable. I am not your average charcuterie board. I want to be the board that returns to every event 😉 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity of our city. Relating to my personal business, you can order a charcuterie board that is simple – and boxed for a picnic. OR you could order a show-stopping table that will wow your guests. I feel that anyone and everyone can find something perfect for them in our city. 

Dislike – can it be summer? I am not a fan of the cold. Let’s face it, it gets cold here. 

Pricing:

• $65 Small Charcuterie Box
• $85 Large Charcuterie Box
• $135 Charcuterie Platter
• $15-$20 per person Grazing Tables

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bleuandbrieco
• Facebook: Bleu & Brie Co.

Image Credits
geminiphotographycle