Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena.
Hi Elena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Elena Nikitina, and I am the proud founder and owner of Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie — a company dedicated to making your next gathering truly memorable. We specialize in creating stunning and delectable charcuterie boards and grazing tables that are works of edible art.
My path to entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in resilience and survival. At the age of 21, in my home country, I endured an unimaginable ordeal when I was kidnapped and spent eight harrowing months in captivity. After a miraculous escape, I spent years consumed by fear and agony until I finally found refuge in the United States 25 years ago. Determined to rebuild my life, I transformed my painful experiences into something meaningful — a story of hope and strength. I wrote and published “Girl, Taken: A True Story of Abduction, Captivity, and Survival”, which became a bestselling book and earned a literary award. I also fulfilled my long-held dream of starting a business: Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie.
Reflecting on my early days in the United States, I recall working long hours in housekeeping and dishwashing. Yet my heart always longed for something greater. I often found myself reminiscing about my happy childhood days — helping my mom and grandmother set the table for family gatherings. Those moments sparked my passion for creating beautiful displays, and I discovered how food, when presented artfully, has the power to bring people together and create joy.
My company, Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie, goes beyond crafting beautiful grazing tables; it is a celebration of life, love, joy, and shared experiences — not only for our customers but for my family as well. My daughter, Catarina, shares my passion for crafting edible art and has joined me in creating these masterpieces at Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie. Each arrangement we design brings happiness, both to us as creators and to the tables of our customers. The heartwarming feedback from our clients confirms the impact we are making and often moves me to tears. We take pride in transforming everyday ingredients into vibrant works of art that inspire connection and make every gathering special.
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 hasn’t been a smooth road, and entrepreneurship rarely is. The culinary market is incredibly competitive, requiring constant innovation and strategic marketing to stand out. Building Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie has been both exciting and challenging. Managing all aspects of the business independently has meant navigating obstacles such as the high costs of advertising, securing booth rentals for bridal shows, maintaining the expenses of a commercial kitchen, and managing logistics for large orders. Balancing these demands has been a learning experience that has helped me grow both as a business owner and entrepreneur.
One of the most difficult aspects has been the advertising landscape — it’s vast and highly competitive. For now, I primarily focus on word of mouth to reach customers. While I’m grateful for every referral and recommendation, it requires patience and persistence to expand my reach organically in such a competitive industry.
We’ve been impressed with Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie creates exquisite charcuterie boards that combine the finest selection of cheeses, artisan meats, and gourmet accompaniments with stunning visuals. We’re known for our meticulous attention to detail and expertise in designing spreads that perfectly complement our clients’ themes and preferences. Our passion for uncompromising quality and elegant, innovative presentations ensures every gathering becomes a memorable culinary experience. We take immense pride in delivering food displays that not only captivate but also offer a delightful burst of flavor. At Cold Board, every board is thoughtfully arranged to make each event truly one of a kind.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Honestly, what has worked best for me is simply focusing on providing excellent service and showcasing the quality of our work. At Cold Board Gourmet Charcuterie, we pour our heart into every detail to ensure each event is truly one of a kind. We also leave business cards at events so guests can reach out after seeing and tasting our creations firsthand. This has been incredibly effective in growing my business because it allows our work to speak for itself and lets people experience our services in the best way—through their own events.
While I haven’t done much traditional networking or sought out mentorship, I do think those could be great ways to grow further in the future. Meeting others in the industry, learning from those with experience, and building relationships would probably open up even more opportunities. For now, I’m proud that word-of-mouth and the quality of our service drive our success.
Pricing:
- We offer a price range of $12 to $25 per guest, depending on the selection and size.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coldboardgourmet.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoardCharcuterie/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/authorelenanikitina
