Second Chances, Strong Roots, and Edible Art: The Story Behind Charcuterie Etc.
For Kristen Stemmler, food has always meant more than something to eat. It’s connection, creativity, culture, and comfort — a love language expressed through carefully curated charcuterie boards and edible art displays. Kristen is the owner of Charcuterie Etc., a business that began unexpectedly during the summer of 2020 and has since grown into something far bigger than she ever imagined. “In August of 2020 my mom and I wanted to gift friends that we were not able to visit,” Kristen explains. “I had seen this new charcuterie box trend, so I reached out to a couple businesses, but they wouldn’t service Brantford. So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll make them myself.’” What started as thoughtful birthday and engagement gifts quickly gained attention online after Kristen created an Instagram page to showcase her work. Orders began pouring in almost immediately. But success came with challenges. “After about a month, I was approached by the city and told I needed a licence and a health-certified...