I wanted to take a moment to share with you an incredible experience I had recently thanks to BWIE (Blk Women in Excellence). They put out a call to Black women business owners to participate in a roundtable discussion about our experiences in business, and I was thrilled to be selected as one of the contributors. Being a part of this series was a meaningful experience. It was an opportunity to connect with other women who were traveling a similar path, to share our struggles and successes, and to learn from each other's unique perspectives. I am continually grateful for the work that BWIE is doing in the community, particularly for Black women business owners. Tia, the founder of BWIE, is creating real change in the rooms that many of us aren't yet in, and asking the tough questions that spark meaningful conversations and move us forward. Whenever there's an opportunity to participate in an event or program with BWIE, I jump at the chance. I know that I will always come away feeling uplifted, motivated, and more equipped to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship.

In January 2023, I revealed an exciting new addition to our offering: mini charcuterie boxes. They made their debut at an incredible event hosted by Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia at Benjamin Bridge winery. These little boxes of goodness were an instant hit, and guests couldn't get enough of them! The response was so overwhelming that we knew we had to find a way to keep them on the menu. And that's exactly what we did - now, our mini charcuterie boxes have a permanent and well-deserved spot in our lineup. Whether you're new to Halifax Charcuterie or a loyal customer, these mini boxes are sure to delight your taste buds and make any occasion a little extra special.

At the start of 2023, I embarked on an exciting new journey - one that would help take my business to the next level. I decided to become a sommelier, with the goal of being able to offer my clients private wine tastings to elevate their already fantastic food experience. I dove into my studies with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, immersing myself in the world of wine and expanding my knowledge in a passionate pursuit of excellence. Now, as I near the completion of the first course, I feel more excited than ever to bring my clients a unique and unparalleled combination of delicious charcuterie and perfectly paired wines.

With Halifax Charcuterie, I’m always striving to provide the best possible experience to clients, and with building my expertise in wine, I’m sure to exceed their expectations.

In September 2022, I had an opportunity that I'll never forget - I was a finalist at BWIE's (Blk Women in Excellence) first annual pitch competition in Halifax, NS. The energy in the room was electric as I shared my passion for charcuterie with the audience and judges. Although the competition was fierce, I was thrilled and grateful to have made it to the finals. Little did I know, the experience was just getting started. What followed was a whirlwind of incredible opportunities and unexpected successes for Halifax Charcuterie.

That competition not only gave me a platform to showcase my passion and hard work, but it also opened doors that I never could have imagined. I’ve since had the privilege of working with amazing clients, and expanding our offerings. For me, the BWIE pitch competition was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

In June 2022, I received the kind of news that a new business owner dreams of - I had won the Shea Moisture Dream Fund grant! As a first-time grant applicant, I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I got the call that I was selected as a winner, I was over the moon. It wasn't just the funding that made winning so special, but the validation that came with it. Knowing that Shea Moisture saw potential in my vision for Halifax Charcuterie gave me a real boost of confidence, and it was exactly the kind of support I needed to take the next step in growing my business.

And, of course, the financial relief was incredibly helpful too - to have a grant that didn't have to be paid back was truly a relief. Thanks to this amazing opportunity, I was able to make important investments in my business, expand our product offerings, and reach more clients than ever before. Winning the Shea Moisture Dream Fund grant was a game-changer for Halifax Charcuterie, and I couldn't be more grateful for the experience.