We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlie Kerbel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlie, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The harder I work the luckier I get.” I am a firm believer in making your own luck in this world. The harder I work at my business, the more “luck” I make for myself. I have put a lot of time and effort into building this company and it has rewarded me in more ways than I thought possible. It is hard work, but I always make sure to remind myself of how fortunate I am to be able to do something that I really love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love food and I love giving gifts. I love to create a beautiful presentation. Whether it’s when I am entertaining or giving a gift. I am a clothing designer for children’s apparel in my day job. Having three children of my own, as well as engaging with kids and their moms in my day job, I often used to hear moms talking about the lack of party boxes and fun food options available. Many opportunities are often found when you identify a problem or gap in the market. I took advantage of this and used my experience in the creative world to develop a product that kids and their moms love. We started developing a number of kids candy boxes, which can also be personalized and customized. These have evolved to all ages now, as the boxes can also be used as gifts to convey any message in a fun, delicious and creative way. I had so much to learn especially because I was pivoting into a completely different industry. As important as the creative part is, so is the manufacturing part. I had a lot to learn about food, wastage, ordering and also how to be a great photographer and videographer. The COVID pandemic and lockdown restrictions also didn’t help when it came to suppliers and stock. Social media was also completely new to me, as well as learning about production and customer service. I had to learn all of these things in order to have a successful business while juggling looking after my home and kids, as well as my day job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On their first day, I’d like to let call it a “Settle in day”

I would start out at Alfred’s tea on Melrose, definitely get the “Coco shells tea” 10/10
We’d then shop the stores especially check out the Golden Goose store

Walk down to the new Glossier store and take some selfies
For lunch we’d head over to Zinque and have Ahi Tuna poke bowl and drink a glass of wine
Then take a walk down Robertson Blvd.
We’d end the night with drinks at Catch and finish off with dinner at Cecconis
Best day ever!

Second day “Treat yo self day” 

Start out at Alfred’s coffee Beverly Hills. – Obviously
We’d then walk down Rodeo Drive and then head to Nieman Marcus
Have lunch at Urth café on S Beverly Drive, get an African Tea latte! So good!
Then enjoy a relaxing foot massage at Boa on Beverly Blvd – lots of walking need to refresh

Jewelry shopping at XIV Karats Beverly Blvd – “Treat yo self”
Finish off with dinner at South Beverly Grill – Ahi tuna salad and spinach dip is a must!

Wednesday “Schlep day “

Early start 6am head Downtown to the flower market, be inspired and take some incredible photos
Then head to Santee Alley to check out some cool clothing stores

Go to Crystal Peggy’s and buy some fabulous costume jewelry
Head to Grand Central Market and pick up a sandwich at Eggslut
Drinks, chips and guac at the rooftop at the Ace hotel
End off with Dinner at Girl and the Goat

Thursday – “Beach day”

Pick up a Coffee at intelligentsia in Venice
Stroll through Abbot Kinney stores – Shop at Principessa
Get a smoothie at Kreation Kafé
Then have lunch at the Butcher’s Daughter
Head to Muscle beach try do the rings… Impossible but give it a try!
Relax, unwind and chill on the beach
Gelinas for dinner
End the night with desert at Salt and Straw

Friday: “Get some steps in”

Wake up early pick up a smoothie at Body Energy club in West Hollywood – recommend the junior mint!
Hike up Runyon Canyon – take some pictures .. post some pictures!
Head to Melrose and walk through the stores and head to Fairfax
Walk down to the Grove, shop and have lunch at the Farmers Market
Walk to Third street, eat the best cup cake ever at Magnolia
End the night with sushi dinner at Izakaya

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes,  my amazing friend and partner Trish Healy from Wondertent Parties.  She has been such a huge support and deserves to be recognized!

Website: www.menugrazing.com

Instagram: me.n.u_grazing_la

Other: Tiktok me.n.u.grazing.la

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