Meet Melissa Rodriguez | CEO & Founder

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

Hi Melissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I embarked on the journey of creating Curated Spread with the heartfelt desire to establish a sustainable livelihood for myself and my family while embracing my creativity. I wanted to challenge the notion that work must simply be a means to a paycheck and show that it’s possible to genuinely love what you do every day. My cultural background is rich with vibrant food and color, which truly distinguishes my charcuterie boards from others.

After working my way up the corporate ladder in the legal field without a degree, I faced an unexpected setback when I was furloughed due to the pandemic. Like many others, I found myself at a crossroads and decided to take a leap of faith in starting my small business. With the unwavering support of my friends, family, and community, Curated Spread blossomed in 2020. I didn’t have a strict plan; I just followed my passion and went for it wholeheartedly.

My venture began with a single offering, the “Date Night” charcuterie box, and has since evolved into a diverse range of pre-made menu items and catering services. On my very first weekend, the overwhelming support from my friends led to selling out my Date Night. Their enthusiasm spread like wildfire, and before I knew it, I was curating 60 date night boxes on a Saturday morning. It was a whirlwind of joy—I lost myself in the process, crafting edible art and infusing each creation with love and passion.

As I stood amidst the joy of sharing my creations, I began to envision a future where I could do this every day, surrounded by my family, working together as a team. Each moment has been a reminder of the beauty of following one’s heart and the power of community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Curated Spread has truly been a challenging yet rewarding journey. It all began with the anxiety of making ends meet, which gradually evolved into the pursuit of a sustainable livelihood doing what I love every single day. Although the path has been tough, I stand strong and committed to this vision.

Curated Spread was born from a desire to add a whimsical touch to traditional charcuterie, and we’ve since grown to offer a complete range of appetizer catering. What genuinely distinguishes Curated Spread is our steadfast commitment to Quality over Quantity. We work diligently to source only the finest ingredients, believing deeply in supporting local farmers and artisans. Each grazing board and catering service is crafted with care, reflecting our passion and dedication.

The success of Curated Spread is a testament to embracing the idea that slow and steady wins the race. We aspire to gather people together through our creativity and shared experiences. My partner and best friend, Junior, has played a significant role in this journey. With years of expertise in the culinary field and a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, he transitioned from being a sous chef at a prestigious restaurant to supporting my dreams. Together, we’ve combined our strengths and visions to elevate Curated Spread to where it is today.

Through countless trials and valuable lessons, we have redefined the concept of appetizers. Achieving a 5-star rating and building a strong organic reputation has taught me the importance of never comparing my journey to anyone else’s. Authenticity, kindness, and humility are paramount. We strive to lend a helping hand and create a welcoming environment for everyone entering the culinary industry. There’s enough sunshine for all of us, and after five years, Curated Spread is just getting started. We have exciting plans and even bigger goals ahead, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I have so many proud moments that it’s truly difficult to choose just one. However, there are a few experiences that stand out and hold a special place in my heart. Catering grazing tables for incredible talents like Lana Del Rey, Guillermo Del Toro, Raini Rodriguez, George Clinton, and Rico Rodriguez was not only a professional highlight, but a personal one as well. I’ll always cherish the memory of personally delivering delicious creations to wonderful people like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, Jessica Marie Garcia, Cierra Ramirez, Meegan Hodges, and Slash.

Another moment that means so much to me was being featured with Fierce By Mitu and being invited to Fox Studios to lead a panel on female entrepreneurship. Sharing my journey and how I hope to inspire young women in business was an honor that deeply resonated with me. Each of these moments has filled me with pride and joy, especially knowing how much they warmed my mother’s heart. She raised me as a single mother, and every achievement feels like a tribute to her unwavering support and love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a true Angeleno, raised in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, I would share the hidden gems of this city that mean so much to me. Rather than the typical tourist spots like the Hollywood Sign or Rodeo Drive, I would invite my loved ones to experience the rich culture and warmth of Los Angeles that I cherish.

We’d start our journey at Placita Olvera, where they can savor the most delicious taquitos fritos and indulge in the heavenly churros rellenos that always remind me of home. Then, I would take them to Eaton Canyon, Sunken City, or Palos Verdes, where nature’s beauty unveils a side of L.A. that is simply breathtaking.

As night falls, Echo Park becomes a magical escape, providing a real sense of what life in Los Angeles is truly like. The city is renowned for its incredible food scene, and I would love for them to experience the heartwarming flavors of East Los Angeles. It all starts at Liliana’s Tamales, where we can enjoy comforting, traditional dishes. For a modern twist on Mexican cuisine, Hecho en Mexico would be the perfect spot.

This heartfelt two-day itinerary would barely scratch the surface of everything this city has to offer, but I would be thrilled to share even a glimpse of the Los Angeles I love so deeply.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where do I even begin? My success is deeply rooted in the love and support of my family, especially my parents, as well as the incredible community that has both welcomed and uplifted me. I am profoundly grateful to the amazing celebrities, influencers, and fellow small business owners who have been by my side on this journey.

Curated Spread stands as a testament to my parents’ teachings about hard work and humility. I can’t express enough gratitude to wonderful celebrities like Cierra Ramirez, Raini Rodriguez and her beautiful family, Meegan Hodges, and her precious daughter Lucy Bleu, who was taken far too soon. I also want to recognize influencers like Brittney Au and Jenny4romtheblock, along with so many talented small business friends such as Aimee from tysm, Jenn from Shareable Boards, Ainsley from La Tableta Boards, and Kim from Hotville Chicken, who has always been a motherly figure and mentor and lastly my good friend Vanessa who owns Raspado Express who truly put me on the right path to success.

All of my achievements are a reflection of these extraordinary people who have shaped Curated Spread into what it is today. Their generosity and belief in the idea of Community over Competition have meant the world to me. The celebrities and influencers who have not only supported me by ordering from me but also featured and promoted my work, all while welcoming me into their lives and homes without expecting anything in return, have truly touched my heart. I am endlessly grateful for their kindness and support.

Website: https://www.curatedspread.com

Instagram: @curatedspread

Twitter: @curatedspread

Facebook: @curatedspread

Yelp: Curated Spread

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