We had the good fortune of connecting with Angineh Meserkhani and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angineh, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The concept of launching the business wasn’t groundbreaking; however, it took some time to transition it from a hobby to an official business. My mother served as the driving force behind this venture. While she had been catering events for family and friends upon request for years, the idea to turn it into a business emerged during the pandemic when we found ourselves with extra time on our hands. Transforming thoughts into actions and making it a reality rather than just an idea was the challenging part, as the uncertainty of its success loomed. After conducting research and exploring similar business models, my mother and I mustered the courage to procure materials and brainstorm our offerings. Starting with cheese and charcuterie for pick-up or delivery for any occasion, we cautiously tested the waters to gauge customer response. Taking this risk was intimidating, yet it paved the way for our journey. Today, our business has evolved beyond cheese and charcuterie to encompass a wide range of catered food options for various events.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The work we undertake is demanding, requires extensive hours and behind-the-scenes effort that might go unnoticed until the final presentation. Despite the challenges, it’s a rewarding and creative process. Ensuring the quality of our food is our top priority, as we aim to provide our clients with exceptional service that keeps them coming back. What distinguishes us from similar businesses is our dedication to understanding and fulfilling our customers’ needs. We meticulously plan every aspect of their event, from the setup they prefer to the event’s color scheme or theme, offering customized options for a unique experience. While challenges are inevitable, we always find ways to overcome obstacles and excel. One significant challenge we encounter is staying relevant and engaging in the realm of social media. Balancing authenticity with current trends is a struggle many creatives face. We strive to remain true to ourselves by consistently delivering high-quality, delectable food and stunning table setups. Competing with similar businesses without direct competition is another hurdle we navigate. Acquiring customers is one thing, but retaining their loyalty is another. Establishing genuine connections with customers and showcasing a great personality are key elements for a successful business in any industry. Recently, a customer’s husband mentioned that my personality stood out during a phone conversation, leading them to choose us for their son’s graduation event. This feedback highlights the gratifying aspect of our work – not just the admiration for our creations but also the warmth and satisfaction our clients feel. We want everyone to know that we continuously strive to be innovative and surprise our clients with unforgettable events.
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.
When my closest friend visits Los Angeles, the possibilities are limitless. To begin, I would introduce them to the hidden gems of my own city, Glendale. If there is a concert happening at the Hollywood bowl that would be another good spot to go and of course we would take our own wine and cheese board; Then, we would explore a couple of museums before heading to the beach, concluding the evening with a bonfire by the shore. Being a coffee enthusiast, a tour of all the local coffee shops in the city and neighboring areas is an essential part of the itinerary.
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?
The work I have accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without my mother’s support. She is the driving force behind all of my achievements, and I am truly grateful for her. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to our friends and family who have supported us since the beginning with their orders, referrals, recommendations, Instagram shoutouts, and the people we’ve encountered over the years who have contributed to our current success. We look forward to serving you all for many more years to come.
Instagram: briehappyboards
Image Credits
All photos have been taken by me Angineh.