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

Hi Karla, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
During the pandemic I found myself falling in love with cooking and creating new dishes once again. Cha Cha Cuterie Board was discovered one afternoon during a patio wine and cheese brainstorming session with friends… I’m of Latin and Croatian heritage, and this has influenced my love of food and wine, seasoning, and life. “The name Cha Cha is like an alter ego for me. I am a very spunky, fun-loving person, who enjoys listening and dancing to Latin music. Each board I create is inspirated by food, wine, and seasoning that I have experience and enjoyed throughout my travels across the world. I am also inspired by my mother who is one of the most talented and creative culinary curators I know.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a native Angeleno who has a background in marketing, recruiting and passion for interior design. So, it’s been a completely wonderful and transformative experience to take my skillsets from previous careers and create something that has been embraced and supported in such as phenomenal way. I have curated boards for all occasions including weddings, celebrations of life, birthdays, family events, holidays, or just because (think picnic on the beach).

You asked, “was it easy”? I am still growing my business and learning from my mistakes and my accomplishments. You never stop learning, everyday something new will happen or obstacle that will challenge you, that you need to conquer and learn.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Well, this is a normal thing for me, as family and friends are always visiting us from Croatia and El Salvador and they always call me. We will visit downtown LA to the old areas like Olivera Street, Union Station, Walt Disney Concert Hall, lunch at Grand Central Market and cocktails at Biltmore Hotel. Then maybe a weekend in Paso Robles or a drive down to Temecula to taste the wines of California. Driving the 101 is a must trip to do or taking a train to Santa Barbara and of course more wine. Then of course, trying out some California cuisine and Latin cuisine. Then if we have time some touristy things like Beverly Hills, Hollywood blah blah blah. But have to take them to the famous Farmers Market or Frankie’s then cocktails at Craig’s and Dan Tana’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My mother Gladys Marina Tomas, who is one of the most talented and creative culinary curators I know. She came to this country with nothing and today she and my father has created a beautiful living for their family. THEY HAVE BUILD THE AMERIRCAN DREAM!

Website: www.chachacuterie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chachacuterieboard/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cha-cha-cuterie-board-37b3ab22a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073327179553

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cha-cha-cuterie-board-long-beach

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.