Meet Whitney Neal | Charcuterie Curator, Wedding Planner, & Hospitality Sales Executive

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

Hi Whitney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought of Graze & Raise actually started at my 30th Birthday Party. I didn’t want a full meal, but something delicious, beautiful, and perfect to pair with champagne, wine, or cocktails/mocktails. I found a couple of vintage wood platters from my grandmother, and my friend / co-owner and I got to work! Graze & Raise was born that day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Graze & Raise is all about enjoying the big (and little) moments in life. We actually launched this business in November 2019, celebrating the 30th birthday of a dear friend (and our first customer…shoutout to Mae!), but as we all know the pandemmy hit and flipped our lives upside down. While we could have opted to close business until life picked back up, we looked into the safest ways possible to share little bits of joy with people while we were all based in our homes. We ultimately ended up delivering nearly 300 boxes that year, and seeing the light in people’s eyes through their windows, or being a small part in them being able to celebrate their quarantine/micro-wedding with a delicious bite to eat, was everything! In 2021 and 2022, the charcuterie market became significantly more saturated, so business wasn’t easy, but we truly focused on the fact that we’re more than just a cheeseboard – we have a variety of boxed options, boards, grazing stations, sandwiches, salads, fruit & veggie only options, with specially curated cheeses, salami, jams, and herbs, and of course, our signature bubbly walls! We’ve learned to adapt and to be true to our brand, despite the temporary trends. We also lean heavily into my wedding planning background and Jessica’s design background, to showcase stunning displays that actually feed your guests. Our story is really just that we’re us – lovers or cheese, salami, a great party, and a delicious glass of wine/champagne.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them everywhere! From the South Bay to LA. I’d love to stop at the beach, pop into Phanny’s in Redondo for a breakfast burrito and lavender latte. Head over to fitculture pilates for a class in the afternoon, and ead to dinner at Decadence in Hermosa. Another day, I’d want to dive into Downtown Long Beach – grab an iced dirty chai at Qargo, walk around and forge rings at Helbent Silversmith, stop by the Mola, pop in to the Courtyard Downtown Long Beach for Top Golf, a pasta cooking class with Pasta Mark, and end with dinner at Padre, then drinks at The Blind Donkey, the Wicked Wolf, or Risu. If heading into mid-city, I’d stop at Hilltop, head to Venice to check out the Mosaic Tile House, shop in Santa Monica, and have dinner locally. We’d have to have a typical tourist day, including the Grove and tour/sightseeing, then go to the Getty. I’d also plan a private dinner with an incredible meal by Crafted by 213, for an amazing night in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My village deserves the biggest shoutout! I’m blessed to be surrounded by the most incredible, smart, strong, talented, motivational, and beautiful group of women. They not only always support me, but they challenge me to be my best self in whatever way that needs focus. They’ve been there for me through all of life’s ebbs and flows…I am fully aware of how rare it is to have one person like this, let alone a village, but I am beyond grateful for the women in my life.

Website: www.GrazeandRaise.com

Instagram: @GrazeandRaise

Facebook: @GrazeandRaise

Image Credits
Personal Photo: @pov.of.chris (Instagram) 8 photos are all by me