Olive Charcuterie: Army wife turns hobby into thriving small business
By RACHEL STRICKLAND | Photos courtesy of BIANCA BOWEN
There are a few key elements to making any event or party a success, but arguably one of the most important is offering good food. Just about everyone will agree that any party, wedding, or corporate event is better with a smorgasbord of food to snack on.
Charcuterie boards seem to have grown in popularity in the last few years, and they are the perfect mixture of an aesthetic arrangement and yummy snack food that is sure to enhance any type of event. While charcuterie boards are easy enough to make, having a one that is beautifully assembled at your event is unmatched. Enter Olive Charcuterie, a small catering company based in Killeen that offers charcuterie boards and grazing tables that are truly works of art.
Bianca Bowen, owner and creator of Olive Charcuterie, wears many hats for her small business: she is the marketer, photographer, videographer, shopper, artist and delivery person. Bowen says that while she had the vision for the business, she gives some of the credit to her husband. “He has always believed in me and wanted me to do something that I was passionate about,” she says.
“He’s also made a couple of deliveries for me,” she adds, laughing. The unique name of Bowen’s small business comes from her husband’s love of olives and her love of charcuterie. As a bonus, the name sounds like “I love charcuterie.”
Bowen started Olive Charcuterie in March 2022 after a backyard picnic with her husband lead to a discussion about their plans for the future.
Bowen’s husband is in the military, and she wanted to bring in some extra income by doing something that she enjoyed, while being able to set her own schedule so that she could be there for her kids. Creating charcuterie boards had been a hobby of hers for a while, so that seemed like a no-brainer for her new gig.
“My husband and I love to entertain and drink wine, and what better appetizer to make than a charcuterie board?” she says. “My friends and family always told me I needed to make a business out of it. The only regret I have is not taking the leap and starting sooner.” She finally decided to take the plunge and posted some photos of a few boards that she’d made on a local for-sale Facebook page, just to see if there was any interest. Business has been nonstop since then, she says.
Bowen specializes in an assortment of charcuterie boards, boxes, cups and letters, as well as grazing tables for parties of 25 or more. She says she also can customize the boards for clients, including dietary restrictions. “The possibilities are almost endless,” she says.
Olive Charcuterie is unique because every order is made personally for each client. Bowen says that if an order is for a special occasion, she does her best to go above and beyond to show her appreciation for her client’s business. “I like to make my charcuterie boards an experience you haven’t had before and want to keep coming back for more,” she says.
Most of Bowen’s orders come through her business page on Facebook, but she also accepts orders via text or email. Since starting Olive Charcuterie, she began marketing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. “Sometimes I feel like I’m in my 60s trying to learn all the new trends and best way to advertise my business,” she says jokingly. She adds that creating charcuterie boards is an art form, and one of her favorite parts about what she does is when her clients put their trust in her and tell her to do her thing.
“Everyone has shown so much support by visiting my social media platforms, recommending my business, and, of course, placing orders,” she says. “I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me and watched me grow this year. I had no idea that I would be where I am today so quickly.”
TO PLACE AN ORDER
Text 573-452-3148 or email olivecharcuterie22@gmail.com.
Find and follow Olive Charcuterie on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
