Today we’d like to introduce you to Azeen Afshar.
Hi Azeen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for design, whether it was clothes, interior design, or baking. You name it! I’ve always loved putting my own twist on things. I grew up in a household of entrepreneurs since both of my parents started their own company from scratch and 40 years later, they are still successful. I always got to see the “behind the scenes” of their hard work, and as I got older, they started teaching me more about entrepreneurship. As long as I could remember, my parents would host their elegant gatherings with their friends each month. My mom would be in charge of the food. Days leading up to the party she would start preparing the dishes she was going to serve and in which dish-ware she was going to serve them. She would spend her time arranging the appetizer table, making sure everything flowed in order.
As I got older, I took more of an interest as I would help her, until eventually, she would let me design the whole appetizer table. Depending on the season, I would sit down and sketch what I would want to serve, including what kinds of foods to serve and in what dish to serve it in. Each party had a different theme of dish-ware, such as all-wood dishes, white dishes, as well as Michael Aram dishes. She knew she taught me well when her friends thought her appetizer tables were set up by a catering company. I slowly became fascinated with making charcuterie boards to serve each time for appetizer tables. I love picking different cheeses, fruits and nuts for each party. I love to work under pressure because it’s when I’m most creative. Fast forward to last year, January 2020, my sister got engaged and I co-hosted a bridal shower for her. As I was thinking about what should be served at the bridal shower, I wanted something unique. I always dreamed about making a grazing table for her.
So I sat down and sketched some ideas for multiple days and came up with what to put on the table. The guests were amazed on how I created this grazing table just 2 hours before and couldn’t believe how I did it on my own. Fast forward to August to fully being in Quarantine, my parents really pitched the idea to me to start “CharCUTEirie by Azeen” and that I have a unique eye for this sort of business and I shouldn’t let it go to waste. So I brainstormed some ideas on what I could do exactly and came up with my “Savory Boxes and Boards.” Everyone loves meat and cheese plates when they see it on a menu at a restaurant, so why not have one at the comfort in your own home?!? It’s a win-win. Everyone loves a good cheese board but they don’t always want to “make one,” so that’s where CharCUTEirie By Azeen comes into play, We want you to indulge in your own Savory Box/Boards.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was super nervous about launching. So many trial and error of what boxes to use, where to get my meats and cheese from and other things I didn’t even know about. But eventually, I started to piece everything together, nothing is ever perfect and I always learn new ways to improve. It’s been a great learning process. I have the best support from my family, friends and loved ones.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
CharCUTEirie By Azeen is a local business that I started this past August 2020. It’s a passion for designing meat and cheese boards that I turned into a business. I handcraft make Savory Boxes & Boards and Grazing Tables. You can pick and choose which cheese and meats you’d like in either small, medium or large boxes. Boards are also optional if requested. CharCUTEirie By Azeen does all the work for you, all you have to do a place the order. We let you indulge in your own Savory Box/Boards. These also make great gifts to friends, family, in-laws, co-workers, etc. You don’t have to always bring pizza to your friend’s house, you can always spice things up and bring a Savory Box! Each box is made fresh on the day of pick up or delivery. We kindly ask that your order be requested 48 hours in advance to ensure freshness and availability. Delivery is also an option, as well as local pick up. For now you can order through the Instagram handle “char_cute_irie and or email at charcuteirie@gmail.com. CharCUTEirie By Azeen will be launching a website in the near future alongside few other exciting features and additions. Stay tuned and be a part of this Char-ming experience!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned that safety first is a priority in order to protect my customers health. I wear gloves and a mask when preparing everything and make sure everything has been thoroughly washed before preparing my boxes. COVID or not, when dealing with food for my customers, their safety has always been top priority for CharCUTEirie By Azeen. COVID has only made things even more cautious which is great to keep things clean and safe. Also, I am constantly doing research on various ingredients that promote immune health that I could implement in my boxes while preserving the experience I offer to my clients.
Pricing:
- Small box : $50
- Medium box: &70
- Large box : $90
- Delivery local : $10
Contact Info:
- Email: charcuteirie@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/char_cute_irie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharcuteiriebyAzeen/
