Meet Mariana Campos | Latina Business Owner & Food Stylist

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

Hi Mariana, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“You have to be a romantic to invest yourself, your money, and your time in cheese.” -Anthony Bourdain

I first read this quote outside of The Cheese School in San Francisco. It made me laugh but I realized how true it was. I love cheese, have eaten it all my life, but I never imagined this particular product would turn into a successful business for me. I really threw all caution out the window and went all in on this venture and so far it is paying off.

I am a hopeless romantic. My husband always says my head is in the clouds. I spend my nights building charcuterie boards while playing romantic comedies on my laptop over and over. I am pretty sure I know the entire script of The Holiday and Meryl Streep’s It’s Complicated by now. Anyone that knows me knows I love making special memories. I enjoy making food stylish and artistic, but also making home a pleasant place to be and creating beautiful moments in the everyday.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Mariana Campos. I am the owner of Grazefull & Cured Charcuterie. My business specializes in creating edible works of art for a variety of events and occasions. I offer cones, cups, boxes, boards, grazing tables, and catering services.

This business was born out of a love for food, entertaining and creating beauty in daily life. I enjoy expressing myself creatively through food and my goal is to wow my customers with my creations. There is nothing like receiving a text from a customer about how amazed her guests were at the beautiful charcuterie spread I provided. I started this business thinking it would just be a side gig but it has morphed into something else. It is now not only a creative outlet for me but something that gets me excited for the future. I can’t wait to watch it grow.

Grazefull & Cured aims to elevate your experience by providing a luxurious feel to your special occasion. Hours an hours of preparation and love go into making each and every item, from the smallest charcuterie cone to our grazing spreads. The best part is everything is fully customizable. The experience can be nut free, gluten-free, plant, based, brunch themed, and so many more. There is something for each person, which I think is the biggest appeal most. Charcuterie includes an extensive list of possibilities, one where there is room for everyone.

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 love this question! There is such a fun variety of things to in metro Atlanta and Peachtree City. If I wanted to show someone a glimpse of the best day, it would start off by having breakfast at Murphy’s over in Virginia Highlands. Then we would head over to Piedmont park and the Atlanta Beltine for a lovely walk and some shopping. The day would also include a visit to the National history Museum of Art and a stop at Buford Highway for lunch. This would require some thought since there are so many delicious ethnic restaurants there, its hard to choose just one!

On another day, we could drive down to Peachtree City and feel like we are in a lake vacation spot. We can explore the 100+miles of trails in a golf cart and stop for ice cream at one of the local shops or for a cup of coffee at Rooted cafe, one of my favorites. We can kayak out to Lake Peachtree just in time for Sunset and later stop for a beer at Line Creek Brewery. You can have a picnic at Drake field and enjoy the breathtaking view of the lake, or enjoy live music because there is always some kind of event or festival happening on the weekends. Stop by the Saturday PTC Market from 9-1pm for some local produce, fresh flowers, local honey, crafts, artisan products and a variety of other vendors.

Some light hiking with the littles can be done at Line Creek Nature Preserve. Another fun spot is the Town of Trillith in Fayetteville. There are some cute shops and yummy restaurants along with a splash pad and some fun green space for kids. Downtown Fayetteville and Triumph station are a must see. You can sit on the patio sipping a drink while watching your kids play in the awesome new playground and splash park. Then walk over to Awkward brewery for one of their delicious creations and sit by their firepit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an amazing support system and my little village is my driving force. A huge shoutout goes to Christian Rosas. My sweet husband who is always willing to step in to help with anything I need, even after a long work day. He is my right hand and biggest cheerleader. He is always there by making deliveries, rolling up salami roses, and taking the kids on weekends so I can work and sometimes get some much needed rest. I could not run this business without his love and support. Thank you Amor.

Another big shoutout to my sister Alexandra, my mother Eloisa, my mother in law Viki and to the rest of the clan who help care for my little ones giving me the flexibility to work and run around catering events. I am blessed to be surrounded by strong women. Some are friends or mentors with their own businesses who also successfully juggle family life and business. From them, I am learning about the importance of a work life balance and how taking care of yourself and allowing for that growth leads to success. I am forever grateful to my girlfriends who encourage me daily and who are always there to lend a helping hand. They are up for printing aprons late at night or helping me sell charcuterie boxes at outdoor events. To the local business owners who support me and who are always promoting me and telling all their friends about Grazefull & Cured. I could not do this without every single one of them. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.

And Lastly but definitely not least, a shoutout goes to my two heartbeats. To Santi and Enzo, my two boys. Thank you for loving me as you do and for giving me a reason to do my best for you. I love you both to infinity and beyond.

Website: www.grazefullandcured.com

Instagram: @grazefullandcured

Facebook: @grazefullandcured

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Mariana Campos Personal Photo Credit: Sue Memmer (Customer)