Meet Vivian Smith | Charcuterie and Food Stylist

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

Hi Vivian, what are you inspired by?

I am inspired by creativity and color. From a simple flower arrangement to a new cheese for sale in my local grocery store. Every little thing gives me new inspiration and ideas to incorporate into my boards and grazing tables.

I subscribe to the idea that everything can be art depending on your perception. Even some of the ugliest things can be turned into something beautiful. And with everything being art, I use this to help guide me to think outside of the box when it comes to my business.

My motto has been, “Everything is charcuterie!” because I don’t just think of charcuterie as a cut of meat, I think of it as a way to serve and style all types foods. This way of thinking has led me to create some of my most creative boards from a “seacuterie” board (seafood), to a “tacuterie” board (tacos). It’s always about creativity.

Anything I can get may hands on will ultimately be turned into a charcuterie work of art.

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

What sets me apart from others is my ability to think outside the box when it comes to presentation. I pride myself on finding new ideas on how to style food, and then executing that idea times 10 in order to bring a wow factor that my clients love.

I am most proud of my ability to take a clients ideas and elevate it, all while remaining on budget. In many cases that calls for me to have to rethink an idea or try my had in a few DIY projects, but it always leaves the client amazed at what I was able to create for them.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy by a long shot. I had many challenges both personal and professionally these past few years, but I can honestly say that my faith in God has carried me though. His grace has been sufficient and has carried me through all the obstacles I have had to face. I’d be remiss in giving Him the biggest shout out of all….Thank you God!

The lessons I’ve learned along the way is whatever your dream is, even if it seems too big to come true, do it. Do it afraid. Do it with tears in your eyes. Do it while balancing parenthood and a 9 to 5….just do it. God will carry you through the rest.

If I could tell the world anything about me and my brand it would be that I take pride in my work, and I have an extreme passion for the charcuterie styling of all foods. My brand is being built on the idea that everything can be charcuterie, and this is just the beginning!

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

If my best friend was visiting Atlanta and I wanted to show them a good time, I would first take them to Downtown Atlanta. My most favorite thing to do in a new city or if it’s my friend’s first time being in the city, is to take them to the surrounding historical sites. Places like Auburn Ave to see where Martin Luter King grew up to the High Museum of Art where they host first Friday’s where you can listen to music and have a drink all while enjoying the newest art exhibits.

As far as food, I am definitely going to take best friend to all the mom-and-pop shops first, because let’s face it, they always have the best food.
For drinks, we are going to swing by Atlantic Station and stop by Rose’ Bistro and Champagne Bar followed by a drink down 285 West at The Battery for games and drinks at Punch Bowl Social.

We would round out the stay with Sunday Brunch at Milk and Honey on Cascade Road or Gritz Brunch Bar in Downtown Douglasville. Either place would be a great way to end their visit to Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I could send a “thank you” a million times, it would be to my family. My village has been one of the major keys to my success. From my mother and sisters watching my daughter while I’m on the set of content shoots, to the times when they could see that I was feeling overwhelmed and offered help before I even had to ask. As a single working mother and entrepreneur, having an active family that is nearby has been my lifesaver and has ultimately been key in allowing me to live out my dreams.

To my village…this shout out is for you!

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