Nedine is the owner and founder of Grate Expectations, the first custom graze business in the Capital Region. Nedine has always had a love for hosting and entertaining and decided to pursue her passion for making cheese and charcuterie boards as a side hustle in November 2019. Being a new business owner, with very few resources for a niche market, Nedine decided to build a network of "grazers" (called The Cheese Chicks) from across the country to work through challenges and share ideas; which became critically important once COVID-19 hit. Together, they have amassed a following of over 30k and secured sponsored brand deals. In late 2020, she lost her job and is now pursuing Grate Expectations full time.

What We Talked About:

• That drunken best friend conversation

• The trend of charcuterie boards

-When you tell yourself to take a risk

• Helping people achieve their goals

• If they can do it...Why can't it?

• Finding your spark deep down inside

• Calling yourself an expert

• Using your friends to experiment

• The 'use the test to take the test' method

• Still looking for convenience during covid

• Building a community

• When the side hustle is no longer just a side hustle

• All you hats you wear being a business of 1

• Learning to balance

• Why having a mentor is so important

• Getting comfortable with making decisions

• Food that brings you back

Resources:

www.grate-expectations.com

Instagram: grate.expectations.ny

The Cheese Chicks: @the.cheese.chicks

Valentine's Graze Boxes: $65 & Newly launched virtual build your own (BYO) cheeseboard workshops. I will be offering one on Valentine's Day as a special couples activity.

PROMO: Use code LIONS214 to get an extra jar of jam with your graze box, or $5 off your virtual workshop registration fee.

To take advantage of this promotion visit Grate-expectations.com!