Conversations with Makina Nickel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makina Nickel.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I have always been passionate about charcuterie, and any excuse to make a board for family gatherings and events was good enough for me. One night, I was planning a charcuterie board for a family event and told my husband I wanted to start a charcuterie business. After we sat down and discussed the idea, we implemented our plan to make it happen. In a short amount of time, we were officially an established business. It is still hard to believe, given my husband and I had no background knowledge of the logistics, dedication, and determination it takes to establish a small business. As a mom, wife, and full-time military member, I love our new life of incorporating all things charcuterie. Watching our customers and their loved ones gather over charcuterie is why we continue to do what we do.

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?
Establishing our small charcuterie business, we faced many obstacles and challenges. Creating our businesses name was our first obstacle and our most impactful one. Once establishing Lets Brie Friends as our official title, the biggest challenge my husband and I encountered was what legal processes we had to take. With no knowledge or how-to guide, we had to find out independently. When completing our financial and legal processes behind Lets Brie Friends, we know that our business is protected, and our family is also.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am in the US Air Force stationed here in Arizona. I am most proud that no matter what goals I set for myself, I do anything in my power to exceed those goals. Not only does that help me strive for my personal and professional goals, and helped us establish Lets Brie Friends. After establishing a charcuterie business, I have worked hard to balance my mom’s life, being a wife, being an airman, and now owning a charcuterie business. Balancing all aspects is not easy in some moments, but in the grand scheme of things, I love every moment and would not have it any other way.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
We have learned many humbling lessons along the way. The most impactful and memorable lesson is that Rome wasn’t built in one night. We have high expectations and goals for ourselves and our new small business, which is why this lesson has been learned. Giving ourselves grace and patience allows us to reach our goals over time while still being successful.

Pricing:

• Charcuterie Cups 7
• Grazing table 13-16/pp
• Charcuterie Trays 75-100
• Charcuterie Boards 60-133

Contact Info:

• Website: letsbriefriendsaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsbriefriendsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Letsbriefriendsllc