Charcuterie is a smorgasbord of cheeses, fruits, and cured meats that has taken the world by storm one Instagram post at a time. With its wide array of flavor profiles and picturesque organization, is it any wonder as to why? In a time where socially-distanced picnics are in full swing, Charcuterie by Lo sets out to make your favorite platters mobile with charcuterie boxes.  

  The powerhouse behind the business is Lois Ogunjobi, a CSU Bakersfield Alum who was looking for a creative outlet while working from home. After following other creators for years, she finally put her passion for cooking and eye for design to the ultimate test.  

  Although the business is relatively new to Ogunjobi, her customers already notice her keen sense of style and creative direction.  

 “She is knowledgeable enough to be able to help create a box that has super complimentary flavor profiles for someone who is new to charcuterie, and also has an expansive menu and flexibility that grants a seasoned charcuterie connoisseur the freedom to create magic flavor combos of their own. On top of that, the presentation is top-tier and customizable from box-to-box,” Caitlin Wheelan, a CSUB student and avid customer, said. 

  Ogunjobi notes that the key to success with charcuterie is in the details. For Ogunjobi that means colorful ingredients that reflect the season and simplistic packaging that fits the occasion.  

   “The bulk of it (the board) is about the aesthetic and how the look of the food adds to an occasion. I love when people say ‘oh that’s a really unique, cute design’. I also try to make the box match the occasion; for Valentine’s Day, I’m making salami roses and cutting the cheeses into little hearts,” Ogunjobi said. 

  While the day-to-day of being a small business owner can mean long days and late nights, Ogunjobi reflects on the experience saying that it allows her to create food for others to enjoy with their loved ones.  

  “I think people tend to think that having a small business or doing something on the side is easy and it definitely isn’t. As someone who loves to cook, being in the kitchen is one of the most exhausting things ever but it’s my favorite part of the business,” Ogunjobi said.  

  Her advice for other small business owners is to create an inclusive environment for all potential customers.  

  “Do your best to diversify your clientele and then showcase that diversity on your business pages because it definitely helps people who are looking to see what services and products you can offer them,” said Ogunjobi.