Small Business Spotlight: Cheese Louise DSM
Meet Lizzy Hager, AKA Lizagna, owner of Cheese Louise DSM, your new BFF for all of your charcuterie needs! Lizzy creates custom charcuterie spreads for every occasion, even if there isn't one!
She is big on supporting locals and sources a lot of her offerings from local growers, farmers' markets, and artisan shops!
Lizzy currently resides in central Iowa with her fiance and fur babies! She's also full of CHEESY puns!
Check out the Q&A with her below to learn more about Lizzy, her business, and how you can order your spread!
LLF: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
CL: My name is Lizzy (AKA Lizagna)! I have always been a charcuterie lover, but once I started making them for myself and friends and family, I realized how much I love pairing different flavor profiles and basically creating art every time I make a new board. Each bite and spread is unique in its own way! Catering weddings, showers, parties, & work events are my JAM, and I also offer holiday spreads & smaller spreads for any occasion, even if there isn’t one!
LLF: How did you start your business?
CL: My fiancé, friends, and family were so supportive and really encouraged me to take the leap on becoming “Cheese Louise”. What started as something so small has led me to so many amazing people and opportunities, and I am so thankful to grow in this amazing community!
LLF: What is your most popular board?
CL: Brunch boards are always a hit! My cocktail hour table spreads also make the perfect addition to any big event and is sure to give that wow factor!
LLF: How do you balance running a business and having time for things you enjoy like travel?
CL: Travel is so important, especially for inspiration! Being a one-woman show, I always let my customers know in advance if/ when I will be out of the office for a period of time and steer them in the direction of another local vendor if they are available!
LLF: What is your favorite part about having your own business?
CL: Meeting and creating new relationships with individuals I may have never come across if it wasn’t for cheese Louise!
LLF: How do you find inspiration for your spreads?
CL: I have found that there is inspiration everywhere you go if you are looking! I love utilizing local/ seasonal items, so farmers market + small shops here in DSM are some of my favorite places to shop for new products! I also love following other charcuterie businesses around the world to see what they are doing to keep things new/fresh/exciting!
LLF: What is something you wish your customers knew?
CL: How much I truly appreciate them. Without them, there would be no Cheese Louise!
LLF: What is the best advice you've gotten as a small business owner?
CL: To be proud of how far you have come while working towards where you want to be. And not to compare yourself to anyone but you 💕
LLF: Top 3 favorite small businesses?
women-owned businesses that I am obsessed with at the moment, but I love and support small and local any time I can!
LLF: Why do you think it's important to support other small businesses?
CL: When supporting a small business, you are also contributing to someone in your communities, family, and livelihood. A little support and word of mouth can go such a long way, even if it is just a like/comment/ or share on the internet!
LLF: If you were a cheese, what kind would you be and why?
CL: I would be the weirdest, funkiest cheese on the block because that’s just me 😂
We want to thank Lizzy for taking the time to chat with us! Be sure to give her a follow on her socials and shoot her a message or email to place an order for a charcuterie spread today!
Connect with Lizzy:
Instagram: cheeselouisedsm
Facebook: Cheese Louise DSM
Email: cheeselouisedsm@gmail.com.
Are you a small business or non-profit interested in being spotlighted? Let's connect!
***DISCLAIMER***
All photos and logos featured are the property of Cheese Louise DSM. Please contact the owner before using her copyrighted materials.
