Feature Friday - Graze All Day
Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board?! They’re like Lunchables for adults but fancier! Some of the most beautiful charcuteries we’ve ever seen (and tasted) have been from Graze All Day. Graze All Day is owned by fellow mom, Lisa Hemenover. Read on to learn more about Lisa and how she turned a hobby into a growing business.
Tell us a bit about yourself before you became a mom, and also how you changed when you had kids.
I think before I was a mom, I was really focused on just becoming a mom. My husband and I had to go through IVF in order to conceive, so in that journey of all of those emotions, I really had to focus on being the best I could be before I got to be what I truly wanted. I had a wonderful job working at a toy company in Human Resources, and my boss was wonderful at being supportive, while also pushing me out of my comfort zone. I think it really shaped me working in such a great environment where you were always learning and growing. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so happy that I had that chance to grow as a person really focusing on myself in my career.
I think after I had my girls, I really have had to lower my expectations for myself on what could be done in a day. I was so used to going to work and having a checklist & getting everything crossed off at the end of the day, & as we all know, being a parent is unpredictable. Giving myself grace & having to gain patience, a lot of patience, has been something that I really have had to develop.
How would you describe what you do and what inspired you?
I am the owner of Graze All Day, which is a charcuterie & catering company based in Mokena, IL. I specialize in designing graze boards and tables for corporate and special events. I also conduct charcuterie workshops for those wanting a fun & unique experience with their friends or co-workers, while learning how to put a board together.
I’ve always had a love for food. During the pandemic, I was often making charcuterie boards for my family as a way for us to eat and connect at the end of our day. When the holidays rolled around, people reached out to me, wondering if they could purchase a board. A couple of months later, Graze All Day, LLC was born.
What has been a highlight of your business/project? What’s been a highlight of being a mom?
For me, the highlight has been taking a lifelong passion of mine and making it into my everyday work. I get excited about food & all the different combinations, tastes, colors, textures. Taking that passion and creating something that I get to share with other people, has truly made happy.
Even reading the question, “What has been a highlight of being a mom” makes me emotional. My two girls are my absolute everything. Watching them grow and learn and interact with others is such a gratifying moment as a mom. You try your best to do what’s right and raise these little humans to the best of your ability, but even on days when you think you have failed, there’s that kiss, or that smile, or that hug from them that makes you know that your love for each other is more than any bad day.
How do you take time to focus on yourself while balancing parenting?
Good question! I’m still working on this. Starting my company has really given me a creative outlet where I can have that much needed time to be creative & interact with others. I also workout & really enjoy my self-care appointments when I’m at them as if they are a mini vacation.
What tips would you give to other moms to feel successful or empowered?
Remind yourself every day that you are worthy of being successful. I had the realization the other day that I don’t have to be the best at something to be successful.
I need to shift my perspective on what I see as “success” and really understand how “success” is supposed to make me feel.
My mission of Graze All Day is to create memories for my customers with food. If I can help create memories, I feel successful.
How can people learn more about you & what you do?
You can visit my website www.grazeallday.net , Instagram: @_grazeallday_ or my Facebook page. There you can see what my business has to offer & you can see more of a day in the life along, with my work.
