Gina LaMora is the beauty + brains behind the lavish charcuterie company taking over the Temecula Valley and beyond. She creates what charcuteries dreams are made of, all while highlighting local produce and partnering with local artisans.

Gina and I met about six months ago when I had stumbled across her Instagram page from a local winery, entered her 2000 follower giveaway, and WON! Gina invited me to join her for a private tasting at Batch Mead while they were working to pair some of her charcuterie with Batch Mead’s mead and hard cider (a perfect example of not only Gina’s inclusivity and kindness but also of her always connecting and supporting other local businesses - love this about her!), we instantly clicked and I’ve adored her ever since.

Fast forward to today, it was so enjoyable to sit down and have a conversation with Gina. She is such a positive, inspiring, go-getter and our conversation was full of mic drop moments. We discussed everything from the strong work ethic instilled in her at a young age while working on her grandpa’s farm, to the growth of Grazing Theory and how she’s built it into what it is today. 

Gina’s originally from South Africa and after seeing a magazine ad about babysitting, came to the States at the age of 19. She lived on the east coast where she eventually met her now husband, had her two beautiful boys and a career in engineering. About five years ago her family was ready for a change, moved to the Bay Area and then eventually down to Temecula in November of 2018.

Gina fell in love with the art of charcuterie through entertaining and socializing with friends. She says she wishes she could have brunch and dinner parties at her house every day (I’m in!), which led to the idea of launching a charcuterie company… and only a few short months later Grazing Theory was born! 

Most of us have ideas and dreams in our minds about doing this, or creating that, but it can be so difficult to have the confidence, the know-how, and the gumption to turn an idea into a real full-blown business. Not for Gina! I asked her about this and how she had the confidence to turn the idea of Grazing Theory into a reality.

She quoted her grandpa, “As long as you have a plan. Just never run out of plans. They don’t all have to work, but if this plan doesn't work, go to the next plan.” Gina says she formulates a plan and executes it. Her pet peeve is procrastination. “If I do something, I want to do it right. Make it worth while.” As soon as she decided on Grazing Theory, she took the practical approach of looking at the action steps she would need to make her vision come to life. For her, this looked like a catering license, commercial kitchen, sourcing products, etc. 

Another key component to the growth of Grazing Theory has been the relationships Gina has cultivated with local vendors and companies. “Your heart has to be open to new relationships… put yourself out there.” She says she is an open book and is happy to share what’s working with her company, which is also why she loves sharing local artisans. She believes that giving and sharing is the path to success. There will be a day when she eventually needs help from others and she hopes that they will respond with the same kindness that she has shown them. 

She wants to encourage everyone, “If you have a dream go after it, make that plan like my grandfather talks about, lay it out.” She also shares with us, “something I apply a lot to Grazing Theory is the ‘Swiss Cheese Method.’ Eat just a little bit at a time, and before you know it you are there… Do something today that you will be proud of tomorrow, something that will put you closer to your dream. Even if it’s one thing, you will see… your life will start changing.”

Last week after a busy Easter weekend, Gina was heading back into their kitchen to prep orders and decided to stop to pickup coffee for her team. She was overwhelmed and tired from the last few days, when the person ahead of her in line happened to purchase her coffee for her which instantly led to tears. It’s these “small acts of kindness that are what’s going to change the world, smile at the grocery store or coffee for the person behind you in line.” You never know how such a small (and sometimes meaningless act to you) can be exactly what that person needed in that moment. Such a great reminder, especially during these difficult times.

Lastly, after sharing about a recent obstacle she experienced in her business, we touched on what she does during these tough moments of self doubt, when there are hurdles to overcome, when LIFE happens. Gina tells us to give ourselves 5 minutes a day to be sad, whether that’s over something as simple as a bad haircut or losing a business opportunity. It’s important to release the feelings that we have. “I allow myself to be sad about it, and then it’s ‘alright, what’s next?” She also mentions one of my all time favorite quotes, “Life happens FOR me, not TO me.” Amen sister!

Make sure to follow @grazingtheory on Instagram to keep up with ALL of their current happenings, virtual events, partnerships, and Pinterest worthy charcuterie!

www.grazingtheory.com