Today we’d like to introduce you to Takuara Nieves.
Hi Takuara , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Takuara, but everyone calls me TK. I’m a Detroit native, though Nashville has stolen my heart. Ten years ago, my best friend of 20-plus years and I packed our bags and moved to Tennessee, bringing along our three good friends : hope, dream, and faith. That leap of faith taught me that the only thing standing in your way is yourself.
I’m a girl who loves bold flavors and beautiful experiences. Friends call me the life of the party but “the food version.” What started as me bringing cute, “wow” appetizers to gatherings naturally grew into Charkutie, my charcuterie business. We recently celebrated three years in business on August 24! Last year, demand for Charkutie grew so high that I decided to move back to Detroit, allowing my family and friends to help out. Bringing it back home has been an incredible journey. My goal is to create moments that bring people together rather it’s through a perfectly curated charcuterie board, a box, or a cup each creation is crafted to delight the senses and celebrate connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not. There have been moments of doubt, especially seeing other businesses doing the same thing or those who’ve been in the game longer. Late nights and early mornings, questioning your worth, wondering if you should charge less just to get clients it can all weigh heavily. At times, I wasn’t even sure how to properly make business plans. I think the biggest challenge is starting something from scratch because of all the unknowns. But if you keep pushing, stay consistent, and trust the process, you eventually start to see the light.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Charkutie is where every board, box, or cup tells a story of artisanal excellence. We bring the art of charcuterie to life, one delectable bite at a time. Our mission is to elevate the charcuterie experience using locally sourced ingredients from passionate farmers and vendors in the community. Our boards aren’t just beautiful arrangements of meat and cheese they’re a celebration of human connection, shared moments, and the joy of nourishing both body and soul.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to turn any gathering into a memorable experience. I’m most proud of building a business that combines my love for bold flavors, artistry, and community, while creating experiences that bring people together.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I’ve always been a breath of fresh air. People often tell me it’s my smile that draws them in. I’ve carried an aura of confidence and joy in my soul from a young age. I’m goofy, love making people laugh, and have always been the one cheering everyone on and helping them push through challenges.
Creativity has always been a big part of me rather it was cooking or writing poetry. I’ve always believed in the magic of presentation: once you help people see beauty with their eyes, they’ll love it forever. That belief naturally led me to Charkutie. Taking something everyone already enjoys—food—and presenting it in a visually stunning, irresistible way allows me to share joy, connection, and artistry with others.
One of my favorite jokes since starting my charcuterie business has been: “What do you call two friends that love to eat? Taste buds!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Charkutie.com
- Instagram: Charkutie
- Facebook: Charkutie
