Meet Emily Jacobs | Owner of Fancy Snacks Charcuterie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Jacobs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business actually started as a pandemic hobby back in 2020. I worked in morning radio for about ten years and, when the world shut down, it became increasingly difficult to do a radio show while simultaneously taking care of my three toddlers. I started to explore fun/healthy ways to entertain them, and that’s when “fancy snack time” began. I started making little charcuterie/cheese/fruit/veggie platters for them every day for lunch. They helped me prepare everything, we ate together, and it became a real afternoon staple. After a few popular Facebook and Instagram posts, I decided that maybe I could actually do this for a living. I was tired of waking up for work at 3:30 AM and really loved making food look pretty. Plus, the idea of being my own boss was very enticing! I officially left my career in radio in early-2021 and my business has been nonstop since then!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always say that charcuterie boards are food art. I went from making little snack plates for my toddlers, to making massive grazing tables for 600+ people. Weddings, corporate lunches, date nights, the list goes on. There is a charcuterie board or table for any occasion!I feel like my attention to detail, love of food and overall enthusiasm for cheese sets me apart from others. I am proud that I was able to get over my fear of failure, take the plunge and create this business from the ground up. It definitely wasn’t always easy, but it has been SO worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in southeastern Wisconsin, just between Chicago and Milwaukee- it’s a hidden gem! I would definitely take them to Mars Cheese Castle for Bloody Mary sipping and cheese shopping (hello, obviously). I love brunch- too many awesome places to name. If it was summer, we would go to a Brewers or Cubs game, take a walk by Lake Michigan, or go shopping downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, parents and sister get the biggest shoutout! When I was wrestling with the idea of leaving my career to pursue a full-time “hobby”, they were extremely supportive. My mom and sister even took a food handlers certification class so they could help me cube cheese and fold salami on super busy days! Three more people… my kiddos! They helped inspire me to pursue this business and even coined the name “fancy snacks” in the early days. I joke that my oldest is the CEO of my company.

Website: FancySnackBoards.com

Instagram: @FancySnackBoards

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancysnackboards