Meet Lura Caillouet | Business Owner | Charcuterie Artisan

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

Hi Lura, how do you think about risk?
I have a tattoo in French that translates to, “the risk is beautiful,” and it’s a phrase I really live my life by. To me, taking a risk means acknowledging that it may not turn out in your favor but being brave enough to do it anyway. What sets apart a smart risk versus a reckless risk is how calculated it is. I’m a planner, and I almost never jump into something headfirst without thinking it through and understanding both the upside and the consequences. With that said, once my mind is set on something, it’s almost impossible to pull me from it, and I have a tendency to hyper-fixate and problem solve until I have a solution and a plan that works.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My first big dream in life was traveling to France, and in 2019 I was finally able to make that dream come true after studying the language and culture for 10 years. When I got back, making charcuterie boards was how I held onto that dream and kept my love for French culture alive, and how I shared it with others. The thought of starting my own business had crossed my mind, but it felt too far out of reach. In 2022, I lost my job and was at a point in life where I needed to pivot careers in order to be happy. While job hunting, I had a moment where I thought “why not?” and decided to go for it. At the forefront, I wanted to share my love for good food, bringing people together, and all things a little “extra,” so Opulent Olive Charcuterie was born. Now, it’s about more than just meat and cheese. I get to share amazing life moments with people – like buying a house, welcoming a baby, graduations, weddings and engagement parties – but I also get to share the smaller, more intimate moments like a girl’s night, fantasy football drafts, office parties, and family gatherings. I still work full time, and I love my job, but this business lets me be my own boss and allows me to be creative in a way I never thought I could be. I am so grateful that people continue to trust me to be part of their life-moments and continue to support me in living this dream.

When it comes to building boards and grazing tables, I truly believe my attention to detail and the quality of my ingredients is what sets me apart. I only use high-quality, artisan meats and cheeses and the freshest produce. It’s important to me that customers feel like they are getting what they paid for, if not more, so every board is brimming with meats and cheeses, fruit, nuts, dried fruit, jams, and more. I want people to love every bite, to have a variety in each bite, and to be in awe when they look at a board (after all, we eat with our eyes first). I’m so proud of not only the product I put out now, but how much I’ve improved and perfected my craft from when I first came back from France.

It took me quite some time to feel like I found my “thing” in life, and for a long time I really struggled because I felt like I didn’t have one. Starting a business was easy – it’s building a business that’s hard. The daily operations, the follow up and follow through, making time for everything- it’s hard. My full time job as an executive assistant can be demanding, and sometimes it’s difficult to build and run a business when I get home from my 9-5. But whenever I build a board, the stress melts away and it’s therapeutic for me. They say to “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” but I think it’s more about doing what you love so the work itself is more rewarding, rather than just the outcome.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In the summer, I love anywhere with an outdoor patio and wine – live music is always a plus. Crepes n’ Crepes is my favorite place in Cherry Creek and has the most authentic crepes I’ve found since traveling to France. If I can sit and chat with my girlfriends and laugh the night away, that’s a night well spent. Also on the itinerary would be packing a cooler and heading to Cherry Creek Reservoir with friends for a day on the water.

In the fall, I love taking trips to Steamboat to see the colors change and to visit Strawberry Hot Springs – I recommend it to all of my out-of-town friends and family.

Although I’m a Colorado native, I’ve never been skiing or snowboarding, but tubing is my favorite snowy activity. A great day in the winter, if I’m not cuddled up at home reading a book or baking, would be tubing in Frisco and then a big bowl of pho from Pho Vy. I would probably eat it three times a week if I had less self-control (thank god they don’t deliver).

I love cooking for people and hosting parties, so we’re bound to have a fondue night at home with some fun games sprinkled in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, Niko Stevens, for always being my partner, best friend, confidant, sounding board, and compass. For picking me up when I am down, cheering me on, and lifting me higher than I could ever do on my own. His ability to see me and believe in me is greater than I ever thought possible, and his love is pure and unwavering. I have to thank him for pushing me to live my dreams, always helping find ways to make it happen, and for loving me exactly as I am. I could not do this without him.

Secondly, my parents, for never telling me a dream was too big, but instead for always encouraging me to chase them. For letting my creativity flourish rather than extinguish, and for always giving me a nest but still believing I could fly. They made me into the woman I am, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mom and dad.

Website: https://www.opulentolivecharcuterie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulent_olivecharcuterie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Opulent-Olive-Charcuterie/100084776615565/