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

Hi Yovita, why did you pursue a creative career?
I got my degree in Architecture and I have always love decorating and designing things so the art of making a charcuterie board interested me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I always challenge myself to make a different design of the board based on the occasion. I started my InstaGram account in May of 2019 where I post all my designs. And on Sept of 2019 the Feed Feed and Delallo Foods held a charcuterie board contest and I became one of their finalists. For a new comer, I was so honored and thrilled because my two creations got selected to go to the final.
I also got featured on several magazines and media outlet such as Food Network Canada and Food Network UK, Better Homes and Garden, Shape magazine, Williams Sonoma, etc.

Being featured on the media outlet made my IG account following grew even more.

I also have the opportunity to collaborate with some brands such as Cheese producers, Jam and Honey producers, Waffle makers.

The journey was not easy at all since I used to work in the office setting for 16 years, becoming an entrepreneur is a new thing for me.

The challenges I face are dividing time between family and work, sourcing the ingredients, setting up website, and dealing with brands. I learn new things every single day.

The lesson I learn along the way is that you can be anything you want to be even something you have never thought of if you put an effort into it, be persistent and never give up. And it is never too late to start something new no matter how old you are (I was 46 when I started my InstaGram page)

What I want the world to know about my brand is that I hope when people see my board, they will immediately know it is my creation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since we live in Colorado, I would take my friend go hiking to Rocky Mountain National Park, and St Mary Glacier to see the beautiful scenery. I would also take them to see the cute little town like Boulder and Golden. Other than that, maybe spend a night or two at mountain town such as Breckenridge or Vail. Since I love food and love to try different kind of foods, I would take my friends to Beau Jo’s Pizza to experience their Colorado style pizzas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I made my first platter creation for my good friend Cathy’s birthday. She was the one who encouraged me to turn my passion of charcuterie board making into a business. I also wanted to shout out to my charcuterie friend Denise @theboardroompleasanton. I was very inspired by her story in which she says, “that it is never too late to start anything new no matter how old you are”.

Website: PlatterMeUpColorado.com

Instagram: @PlatterMeUpColorado

Facebook: @PlatterMeUpColorado

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.