Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cella
Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in an Italian family, my mom was the ultimate hostess—always ready to feed anyone who walked through the door, with an endless supply of meats and cheeses on hand. Thankfully, she passed down that gift of hospitality to me, and now I take great joy in hosting and creating unforgettable meals. Over the years, I became known as the “Charcuterie person” among my friends and family, and their encouragement led me to turn this passion into a business.
After losing my dad unexpectedly, I decided to launch Sparkuterie in his memory. Each post I share features a fun music-and-cheese pun, a nod to the deep, unbreakable bond my dad and I had over our shared love of music. Every charcuterie board I make is a labor of love, and my favorite part is setting the mood with some Grateful Dead on the Alexa, imagining my dad right there with me. Creating these boards brings me so much joy, and it’s my way of honoring his memory while doing something that fills my heart.
In addition to crafting beautiful charcuterie boards, I’ve also started offering charcuterie classes and creating grazing tables for larger events. The best part? I get to involve my mom in the setup process. She may not realize it, but every moment we spend together in the kitchen is turning into an unforgettable memory. And, let’s be honest, it’s a little fun getting to boss her around! Not only is she my best friend, but she’s also an incredible sous chef, making our time together even more special.
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?
Over the past three years, I’ve learned so much, but the biggest takeaway has been the importance of efficiency. When it comes to my grazing tables and classes, I’ve honed my process down to a science. I’m incredibly organized and strive for perfection in everything I do. It’s amazing to look back and see how far I’ve come from where I started.
Marketing has never been my strong suit, so I’m beyond grateful for the support of a few good friends who’ve helped Sparkuterie grow. A special shoutout to Rian Kay—if you’re reading this, thank you for your unwavering support. Your belief in me has meant more than you’ll ever know. Word of mouth truly is the best form of marketing, and Rian has been a godsend for Sparkuterie.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I offer a wide range of services to suit any occasion. First, my Charcuterie Boards are available in various sizes, from small boards feeding 2-4 people to large ones serving 15+ guests. I pride myself on offering honest advice, ensuring that you get the perfect size for your event and your guests.
For a truly elegant touch, my Grazing Tables are perfect for parties, weddings, and other special events. I absolutely love creating these stunning displays. Each table is one-of-a-kind, and the preparation alone takes hours of careful work, including sourcing the freshest ingredients to make your event unforgettable.
My newest offering is Charcuterie Classes, which I’ve held both in-person and virtually! These classes are perfect for team-building, girls’ nights, or any fun group activity. When you book an in-person class, I provide all the materials—you just show up and learn tips and tricks to create your own perfect charcuterie board at home.
What truly sets me apart is my genuine passion for what I do. While Sparkuterie is something I do on the side, it brings me so much joy and allows me to express my creativity. It’s my happy place, and I love every moment of it!
Any big plans?
m excited about the possibility of sharing my creative boards with even more people. After discovering that I could host charcuterie classes over Zoom, a whole new world of opportunities opened up for me. It was a game-changer—being able to connect with people from all over, no matter where they are, and share my passion for creating beautiful boards. This virtual format has allowed me to reach a much broader audience, and it’s been so rewarding to see the enthusiasm and excitement from participants who may never have had the chance to attend an in-person class.
Not only has this opened up opportunities for people to learn the art of charcuterie from the comfort of their own homes, but it’s also allowed me to build a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for food, creativity, and fun. The possibilities are endless now, and I can’t wait to continue expanding my offerings. Virtual classes, corporate team-building events, and even personalized online tutorials—there’s so much more I can do to connect with people and share my craft.
As I look forward, I’m more inspired than ever to bring my boards and classes to a wider audience. Whether it’s in person or online, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping others discover the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious. The journey has just begun, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sparkuterie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkuterie/
