Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Aviles.
Hi Dawn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that food has a unique way of bringing people together. After spending more than 20 years working in healthcare, I was ready to explore a more creative side of myself while still creating experiences that made people feel cared for.
What started as a passion for creating beautiful charcuterie boards for family and friends quickly turned into Vivi’s Boards Charcuterie. I took a leap of faith, built the business from the ground up, and focused on creating grazing tables and charcuterie experiences that are just as beautiful as they are delicious. Seeing people’s reactions when they walk into an event and see one of our displays is still one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Building a business hasn’t always been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced challenges, learned countless lessons, and worn every hat imaginable. But those experiences have made me stronger and have helped shape the company into what it is today. Every event, every client, and every opportunity has reinforced why I started this journey in the first place.
Today, Vivi’s Boards Charcuterie has become known for elevated grazing experiences throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way. I’m proud that what began as a simple passion has grown into a business that helps people celebrate life’s biggest milestones and create lasting memories around the table.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve experienced the ups and downs that come with building a business from the ground up. There were times when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions, especially during slower seasons or when I had to balance investing back into the business while trying to grow.
One of the biggest challenges has been wearing every hat—chef, designer, marketer, accountant, delivery driver, and customer service representative—all at the same time. As a perfectionist, I’ve also had to learn that running a successful business isn’t just about creating beautiful grazing tables; it’s about managing operations, pricing my work appropriately, and knowing my value.
Transitioning from a long career in healthcare into entrepreneurship was another leap of faith. Healthcare gave me discipline, organization, and a heart for serving others, but owning a business required me to develop an entirely new set of skills. There has been a lot of learning, adapting, and stepping outside my comfort zone.
Looking back, every obstacle has made me a stronger business owner. The challenges have taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of believing in what I have to offer. Today, I can honestly say I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and those difficult moments make the successes even more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in creating elevated charcuterie experiences that turn food into the centerpiece of a celebration. From intimate gatherings to large weddings and corporate events, every grazing table is thoughtfully designed to be both visually stunning and full of fresh, high-quality ingredients. I believe a charcuterie display should do more than feed guests—it should create conversation, bring people together, and become part of the overall experience.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building Vivi’s Boards Charcuterie from the ground up. Every event represents years of learning, refining my craft, and continuously raising my standards. I genuinely care about every detail, from the quality of the ingredients to the styling and presentation, because I know those little touches leave lasting impressions.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating custom experiences rather than one-size-fits-all displays. I work closely with each client to understand their vision and create a grazing table that complements their event and reflects their style. My background in healthcare also shaped my attention to detail, organization, and dedication to serving people with excellence.
At the end of the day, my greatest reward is seeing guests gather around one of my tables, sharing conversations, celebrating milestones, and making memories. Knowing that something I created becomes part of those special moments is what inspires me to keep doing what I love.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to start before you feel completely ready. It’s easy to wait until everything is perfect, but the truth is that you’ll learn more by taking action than by waiting for the “right” time. Every challenge, mistake, and success becomes part of your growth.
I also wish I had understood the importance of valuing my work from the very beginning. As entrepreneurs, it’s tempting to underprice yourself to win business, but your pricing should reflect your time, expertise, creativity, and the value you provide. Confidence in your work is just as important as the work itself.
Most importantly, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Every successful business was built one customer, one event, and one relationship at a time. Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to evolve. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and if you stay passionate and committed, the hard work truly pays off.
Pricing:
- Our grazing experiences are customized based on guest count, event style, ingredients selected, and level of design. Current starting points include: • Charcuterie boards and individual grazing options: available for smaller gatherings, corporate events, and special occasions with pricing based on size and customization. • Grazing tables: starting at approximately $20+ per guest, with elevated styling, specialty ingredients, and custom designs available for weddings and larger celebrations. • Signature grazing experiences: designed for larger events and include styled displays, elevated presentation elements, premium ingredients, and personalized event details. • Custom quotes are available for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and special celebrations based on each client’s vision and needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vivisboardscharcuterie.com
- Instagram: vivis_boards
