Meet Katie Carbery | Food Artist

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

Hi Katie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I never took the time to think it could be a reality. Moving to AZ in 2020 was a fresh start which also meant I was ready to take chances, and roll the dice on myself! When I came up with the concept, people weren’t traveling much, and get togethers were starting to make a comeback. I wanted to create something that would bring people together, and I knew the best way to do that was through food. I also wanted to provide an experience for the consumer, transport them to somewhere they’ve been or dreamt about going. I wanted to create something that was different from your typical charcuterie boards, and that’s when I knew to make them travel inspired.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m most proud of believing in myself enough to make my own business happen. It’s been every step, every mistake, disappointment, accomplishment, win. I’m passionate about travel, exploring the world (domestic and international), cultures, and experiences. My goal is to transport the consumer with their senses to a different location or memory, whether it be Italy or Christmas! I take pride in researching destinations, holidays, and events to make the boards as authentic as possible. I’m passionate about high-quality food and ingredients, and aim to make as many products as I can instead of relying on something store-bought or pre-packaged. I also follow the seasons, and buy items from local and farmer’s markets as available!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friend would certainly need to arrive with an appetite because we’ll be eating out a lot! (these are in no particular order or ranking)
Eat/drink: Pizzeria Bianco, Cibo, Kaizen, Palma, The Pemberton, Glai Baan, The Beverly, Buck & Rider, Fellow, Berdena’s, República Empanada, Cocina Madrigal
Hang out/visit: Suns game, Roosevelt Row, Desert Botanical Garden, Old Town, sunrise hike at Piestewa Peak with Ken Koshio, hole in the rock sunset
Day trip to Sedona: Airport Mesa Trail, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, Mariposa, Tlaquepaque

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Terry, has without a doubt been my greatest supporter through every step of this journey. I’m usually the one motivating us in our relationship, so it’s been great to have someone by my side encouraging me to continue on this path, whether it’s bumpy or smooth! I recently started working with Local First Arizona, and having their support has been an unbelievable feeling. Knowing that they believe in me, my business, and want to help me succeed makes me feel like I’m on the right path, exactly where I need to be. Reading the book “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle and watching nearly every episode of Shark Tank helped me believe in myself, they both pushed me to take the first step. I have to give recognition to my best friend, Malin, all the way in Sweden, who has been nothing but supportive since the beginning. Even an ocean and time zones apart, she sends me encouraging words, gives me feedback, and helps me feel unstoppable! I also have love and support from my mom and aunts back in St. Louis who remind me how proud they are of where I’m at, and what I’ve accomplished!

Website: https://travelaboards.com/

Instagram: @travelaboards

Facebook: @travelaboards

Image Credits
Rhys Wilson