Why I Love Owning Simply Cheese
When people ask me what it’s like owning Simply Cheese, I usually smile because the answer is hard to put into words.
Yes, I love artisan cheese.
I love charcuterie.
I love wine pairings and beautiful food experiences.
But what I truly love most about owning Simply Cheese is the people, the community, and the feeling that we’ve created something that genuinely brings people together.
Over the last four years, our small artisan cheese shop in Winter Park, Florida has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.
And honestly, that growth has very little to do with cheese alone.
Simply Cheese Was Built Around Connection
From the beginning, I wanted Simply Cheese to feel warm, welcoming, creative, and personal.
I wanted people to walk in and feel inspired.
To slow down.
To gather.
To celebrate.
To discover something new.
Over time, we’ve become part of people’s everyday lives throughout Central Florida.
We have customers who stop in weekly for their favorite cheese, wine, or gourmet products. Some come in before family dinners. Some are planning parties or date nights. Others visit us before vacations, celebrations, or holidays.
What’s amazing is how often those quick visits turn into relationships.
One of the greatest gifts of owning a hospitality-focused business has been getting to know so many incredible people.
Being Part of Life’s Biggest Moments
One thing I never fully anticipated when opening Simply Cheese was how often we would become part of people’s memories and celebrations.
Our charcuterie catering and artisan cheese boards have been included in:
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Corporate events
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Holiday gatherings
- Intimate dinner parties
There’s something deeply rewarding about knowing our work becomes part of moments people genuinely care about.
That feeling never gets old.
Our Classes Create Experiences
Our wine and cheese pairing classes and charcuterie workshops may honestly be one of my favorite parts of owning this business.
Watching people gather around a table, try new cheeses, laugh together, sip wine, and connect reminds me constantly why experiential food businesses matter so much.
Some guests come for date nights.
Some come with friends.
Some come alone and leave with new friendships.
Food creates connection in such a powerful way, and getting to create those experiences here in Winter Park feels incredibly fulfilling.
The Community Has Changed My Life
One of the biggest blessings of this entrepreneurial journey has been the people I’ve met through collaboration events and community partnerships.
Over the years, we’ve worked with local bakers, wineries, chefs, artists, small businesses, and fellow entrepreneurs throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Some of those collaborations have turned into genuine friendships I truly treasure.
That sense of community is something I never expected when opening a cheese shop, but it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.
I Truly Love the Entrepreneurial Hustle
Owning a small business isn’t easy.
There are long days, endless to-do lists, late nights, early mornings, and constant problem-solving.
But I genuinely love the hustle.
I love creating experiences.
I love building something meaningful.
I love dreaming up new classes, collaborations, catering ideas, and events.
And I love walking into a space every day that feels like a second home.
Our Staff Is the Heart of Simply Cheese
None of this growth would be possible without our incredible team.
We are so lucky to have staff members who care deeply about our customers, our atmosphere, and the experiences we create. They work hard, support one another, and help make Simply Cheese feel warm and welcoming every single day.
A business centered around hospitality is only as special as the people behind it — and I truly believe our staff is what makes Simply Cheese so unique.
More Than a Specialty Food Business
Over the last four years, Simply Cheese has grown into more than an artisan cheese shop.
It has become:
- A gathering place
- A creative outlet
- A community-centered business
- A hospitality experience
- A second home
And getting to wake up every day and build something rooted in joy, creativity, food, and human connection is something I’ll never stop being grateful for.