1. Tell us about Cartisan. What is it, and what inspired you to start it?

Cartisan is a specialty cheese and charcuterie brand founded in May 2025 to bring elevated cheese experiences to the local community. While many people do cheese, Cartisan is built on my nearly 19 years of experience working for a Wisconsin-based specialty cheese company. Additionally, I grew up working in my family’s bagel business, where I learned grit and what it takes to build something from scratch.

Cartisan offers a premium mobile charcuterie bar, boards, boxes, cups, hands-on workshops, and educational content shared on social media and at live events, with the ability to customize offerings to fit each gathering. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a brand focused on helping people experience and understand great cheese in a more personal, engaging way. For me, cheese has always been about bringing people together—around a table, a story, and a shared moment. It honors my parents and the special women in cheese who mentored me along the way. Food people are my people, and they are the backbone of our economy.

2. What excites you most about running your own business?
The freedom to create and share personally —whether that’s designing one-of-a-kind events or creating and sharing exciting tips on social media, like how to cut and style cheese or make a salami rose. I love turning years of cheese knowledge into experiences and content people genuinely remember and appreciate.

3.What are challenges you’ve encountered along the way—and what have you learned from it?
Social media has been a bigger challenge than expected—coming up with content and making Reels is far more time-consuming than it looks. I’m also still refining food proportions; growing up in the food industry in a Jewish family where celebrations revolved around food, everyone was welcome and thankfully there was always more than enough. It’s taught me to balance generosity with smart scaling for long-term sustainability and profitability. It’s a balance I’m still working on...

4. Who is the ideal Cartisan customer? What kind of gathering or event is the perfect fit for the Cartisan experience?
Someone who values thoughtful details, great food, and connection. Cartisan is perfect for intimate celebrations, brand activations, and fundraisers where the host can customize selections and guests are guided through the experience. Fundraisers are especially meaningful—one highlight was sponsoring my children’s Educational Foundation of Morris Plains anniversary event with both my charcuterie and cannoli carts, which helped fund STEAM Lego Spike Prime kits and a new 3D printer for the school district.

5. And for fun: If you had to choose just one, what’s your favorite cheese?
Cypress Grove Midnight Moon—a smooth Gouda-style cheese made with tangy goat’s milk, subtle sweetness, and just the right amount of crunch. Absolute silky perfection!

Meet Amanda

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