JENNIFER WILSON.
Cortney LaCorte
Our annual list of trailblazing women are creating lasting legacies for themselves and for the city of Nashville. Now they’re sharing their stories, their triumphs, their setbacks, and their advice with us. Prepare to be inspired.
Early Aspirations
While I didn’t set out to open a cheese and charcuterie board business/shop when I was little, I did used to pretend to be Martha Stewart. I would put on a show with “cameras” and would cook pretend food while talking to a stuffed animal audience. My godmother (also a queen of dinner parties) taught me the art of cheeseboards when I was 15, and ever since I’ve had a complete fascination with them. There’s always been this part of me that enjoyed incorporating all of these elements—hosting a great dinner party with close friends and making memories while enjoying this beautifully plated cheeseboard. So, while it wasn’t always my dream to be doing what I’m doing now, it really all makes so much sense how I landed here.
On Social Media
It’s crazy to say that Instagram is the reason I’m here, but it’s exactly why I am. Before Cheese Gal was an IG handle, I would post photos of my boards to my personal account. One thing led to another and that’s how I landed my first gig. The day I decided to start my Instagram, my friend [influencer] Shannon Ford put out some stories about me on her IG, and I literally woke up to 3,000-plus followers. From there, I strategically gifted boards to people around town in hopes that they would take pictures and post. Most all of them did and that’s how the word got out about (formerly known) Nashville Cheese Gal.
The Definition of Success
Success to me isn’t measured by finances, it’s doing anything that fulfills you, or that allows you to be your authentic self. For me, it’s making cheeseboards, yes, but it’s more about the fact that I get to do something that brings me and others true joy. That’s success to me.
The Nashville Connection
The sense of community here really is amazing. We really rally behind small businesses here, and that’s been vital to Cheese Gal’s existence. I don’t know that cheese gal would’ve taken off in any other town the way it has here. I think that the mix of the community and tourism is what has made us successful. Because of Instagram and the nationwide reach I’m fortunate to have from it, and because Nashville is one of the most visited vacation spots, it’s opened up this opportunity for people who follow me online and are visiting from out of town to order CG boards when they’re here.
Advice to Others
Don’t be afraid to jump. Even if you have no idea what you’re doing, or maybe you have small kids at home and you think, “how can I ever do this?” Believe me, you can. Last summer I was faced with having signed a two-year lease for our first store and then found out I was pregnant with our second baby just three days later. But you just do it. Take the leap!
Meet Cortney LaCorte and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 24 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 200 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres from Virgin Hotels Nashville along with wine from Biltmore Winery and cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Beverages from a full bar will also be available for purchase (credit cards only).