In 2021, as the world came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deanna Roberts, a passionate food enthusiast with a knack for culinary arts, found herself at a crossroads. Like many people, she faced uncertainties in her professional career due to the economic impacts of the pandemic. However, Deanna saw an opportunity amidst the chaos. With people confined to their homes and looking for ways to celebrate occasions big and small, she recognized a demand for high-quality, convenient, and enjoyable snacking experiences at home.

Drawing on her love for artisanal foods and her skills in creating beautifully arranged platters, Deanna decided to start a charcuterie business. She envisioned a service that would offer curated boxes of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments, delivered straight to customers' locations. These charcuterie boxes would not only provide a sense of occasion but also a culinary adventure for those missing the experience of dining out.

With minimal resources but a wealth of determination, Deanna began her venture from her own kitchen. She started by sourcing products from local markets and grocers, emphasizing quality and sustainability. Understanding the importance of an online presence, especially during a time when physical interactions were limited, she built a simple website and utilized social media platforms to showcase her offerings and reach potential customers.

Word of mouth, fueled by the uniqueness of her product and the growing trend of virtual gatherings, helped Dee's charcuterie business to take off. She received orders for birthday celebrations, office meetings and happy hours, wedding receptions and even small festivals. The business not only catered to individual customers but also partnered with companies looking to send care packages to their employees working from home.

Faced with challenges such as supply chain disruptions and changing health guidelines, Deanna remained adaptable. She updated her business model to include a more robust website, additional products, and samples, further engaging her customer base and creating a community around her brand.

As the pandemic effects slowly started to fade and a sense of normalcy resumed, Dee’s Boxes became a symbol of resilience and innovation. It provided a source of joy and connection in a time of isolation and uncertainty. The venture not only allowed Deanna to pursue her passion but also to contribute positively to her community by supporting local offices and events of friends and family as her business grew.