- support@charcuterieassociation.com
- 643 Meadow Ave Suite 167 Grayslake, IL 60030
Nestled in the heart of sunny Boca Raton, Florida, Graze Craze is where artistry meets flavor. Specializing in charcuterie boards that combine eye-catching design with delectable ingredients, Graze Craze offers a truly unique culinary experience for locals and visitors alike. At the helm of this operation is Cindee Conner, the passionate and dedicated owner who has poured her heart and soul into every board her business creates.
From the Air Force to Artful Creations
Cindee’s path to entrepreneurship is as inspiring as her charcuterie creations. After a distinguished 22-year career in the Air Force, she retired in 2014, having served her country with dedication and pride. As a registered nurse, she spent decades caring for others, all while harboring a deep love for food and a dream to one day create something of her own.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Transitioning from healthcare to the food industry required courage, determination, and plenty of hard work. Despite delays and obstacles, Cindee’s vision never wavered. With Graze Craze, she has created a space where her creativity and passion shine, crafting boards that not only delight the senses but also bring people together.
Graze Craze Boca Raton's Humble Beginnings
Cindee Conner’s journey to opening Graze Craze Boca Raton was anything but simple. After purchasing the franchise two years ago, she faced a series of hurdles, including construction delays and the challenge of finding the perfect location. These setbacks tested her patience and determination, but Cindee was undeterred.
In September, the dream finally began to take shape as the doors to her store opened, followed by a grand opening celebration in October. For Cindee, the months of waiting, problem-solving, and meticulous planning were all worth it when she finally welcomed her first customers into the space she had worked so hard to create.
Taking the Leap
Leaving a stable healthcare career in April to fully dedicate herself to Graze Craze was not a decision Cindee took lightly. However, her passion for food and her long-held dream of entrepreneurship gave her the courage to take the leap.
Since stepping into the role of business owner, Cindee has embraced the learning curve that comes with running a new venture. The process has been both challenging and rewarding, offering her an opportunity for personal and professional growth. With every beautifully arranged board and every satisfied customer, Cindee’s hard work and dedication continue to shine through.
Her Passion for Charcuterie
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
For Cindee Conner, creating charcuterie boards is more than just assembling ingredients—it’s an art form. She finds immense joy in balancing flavors and textures, layering creamy cheeses, savory cured meats, sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and flavorful spreads to excite the palate. Each board is carefully crafted to deliver not only a harmonious taste but also a visually stunning presentation.
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about arranging everything in a way that’s both beautiful and delicious,” Cindee shared. It’s this attention to detail and passion for the craft that makes her boards truly memorable, leaving a lasting impression on her clients.
Crafting with Care
Cindee takes pride in tailoring every board to meet the unique needs of her customers. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a grand celebration, she ensures that each creation reflects the occasion and the client’s preferences.
Her personal story as a veteran and former nurse adds a special connection for many of her clients. Customers have shared how Cindee’s background resonates with them, creating a sense of trust and appreciation. Through her boards, Cindee brings people together, blending her artistic flair with a heartfelt commitment to serving her community.
Community Engagement
Giving Back with Purpose
Cindee Conner’s commitment to her community extends far beyond the boards she creates. As a veteran and former nurse, she holds a deep appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. This drives her mission to give back to veterans, first responders, and healthcare providers in meaningful ways.
Through her work with Graze Craze Boca Raton, Cindee collaborates with local organizations to host events and support these groups. By focusing on community-centered initiatives, she not only shares her gratitude but also strengthens the bond between her business and the people it serves.
Building Connections That Matter
Active involvement in the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, veteran groups, and local networking organizations has been a cornerstone of Cindee’s strategy to connect with her community. By attending events and sharing her story, she fosters trust and relatability, ensuring her clients know the heart behind her business.
For Cindee, these relationships are about more than just networking—they’re about creating genuine connections. Whether meeting with local businesses or engaging with fellow veterans, she ensures that her story resonates, showcasing the passion and dedication that fuels Graze Craze.
Staying Social And Reaching Out
Leveraging Social Media for Impact
Cindee knows that in today’s digital age, a strong social media presence is essential for connecting with her audience. Graze Craze Boca Raton actively uses platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to engage with different demographics.
Instagram serves as a visual showcase for her vibrant charcuterie boards, where customers can see the artistry and detail in her creations. Cindee incorporates time-lapse videos of her team assembling boards and cups, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the process. On Facebook, she shares updates and engages with a broader audience, while LinkedIn is used to connect with local businesses and highlight her community involvement.
Beyond the visuals, Cindee uses her platforms to share her personal story and mission. Through authentic posts and links to articles, she helps her followers understand the passion and purpose behind her work, building trust and inspiring others.
Expanding Visibility Through Storytelling
In addition to her social media efforts, Cindee amplifies her reach by sharing her journey through articles and podcasts. She’s been featured in several publications, including Women Story and VoyageMIA, where readers can learn about her inspiring path from Air Force veteran and nurse to entrepreneur.
These features allow Cindee to connect with a wider audience, giving potential customers a chance to see the heart and hustle behind Graze Craze. By participating in podcasts and interviews, she continues to spread her message, proving that a blend of hard work and passion can bring any dream to life.
Future Plans
Growing the Business Through Community Experiences
Looking ahead, Cindee Conner is excited to expand Graze Craze Boca Raton’s offerings with the introduction of live classes. Starting in February, these classes aim to provide a fun, interactive way for customers to learn the art of charcuterie while enjoying a unique experience. Her goal is to host monthly events, creating a consistent opportunity for connection and engagement with the community.
By blending education and entertainment, Cindee hopes to bring people together while showcasing the creativity and artistry behind her boards. Collaborations with local businesses and organizations will further enhance these events, building strong ties within the community and elevating the Graze Craze experience.
Building Brand Awareness with a Personal Touch
Cindee recognizes the importance of striking a balance between the franchise’s resources and her own flair. While built on a solid foundation, her dedication to creating vibrant, authentic content and connecting directly with her audience ensures Graze Craze Boca Raton stands out in a competitive market.
Her focus on growing local brand recognition remains unwavering. Through a combination of social media, community involvement, and live events, Cindee is committed to making Graze Craze a household name in Boca Raton. By continuing to tell her story and deliver exceptional service, she’s laying the groundwork for a thriving future.
Looking Ahead
Reflections on the Journey
Cindee Conner’s journey with Graze Craze Boca Raton has been one of growth, perseverance, and passion. Reflecting on her path from military service and healthcare to entrepreneurship, she acknowledges the challenges she’s overcome and the lessons learned along the way.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, but also incredibly rewarding,” Cindee shared. “Building connections, both with my customers and the community, has been a key part of this journey. It’s about staying dedicated to what you believe in and pushing through the tough moments to create something meaningful.”
Her focus on networking, learning, and delivering exceptional service continues to shape the future of her business. For Cindee, every board, event, and collaboration is a step toward furthering her mission to bring people together through food and community.
Join the Graze Craze Boca Raton
Whether you’re planning a special event, looking for the perfect gift, or eager to learn the art of charcuterie in a hands-on class, Graze Craze Boca Raton offers something for everyone.
Visit the store, explore her stunning creations, or follow along on social media to see what Cindee and her team are crafting next. Connect with Graze Craze on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay updated on events, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content.
Graze Craze Boca Raton isn’t just about charcuterie—it’s about connection, creativity, and making every moment deliciously memorable.