How the founder of Charcuterie Chic DFW and La Bella Mesa Events turned her passion for food, culture, and community into a growing culinary business.

For Chef Aida, food has always been more than something you eat. It represents family, culture, connection, and the opportunity to bring people together. Born in Honduras and raised in the United States, the Latina entrepreneur behind Charcuterie Chic DFW and La Bella Mesa Events has transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into two businesses serving the Dallas-Fort Worth community.

During a recent episode of COSIGN Conversations, Chef Aida sat down with COSIGN founder KG to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a business, her Honduran heritage, and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

Her culinary story began long before she became an entrepreneur. Growing up, she watched her mother operate a restaurant in Honduras, planting the seeds for what would eventually become her career. After moving to the United States, her first job at Whole Foods introduced her to different cuisines and cultures, further fueling her curiosity about food.

Following high school, she attended El Centro College in Dallas to study culinary arts. From there, she built her experience working in resorts, hospitals, and private dining before eventually stepping into entrepreneurship.

However, like many business owners, her entrepreneurial journey accelerated during an unexpected moment: the COVID-19 pandemic.

With private chef opportunities slowing down and layoffs impacting the hospitality industry, Chef Aida recognized an opportunity to pivot. Drawing on her experience with specialty meats, cheeses, and beautifully curated food presentations, she launched Charcuterie Chic DFW.

“I needed to come up with an idea that I could keep up my income,” she explained.

What began as an idea pitched to existing clients quickly grew through word-of-mouth referrals. As demand increased, Chef Aida expanded her vision, eventually launching La Bella Mesa Events to provide full-service catering, private cooking classes, corporate experiences, and large-scale event services.

Today, her businesses offer everything from intimate cooking lessons for couples to culinary experiences for corporate teams and major events.

But building a successful business hasn’t come without challenges.

One of the biggest lessons Chef Aida has learned involves staffing, delegation, and accepting that other people may not execute her vision exactly as she would.

As a creative entrepreneur, she understands the importance of presentation and attention to detail. However, she has also learned that growth requires trusting others.

“If you can get them to 80 percent of your capacity, then that’s a win,” she shared.

Another lesson she emphasizes is the importance of protecting your business through proper contracts and deposits.

Having experienced difficult situations firsthand, Chef Aida encourages entrepreneurs to establish clear expectations, secure signed agreements, and implement systems that protect both the business and its clients.

She credits tools like HoneyBook, along with the organizational support of her husband, for helping streamline operations, invoicing, and financial management.

Beyond business, Chef Aida remains deeply connected to her cultural roots. Her Honduran upbringing continues to influence her culinary identity, particularly through traditional dishes like her mother’s chicken guiso and baleadas, a beloved Honduran staple.

That appreciation for culture extends into her work as a culinary partner for the 9th Annual COSIGN Awards: COSIGN World.

For the international celebration, Chef Aida is preparing a multicultural culinary experience featuring international dessert towers, charcuterie, and globally inspired bites representing countries including India, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States.

Among the dishes she’s particularly excited to introduce are Colombian empanadas and Indian pani puri, reflecting her passion for exposing people to new flavors and experiences.

Looking toward 2027, Chef Aida has her sights set on entering competitive cooking competitions and continuing to expand her culinary footprint.

But despite her ambition, her philosophy on entrepreneurship remains rooted in something bigger than personal success: community.

When asked what advice she would give aspiring entrepreneurs, her message was simple.

“In business, you can’t be selfish. Don’t be selfish; don’t gatekeep.”

She believes sharing knowledge, supporting fellow entrepreneurs, and building genuine relationships are essential ingredients for long-term success.

For Chef Aida, success isn’t simply measured by the number of events catered or businesses launched. It’s measured by the experiences she creates, the people she brings together, and the opportunities she helps create for others.

And if her journey proves anything, it’s that sometimes the best recipe for success starts with passion, a little resilience, and a willingness to bet on yourself.

Connect with Chef Aida: Follow @charcuterie_chic_DFW on Instagram and TikTok to learn more about Charcuterie Chic DFW, La Bella Mesa Events, private cooking classes, and catering services.

Watch the full interview on the COSIGN Network YouTube channel.