Daily Inspiration: Meet Anna Ricci

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Ricci.

Hi Anna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Southeast Michigan, but my life really took a turn in 2021 when I decided to take the path less travelled and become a Luxury Cycling Guide instead of taking a corporate job. It was here, that my passion for community was forged on the open road. As a guide, my job was to lead travelers through the stunning landscapes of our country’s National Parks, iconic landscapes and places people would never think to ride. I loved showing people the world from two wheels, but my favorite part of the week was always the same: preparing the weekly picnics.

There was something magical about watching people gather around a beautifully laid-out spread and connect with their fellow travelers over shared bites of cheese, fresh fruit, and delicious salads. I was lucky to witness how food could provide a space for strangers to quickly become friends. Food is a love language, I realized, and it has a unique power to bring people together.

When my fiancé and I decided to plant some roots in the winter of 2024, seeking to find our own community that felt like home, it was time to make a career shift. We stumbled upon Fort Collins, where we’ve been able to combine our love for the mountains and bikes with our desire to build a life here. Not long after we moved, did I make the jump to start Curated Grazing Co., which acts as a catalyst to create those same moments of connection for others, that I experienced as a guide. I get to turn simple ingredients into a beautiful centerpiece for celebration and community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is the road to launching a business every perfectly smooth? It wouldn’t be as fun if it was because that means you aren’t learning anything along the way. The biggest challenges I have faced has been managing a balancing act between moving to a new city, building friendships, working full time and pouring all my extra energy into starting a catering company from scratch. Every day has been a new lesson in how to manage my time and, more importantly, how to run a business.

I was incredibly fortunate to have been guided towards the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) here in Fort Collins early on in the launch process. Their team has truly bee a game-changer, providing essential support with everything from the business plan and financial accounting to navigating the licensing process and social media strategy.

Still, some of the biggest hurdles were unique to the business itself. I had to figure out how to operate a safe food business without a traditional storefront and how to best get my name out there in a new, competitive market, navigating the noise of our technology. While being a business owner is filled with it’s own challenges, it is a deeply rewarding project that has pushed me to grown in ways I never imagined.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Curated Grazing Co., a charcuterie and grazing table business in Northern Colorado. Our work is all about making the lives of busy hosts and event planners easier by taking the food and snacks off their to-do list entirely. Our mission is to provide a fun, high-quality, tailored spread that elevates any event.

We specialize in crafting bespoke grazing spreads and charcuterie boards that are as beautiful as they are delicious. We are known for our personal interactions with our hosts prior to the event, our attention to detail, delicious handmade dishes apart of all our spreads, and for providing a truly personalized touch for each gathering. We believe that a grazing table should do more than just feed guests; it should reflect the significance of the event and act as an additional piece of decoration.

Our spreads have been the highlight of everything from bridal showers and weddings to employee appreciation lunches, cocktail hours, birthday gatherings, and even casual craft nights. Each one is uniquely designed for the occasion, ensuring it perfectly complements the event’s theme, tone, and of course, our hosts wishes.

What does success mean to you?
It might sound simple, but true success for me is when I feel both grounded and both physically and mentally stable, while also being financially sound and genuinely happy with who I am. I set both monthly and annual goals for myself and my business to keep me moving forward, and I’m learning every day to love the process, not just the outcome.

A friend who is also a life coach recently shared an insight that really resonated with me: there’s no such thing as “life balance.” You can’t possibly balance your personal life with the daily demands of a business. Instead, the goal is to work towards harmony; a state where you can manage both without the immense pressure of always needing to do more on both sides.

For me, success is achieving that harmony. It’s building a business I’m proud of while also nurturing a life that feels authentic and rewarding. That’s a journey I’m thrilled to be on every single day.

Pricing:

• Catered Grazing Tables ~ $20-26 pp
• Catered Brunch Services ~ $50-60 pp
• To-go boards ~ $15 pp (Capped at 25 people)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.curatedgrazingco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedgrazingco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuratedGrazingCo

Image Credits
Martin Coyle