Children have always been at the center of everything Shelli Chinlund of Charcuterie by Shelli does. From the time she was a young girl, to her job as a preschool teacher at First Baptist Church of Destin, Shelli has felt a special connection to children. She has dedicated her life to supporting childhood education. Shelli has homeschooled her own children and been an advocate for over 30 years and her current charcuterie business is also inspired by her children.
“I found a winning combination with my love for art and feeding my kids well by slicing up healthy foods and presenting it in a fun way,” Shelli said. “I became more creative, adding things they normally wouldn’t have tried, and they loved it.”
Shelli’s friends encouraged her to open a business as her charcuterie boards were unique, artful and upscale. With the additional support of a commercial kitchen within the new Destin High School, Shelli launched her business in 2022, and has grown in popularity every year since.
“I started with a few cheeseboards and small events, but now I do weddings, birthday parties, beach bonfires, concierge services, corporate events and private catering to name a few. My clientele comprises of about half locals and half visitors who order from me on a regular basis.”
Life has always been an adventure for Shelli, as she explains how everything has come as a result of finding the blessing in the circumstance she is in, no matter how good or bad it may seem.
In the early 2000’s her husband Mike transitioned as an Air Force pilot to flying for American Airlines. However, shortly after 9/11, he was furloughed. What could have devastated a growing family, instead turned out to be a blessing. Mike found the opportunity to cross-train as an attorney. To this day, he works as a commercial pilot and lawyer.
“He is an amazing husband who has always worked extremely hard for our family,” Shelli said. “When he started law school he asked me to hold the fort at home for a few years and promised that when I needed him he would wholeheartedly be there. For example, when we lived in Chicago I managed a large children’s theater group that produced plays, camps and classes year round. He sat on the front row cheering me on and is still encouraging me today, but this time with my catering business”
Another blessing in the midst of pain came when Shelli and her husband Mike experienced several miscarriages. They had five biological children and were at a crossroads. Although they didn’t plan on having a large family, Shelli said they always knew they would grow their family through adoption at some point in their lives.
“We knew we were going to adopt from the time we were engaged,” Shelli said. “I told Mike it was on my heart as long as I could remember and asked if he was open to adoption someday. He said absolutely, so that’s how I knew he was the one for me.”
They decided to finally open the door with an adoption agency in 2010, and soon Mike and Shelli were matched and became the proud parents of twins, a double blessing.
"Looking back I can see God’s hand in every decision we made," Shelli said. "The twins came to us in a miraculous way, finding the commercial kitchen for my business was also a miracle, and the list just keeps growing."
Shelli said she doesn’t view her business’s success in monetary terms, but more as a way to serve the community and give back. She uses much of her profits to support organizations like Destin High School, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, South Walton Academy, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the local food pantry.
"I believe the purpose of my business is to be ready and willing to bless the people that God brings to me to serve," Shelli said. "I am so thankful to be a small part of a much bigger plan.”