Meet Kelsey Pettus | Owner of CHS Coastal Charcuterie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Pettus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In full transparency, I didn’t really have much of a thought process when starting my business. At the time, I was working full-time in the hospital and just stumbled upon some charcuterie boards online. I’ve always loved bringing platters to friends’ events, so I made one and took it out on the boat with some friends. One of them asked where I bought it, and I laughed and said, “I made it.” That’s when I thought, “Hey, maybe I’ll start a business,”

So, I started posting on Facebook, and word got around. Next thing I know, Erin Kienzle from Lowcountry Live asks me to come on the show and talk about my business. I was super excited and told my husband. He was like, “Your business?” And I said, “Yes, duh!” That’s when he hit me with the reality check: “Kelsey, you need to have licensure to be a legit business, and if you’re going on Lowcountry Live to talk to all of Charleston, you need to get it together.”

So, we scrambled to get everything in order—licensure, DHEC inspection, the whole nine yards—just in time for the interview. He’s the rule follower, and I’m not, so he definitely saved the day. Fast forward to now, and what started as a little side project has turned into my full-time job with a team of five amazing people. We’re now the number one charcuterie company in Charleston, and we’ve expanded into catering and more. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m definitely a “jump in and figure it out” kind of person, which balances out my husband’s more methodical, planning-oriented approach. He’s a big rule follower, and that dynamic has worked wonderfully for us—we balance each other out. Honestly, I’ve figured things out as I went along, and I’m a firm believer that no one really knows what they’re doing; you just have to fake it till you make it, for lack of a better phrase.

What’s really gotten me to where I am today is a combination of hard work, determination, and not giving up, even when things got tough. Having a strong support system around me, especially my husband, has been key. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been fun, and I’m extremely proud of what I’ve built from nothing over the past four years.

One of the biggest accomplishments for me is that I’ve been able to transition from a full-time hospital job that I loved to owning and managing my own business. This has allowed me to spend more time with my two children, which is what means the most to me in life—alongside my husband and my faith, of course. I’m incredibly proud of how far this business has come, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love everything about Charleston—from the charming downtown to the unique vibes of the islands, you truly get the best of both worlds here. If my best friend were visiting for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time ever:

Day 1: Downtown Charleston

• Start with the iconic Rainbow Row and a walk to the Pineapple Fountain. We’d take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy swinging on the bench swings at the pier by Waterfront Park.
• Wander through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the beautiful, colorful houses, especially the historic mansions along The Battery.
• For dinner, we’d head to some of my favorite spots downtown—Halls Chophouse for an amazing steak, Indaco for delicious Italian, or 82 Queen for classic Southern cuisine.
• We’d wrap up the night with drinks at a gorgeous rooftop bar, like the one on top of The Dewberry Hotel, soaking in those stunning views.

Day 2: Folly Beach

• We’d spend the day hanging out at Folly Beach, enjoying a laid-back beach day.
• For lunch, we’d grab a slice at the local pizza joint and maybe catch some live music at one of the rooftop spots—great food, great vibes.
• No trip to Folly is complete without a stop at the pineapple ice cream stand for a sweet treat!

Day 3: Plantations & “The Notebook” Tour

• We’d start the day by visiting Boone Hall Plantation, where scenes from “The Notebook” were filmed. The beautiful grounds and the historic oak-lined driveway are breathtaking, and it’s a must-see for any fan of the movie.
• Next, we’d head to Magnolia Plantation to explore the stunning gardens and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife.
• In the afternoon, we’d go to Cypress Gardens, the spot where the famous boat scene from “The Notebook” was filmed. A boat ride through the cypress swamp is like stepping right into the movie—it’s a magical experience.

Day 4: Kiawah Island & Paddleboarding

• We’d head to Kiawah Island for some serious beachcombing—looking for shark teeth is always a fun adventure!
• Afterward, we’d hit the water for some paddleboarding through the beautiful marshes. It’s a peaceful way to take in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
• In the evening, we’d head over to Shem Creek, where we’d watch dolphins play in the water while having dinner and drinks outside—maybe at Red’s Ice House or Tavern & Table, both of which have a great atmosphere.

Day 5: Sullivan’s Island

• One of my favorite spots, Sullivan’s Island, would be a must-visit. We’d start with lunch at Home Team BBQ—can’t miss their famous wings—then grab a drink at Poe’s Tavern.
• We’d spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach and the relaxed island vibe, maybe even catching the sunset to round out the perfect day.

Day 6: Riverdogs Baseball Game & Palmetto Breeze Sunset Cruise

• If it’s baseball season, we’d definitely catch a Riverdogs game. It’s such a fun, local experience, and the atmosphere at the ballpark is unbeatable.
• After the game, or on another evening, we’d hop on the Palmetto Breeze Sunset Cruise. It’s a must-see experience—sailing through Charleston Harbor with the sun setting over the water is nothing short of magical.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a big shoutout to my husband, who has been my rock through this entire journey. From making a better pepperoni rose than I do, to stepping up at home with our two kids while I’m out teaching workshop classes, building grazing tables for wedding receptions, or hiring people for our newest charcuterie cart—he’s been there every step of the way. I honestly couldn’t do this without him.

I also want to give a special mention to my dad. He started his own business, and I definitely inherited that entrepreneurial spirit from him. He’s always there to answer my questions and offer advice, and having that kind of support has been invaluable as I’ve grown my own business.

Website: https://www.chscoastalcharcuterie.com/

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