Not many people can say they got their business idea on a bachelorette party with their friends, but for Heather Heverly and Sarah Ehrlich, a seemingly mundane DIY cookie board activity sparked the idea to start their own business.
Ahhmazing Graze was created to bring meat boxes and grazing tables to the State College area. Heverly, a Penn State student and preschool teacher, and Ehrlich, a longtime nurse at Mount Nittany Medical Center, started the handmade sausage business in November 2021.
“After experimenting with meat boards at our bachelorette party, we were surprised at how well they turned out and decided to give it a try,” Ehrlich said.
The name Ahhmazing Graze came from a couple who wanted to include “graze” in the name because the whole idea of their business came from creating grazing pens. But they also wanted to make sure people knew how “ahh-mazing” their products were, and thus the name “Ahhmazing Graze” was born.
The couple quickly began gauging interest throughout the area, and after some trial and error designing their meat boxes, they received enough positive feedback to open a small business. As their business grew, Ehrlich’s basement kitchen soon became the company’s headquarters after it was remodeled, inspected and licensed by the state.
Now, after more than a year in business, Ahhmazing Graze is more successful than ever. His meat boxes and grazing tables have also grown in size and size. According to Ehrlich, the best part of the design process is thinking outside the box.
“The experience we gained after a year of work helped us better navigate ideas for creating edible works of art,” she said. “Because Heather is an educator, she is always full of creative spark.”
To create their “stunning” dessert boxes, Heverly and Ehrlich source cheese, meats, vegetables and sauces from around State College and beyond. They use local grocery stores and other specialty stores in the area, and even shop for products in other states if they find something they like.
What sets this company apart from others is its affordability, customer service, and family-friendly pricing. Each box includes everything from tongs and spreaders to cheese that is cut and ready to serve. Heverly says “all you have to do is pick it up and take it to your event.”
“Our grazing stalls are by no means a new concept, but they have been well received because they are fresh, beautiful and ready to go,” said Ehrlich.
“This is not just a job for us. We are focused on making people happy,” added Ehrlich. “We enjoy putting smiles on customers’ faces for their special or everyday events without breaking the bank.”
Currently, Heverly and Ehrlich operate out of their home kitchen and have two pickup locations: Belle Mercantile in Bellefonte and Your Cigar Den in downtown State College.
“Our favorite part about owning a meat products business is seeing it as an opportunity to make someone’s day special,” said the duo. “It was also a great learning opportunity, and the most exciting part is seeing our client base grow. Also, what could be better than working with your best friend?”
To order from Ahhmazing Graze, visit him Web page. You can also find Heverly and Ehrlich at Facebook and Instagram or contact them via electronic mail.
