Our story · Richmond, Virginia

About us

A small charcuterie and grazing company in Richmond, Virginia, started by Kirsten Saphrey in September 2026.

Boards, boxes, gifts, and grazing tables, made by hand and to order. Kirsten is a dental hygienist by day and builds this around that. The rest of this page is in her words.

Kirsten Saphrey, who founded VIP Charcuterie Co.
Kirsten Saphrey, Richmond, Virginia.
V · I · P

Valma Issabel Paz


Kirsten Saphrey’s grandmother.

Valma Issabel Paz, seated by a window with houseplants behind her
Valma Issabel Paz. The V, the I and the P.

In her words

More than a name

VIP Charcuterie Co. was created from a love of beautiful food, meaningful gatherings, and the simple joy of bringing people together.

But behind the name is something even more special.

VIP stands for Valma Issabel Paz — my grandmother.

VIP Charcuterie Co. was named in her honor as a way to carry a piece of her with me into something I’m building for myself. Her name is woven into this business as a reminder of where I come from, the people who shaped me, and the importance of creating moments that bring family and friends together.

When she died, a butterfly settled by my mother’s shoulder and stayed a moment. She has taken butterflies for her mother ever since, and so do I. You will find one on this page, just under her name.

What began as a love for creating beautiful charcuterie spreads has grown into something with a much deeper purpose: creating experiences that make people want to gather, celebrate, share, and stay awhile.

Kirsten with her grandmother Valma, leaning over her shoulder, both laughing
Kirsten and her grandmother.

Every VIP creation is thoughtfully prepared with an emphasis on abundance, beauty, and the little details that make an ordinary moment feel special. Whether it’s a date night for two, a birthday celebration, a shower, a holiday gathering, or simply an excuse to get your favorite people around the table, I want each board to feel like more than food.

I want it to feel like an invitation to connect.

Gather Beautifully.

That’s why “Gather Beautifully” means so much to me. It’s not only about making a beautiful board. It’s about the people gathered around it.

VIP Charcuterie Co. is a new chapter for me, but its name carries a legacy that came long before it.

For my grandmother, Valma Issabel Paz.
For the people we love.
For the moments worth gathering for.

— KirstenFounder, VIP Charcuterie Co.

Good food brings people together.

Not a slogan we arrived at in a meeting — the reason there is a business at all.

What we believe

How we think about it

Food should look like someone cared

Arranged by hand, in the order it will be eaten, with the things people reach for first at the front.

Everyone should find something

A board where one guest can only eat the crackers is a board that did not work. Tell us who is coming.

The table is the point

We are not catering. We are making the thing people stand around, and that changes what goes on it.

Your gathering

Come and gather

Whatever you are planning, tell us about it. We would like to hear what the day is for.

Start an inquiry

Or email [email protected] — whichever is easier.

Start an inquiry