TASTEFUL INNOVATOR

With 25 years of corporate expertise in packaged goods marketing, research, and digital promotions, JANICE GERGES has revolutionized the local culinary scene with Gone Grazy. Since 2021, her creations have turned cheese and charcuterie into unforgettable conversation starters and community magnets. This fall, her bespoke storefront in downtown Hinsdale will debut. Blending her sharp marketing acumen with her culinary artistry, Gerges transforms each grazeable masterpiece into a bold statement.

Most rewarding part of what you do? Realizing I have this creative outlet and hidden talent of styling food that brings enjoyment to so many. It allows me to add joy to any occasion from birthdays to celebrations of life. Knowing that, in a small way, I can be part of people’s most important occasions and milestones is highly fulfilling, and I’m extremely thankful.

How do you inspire others? I inspire others by being my most authentic self and by showing deep levels of love, sympathy, and empathy. With my charcuterie craft, I hope others will be inspired to chase after their dreams. Through every creation, I strive to demonstrate that pursuing what you love can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional? Starting a food business during a global pandemic, while working a corporate day job, raising two young kids, and managing a household. I leveraged my passion for hosting, so I could have a way to keep my mind occupied during a stressful and uncertain time. Gone Grazy was well received and quickly grew. Fast forward to now, my dream of owning and running my own shop has become a reality!

What did you dream of doing when you were younger? I was obsessed with cash registers and grocery stores, and now here I am turning a pandemic passion project into a storefront!

For more information, visit gonegrazy.com and follow @gonegrazy on Instagram.