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

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I’ve spent my entire career building businesses and helping others find their dream homes through real estate. But at my core, I’ve always loved creating experiences that bring people together. Food and wine have a way of connecting people in such a personal, memorable way, and I wanted to create something that felt both elevated and approachable.

Bon Vivant was born out of that vision—a place where I could merge my passion for hospitality, design, and community. I wanted to build more than just a charcuterie and gourmet market; I wanted to create a space where people could gather, celebrate everyday moments, and discover curated flavors they might not find elsewhere. My thought process was simple: if I could build a business around something I genuinely love and at the same time bring joy to others, then it was worth pursuing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bon Vivant Charcuterie & Gourmet Market is a place where food meets experience. We create curated charcuterie boxes and offer boutique wines, and gourmet products designed to bring people together and make everyday moments feel special. What sets us apart is our attention to detail and the love we put into every board, basket, and event.

Getting here wasn’t easy—opening during the summer meant we had to be creative and lean heavily on community support. Through collaborations, consistency, and listening to our customers, we’ve been able to grow and build something that people connect with.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that community is everything and every challenge is an opportunity to get stronger. Bon Vivant is more than a market—it’s a reminder to slow down, savor, and celebrate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d start right in Miami Lakes with charcuterie and wine at Bon Vivant, then dinner at Amazonia or cocktails at Corner 67 and The Garrison. From there, we’d explore Miami’s culture with a day in Little Havana—cafecito and croquetas at Versailles, live music and mojitos at Ball & Chain.

Another day would be dedicated to history and art—Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in the morning, the Perez Art Museum in the afternoon, and dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District. To round it out, we’d take a day trip to the Florida Keys to soak up the island vibes and of course stop for key lime pie.

For me, the perfect Miami week is all about balancing great food, culture, and community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could never take full credit for where I am today because so much of my journey has been shaped by the people around me. First and foremost, my family—especially my husband and son—who have been my biggest supporters and constant source of motivation. Entrepreneurship is not a straight path, and having their love and encouragement has made all the difference.

I also want to give credit to my business partner, Lilly, who has been instrumental in bringing Bon Vivant to life. Building something from scratch takes vision, trust, and teamwork, and I’m so grateful we get to share this adventure together.

And lastly, I have to thank my community here in Miami Lakes. From my colleagues in real estate to our local customers who embraced Bon Vivant from day one, their support has shown me the true power of community. None of this would be possible without the people who believed in me and continue to cheer me on.

Website: https://www.eatbonvivant.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatbonvivant/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bon-vivant-charcuterie-and-gourmet-market-miami-lakes

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