Behind the Boards: The Story and Purpose Driving Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar

About the Show:The Struggle of Balancing Motherhood and Ambition: "And I said, okay, I'm going to say yes to every single thing that I possibly can. Even if that means that I'm not home for dinner, that I might not see Lucy as much as I want to."       – Mallory FilesIn this inspiring episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Mallory Files, founder of Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar in Fayetteville. Mallory opens up about her personal journey—from escaping a difficult family situation and dealing with heartbreaking loss to saying “yes” to new chances and creating a vibrant business that has taken Northwest Arkansas by storm.Mallory shares how she turned grief and mental health struggles into a passion for creativity, building a small side hustle into a fast-growing business with a strong digital presence. She also discusses her work with the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter and her commitment to raising awareness for domestic violence survivors and their families.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a food lover, or someone looking for hope in hard times, this episode will motivate you with Mallory’s story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community.Key Takeaways:Turning Pain Into Purpose: Mallory shares how losing her sister to domestic violence shaped her advocacy and business philosophy.Say Yes to Opportunity: Saying yes to every chance, even when it meant risking failure or discomfort, fueled Mallory’s business growth.Community Over Everything: Mallory emphasizes the value of connecting with others and serving customers with care and authenticity.Authentic Storytelling Works: Mallory’s success on social media came from showing up as herself and sharing her journey, not just her products.Support Local & Give Back: Ozark Charcuterie isn’t just about good food—Mallory makes giving back part of her mission by supporting the Women’s Shelter and community events.Personal Growth Through Business: Being open about life’s ups and downs creates stronger businesses and more meaningful relationships.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Ozark Charcuterie Website: www.ozarkcharcuterie.comOzark Charcuterie and Wine Bar on InstagramMallory Files on Instagram: @malloryfilesMallory Files on LinkedInNorthwest Arkansas Women’s ShelterFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*HootOwl Legal Ver 2 FindItNWA.com Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" Try ONBoardNWA.com Today! *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026