02/06/2026
Well, ready for a vulnerable post? Here goes.. I've been getting alot of messages so I guess it's time to explain a few things...
As many of my former and loyal customers know, I had a successful business with The Alaska Grazing Co.
Started this as a way to support my family after an unexpected divorce. To my amazement, it took off and I loved every minute of it.
In comes Graze Craze (after many years of running The Alaska Grazing Co.) located in South Anchorage. I was hired to be their regional manager. Designed everything from the ground up, paint colors, flooring, equipment, hiring, management, ect, you name it.
I LOVED our customers and LOVED seeing alot of them on a weekly basis. I loved being an intrical part of weddings, celebrations of life, office parties...it was an honor to be part of important memories in people's lives.
A couple days before Thanksgiving, I recieved a phone call from my out of state owners ( both great men btw) that they wanted to close the store within a matter of days. ( FULL GUT drop) With appointments and parties already on our books and not wanting to let our customers down or taint the franchise name, I begged them to keep it open until after I got us through the holidays. I did have the opportunity to buy it outright, but for right now, it would not be best for my family.
That day I had to do something that I hated. I had to let my loyal and hardworking employees go. Ugh, so many tears.
From the days leading up to Thanksgiving and to the end of December, I fulfilled hundreds and hundreds of orders by myself. It about near killed me as I slept many nights at the store ( I live in Eagle River, so it just made sense if I had to be back at the store at midnight for that days orders)
When I say blood, sweat, tears, no sleep, more tears were put into this, it's an understatement.
My family is now unfortunately to 1 income as I basically start from scratch ( like real world problems people...who made the rules that bills need to be paid by a deadline...bleh) trying to rebuild this beautiful company that is ALASKA GRAZING. ( A little something about me ya didn't know, before I got married and became a mom I had planned many weddings. Catered and was the food and beverage director in St. Croix, USVI for the Westin resorts, so I come with a tad knowledge)There are so many woman that do this in our area, that do amazing work. All of our boards are different and you will never hear me knocking any of them down. It takes NOTHING to be kind. I believe there is enough clients out there where it does not need to get cut throat and we can support each other.
I am more than willing to answer anyone's questions, so feel free to message.
Until then, be kind and graze on...
Much ♥️,
Erin
OWNER OF THE ALASKA GRAZING CO.
