Men Of AOB
Benjamin Armel
"Infused with our distinctive touch for truly unique creations."
We aim to expand our cheese selection with unique offerings. Our Mexican mozzarella, consists of a deeper, more robust flavor. Then there's our Crottin de chèvre, a tangy goat cheese that offers a refreshing twist. Our Kempe Knolle, inspired by Belper Knolle with a peppery flavour.
Each cheese in our collection boasts its own distinct character, crafted with care to provide a truly unique tasting experience.
"My inspiration for starting a cheese shop stemmed from my lifelong love for cheese, nurtured by my French upbringing."
After living in India for a decade without finding the quality cheeses I craved, my partner and I explored cheese making during lockdown, initially for personal enjoyment. Surprised by the enthusiastic response from friends and family, we decided to turn our hobby into a business. Though we initially considered importing French specialties, logistical challenges led us to focus on crafting our own cheeses. Thus, the concept for our cheese shop emerged.
"If everything were too easy, it wouldn't be as fulfilling."
"The Fox and the Crow"
We named our cheese shop 'Nari & Kāge' after carefully considering its meaning. "We combined French and Indian cultures, inspired by the fable from Aesop and Jean de La Fontaine 'The Fox and the Crow', where 'Nari and 'Kāge' represent 'fox' and 'crow'. 'Nari', reminiscent of the Hindi word for 'woman', adds depth to our story. We envisioned a more positive ending for the fable, symbolizing unity and the sharing of cheese, which reflects our values. "Hence, 'Nari and Kāge'.
Q & A with Benjamin
One of our primary objectives is to maintain consistency in our products, which is an ongoing pursuit for us. Additionally, we aim to expand our offerings in the delicatessen realm. While I can't divulge specific details at the moment, we have exciting new products in the pipeline that will be revealed soon. We strive to consistently bring creativity to the table, ensuring that we offer intriguing and innovative options for our customers.
I'm currently wearing a shirt from Aristobrat, and I find it incredibly comfortable. I am wearing a Beluga Grey pants and Ecru shirt , they complement each other well. Overall, I've noticed that the colors of Aristobrat clothing are thoughtfully chosen to create cohesive and stylish outfits from head to toe.
As for what sets us apart from regular consumer brands, our focus lies in our dedication to providing unique and culturally diverse experiences. We strive to offer products and services that reflect our journey of learning and adaptation, incorporating elements from various cultures to create a rich and distinctive customer experience. Our commitment to patience, tolerance, and understanding permeates everything we do, setting us apart as a brand that values diversity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.
Personally, I gravitate towards unique pieces rather than following trends. I find value in items that are one-of-a-kind, as I prefer not to wear something that someone else might also have. Thrifting is a favorite pastime of mine, as it allows me to discover truly unique pieces regardless of brand. What matters most to me is the quality of the fabric and how comfortable the clothing feels. Ultimately, I believe in wearing what makes you feel confident and comfortable, and for me, that often means embracing simplicity and uniqueness in fashion.
Our cheese shop prioritizes creating a welcoming atmosphere. We encourage curiosity and welcome all questions, believing that there are no wrong ones. We're here to help, whether it's with recipe suggestions, pairing workshops, or exploring unique combinations like cheese and chocolate. Our community engagement activities include a variety of workshops on topics ranging from traditional cheese and wine pairings to unconventional pairings. We value customer feedback and tailor cheese platters and hampers to their preferences. As a delicatessen, we provide a carefully curated selection of artisanal products, ensuring a complete shopping experience.
Operating a cheese shop involves navigating various challenges, from logistics to production to managing the store itself. Each day presents new hurdles to overcome, but rather than viewing them as problems, we see them as opportunities to grow and learn.
As a small team of two, we find ourselves tackling tasks that may not be our forte, such as handling legal and accounting matters. While these aspects of business ownership may not be our passion, we recognize their importance and address them head-on.
Embracing these challenges is part of the adventure of running a business. If everything were too easy, it wouldn't be as fulfilling. We thrive on the excitement of overcoming obstacles and are motivated by the continuous learning and growth that come with them.
"Patience, tolerance, and a willingness to understand.........."
It's a lot of learning, When you come to a new country, you come with your own mindset, rules and logic so you have to actually reset your brain a little bit to understand how the country works.
Patience and understanding are essential virtues. After a decade in India, returning to France feels strange, but patience is key to navigating the differences.
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