

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 Files
In 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.com
- Ozark Charcuterie and Wine Bar on Instagram
- Mallory Files on Instagram: @malloryfiles
- Mallory Files on LinkedIn
- Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
This episode is sponsored by*
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*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.
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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
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Mentioned in this episode:
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
FindItNWA.com
🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now.