I Am Northwest Arkansas® 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.
Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:
- Grab our Newsletter
- Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
- Connect With Our Facebook Page
- Connect With Us on Threads
- Connect With Our Instagram
- Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
- Join The Facebook Group
- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
Thank 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:
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!