Say Cheese, Miami! Inside the Woman-Owned Cheese Shop Changing the Charcuterie Game

I got invited to a local event for wine and cheese at a new spot in town and let’s be real,

Courtney Khoshafian, owner Miami Cheese Shop

you had me at “wine” and “cheese.” But what I didn’t expect was to be completely captivated by both the flavors and the founder behind it all. This wasn’t just any cheese tasting; it was a full-blown celebration of craftsmanship, community, and culinary storytelling. From aged cheddar to silky gouda and every charcuterie board delight in between, it was cheese heaven. And who’s behind this magic? The powerhouse woman we’re spotlighting this month: Courtney Khoshafian, founder of Miami Cheese Shop.

From Startups to Fromage

Courtney’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with cheese—it started with bookmarks. Yes, you read that right. As a child, her grandmother would drive her around to sell handmade bookmarks to local bookstores. That early spark turned into a wildfire: at just 14, Courtney was named California’s Junior Businesswoman of the Year.

She’s always had that business mindset. In college, she started a monogrammed apparel line for sororities, secured licensing, and scaled the operation with impressive precision. After earning her undergrad degree, she pursued business school to further deepen her passion for building companies. That passion took her to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she ran an accelerator, advised hundreds of startups, and helped scale over 200 businesses.

Talk about a résumé.

But the twist? Cheese.

Courtney with Walls of Cheese!

While working with a startup focused on specialized feed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cows (yes, really), Courtney discovered a love for the world of cheese—both the science and the soul of it. She spent weekends touring farmstead creameries, learning the art behind the product most of us take for granted.

Courtney didn’t just fall in love with cheese; she immersed herself in it. She saw the hands-on care it takes to raise animals, craft cheese with intention, and deliver something extraordinary to your plate. It lit a fire in her. She began hosting tasting events, creating grazing boards, and becoming a megaphone for small-batch cheesemakers who deserved a spotlight.

The Cheese Shop Experience

That passion turned into her first cheese shop in Los Angeles, where she worked with small family farms to deliver an experience not just a transaction. The shop wasn’t about grabbing a block of brie and heading out. It was about connection. Community. Education. Classes. Tastings. Stories. It became a space where cheese wasn’t just food, it was an experience you remembered.

When the pandemic hit, Courtney and her husband decided it was time for a fresh start and moved across the country to Miami. But like many great entrepreneurs, the path wasn’t without its challenges. Courtney was diagnosed with breast cancer—but she fought, won, and came out stronger with a new outlook on life. Around that same time, she became pregnant with her first child and began planning her next move—The Miami Cheese Shop.

Initially, she kept her LA shop name, “LC Cheese Shop” (a nod to her former neighborhood, La Cañada), but her husband encouraged a change. Something more grounded. Something Miami. Eventually, she agreed—and The Miami Cheese Shop was born.

Courtney Hosting an Event

Her Edgewater location offers a cozy, welcoming space where you can taste, learn, shop, and connect. She sources cheeses from all over—from Vermont to Wisconsin, California to New York—as well as some local Florida products. Think hot pepper jam from Maria Foods (a women-owned gem), pickles, homemade breadsticks, and honey so good it could be dessert.

Community, Connection, and Cheese

Courtney’s not just building a business; she’s building a neighborhood hub. With a newborn at home, shop hours may flex, but her mission remains firm: she wants her shop to be a space where people come together. Whether it’s an HOA happy hour, a wine and cheese night, or a sourdough workshop, her goal is simple: build community, one bite at a time.

And her startup advice? “Get to know your community and take their feedback.” She lives that advice every day by listening, adjusting, showing up. When customers walk in, she’s not just selling cheese - she’s telling stories, building relationships, and creating experiences that stick with you long after your last bite.

Events, Education & Everything Gouda

Some of her standout events include:

• Deep dives into specific cheeses (hello, all-Gouda night!)

• Regional tastings (French or Spanish cheese themes, anyone?)

• Cheese & wine pairings with local wine shops

• Fan-favorite sourdough workshops paired with perfectly matched cheeses

And if you have a creative idea for an event, Courtney is always open to collaborations. Her motto? Let’s make cheese fun and educational. And based on her classes, she’s clearly succeeding.

Her Inner Circle of Inspiration

When asked who inspires her, Courtney doesn’t hesitate: “My husband.” He’s her biggest cheerleader, fellow entrepreneur, and the one who encouraged her to take the leap with the cheese shop. Even when the numbers didn’t yet make sense to investors, he saw the long game. He bet on her—because he knows the best founders aren’t just driven by numbers. They’re fueled by grit, vision, and heart.

Courtney also draws daily inspiration from her sister, a corporate-turned-influencer powerhouse who’s carved her own lane, and from other women cheesemakers like Marika—a trailblazer from Holland who brought authentic gouda to the U.S. and just became a Master Cheesemaker (a title only a handful of people in the U.S. have earned).

Mindset + Grit = Magic

Building the Miami shop came with its own lessons. What worked in L.A. didn’t automatically translate to Miami. Dietary preferences, customer behavior, market expectations—it all shifted. So, Courtney pivoted. She focused on tasting events and learning directly from her audience. When unexpected construction popped up during my visit, she took it in stride. That’s just who she is.

Cancer changed Courtney in profound ways. She now lives by a powerful mantra: “Is this moment temporary, or will it matter a year from now?” That question shapes her mindset, helping her stay grounded in what truly matters.

Is this moment temporary, or will it matter a year from now?

She admits not everyone wants the science-y deep dive into cheese-making, so she’s learned to read the room, pivot, and still bring her whole self to the experience. She’s not here to show off. She’s here to share, connect, and bring people into her world of cheese—one slice at a time.

Her Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“You just have to take the risk.”

Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it costs money. But Courtney is a shining example of what happens when you believe in your vision and invest in yourself. She emphasizes that your health is your wealth, and focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing is the foundation for sustainable growth.

She also encourages entrepreneurs to use their network. Someone you know may have the insight or support you need. And don’t worry if someone else has a similar idea—there’s room for all of us. In her words, “It’s not a competition, it’s collaboration.”

When the cheese board trend exploded during the pandemic, she didn’t panic—she pivoted. She started offering the boards and selling the ingredients. That’s the kind of savvy, ego-free thinking that builds lasting brands.

A Final Taste

Before I left, I picked up a block of maple cheddar (I’d been eyeing it all visit), and wow—it did not disappoint. If you’re anywhere near Edgewater, do yourself a favor and swing by Miami Cheese Shop. Or better yet, sign up for one of her tasting classes and learn from the queen of cheese herself.

Connect with Miami Cheese Shop

Instagram: @miamiCHEESESHOP

Facebook: @MiamiCheeseShop

X: @MiamiCheeseShop

Website: https://miamicheeseshop.com/

Location: 2900 NE 7th Ave #103, Miami, Florida 33137

Want to nominate a woman in business for our next highlight? Drop us a message—we love showcasing bold women turning passion into purpose.