I t almost seems rude to eat a Platter Up creation, as the selection of fruits, dips, cheeses, biscuits and foliage are arranged with such style. As clients often tell the three founders, Lisa Dennis, Julia Rogers and Teneile Stephens: ‘this is a work of art; we don’t want to eat it!’ But eat it they do, because it would really be rude to waste all that fine produce the girls handpick for each unique platter. “Seeing the reaction from the clients, when they see the platter for the first time, that is a nice moment,” says Lisa. Julia adds, “We are very proud of our work, and it is always nice to see our clients really thrilled and excited with the finished piece.” The three girls met working at Gold Coast Airport and initially created platters for their friends, who then encouraged them to consider starting a business. “It was a series of stepping stones for us,” says Teneile. Eventually, the business had a soft launch in October 2016 with a big platter for family and friends at Burleigh Hill. The spread got the attention that the girls hoped, as people stopped to look at their work. “We had a great response not only from our family and friends, but from the general public, who asked questions and took our business cards. It was a great launch,” Lisa says. The girls remain employed full-time, but perhaps not for long – the concept is gathering momentum. Platter Up works with a variety of clients for events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate functions, and caters for all dietary requirements. It takes about 90 minutes for the product to come together, as the girls work in union in what Julia describes as “a free flowing construction that unveils as it is being built”. Each platter has a centrepiece chosen for the specific event, which can be flowers, cheese, breads or foliage. “This is an opportunity for us all to get really creative,” explains Teneile. “Being our own business, we can take creative risks, and all of our clients have been receptive to our ideas.” Visit @platterup on Instagram for more information. We had a great response not only from our family and friends, but from the general public, who asked questions and took our business cards. It was a great launch The Platter Up team (left to right) - Julia, Lisa and Teneile C O N C E P T GOLD COAST ART, CREATIVE & DESIGN 47 M B G C 46