Kendall Antonelli (SFS’04) spreads joy through words and cheese. Public speaker, writer, and co-founder of Antonelli’s Cheese, Antonelli mixes humor with self-reflection through stories of entrepreneurship, depression, and balance. Antonelli is a Certified Cheese Professional and intro Sommelier who leads award-winning food experiences alongside her business and life partner John - ever since they made a honeymoon decision to quit their jobs in search of “Passion with Purpose;” that journey later became the subject of their TedX talk and earned them a deal with Capital One in a national commercial for small businesses that has generated over 10 billion impressions.

Antonelli's Cheese is an award-winning destination known for artisan cheese, charcuterie, storytelling, and hospitality. Based in Austin, Texas, the business includes its flagship Hyde Park cut-to-order cheese shop, two tasting rooms, a statewide wholesale distribution program serving acclaimed Texas chefs, and a nationwide cheese club. The team hosts over 500 public classes and private events yearly, gathering over 10,000 guests yearly around their table, making it one of the country's largest cheese education programs. Along the way, Antonelli's has been recognized as one of America's Best Cheese Shops by Travel + Leisure and The Gourmet Retailer, received the Austin Gives Generous Business Award, the Austin Business Journal Family Business Award, the City of Austin Small Business Resiliency Award, and has been named an Edible Austin Local Hero for more than a decade. Driven by the mission Do Good. Eat Good., Antonelli's intentionally sources products from artisans who prioritize quality, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and workplace culture. Just as importantly, the company is committed to giving back to the community, including publishing an annual accountability report on the nonprofits supported yearly. More than a cheese shop, Antonelli's creates memorable experiences that bring people together around the table—because they believe cheese isn't just food; it's a way to connect.