Never Too Late To Get On Board
Known as the ‘Adult Lunchables’ by Millennials, charcuterie boards have been circulating the web and making their way onto every Instagram feed or TikTok ForYouPage. People have been making charcuterie boards for hundreds of years, but this trend has become a phenomenon due to the pandemic. Social distancing has pushed millennials to spend time outside and inspired them to have picnics with their own DIY charcuterie board.
With the high demand for cheese boards, Barrett (B) was inspired to start her own small business creating custom charcuterie boards. “I always use to make/bring charcuterie boards as my share for tailgates or pre-games. In the fall of 2019, everyone used to tell me I should make an Instagram for my over the top boards, and so I did. From there people were reaching out and asking me to make them boards for certain events, and the rest is history!,” B said.
As the pandemic separates us from interacting with others, it is important to remember to support each other. People have been looking for ways to change up their mundane routines. From picking up new hobbies to learning something new; ever since COVID, B’s business has spiked.
“I run this business by myself (for now) which is great because I have total control over every business decision. That means I am hands-on in every step of the process. From social media, designing, assembling the products, creating, etc. I have taken many business classes at college and try to apply as much as learned into this business. I began by working on budgets and how much I was personally going to invest my money in terms of marketing materials, free boards to influencers, etc. The trend of charcuterie boards (especially during quarantine) has really helped my business. The pandemic has also doubled my sales from the holiday season. I believe people are looking for a safe and new way to change up their day or night,” B said.
Ranging from picnic boards to large boards, B spends around 20-45 minutes putting together each board. Each board is unique and customizable to the person ordering. She offers a variety of cheese, meats, fruits, and jams. She can also maneuver around dietary restrictions such as keto, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan. B works extremely hard to make sure that everything on the board can be paired well with each other.
B prides herself on incorporating other small businesses on her boards. “From Round Rock Jelly & Co to toffee from Toni’s Toffee. I am always working to find new and exciting companies to feature on the boards. I want the boards to be a reflection of the amazing and diverse city we live in,” B said.
To ensure the safety of others and herself, B does contactless deliveries as well as pick up. I was given the opportunity to try out a board made by B. The picnic board was more than enough for me to share with my three roommates.
It was plated beautifully and everything truly went together. From the local jam from Austin Jam Company, creamy brie cheese, smoky cheddar, smoked salami, and the melt in your mouth prosciutto. Every bite was indulgent and made me want more and more.
Sharing the charcuterie board with my friends brought us together. For a while, it felt like time stopped and all of the weight has been lifted off our shoulders. We were enjoying each other’s company and now I can see why people say that charcuterie boards have been bringing people together in hard times.
“I did not expect to grow this quickly and I am beyond grateful for the support the community has given me. I have been able to work with and meet some amazing people through this journey,” B said. “I hope to continue to grow the company and expand eventually into a brick and mortar or even a food truck.”
If you live in Austin and need a change of pace or just a break from school/work. Follow B on Instagram @boards.by_b and order your own customizable charcuterie board!