Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Wilson.
Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hello, I am the founder and designer behind Board Oh! Six years ago, I left a lucrative job in advertising to build a more balanced life and spend more time with my young twins. While this was incredibly rewarding, I couldn’t shake the urge to be creative and design things, as this has been a passion my entire life. I spent time designing events, planning parties, fundraising, crafting for people, and even sewing re-usable gift bags for friends and family.
I’ve always had a gift for design, attention to detail and curating creative gifts for others, which has caused friends to label me “EXTRA” all the time. I am the girl with that “EXTRA” touch to all of the Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and teachers’ gifts. I simply love to feel like something I’ve created has caused someone to go “wow”.
Fast forward to today, I am blessed to live in an incredible neighborhood where we get together with our neighbors, who have become family, every Friday night. During one of our weekly happy hours, which are the stuff of legend with all of our kids playing in the street and riding bikes like times of the past, I decided to make a charcuterie board to say thanks in some small way for the great friendships we’ve developed. One social post by a friend later and I wake up to a bunch of requests like; “Love it, can you make one for me”, “how much for this yummy board”, “how do I get one of these”?
Two weeks later, I sold my first custom board and the rest is, as they say, history. In a matter of weeks, I went from a first-order to average 5-10+ orders a week and it keeps growing.
It’s been a whirlwind so far, but how fast my following has grown, how many people support Board Oh! weekly, and how blessed I am to get to put my creativity to use in a way that makes people happy and brings people together to celebrate makes me happier than I’ve ever been.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In not too “cheesy” terms, I believe that like anything in life this journey continues to be one of learning and growing. My journey to where I am today started 20 years ago in the advertising field which I truly feel prepared me with lessons I can now apply to my own business both professionally and personally. My main struggle thus far has been mostly about how to set myself apart and what I have found is that sticking to what you’re good at and evolving that strength is what keeps you grounded and what keeps you moving forward. It’s incredibly important to surround yourself with people who lift you up. I have found quite an amazing group of people around the country and even the world, my cheese tribe, who support, encourage, and guide each other every day. I am beyond grateful for all of the love and support I have received. I know because of this support and my passion for what I do that I can succeed.
Please tell us about Board Oh! – what should we know?
I specialize in custom charcuterie and candy boards. I believe there is no happier place to gather than anyplace around food. What brings people together? Food! I grew up in Miami in a Hispanic household, we ate a lot! I am a self-proclaimed grazer. I LOVE to graze! I prefer a little bit of everything at a table rather than sitting down for one full meal, so I graze! If you’re sitting next to me at any said meal, be prepared for me to ask for a bite or two. My goal is to share my love of grazing with charcuterie made of the highest quality ingredients and a beautiful presentation. I love that my clients leave the design to me. I love themes and special requests. Although candy boards are a smaller part of my business I love to design and create amazing pieces for kid’s parties. I am like a kid in a candy store when creating. Nothing fills my heart more than to hear a client say things like “here is my theme, run with it, I know it will be amazing” or “I love your cheese boards and trust whatever you make will be beautiful” and for that, I am truly grateful.
Two quotes I always remember and go back to; “Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you wish could have lasted forever” – Dylan Lauren and “I love cheese plates. Though I actually hate cheese plates. Because I can’t say no to them”. – Seth Meyers
What I hope for the future is to open a cheese & candy bar. A place where you can come smell, taste, sample and learn about cheese, of course, while sipping wine. While at the same time, providing an awesome experience for kids or even the kid inside of you with a candy experience. Come join my cheese tribe and be a part of my journey.
I am most proud of taking the leap to start and build Board Oh! Finding a way to channel my creativity and turn it into something amazing makes me proud.
All of my charcuterie boards are custom designed and made by me. I sketch every board by hand prior to making them. I try to make each one different in some way. While some of the ingredients/products are the same on a lot of my boards, each is custom made and unique to vary their looks. I spend a lot of time in the design process of my boards and know that my clients truly appreciate that about Board Oh!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe in staying humble, kind and appreciating everyone who has helped you. Staying true to those qualities and the uniqueness of what Board Oh! offers is a critical factor in our success.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 305-213 -3672.
- Email: boardoh@gmail.com
- Instagram: @board_oh_
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