Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Gladwell.
Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved being in the kitchen! I grew up watching and learning from my mother, grandmother, and even my father. They all loved to cook and I loved watching them make delicious meals with all the love and passion they added to their cooking. Even now as an adult I enjoy both cooking and baking
My most recent endeavor, however, probably got started the way most people have recently found their own new talents, during the pandemic! Sitting around the house with not much to do and an appetite that just would not quit lol I started looking into making small meat and cheese boards at home. I started out just making them for myself and my husband with no real artistic flair.
Troy – my husband – liked them so much he started to. ask for them every Sunday during football season. The boards started to get larger as there were Sundays when we would have people over. I would look up ways to pair the different meats and cheeses and what went well with them, I also started to research things like jams and fruits that would taste well with the different things on my boards.
Pinterest was a real-life saver! I started to practice different ways to fold my meats and cut my cheeses and fruits. Something that started out as a small Sunday afternoon appetizer quickly took a turn for the best. I started making them for friends and family and my artistry began to really take shape.
My boards would get more elaborate and more creative and my taste for the different elements got better, I love using fresh and organic ingredients which I really think to give my boards a little something extra. Word started to spread quickly and both friends and family started to suggest that I open a small business for my charcuterie boards.
I took a leap of faith and dove in head first! I don’t regret it!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges so far has been advertising. As a home business, I count a lot on word of mouth and things like Facebook and Instagram to advertise.
Sometimes getting a small business off the ground while working full time, going to school, and being a mom and wife is a challenge in itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a person, I work hard every day at everything I do. I am a mother to 2 beautiful children, I am a wife, and I have a full-time job as a Medical Assistant at a Dermatology office, most recently I started going back to school.
On top of all that I started Gladwell’s Grazing Boards because I love food and I love creating art what an easy and beautiful way to do what I love and share it with people who enjoy it. I specialize in making beautiful and crafted art that you can eat.
I am proud that I have been doing this with the immense support of my wonderful husband Troy, my mother, my grandmother, and my father because without them I would not be able to do it. They have always been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders.
I think that what sets me apart is the love and care that goes into each of my custom boards. I am meticulous in each of my boards and I take special consideration into making each one special for each customer
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love to read. It is a passion of mine, and regardless of what is going on in the world around me I always make time to read a good book.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladwells_grazing_boards
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladwells-Grazing-Boards-100736739263706
