Grazing Her Way TO Success by Brooke Ezzo
P
iled high and filled to the brim with cured meats, exotic cheeses, seasonal fruits, nuts, delicious spreads, and more, a charcuterie board is an impressive way to entertain your guests.
Lane Tunstall is taking this savory way to
cheese and crackers with a spread and
Lane has definitely started a conversation. Clients have been so enthralled with her talents, several reached out and suggested she teach classes.
Creating boards with different themes and
“I have a teaching background,” Lane said. “So, I thought ‘let’s do this!’”
entertain to the next level. Her business,
Board + Brie, was born out of her love for bites of fruits and nuts.
giving each one her own personal creative touch, she decided to follow her passion. “I started making Halloween boards in
October,” Lane said. “It quickly turned into a full-fledged business.”
Four short months later, her popularity has soared. Lane not only offers
charcuterie boards for events and gift
boxes for special occasions, but she is the queen of grazing tables.
Grazing tables have become a popular concept in Europe and are slowing
gaining speed here in the U.S. Thanks to
creatives like Lane, we are given another catering option for holiday parties,
weddings, and even baby showers. “We completely customize every gift box, board, and table to fit your tastes and
preferences,” Lane said. “We want our
work to be both delicious and gorgeous, as well as a great conversation starter at parties and events.”
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Charcuterie board classes are another door Lane has opened for Board + Brie. Teaching several classes a month, she invites participants to use their own creativity to customize their boards and have a little fun. “I do most of my classes at The Nest & Roost in Roanoke,” Lane said. “I also love to do classes at wedding venues.” Even the wood boards she uses for classes and events are custom made. If a client asks for something specific or she needs the board to fit a certain box, a local vendor is her go to. “Braided Sweet Grass by Kayleen Thomason is local and she can make you anything out of wood,” Lane exclaimed.
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boards, and grazing tables, Lane’s shopping list is quite long. With some experience under her belt, she has a system in place to know where and when to buy certain foods and supplies. “I shop mostly at Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Central Market,” Lane said. “I love to find things at Farmers Markets as well.” Her love for grazing has given her a passion to teach others about the not-so-ordinary cheese and meat options. During classes and events, she is able to upgrade our palates by introducing us to manchego, sage derby, and of course, brie. With word of mouth being her main marketing tool, she is humbled and grateful for the support of the community. But, most of all, she is thankful for her biggest supporters. “Some days, my family gets more of me, and some days, my business does,” Lane said. “It’s not always easy, but I know my husband and my boys are proud of me for following my passion.”
Lane has hit the ground running with her small business in a short amount of time and is helping other locals in the process.
Lane Tunstall never thought her favorite dinner spread and snack board would turn into a successful business, but it has. She is a great example of doing what you love and loving what you do!
She has perfected the art of shopping as well. Between planning for classes,
You can find Board + Brie on Facebook and Instagram. February 2020 | 35 WEST | 15
