Leslie Leonard began Craft and Board this past fall, specializing in charcuterie and grazing boards for a wide array of events. Her love for cooking, entertaining, planning themed parties, and a “big love for creating” made the new business venture the perfect fit.
Leonard will share her love for the craft and the many skills and hacks she’s acquired along the way at a workshop at Brew Bridge this Thursday. The event will begin at 6 p.m., and the $75 ticket price includes food, a festive board to take home, gloves, a cutting board, a knife, and two complimentary drink tickets.
“I’ve always loved cooking and entertaining for others; if it makes them happy and brings them joy, it brings me joy,” Leonard said. “My family always tells me I’m extra when it comes to all of those things. It’s always 110% and overboard – I just can’t help it.”
Charcuterie first caught her interest a couple of years ago when she noticed some interesting pieces and decided to get more creative and inspired in her efforts. After crafting a few for some family events, her sister Emily suggested turning it into a business. So she did.
Leonard said she’d sold wreaths, tree toppers, and other customized crafts in the past and had some reservations about adding food to the mix. Some modest advertising efforts on social media and word of mouth incited an overwhelming response.
“In no time, the response was insane. I was overwhelmed in the best way, and it became a new sort of therapy,” she said.
She added that anxiety had often taken a toll on her life, but that time spent in the kitchen and entertaining was the perfect medicine.
“The kitchen is my happy place. Entertaining is my happy place,” Leonard said. “Making these boards and boxes has brought so much joy to my life. Not that other things don’t; this was just a different sort of fulfillment.”
Leonard obtained the appropriate licenses and permits and began showcasing her works at White Chateau and Hayden’s Fall Market events. In addition to any theme desired on a charcuterie, she also offers charcuterie to go, snack cups, grazing boards.
She’s made gluten-free and allergy-friendly boards, created boxes to-go for every teacher at Whitesville Elementary, and designed boards for all types of holidays and special occasions.
To learn more about the workshop, visit the event page here or at owensborobrewbridge.com. To learn more about Craft and Board or place a custom order, visit the business Facebook page here.
