Meet Katie Guess

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Guess.

Hi Katie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many others who dealt with the unexpected 2020 pandemic and supply shortages, I needed to create both work-from-home areas and remote learning areas for my family. After building a custom desk to accommodate the new living environment, I decided to use the left-over wood to create charcuterie boards as gifts for family members. I came across a wholesale buyer impressed with the beautiful, hand-crafted boards and from that one meeting, a business was born! In just a few short months, Bark and Brine Custom Boards™ were being sold in over 13 stores (and currently growing) in North Carolina and shipping nationwide. I enjoyed making the boards so much that I decided to expand into coasters, flight boards, cheese pun greeting cards and other custom gifts.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Going from the security of a 9-5 to start your own business is never a smooth ride. I learned a lot about business on the retail side from my previous job but I had to learn everything about the back end of a business. I taught myself everything from registering a business name to getting an ID number for sales and use taxes. I will say that I made a lot of new relationships early on that truly helped me get through some of the harder times. My family and the retailers I work with are the real cheerleaders and they keep me going.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a graphic designer and foodie. I graduated from ECU with a graphic design degree and have loved all things design for many years. I’m the happiest and most inspired when surrounded by food and family. When I stumbled into this hobby turned business, I was thrilled to be able to incorporate two of my loves…design and food. The biggest reward of all is being able to work with my family by my side and to see how many people believe in me and support my dreams.

My products are different than others because I select each piece of wood by hand. The wood is up-cycled and comes from barns torn down in NC. The knots, cracks, and nail holes give each piece character. The holes and cracks are treated with food-safe polyurethane and the entire piece is coated with my hand-made board butter.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I work with several local makers already and have a huge passion to help others. I have collaborated with several makers on giveaways and on custom pieces. I love working with fellow creatives and the best way to start up a conversation is to message me on Instagram (@barkandbrineboards).

– I currently work with Misty Mountain Made on the flight boards. She hand etches the glasses and I make the flight boards.
– I am working with Brooklyn Apothecary and Mama Salsa on flight boards for their products.
– Preston Flowers was my first retailer and we collaborate on classes, housewarming gifts, and corporate gifting.
– I work with Brand and Burn for personalization.
– I am working with “As the wood turns” on some cheese knife sets to sell with the boards.

Pricing:

• Pricing for a board ranges from $40-$90
• Custom Boards (custom brand) $60-$120

Contact Info:

• Email: info@barkandbrinecustomboards.com
• Website: www.barkandbrinecustomboards.com
• Instagram: @barkandbrineboards
• Facebook: barkandbrineboards

Image Credits
Headshot by Nicole Hanner