Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Garcia-Mayorca.
Maria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Brie and Honeycomb was born way before I made my first cheeseboard. Unbeknownst to me, every facet of my personality, every hobby I’ve ever had, every discipline that ever caught my attention had been a silent indicator of the direction I was going.
Art and writing have always been an escape for me. Ever since I can remember, I’ve chosen these two outlets to try to understand my own ideas and perspectives and try to make sense of what I had to say. I have jumped invariably from one to the other through the years, but it wasn’t until recently that I found space for that catharsis to happen on a wood board. And it all started in Orlando, FL many years ago. After a long day at the parks with our friends who were hosting us, one of them suggested that we pass by the grocery store, pick up a few things and some bottles of wine, throw some pillows on the living room and make a cheese board and relax. I didn’t know it then, but the simple idea of enjoying a cheese board after such a fun day, drinking wine and surrounded by friends and happiness would later become the very foundation of the biggest project of my life.
As time passed and I started to fall in love with entertaining, I discovered a passion for showing up at parties with easy, eye-catching dishes. And as much as I love experimenting new things in the kitchen, I would always revolve around appetizers and nibbles. There was something about the happy energy you feel when you first arrive at a party and all your family members and friends are there, and everyone seems to be anchored to the kitchen counter to have all the apps at arm’s length.
Fast forward to 2018 when I was planning my son’s first birthday party and I had nothing planned to serve the adults. All of a sudden, I thought of a cheese board since it was an afternoon party and I figured they wouldn’t be so hungry but they wouldn’t want hot dogs either. I made the cheeseboard but was not prepared for the amount of positive comments and questions like “did you make this or did you order it?” Or “this looks like our of a magazine, when did you learn that!”. this was a surprise because all I did was experiment with different cheeses and other items to make the board more colorful. Having received such positive feedback was the catapult I needed to practice more and more.
It wasn’t until a year ago that a friend asked me to please make a board for her daughter’s party to which we had been invited. We arrived at the house and they were so happy when they removed the foil paper and displayed the board. The reaction of the kids and adults at couldn’t have been better! I mean, all the poor tuna sandwiches were left untouched (what?!). I couldn’t believe that young and old parked themselves around the board. The part that struck a chord with me was when more than enjoying the rare, unfamiliar flavors the adults were also bonding over the board! From a distance, I was witnessing complete strangers at a party reach out to the other end of the board and say, “Wow, this is so pretty right? I don’t want to eat it. Hi! Nice to meet you! What’s your name again?” This phenomenon unfolded before my eyes while my mind was coding: your cheese board could be the first link on a long friendship. The day after that Brie and Honeycomb came alive.
As I continue to build this business I am thrilled to know that there are still many things I need to figure out and learn. One of the biggest surprises I’ve had along the way is having to dip my toes in areas that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Writing, design, digital strategizing, packaging and advertising are all areas I am trying (and loving) for the first time!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road? Not at all. And neither do I want one! I never saw myself as a paid artist, let alone a business owner. The pressure that comes with both is tremendous, but it has forced me to learn about things that I don’t necessarily like, and step outside my comfort zone.
COVID-19 has been particularly difficult for me as a business owner. While I launched my business way before the pandemic started, it has challenged me in many ways. But while it’s been hard in that sense, growth has happened because of it. Forcing myself to take two big breaks during the pandemic gave me the mental space to slow down and walk back to the drawing board, try new things, practice certain skills, etc. For me and my business 2020 has been a blessing in plain sight.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brie and Honeycomb – what should we know?
Brie and Honeycomb is a luxury cheese and charcuterie company that specializes in a higher-end product. What sets it apart from all the other similar businesses is that with each board or box, I am sending off a creation of that moment, and no two boards look the same. I take special pride in providing the highest quality product, and attention to detail is even prevalent in packaging. I am Also starting to transition most of the material oursource to local small businesses withc which I’ve connected with. Being a business owner has made me realize how important it is to keep business among the community. It’s how we grow and show up for each other, especially during this time.
With this brand, I want to preserve the true art of a cheese board, and the harmony that has to exist among the accoutrements that surround each cheese. Cheese boards are currently very popular, and the market is opening up for them like never before. Every cheese board company will want to put their own personality and twist on their product, and you’ll find that the name “charcuterie board” has even morphed into a broader category of food platters. And while I’ll come up with slightly different products down the road, I want my clients to count on high-quality, down-to-the-root cheese boards on my part.
What I am most proud of is the support I’ve had within my community. Brie and Honeycomb was born in Sienna, TX and 80% of my clientele resides there. The fact that my own neighbors are supporting me this much means the world to me.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been many people along the road who deserve all the credit in the world, as living with a dreamer is sometimes a titanic mission.
First and foremost my family. My husband is my ground pole. He makes sure my two feet are well glued to the pavement when my mind seems to fly away with the craziest, most impossible ideas. But he’s also the first to applaud when things go well and the first to cheer me up when they don’t. My toddler is also very happy to come with me sometimes to make a few deliveries during the week, and even if it takes time away from him I how important it is to show him about hard work and dedication. My parents, siblings and other family members have always been there for me and have supported every decision I’ve made along the way. I have also been fortunate to find strong, like-minded women across the country who are also cheese and charcuterie board business owners. They have inyected me with encouragement and honest opinions when I’ve needed them the most. And finally, I owe a great part of my success to the great neighborhood I live in. Sienna, TX is a community that believes in small businesses, and as such they have been there since day one to share the word on my work with others.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (305)924-4480
- Email: brieandhoneycomb@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brieandhoneycomb
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brieandhoneycomb
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