Meet Heidi Sears | Grazin Board/Table Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Sears and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Planning, hosting, creating or whatever you want to call it has been apart of me for as long as I can remember. Every job that I have had in my career has led me to planning events and I have loved doing it, but never thought that I would be doing this as a side job. Back in December 2020 I did my first Charcuterie Board for my family. I posted a few pictures and the response was overwhelming. I started thinking of what I wanted to call this little side business. Grazin was stuck in my head, all I heard from family and friends is they could graze for days on my boards, so Grazinfordays had to be the name. I had no idea how to even price my boards, this was just a hobby but I have to make some money at it or I knew it wouldn’t last. I did tons of research and lots of mistakes but I came up with a price list. My family has been behind me 1000%, the support they have given me has been tremendous. As for now this is a hobby but you never know what the future holds for this little side business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started with my Instagram page January 2021 as a hobby. I started with doing a few boards for friends and family. I wasn’t expecting it to take off like it has. I haven’t really advertised; it’s all been word of mouth. The crazy thing is I do not like cheese. I have my husband and son in law try different cheeses before I add them to my boards. They are more than happy to oblige. I am always looking for new recipes to add to my boards or tables. To me having homemade items is a must and sets my boards apart from others. The first item I ever made was candied bacon, spicy or regular. My husband immediately said this needs to be your signature item on your boards. This is my most requested item.

I have had several challenges along the way. Every party that I have ever planned I have always said I would rather have more than not enough. So, when it came time to build my boards, I had to learn to take into consideration what I am charging for each board, not only the food and supplies but my time as well.
I have several sizes of boards to choose from. The mini box is perfect for kids’ birthday parties or even adults. It’s a 4×4 box with meat, cheese, fruit, nuts, and a little treat, all customized depending on the event, perfect portion for an individual. Whether you are wanting an appetizer or light dinner. My small box is a top seller, it comes in a 10×10 brown box and feeds 2 to 4 people. Medium box feeds 4-6, Large box feeds 8-10

Grazin tables has to be my favorite to really show my creativity. Every table is different. I plan for days, sometime weeks for each table. I take into consideration what the event is for and come up with something new and different each time.

Holidays are my favorite time of year. This past Valentines Day I made candied bacon roses. With Halloween and Christmas around the corner I have some exciting ideas coming up, so be on the lookout.

I thank God for this journey that has truly been such a blessing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I both love the water so living close to Kemah we are often visiting restaurants in the area. Some of our favorites are Tookies Burgers, T-bone Toms or Schaffers with a nice view of the water. A new favorite that we just found is Texas Prime Pit Stop in Webster, their chicken fried steak is the best we have ever had.

We love to venture out to new places around town. Highland Village is another top spot. Strolling through all the stores during the Holiday Season is just magical. Usually stopping at Barnaby’s for breakfast followed with PF Changs for lunch and then Steak 48 for Dinner.

If you looking for some place fun to go on a Saturday to try different meats, cheese, fruits etc.. go to Central market on Westheimer and then hit all the Trader Joes around town. I love walking around the stores finding exotic fruits. You can’t go past the bakery without smelling all the delicious baked breads and desserts. You will sure to find something new to try. I always find something new to try on my grazin boards.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so fortunate enough to have 1,000% support from my family. I had no idea how many hours it would take to put a grazin board/table together. Working full-time and then shopping for supplies, prepping the food for boards or tables, the late nights and early mornings, the help of my husband and daughter has been around the clock. Sometimes it may seem like the little things such as washing fruits and veggies, organizing my tubs of supplies which my daughter is amazing at, or cooking my signature candied bacon so I can come home and put a board together at the last minute.

My husband and daughter has been my rock. I have had help around the clock. I would love to dedicate the shout out to my husband and daughter.

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