Meet Ashley Campbell | Charcuterie Board Artist

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

Hi Ashley, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Back in 2020, I was suffering severely with postpartum depression after giving birth to my third child. Being isolated and in quarantine for months, Instagram became more addicting than usual.

On my journey trying to lose weight, I followed many influencers to see what methods they used to begin a healthy lifestyle. I stumbled upon a page and became an instant fan—I loved her personality and transparency. She became my friend without knowing it herself.

One day, I was viewing her stories and she posted that she received a giveaway box from a charcuterie board business based in Delaware. Intrigued by the presentation and the idea, I followed the brand and became obsessively interested, thinking to myself, “I could do that.” And I did. I made charcuterie boards all the time at home but to think that I could actually sell these unique forms of art brought back a sense of excitement.

I shared the idea with my husband and a few close friends, just to get a gauge. Little did I know, charcuterie board brands was a real thing and people make real money selling meats and cheeses.

I reached out to a few brands, looking for support on how to get started and I was surprised by the response. Everyone was so helpful in sharing their product vendors and providing links to videos on how to make this a “thing.”

I sold my first box in October 2020 and the rest is history.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
One thing about being a charcuterie creative is you can let your mind run free. Naturally there are limitations with dietary restrictions but the world of food has changed with vegan and pork free options.

A Grazing Grace is different because it’s nothing like the larger charcuterie businesses in that, I’m understanding. You have to remember, I used this skill to pull me out of depression so my intent is different. My heart beats differently for this. Im sensitive to the needs of my grazers. I do this on the side which allows me to be more flexible.

Initially, my biggest challenge was determining pricing. I didn’t want to overcharge the working family but I didn’t want to cheat myself. As word started to spread, I was concerned that I would get overwhelmed and give up. My mom and aunts always said they pray that God gives me more than enough and He definitely has. Im thankful for every teachable moment, every late night and early morning because I know this is something my kids will remember and think “My mom really killed it”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a homebody but I have a few places in mind. For brunch they would have to go to Toast which is the best restaurant in the city, by far. Afterwards we could go to a spa or venture to Little Five Points where they would likely run into my husband doing interviews with my brother in love. Later that day we could tour the town or stay in and enjoy a movie while enjoying a board from A Grazing Grace. Nothing crazy, low key like myself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to first shout out my husband. He was the first person I shared my ideas with. Being a content creator himself, his support meant the most to me. It started with late night pillow talks and it turned into a brand. He’s my photographer, my mentor and best friend. There’s never a time when I asked him for help and he wasn’t available, he’s always been my cheerleader. My children are my reason, they influence me daily and provide constant praise. Their “wow’s” and “you did a good job mommy” is the caffeine I need when I’m up at 5 am creating my pieces.
Lastly, my brother. He’s always in my corner, giving marketing tips, encouraging me to know my worth as he’s seen me in action first hand. We can talk for hours on how we will eventually quit our jobs and pay our parents back through our entrepreneurship.

Instagram: a.grazing.grace