Meet Judy Manivanh | Charcuterie Creator

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

Hi Judy, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started creating boards for my own consumption & eventually started to share when friends or family would come over. Then a few of my friends asked if they could pay for me to make one for them to take to parties or small get togethers. It really didn’t come into a business thought until during Covid. I started to drop off small boxes at friends & families doors for a small snack & just a “I’m thinking of you guys” thing. & then BOOM! Honey Melon + Board was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s always a constant battle of always having to be creative. Always having to find new things, new designs, new looks. But I’m just thankful that the charcuterie community is extremely helpful. We all help to motivate each other. Come up with new trends for charcuterie. Nothing in business is easy. You definitely have to work hard to get business going, especially when you depend on social media. I’m certainly appreciative for social media. Without it, I don’t think my business would be where it’s at now. Just trying to get yourself out there with all the other charcuterie businesses out there. I think one thing that keeps me apart from others, is that I enjoy sharing others beautiful creations. Sharing & spreading the love for what you love to create & seeing other creations catch your eye as much as you want your work to catch others eyes. I want the world to see what playing with your food can get you. Lol!

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.
First, once she arrives, we would go to the BEST, Lao restaurant in Atlanta. Snackboxe Bistro in Doraville will always be the first stop. Would order the fried pork belly, nam khao (crispy rice lettuce wraps), laap salmon (spicy raw salmon salad), spicy papaya salad with some sticky rice. It’s definitely a home meal away from home. After that meal, we would probably need to take a break from eating because it leaves you filled for a bit & you’ll have plenty of leftovers to snack on. Depending on the time of year, we would go kayaking on the Chattahochee river. Normally takes a few hours to float down the river so we would pack quick & light meal, like sandwiches & chips. We’d work up an appetite though from all the paddling and probably would end up at Parkside District for a one drinks & my all time favorite, shrimp & grits & some moscow mules of any kind. Then we would just head home and have a bonfire & drinks in the back & a charcuterie board. Next day, we would go to the Chattahochee Food Works in Midtown & spend the day & evening there. It literally has everything! Food, drinks, brewery & BBQ! Next day, we would head to the Aquarium & Coca-Cola Factory & head to one of the best Korean BBQ spots around, 9292 & drink some cold soju. & closing out the end of the trip, always have to include a fancy dinner. Would definitely head over to Frankie’s Steakhouse. Jumbo crab cakes & lollipop lamb chops are a favorite, along with the fried Brussels & cauliflower, lobster Mac & cheese.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First & foremost, my very dearest friend, Thip Athakhanh, for pushing me to go after my passion of creating food art & sharing it with the world. My beautiful friend, Melba Searcy, for helping me & walking me through getting what I need to be legit. My husband, Mike, for enduring all the blood, sweat & tears from me & helping me expedite everything quicker. & last but not least, my family & friends for the love & support!

Website: www.honeymelonboard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeymelonboard

Facebook: https://facebook.com/honeymelonboard/

Image Credits
Surita V photography