Melinda Brown is the owner of Nosh Boards Charleston, a company that specializes in custom grazing boards and boxes, such as charcuterie, dessert boards, fruits, and cheeses. She first fell in love with Garde Manger, cold food, during culinary school. Several years ago, Melinda began making platters and trays for family holidays in an effort to celebrate with everyone and not be in the kitchen all day cooking a large meal. This grew to making boards for friends’ holiday celebrations, girls-night-out, and on from there. Melinda not only loves being able to share her own boards but also teaching others interested in learning how to make them as well.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a military wife and mother of 3. My husband is currently deployed. I have a daughter that works in Houston, a daughter headed off to Coker University in the fall, and a daughter who is a rising senior in high school.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been in food service most of my adult life. When we moved to Charleston 10 years ago, I attended the Culinary Institute of Charleston. Afterwards, I began private catering, was the catering chef at Boeing for several years, and was a food-service manager at a small specialty grocery store. I literally woke up one morning and decided it was time for a change. I took a leap of faith and poured all my experience and knowledge into something of my own – Nosh Boards. I truly love what I do. I have even started teaching classes on the how to’s of charcuterie boards. My future goal is to open a small storefront where I can continue to sell boxes and boards with a little grab-and-go cooler for walk-in customers, an area where I can share items from other local vendors, and a space to teach even more classes.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A couple of my favorite restaurants in the area are Accent on Wine (for charcuterie of course) and Five Loaves Cafe.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to the area in 2011 from East TN when my husband got a job at Joint Base Charleston.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
She’s not in Summerville, but close by in Charleston- Lindy Fabyanic is the owner of Dance Conservatory of Charleston. We were introduced when my youngest was looking for a new dance studio. She is one of the warmest, kindest, and most professional people I’ve ever met. She is an amazing business woman, a strong leader, and strives to mold her students for the future and to follow their own path.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to NYC. I’ve never been and have always wanted to visit the city that never sleeps.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My all time favorite movie is Fried Green Tomatoes. I’ve watched it at least 100 times – “TOWANDAAAA.” I’m a big crime drama fanatic so a lot of Dateline, Snapped, SVU, etc.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Believe in yourself, and do what makes you happy. It’s not always going to be easy, but it will be worth it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Open a storefront for Nosh and travel to all 50 states.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I simply adore the Lumineers!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I am a huge fan of Knightsville General Store, Guerin’s Pharmacy, and all the stores on Short Central and around the Square.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Oprah. Oh the stories she could tell. We would grab a table at Early Bird Cafe.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about Summerville is that it has the small-town feel of my own hometown back in TN, but is also close to shopping, beaches, downtown… everything.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would like to still be growing my business and sharing my love of creative food with my community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Although I clearly love cheese, I’m actually not a wine fan.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Great Smoky Mountains in October.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love Autumn, so my favorite month is October. Favorite holiday is Halloween. And the best single day on the calendar is October 31st
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The first crisp night in the fall when it’s finally cold enough to wear a sweater.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My girls. I want them to know they really can be and do anything. I want to be an example and not someone who just recites advice.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh brewed coffee and pumpkin spice.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Togetherness, Comfort, Belonging.
To order your custom charcuterie board, please visit: https://www.noshboardscharleston.com/
