Erika Slapar is the heart and hands behind Nashville-based charcuterie company, Board & Cheesy. Whether it's a cozy girls' night in, a bustling open house, or a dreamy wedding, Board & Cheesy aims to cater to the specific vibe of your event and are committed to crafting an experience that delights and impresses.
A New York native, Erika attended college upstate at SUNY Potsdam, where she met her husband who was attending a neighboring school. Both involved in Greek life, Erika found a love for hosting and themed parties through her sorority — a creative outlet that would eventually lead to something of her own.
In 2019, the pair began a new chapter in Music City. A true entertainer at heart, Erika has always had a passion for hosting; Whether it was turning their home into a speakeasy for a prohibition party or their backyard into an Oktoberfest, the entrepreneur has always loved the creativity that comes along with hosting an event.
“Every time we had a party, I would put out some crazy spread and we would all stand over it and talk about the different cheeses and meats I bought, or what we could combine with what,” Erika shares. “It became more of an activity and was always a great conversation starter.”
With each board she crafted, Erika’s friends and family remained in awe of her capability to not only pair together the perfect blend of foods, but to create a visual that entirely captured the theme of the event. After years of encouragement to take the leap and start her own business— and trying to hire her for their own parties — Erika bet on herself, officially creating Board & Cheesy in February of 2024. On a mission to enhance your event with exquisite charcuterie presentations, Board & Cheesy offers an array of services including charcuterie cups and boards, grazing tables, and private workshops. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Board & Cheesy helps elevate your event with a personal touch. Collaborating with you every step of the way, Erika is determined to craft a visually stunning and delicious display that feels both indulgent and entirely unique to your occasion.
“I want them to be dazzled,” Erika says, on what she hopes clients feel when working with Board & Cheesy. “I'll be at a setup, guests will start coming in, and the first thing they notice is the spread… I want it to be delicious, but it's the look that they're going to see for the first impression. Of course, you get ‘it’s too pretty to eat,’ but then they try it, and say, ‘wow, it's also delicious.’”
Countless parties and platters later, Erika analyzes each detail, working with her clients to customize and personalize each order. When it comes to the support of the Nashville community, she is grateful to each customer and partner for believing in her vision, making it possible to share her passion in significant ways.
“I am so grateful for the partnerships I've established through this process, and the people I get to work with and meet,” Erika shares. “If I had not started this side hustle, I wouldn’t be meeting and interacting with so many great people. It's such a good community.”
For more information on Board & Cheesy or to inquire, visit boardandcheesy.com or follow them on socials @_boardncheesy!