Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Tomlin.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
What started out as a love for food and entertaining soon turned into a passion for beautiful boards and bringing people together. I have always had a fondness for creating a sense of community and passion for cultivating an environment that welcomed in conversation through food. Graham & Graze was inspired by and named after my son, Graham Franklin. He truly is the light of my life and my biggest driving force in all that I do. Soon after having him, I found myself loving every moment of this new phase of life of becoming a mom while also still craving the opportunity to have intentional time spent with friends, family, and my husband. Every time that we had loved ones over to meet our sweet Graham or my husband and I took a moment for a date night in after G had gone to bed, I found myself reaching for artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh local ingredients to put together a board for us all to graze on while enjoying all the nuances of newborn bliss. It was in these moments that I realized that for years I had been putting together delicious bites and boards when it came time for a get-together, no matter how small or large the occasion.
I attended Texas A&M University and studied Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Special Education. For the last five years, I have been a proud Early Childhood teacher in North Austin, teaching students ages 3-5 with a variety of abilities who receive supports and services through Special Education. Yes, I know what you’re thinking…. what is an Aggie doing in Longhorn country?! Like most young creatives and those soon to graduate, I found myself yearning for a location to live in that was filled with amazing food, people who are unlike any, and a culture that was diverse and full of life. In Austin, I found just that.
Being able to start my career in Austin has given me the opportunity to work with students and families from all walks of life and experiences. Every precious student and family that I have worked with come to my classroom with a different story. I feel that my journey in as a Special Education teacher and now being a mama has helped form me into the entrepreneur I am today. No two students are alike…. yet each is able to connect on deep level of love and understanding. There isn’t a single day that goes by with my sweet boy that is exactly like the one before it… still each moment is unique and a core memory in this fleeting time. No two grazing boards are identical… and yet they all are able to help usher in quality time and memories made between people together. Through Graham & Graze, it is my goal that with every board and grazing table received, there are memories being made and intentional conversation with the ones that you care for.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting something is never easy… there are so many learning curves when it comes to beginning on a new adventure! Graham & Graze has had a learning curve every single step of the way. One of the biggest things I strive to accomplish through our boards and tables is to support other local businesses in the Austin area by using local cheeses, breads and crackers from local bakeries and artisans, honey from beekeepers in the ATX area, and jams from small family-owned businesses. I believe so strongly in supporting small and helping to grow and contribute to their hard work. Though that goal though, trying to be mindful of price points for customers while still being mindful of my own business has been something I have had to navigate countless hours within. Above all, I want grazers to know that I strive to source the best products of the highest quality for every board that leaves my hands. Whether it be teaching myself how to create a website in the wee hours of the morning, spending countless hours prepping for boards and tables happening the following day, working together with my sweet (and incredibly patient) husband on how to handle things on the accounting & business front, or making a trip to the store for a 17th time that week because there is a new local cheese or jam that I just “HAVE” to try out, Graham & Graze truly has become something I am so passionate about.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Graham & Graze is a local, family-owned and operated company that curates beautiful boards and grazing tables serving Austin + Surround Areas. Small charcuterie boards for the perfect date night in, large brunch board for the morning of your bachelorette party before you and your girls hit the town, a beautiful spread for your wedding with 200 of your closest loved ones, a large board for your dinner party guests, charcuterie cups & cones for your business open house; you name it, I’m sure I can make it a stunning display of delicious bites for you and your guests! Every single board and table is able to be customized with ease via a form when placing your order. At the same time that you’re filling in your delivery address, you’ll also be able to give flavor preferences, your favorite “must haves”, as well as your “please steer clear of these items” wants with the simplest of ease! One of the biggest things I strive to accomplish is to support other local businesses in the Austin area by using products in every single board. Whether it be through a fluffy sourdough from my favorite bakery in Round Rock, exciting flavors of jams like Blueberry Pinot and Plum+Pear+Pepper from jam pros around the ATX area, or the most creamy and decadent honey from beekeepers all over the central Texas area, every board will be filled with items sure to taste delicious and really wow those around you!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think one thing that some might not know about me is that I LOVE being in the kitchen and trying out new recipes! I have some of my most favorite memories all centered around being in the kitchen with my mom as I was growing up. I remember sitting on the counter next to my sister as we made cookies and special treats with my mom. She would always let us be involved in any meal, no matter how messy! One Christmas, my sister and I received our very own set of kid-sized chef whites monogrammed with our names and sets of mini pots that we were able to actually use on the stove. It truly was the gift that kept on giving because I still have some of the fondest memories cooking in those little pans. I now have a recipe tab directly on the Graham & Graze website where you can find simple recipes that any skill level in the kitchen can create. It is my goal through these recipes to provide others with steps they can follow with ease with their little ones and those they love to create a yummy meal or snack…. just as I did with my mom growing up!
Contact Info:
- Email: grahamandgraze@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.grahamandgraze.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahamandgraze/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grahamandgraze/
Image Credits:
The Crakes Photography + Videography Keilany K Photography
