We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Mata-Ramirez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for The Board Babe HTX really came from my love of bringing people together through food and creating moments that feel special. I’ve always loved hosting and paying attention to the little details that make something feel beautiful and thoughtful. What started as me putting together charcuterie boards for family gatherings and friends quickly turned into something much bigger. People began asking if they could order them for their own events, and before I knew it, what started as a hobby became a business.

When I first started, I didn’t see many people in Houston offering curated grazing experiences that were both visually stunning and customized to fit any occasion. I wanted to elevate the idea of a “charcuterie board” into something that told a story. Something elegant, intentional, and full of personality. I poured my creativity into each design, and I think that’s what made it stand out.

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor when I saw the joy it brought people. Every order came with excitement. Clients would tell me how it made their celebration extra memorable. That feeling confirmed I was creating something meaningful. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about connection, creativity, and making people feel celebrated. That’s what keeps me inspired to keep growing The Board Babe HTX.

Kristen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kristen Mata, and I’m the owner and creative mind behind The Board Babe HTX, a Houston-based charcuterie and grazing company that specializes in creating elevated, visually stunning food experiences for all occasions. My journey into this industry started with a simple love for entertaining and making people feel special through beautiful presentation and thoughtful details. What began as a creative outlet, putting together charcuterie boards for family and friends, quickly turned into a full-fledged business once I realized how much joy and connection it brought to others.
At The Board Babe HTX, we offer a range of services including custom charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and curated food displays for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Each creation is designed with intention. Combining premium ingredients, artistic presentation, and a touch of elegance that reflects our clients’ unique style and occasion.
One of the main things that sets us apart is our commitment to quality and customization. We don’t just create boards, we create experiences. From the way each item is placed to the overall flow of the table, everything is designed to make an impact visually and emotionally. We focus on helping our clients host effortlessly while leaving a lasting impression on their guests.
What I’m most proud of is the growth and recognition the brand has achieved over the years, but even more than that, I’m proud of the community that’s formed around it. Seeing clients return for milestone after milestone, from birthdays to weddings and corporate celebrations. It reminds me that we’re a part of their most special moments.
Ultimately, The Board Babe HTX is about more than just food. It’s about creativity, connection, and celebration. I want people to know that when they book with us, they’re not just getting a grazing table, they’re getting a curated experience that’s made with passion and purpose.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, The Board Babe HTX started as a side hustle before becoming my full-time business. In the beginning, I was creating charcuterie boards for family and friends simply because I loved it. The creativity, the design, and the joy it brought people. I had a full-time corporate job at the time, so this was something I did on the side to fuel my passion.

As time went on, word spread and orders started pouring in faster than I could keep up. What began as a fun weekend project quickly turned into something that required my full attention. I reached a point where I was trying to balance my 9-to-5 with late nights and early mornings preparing orders and that’s when I realized I had a decision to make.

Taking that leap of faith to leave my corporate job wasn’t easy, but I trusted the process and believed in the vision I had for The Board Babe HTX. The demand was there, and I knew I had built something that resonated with people. Once I went all in, everything began to align. From booking larger events and weddings to being featured in local publications and growing a loyal client base.

Looking back, that decision changed everything. What started as a side hustle in my kitchen has grown into a thriving business built on passion, creativity, and connection. It’s been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever taken.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building genuine connections and focusing on the overall client experience. From the very beginning, I’ve prioritized creating products and presentations that speak for themselves. Every detail, from the quality of ingredients to the visual design, is intentional. When clients feel that level of care and attention, they naturally want to share it with others.

Word of mouth and social media have also played a huge role in our growth. I’ve found that sharing behind-the-scenes moments, client celebrations, and our creative process helps people connect with the brand on a more personal level. It turns followers into loyal customers and loyal customers into repeat clients.

Another key factor has been consistency. Showing up, delivering quality every single time, and maintaining clear communication throughout the booking process. That reliability builds trust, and trust turns into referrals.
Ultimately, our growth has come from a combination of passion, presentation, and authentic connection. When you genuinely care about your clients and the experience you create for them, that energy always comes back full circle.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboardbabehtx
• Facebook: The Boardbabe HTX
• Other: email us @[email protected]

Image Credits

Professional photo of me is by EG Madrid Photography