One of Oxford’s newest businesses, Board & Brush, located at 1525 University Ave. in the Corner Mall, is making preparations for a rush of holiday parties. HottyToddy.com’s Steve Vassallo visited recently with owner Cassidy Broadaway to learn more about her classes:
HottyToddy.com: Cassidy, before we address the various holiday parties at your business, provide our readers with a concise description of what Board & Brush is all about.
Cassidy: We hold DIY workshops where we lead you through the process to create your own work of art! All of our projects are wood-based: either signs, planter boxes or trays. Our online gallery showcases hundreds of designs for the customer to choose from. Each person chooses their own sign and customization (names, dates, etc.) when registering. When they come into the class, we give them raw wood, and they then select their stain and paint colors. All of our designs are stencil-based, so we guarantee that they will look amazing in the end, whether or not you feel like you’re a good artist. Classes typically last two-and-a-half to three hours.
HottyToddy.com: On Nov. 1, you hosted a ladies-night-out class that attracted quite a group. Care to tell us what all they accomplished that evening?
Cassidy: That evening was an absolute blast! We hosted a large group of Chamber members and friends, and each person selected their own design ahead of time. Several people made signs to give away as a gift, some made signs or planter boxes for their office, and of course, plenty created their projects for themselves to decorate their own home. It’s natural for customers to see more sample projects in our studio and immediately start planning for their next class and project.
HottyToddy.com: How does an individual schedule a group event, holiday party or ladies night out? What is the optimum number for a group party?
Cassidy: The best way to schedule a private party is to email us at bboxfordms@gmail.com. We have our class calendar posted on our website through the end of the year. We typically hold three open workshops each week. Anyone can join one of these classes. If you’re coming with a couple of friends, you indicate in the registration process online whom you want to sit by. Our studio can hold 18. To host a private party – which is great for Christmas gatherings or office parties -the required number varies based on the day of the week. For classes Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, we require a minimum of 10 people. For Friday, Saturday or Sunday classes, we require a minimum of 14 people in your private group. Any group smaller than 10 people, we recommend you all choose an open workshop to attend and each person register quickly before spaces fill up. For any workshop, attendees are welcome to bring in food (including cakes for birthday parties). We provide complimentary light snacks and sodas. We do sell beer and wine through our caterer at each class.
HottyToddy.com: Give us a few ideas of types of signs and other messaging that your customers can create.
Cassidy: The options are truly endless! We have a large selection of family signs that can include your last name, wedding date or children’s names and birthdates. We have porch signs and planter boxes. We also have a wide variety of holiday signs. Right now our Christmas signs are becoming very popular, including a “December Calendar,” which also includes three-dimensional greenery and a bow. We have great kids’ signs themed with various sports or their names. In addition, we have some neat religious signs with Bible verses as well as lake or hunting themed signs just to name a few.
HottyToddy.com: Is there any limitation on how young your clients can be since they are using paints?
Cassidy: In our regular open workshops, the age requirement is 16. We can offer children’s workshops for youngsters ages 6 and up. Those would need to be scheduled as a child’s party or a special parent-and-child-duo class.
HottyToddy.com: For those interested in arts and crafts, a Board & Brush gift certificate would appear to be a great Christmas present.
Cassidy: Definitely! We sell gift certificates in our studio. We are offering Buy 3 Get 1 Free leading up to Christmas! You can give all of them as a gift or even keep them for yourself!
HottyToddy.com: Speaking of Christmas gifts, what an original idea to present someone with a unique present that they actually made in one of your classes!
Cassidy: Yes! It’s so neat to see a project from start to finish. For a customer to gain that sense of empowerment, that “I can’t believe I did this!” factor, is truly awesome! Then, for them to share their creation with someone else makes the gift even more special because it came from the heart. Time and thoughtfulness will be cherished so much more than something purchased at the store.
HottyToddy.com: Rosie went “on and on” about what a great time her class had here recently. Board & Brush also provides some very nice “treats” while the creativity is flowing in the room. Do wine and paint mix (laughs), or are the creative juices enhanced?
Cassidy: The wine and beer we serve can certainly add to the fun environment! We love to help put our customers at ease and make them confident in their work of art. So much of the time these classes serve as a Ladies Night Out; therefore, our customers usually generate their own fun just by being together, laughing and catching up. Taking a decor piece home at the end is an added bonus of your time together!
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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