Posted on June 10th, 2026

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Jackson.

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Hi Patricia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My entrepreneurial journey began with an unexpected career pivot.

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For more than eight years, I worked for a healthcare organization doing work that I genuinely loved. In October 2025, I was informed that my position—and our entire department—would be eliminated as part of an organizational restructuring. While I could see some of the signs leading up to it, that didn’t make the news any easier to hear. Losing a role that had become such a meaningful part of my life was difficult.

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What makes the timing even more memorable is that my last official day was November 8, 2025—my daughter’s wedding day. It was a day filled with both celebration and uncertainty, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

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For years, I had been creating charcuterie boards for family gatherings, holidays, and friends. What started as a creative outlet quickly became something people requested again and again. I loved the artistry of it—the ability to bring people together around food, conversation, and connection. As requests continued to grow, I kept asking myself, “What if this could become a business?”

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Like many people over 50 facing an unexpected career transition, I had moments of doubt. But I also saw an opportunity. I remembered something Robin Roberts once said: “Make your mess your message.” That quote stayed with me.

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What gave me the confidence to take the leap was the unwavering support of my husband, Rick. When I questioned whether starting a business at this stage of life was the right move, he believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my dream. He continues to be my biggest supporter and an important part of Board Affairs, helping behind the scenes with deliveries, event setup, logistics, and whatever needs to be done to help our clients have a great experience.

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Instead of focusing on what I had lost, I decided to invest in what I could build. I completed the required food safety and food manager certifications, secured the necessary licenses and permits, navigated inspections, and committed to turning my vision into reality.

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That’s how Board Affairs Charcuterie was born.

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Today, Board Affairs Charcuterie creates luxury grazing experiences throughout the Houston area, from intimate gatherings and workshops to corporate events, wine tastings, weddings, and celebrations. What began as a hobby during one of the most uncertain seasons of my life has grown into a business built on creativity, hospitality, and community.

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Looking back, losing my job felt like a setback. In reality, it became the catalyst that gave me the courage to pursue something I had dreamed about for years. With Rick by my side, I’ve learned that sometimes life’s unexpected detours lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

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Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many small business owners, I quickly learned that creating a product you love is only a small part of running a successful business.

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One of the biggest challenges was starting over professionally in my mid-50s after spending years building a successful career in healthcare leadership. Losing my job unexpectedly brought a mix of emotions—uncertainty, self-doubt, and the pressure of figuring out what came next. Entrepreneurship sounded exciting, but there was no roadmap and no guarantee of success.

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There was also a steep learning curve. Beyond creating beautiful charcuterie boards, I had to learn about permits, food safety regulations, inspections, licensing, insurance, bookkeeping, marketing, social media, website development, pricing, and sales. I often joke that I went from being an executive leader to being the CEO, marketing department, delivery driver, customer service representative, and dishwasher all at the same time.

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Another challenge was building awareness. Houston is a large and competitive market, and I was starting with a new brand. Every event, social media post, networking opportunity, and customer review mattered. There were plenty of moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough or moving fast enough.

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What helped me push through was the support of my family, especially my husband, who believed in my vision from the beginning. I also learned to celebrate small wins—my first paying customer, my first large grazing table, my first sold-out wine class partnership, and seeing repeat customers come back again and again.

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Looking back, the challenges taught me resilience and patience. Building a business isn’t a straight path, but every obstacle has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Today, when I see people gathered around one of my grazing tables, making memories and connecting with each other, I’m reminded why I took the leap in the first place.

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As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Board Affairs Charcuterie, we specialize in creating luxury grazing experiences that bring people together. While many people think of us as a charcuterie business, what we really create are moments of connection—whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, wine tasting, workshop, birthday celebration, open house, or intimate gathering with family and friends.

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We are known for our beautifully styled grazing tables, premium charcuterie boards, and interactive workshops throughout the Houston area. Every board and grazing display is thoughtfully designed with high-quality ingredients, attention to detail, and a focus on creating an experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.

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What I’m most proud of is building a business from the ground up during a season of uncertainty. Turning an unexpected career transition into something meaningful has been incredibly rewarding. I’m especially proud that Board Affairs has already partnered with local businesses, supported community events, and helped create memorable experiences for hundreds of guests.

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What sets us apart is the personal touch behind every event. As a woman- and veteran-owned business, we believe hospitality is about more than food—it’s about making people feel cared for. We take the time to understand each client’s vision and customize every experience to fit their occasion.

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I also bring more than 15 years of leadership and organizational development experience to my business. That background has taught me the importance of relationships, service, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether we’re serving two guests or two hundred, our goal is the same: to create something beautiful that encourages people to gather, connect, and celebrate.

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At the end of the day, I’m not just creating charcuterie boards—I’m creating experiences that help people slow down, enjoy the moment, and make memories together.

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Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One piece of advice I’d give anyone looking for a mentor or trying to build their network is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. Most people are more willing to help than we think.

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Throughout my career and now as a business owner, I’ve learned that the best networking happens when you’re genuinely interested in people, not just what they can do for you. Some of my most meaningful professional relationships started with a simple conversation, a coffee meeting, or a willingness to ask questions and learn from someone else’s experience.

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When I launched Board Affairs Charcuterie, I quickly realized I couldn’t do it alone. I reached out to other small business owners, attended local events, joined online groups, and asked a lot of questions. I found that most entrepreneurs are happy to share what they’ve learned because they’ve been in your shoes before.

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I’ve also learned that mentors don’t always come in the traditional sense. Some people mentor you through regular conversations, others through their example, and some simply offer encouragement when you need it most. I’ve been fortunate to have people throughout my career and entrepreneurial journey who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me see possibilities I couldn’t see for myself.

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What has worked best for me is showing up consistently, being authentic, and focusing on relationships rather than transactions. Whether in my corporate career or building Board Affairs, the opportunities that have meant the most came through people who knew me, trusted me, and wanted to see me succeed.

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At the end of the day, networking is really just building community. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that none of us gets where we are alone. The relationships you invest in today often become the opportunities, partnerships, and friendships that help shape your future.

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Pricing:

$85 Petite Board Affair
$120 Signature Affair Board
$185 Grand Affair Board
$275 Luxe Affair Board
$450 grazing tables start at

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Contact Info:

Website: https://www.boardaffairstx.com
Instagram: board_affairs_charcuterie_
Facebook: Board-Affairs-Charcuterie-LLC
Other: Tik Tok @boardaffairstx

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