Saturday Business Interview, Featuring Board & Brush Cypress
We have some fantastic local businesses that are going to be featured, typically on Saturdays. We try to keep the questions consistent from interview to interview (with some changes possible). I hope you enjoy this series!
I am so excited to showcase Board & Brush Cypress as our first interview of 2020 for our Saturday Business Feature series! Last month the owner, Abby Barrat, graciously hosted us for our 1st Cypress Moms Network -Moms Night Out event. She is one of the kindest, most genuine, sweet people I’ve met. I’m so grateful that this platform has given me the opportunity to meet gems such as Abby! If you meet her, you will quickly feel welcomed by her sweet and energetic personality – she definitely radiates positivity and warmth with everyone she comes across. I sat with her before our event and we caught up on motherhood, life, as well as brainstorming for the Cypress Moms Network event. I quickly learned that we had so much in common! We both had careers in the finance world prior to having kids and we both had the same feeling of wanting to devote more time to our kids once they arrived. She is truly an inspiration as a Mom but also as a business owner right here in Cypress. Board & Brush Cypress is locally owned and operated, the studio is really incredible. It is open for craft sessions but also serves as a perfect venue for so many events since you can bring your own food & drinks plus create amazing crafts that you can showcase for years to come. There are so many things you can celebrate at Board & Brush such as: Moms Night Out with a friend(s), date night, crafts with your kids, and also events (think showers, engagement parties, birthdays, the possibilities are endless!). I loved that Abby gave us so much freedom to decorate exactly to fit our Cypress Moms Network Moms Night Out – the event glam squad came right in and dressed up our event in a holiday theme. Abby was quick to chip in and help us set up and was such a radiant part of our night. I could not be happier to be showcasing this amazing business and owners. Please read up about their story and the HUGE announcement they have!
Meet Board & Brush Cypress Owners: ABBY & NOLAN BARRATT
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
Abby: I’m originally from Austin, Texas. I moved to the Houston area about 8 years ago.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
Tatum (daughter) is 3 and Owen (son) is 1!
Tell us about your business?
My husband and I own Board & Brush Creative Studio in Cypress and Katy. If you are looking for a warm, welcoming and open atmosphere where you can relax while embracing your inner DIY master, you have found it at Board & Brush’s wine, paint and wood sign workshops. You are guaranteed a warm greeting by our friendly staff and a fun and energizing workshop! Once you arrive, you will be guided to your seat where all of your supplies will be waiting for you. All you need to bring is yourself and a can-do attitude. While creating your personalized DIY project, you will gain the experience of distressing the wood, sanding, assembling your boards, and choosing the stain and paint options exactly to your personal preference to match the décor of your home or to give as a gift. Our wonderful instructors and assistants are on hand to lead you through every step. At the end, you will have a custom wood sign that you will be proud to hang in your home for years to come!
When did the idea of creating your business start? How long have you been in business?
I knew I wanted to be with my kids as much as possible but also wanted to have a creative outlet that was above all else, FUN! Also, there was nothing like this in Cypress and Katy at the time. After convincing my husband that quitting my job in corporate America to open a sign making business was a good idea, we pulled the trigger and never looked back!
What is one thing you can point to that helped make your business successful?
The Cypress community has been instrumental in our success! I’ve received so much love and support from so many wonderful people it brings tears to my eyes just writing this. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful mamas in the community through Board & Brush! You guys are AMAZING…. wonderful, beautiful, and oh so crafty! Whether you’re making a sign for your new baby’s nursery or a growth ruler for your growing littles, getting away for a much-deserved date night, or finally getting a night out with the girls…I’ve loved being a part of your lives in a small way!
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? What is your favorite part about what you do?
Hands down it’s being able to do what I love while spending time with my kiddos!
What does the future look like for you and your business?
It is bittersweet to announce… we are moving to Denver and looking for a buyer for Board & Brush Cypress! My husband’s job is moving us there in the upcoming months and we are currently looking for a buyer to take over our studio. If this is something that interests you, please email me at [email protected].
What advice would you give to others that want to start something new?
Go for it! Dreams are meant to be lived. You’ve got this!
Any advice for juggling all the things in daily life?
Oh man. Mom guilt is real, y’all. I constantly feel the push and pull of business ownership and being a mom. I think most moms feel this way… whether you work in the home or out. I would say don’t feel guilty for going after your dreams. And don’t feel guilty if your dreams don’t necessarily include your kids. Sometimes those dreams benefit them the most. I want my son and daughter to know they can pursue their passions and achieve anything they set their minds to.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through?
Probably my husband and wonderful staff! You guys are the bomb and help me more than you know!