Van Buren Resident Turns Charcuterie Passion into Thriving Business with Grand Opening of Boards by Tina
Van Buren, Maine – Tina Belanger, a resident of Van Buren, has transformed her passion for creating charcuterie boards into a successful business venture. With the grand opening of Boards by Tina scheduled for November 4, she is ready to take her skills to the next level.
Charcuterie boards have gained popularity as delightful assortments of appetizers, featuring cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, and more. Tina believes that each board is a unique work of art, ranging from small trays with a modest selection to impressive four-foot-long boards adorned with salami roses and a diverse range of offerings.
Tina’s journey began in 2018 when she stumbled upon a charcuterie board on the popular website Pinterest. Inspired by its aesthetics, she decided to create one for Christmas. Little did she know that her newfound passion would lead her to start making boards for friends and family in 2019 and 2020.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Tina created a Facebook page called Boards by Tina to share her creations. The page quickly gained attention from people in the area, sparking further interest in her charcuterie boards.
Last year, Tina faced a pivotal moment in her life. She had earned a bachelor’s degree in human services and was accepted into a graduate program for a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. However, she had to make a choice between pursuing her passion for cheese boards and becoming a therapist. Ultimately, Tina decided to fully commit to her charcuterie business.
She formed an LLC and embarked on the journey of opening a store on Van Buren’s Main Street. Although she did not have a space initially, fate intervened, and Tina found the perfect location at 54 Main Street. Van Buren Town Manager Luke Dyer introduced her to Robert Pelletier, the property owner, who shared her vision and helped make her dream a reality.
Boards by Tina will offer smaller, pre-made boards along with beverages, sandwiches, and salads. The business will also feature an online ordering platform. However, medium and larger-sized boards will require a 24-hour notice due to the significant time investment required to craft them.
Additionally, a section of the store will be dedicated to pickups from Tina’s daughter Ceairra’s cake decorating business, Caked by Cea.
Currently, Tina and her husband Ron work together on board creation, with one employee assisting with local deliveries. The grand opening of Boards by Tina is set for noon on November 4 at 52 Main Street, and Tina is eagerly anticipating a great turnout.
Having received immense support from the community, Tina feels grateful for the opportunity to serve and bring joy through her passion. The opening of Boards by Tina marks the realization of her dream and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.
In conclusion, Tina Belanger is turning her love for charcuterie into a thriving business with the grand opening of Boards by Tina. Her unique creations are sure to impress and delight customers, and the support from the community is a testament to her hard work and dedication. As Van Buren eagerly awaits the opening, people are excited to have a taste of Tina’s extraordinary charcuterie boards.
