Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tijera Wright. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tijera, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me used to feel intimidating, but over time, it became my strength. I’ve learned to walk into every space whether it’s a corporate building or a local business event knowing that I deserve to be there. That confidence didn’t come overnight, though. It came from showing up again and again, proving to myself that I can hold my own in any setting. I’ve realized that my perspective, my creativity, and the way I show up are all valuable. So now, instead of trying to blend in, I focus on standing out being authentically me in every space I step into.
What’s helped me most is shifting my mindset from “I hope they like me” to “they’re lucky I’m here.” That simple flip changes everything. When you understand your worth and what you bring to the table, you stop shrinking yourself to fit in. My advice to anyone who’s ever felt like the only one in the room is this: lead with confidence, trust your talent, and know that your difference is your advantage. You belong there and the room is better because you’re in it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the owner and Charcuterie Experience Officer (CEO) behind Board & Boujee, where I create curated charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and hands-on workshops. My style is all about intentional, joyful food experiences – I want every board to feel like a moment. One thing that makes my brand unique is my complimentary cheese lettering, which I include on every board. It’s a small detail, but it turns a charcuterie board into something personal and memorable. I love creating for everything from cozy date nights to weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Lately, I’ve been growing the hands-on side of my business through monthly workshops at local wineries. Guests learn how to build their own boards while enjoying wine. These workshops have been such a fun way to bring my community together and introduce more people to my brand. No matter how the business grows, my mission stays the same: to bring people joy and connection, one board at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three most impactful skills that have helped me the most are curiosity, adaptability, and consistency. I didn’t know everything when I started exactly far from it, but I was curious enough to figure things out as I went. From learning how to legally run a food business to styling boards for different events, I treated every step like an opportunity to learn. Adaptability has also been huge; things don’t always go as planned, so I’ve had to pivot, adjust, and keep moving. And consistency has been the glue that holds it all together. Even when orders were slow or I felt unsure, I just kept showing up and trusting the process.
My advice for anyone early in their journey is simple: just start. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin, you’ll learn as you go. There’s a quote I love that says, “The best time to start was yesterday; the next best time is today.” Don’t overthink it or wait for the “perfect” time, because that time will never come. Be curious, stay flexible, and keep showing up for yourself and your vision, that’s where the growth happens.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are people who love creating memorable experiences whether it’s an intimate celebration or a big event. They care about quality, presentation, and the little details that make a gathering feel special. My boards and grazing tables are designed for anyone who wants to bring people together over beautiful, elevated food from weddings and birthdays to bachelorette parties and corporate events. I love working with clients who appreciate a touch of luxury but still want it to feel warm, joyful, and approachable.
I’m also always open to collaborating with local businesses and event partners. I’ve seen how powerful partnerships can be through my winery workshops, and I’d love to expand that into more spaces from corporate offices looking for creative team-building experiences to event venues and wineries that host interactive gatherings. I’m especially focused on growing my corporate partnerships for things like lunches, conferences, and workshops that can be booked on a recurring basis. Anyone interested in partnering can connect with me through my website: www.boardandboujeesd.com, on Instagram: @boardand_boujee, or directly by email at [email protected] or phone at (619) 537-9828. I love teaming up with others who share that same passion for bringing people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boardandboujeesd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boardand_boujee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boardanddboujee/
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boardandboujee
Image Credits
Scott Kauffman
Tere
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