Are you following @socialspreads on Instagram? If not, GO! Amanda Starley is a local to Montgomery boy mom and owner of Social Spreads, and her charcuterie boards and food styling is AMAZING! Her page is filled with Reels showcasing Amanda creating STUNNING and unique charcuterie boards, food stylings, and more. Through Social Spreads, Amanda offers boxes, boards, full graze tables, specialty theme boards, fruit platters, crudités, and “Cheese Boarding School” classes. Amanda is such a fun mom to follow along with and I am so impressed with her food styling and board ideas DAILY!
Check out Amanda’s interview below to learn more about the inspiration behind her business, when her love for food styling began, and her mom life here in Montgomery County.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the North Houston area?
I grew up in Newport Beach, CA and Park City, UT. I married a Texan and have lived in the Houston area on-and-off for the last 13 years.
How many kiddos do you have and how old are they?
I have three wild boys ages 13, 11 and 9.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
LAUNDRY! It is my arch enemy and I can never stay on top of it. White baseball pants will be the death of me.
What are your favorite local things to do? (with kiddos or just for mom!)
We love wake surfing on lake Conroe, Sunday concerts at Bernhardt winery, enjoying a drive-in movie at the Showboat and picking berries at Atkinson or The Sanctuary.
As hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just for yourself?
When I need to get my mind right, I love to take a spin class at Rush Cycle Woodforest. But honestly, sometimes the best escape is a heavy pour and a chick flick.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am a commercially rated pilot. My husband and I actually met in flight school. Now I leave the flying to him and I stay home and take care of the kids and play with cheese all day!
What’s the best mom advice you have ever been given?
Family dinners are really important to us. With three kids playing sports and a husband that travels, we make the most of our family dinners when we get the chance. At the start of every meal, we go over our “peaks and pits” for the day. It’s a great way to show gratitude and help each other with whatever struggles we’ve been dealing with. Also, we have always done “no thank you bites”. This means everyone has to take at least one bite and if they don’t like it, they say “No thank you”. As a result, they have really expanded their palettes.
Tell us about Social Spreads! What services and products do you offer?
Social Spreads is a charcuterie business that offers boxes, boards, full graze tables, specialty theme boards, fruit platters, crudités, etc. We also offer “Cheese Boarding School” classes on how to make beautiful boards at home.
When did you begin Social Spreads and what was the inspiration behind starting your own business?
I started making charcuterie boards in January of 2020 and it was off to a great start when Covid hit. At first I panicked. But looking back, I feel like it was exactly what my business needed. I had the time to really focus on quality, service and growth.
Have you always had a love for food and making food look beautiful or when did that begin for you?
I have been a foodie my entire life and entertaining has always been something that I have enjoyed. I love that my passion for good company, good food and good drinks all ties together through my business.
What are your future plans and dreams for Social Spreads?
I want to be the next Ina Garten! Ha ha ha! But seriously I would love to have my own shop, and to continue to teach people to cook delicious food and to present it in a beautiful way.
To learn more about Amanda & Social Spreads:
Instagram: @socialspreads
Website: https://social-spreads.com/