Meet Pamela Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Davis. 

Hi Pamela, 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?
I had worked in full-service hospitality pretty much forever until I got pregnant. Something changed, I needed a change of pace. I needed to focus on preparing to be Mom. That ended up providing me with the catalyst and inspiration to step out on my own. 

I’ve always had a passion for charcuterie and funky cheeses, long before most Americans were open to grazing boards as meals. I guess it all started back around 1999 when I began throwing a meat and cheese party around Christmas. In the mountains, working in bars and restaurants, all my friends had crazy schedules. Plus, we’re here away from our families for the holiday so I’d throw this party for us hospitalities orphans. Over the years the party grew and I got more into designing the layout into more elaborate presentations. I’d never show up to someone else’s party empty-handed and that’s really how the smaller boards evolved and I developed my own style. People had been telling me for years I needed to do this for a living but I couldn’t hear them. I was too busy running restaurants with my husband or trying to keep a newborn alive. Then when my son got to where he could hold his head up and I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to kill him, the “do this” voice started in my head. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a parent first and managing that workload will always be a challenge, but that’s nothing new. For me managing the growth of my business has been an obstacle. I’m constantly striving to balance my lifestyle with the right kind of growth. I try and be very deliberate in saying yes to the things that fit my business plan and passion and no to the things that are outside the scope of what I do. I check in with my own compass often to make sure I’m pointed in the right direction and not being distracted by shiny things. I also work to keep things new, fun, and vibrant. It would be easy to just “play the hits” and rely on the same products and designs but for my guests, my own creativity, and my future I have to push to keep it fresh. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Is it OK to say that really giving a shit is my superpower? I’m still a big believer in the disappearing art of hospitality and I love taking care of people. In reality, it’s all about attention to detail. That may sound obvious with the way my boards look but so much goes into making it special. I’m always looking for ways to elevate someone’s experience. I take a lot of notes so that I don’t miss a detail or insight that could help make it more personal. I want my customers to know that it’s all about them having a great experience they can share. I want my guest to feel great and look great in front of their guests. Not everybody gets it, as if it’s running in the background, but the ones that appreciate it really appreciate it. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Some of my fondest memories are of going to work with my parents. They always trusted and empowered me to help. My mom worked in a hair salon and when I wasn’t sweeping up, I was answering phones and making appointments for people. My Dad operated heavy equipment and hauled it all around Denver. He would take me with him and teach me how to operate all the machines. Once when I was about 12, he let me drive an 18-wheeler right down Sixth avenue. Maybe that’s the secret to building confidence in a young woman. We need get more young women behind the wheel of a steam roller! 

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@thegrazingfox.com
• Website: TheGrazingFox.com
• Instagram: @thegrazingfox

Image Credits:
@alltoothbob
@brockfetch