In the crisp November air, a Eugene couple renewed their vows amidst a rustic winery in Coburg. Among them was Danica Barrick. While Barrick bore no ties to the couple, her handcrafted charcuterie board resulted in rave guest reviews and an invitation to witness the couple’s celebration. The founder of Graze by Danica, Barrick has been assembling delicious boards for events since 2019, turning a childhood tradition into a full-fledged business.
As a child, Barrick fondly remembers her father’s appetizer nights, a nod to what would later be known as charcuterie. Assembling crackers, pickles, cheese and apple slices on a board, the meal quickly became a staple. “I thought no one else in the world did that because I’d never seen it at anybody’s houses. And so I kind of just kept doing it,” Barrick said.
When Barrick relocated to Eugene in the summer of 2019 to attend the University of Oregon, getting Graze by Danica off the ground was a challenge. But after Jennifer Richardson of Richardson Media hired Barrick for an event, the business took off. With the help of Instagram advertising and the positive feedback from guests at the event, Barrick began to create connections in the Eugene community.
“My favorite part is when people tell me that it enhanced whatever their event was,” Barrick said. “It’s really just being able to give people something that other people cannot give because of the way my brain thinks and this artistic thing that I do.”
Barrick’s efforts are not just a solo affair, however. Sylvia DeRieux, Barrick’s friend and co-worker, has also gotten in on the action. “I love making our beautifully presented foods, whether a full grazing table or a to-go platter,” DeRieux said.
DeRieux has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of Cincinnati, and her creative touch is an asset to the business, but it isn’t her only claim to fame. DeRieux is a mother of five, she runs a five-star Airbnb and as a Waldorf-certified teacher, she orchestrates a successful preschool program focused on art, play, baking and gardening. Caring for others is an integral part of her identity. “I love the wonderful feeling that we are nourishing our customers in so many ways,” DeRieux said.
At Graze By Danica, DeRieux has a hands-on role that encapsulates the whole process, from prep to clean-up. She also creates specialty food items and decor unique to each client’s order. Barrick and DeRieux tackle planning, shopping and executing their customers’ visions, uniting in a sector that allows them to express their creative talents.
“I really couldn’t do it without her,” Barrick said. “If this gets bigger, I would love to hire women who have full-time jobs and want to do this on the side because that’s what I do. I would love to be able to give women that artistic outlet that they need on a flexible basis.”
From wedding vow renewals to corporate events, food has a way of bringing people together. Both Barrick and DeRieux know that better than anyone.
