Meet A Mom, Featuring Abby Barratt, Owner of Board & Brush Katy and Cypress
Just a few weeks ago, we had an idea to create a Moms Night Out event for our followers, and of course our first thought was “We need a venue!?”. This led us to meeting Abby for the first time and we are so happy we did! Abby owns Board & Brush here in Katy and a location in Cypress. If you aren’t familiar, Board & Brush is place for creating fun, unique wood decor projects from scratch–all while enjoying a fun atmosphere in a BYOB setting! Fun, right?! Abby is a local mom of 2 and after becoming a mom, she just knew she wanted to spend as much time with her kiddos as possible, but also not lose her creative outlet. This led to opening B&B and she has never looked back!
We are so excited to also be hosting our Moms Night Out on May 8 at her Katy location! When we met her, we knew not only was the space perfect, but she was just the sweetest mama ever!
We got to chat with this inspiring mama on all things mommyhood and about her passion for her business, check out her interview below!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Katy?
I’m originally from Austin, Texas. I moved to Houston 7 years ago and Katy 2.5 years ago when my daughter was just 2 months old. BOY that was FUN!
How old are your kiddos and what are their names?
Tatum is 2 years old and Owen is 10 months!
Greatest gift about being a mama?
Realizing that pieces of your heart can exist outside of your body. I’ve never known love like the love I have for my kids. Being a mama means full hands and an even fuller heart.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m deathly afraid of butterflies.
Favorite local things to do in Katy?
We love taking dance classes at Leap or activity classes at My Gym Katy. I’ve had my littles enrolled at My Gym since they were 6 months old and we look forward to it every week! We also frequent the duck ponds at LaCenterra.
You lived in The Heights prior to kiddos, what’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Katy?
Oh my goodness! What’s not to love about raising kids in Katy!? I think my favorite thing is just knowing how safe everything is. After I had my first kid that became the MOST important thing. I wanted my kids to have the same suburban upbringing that I had… lemonade stands, ice cream trucks and all the things suburban dreams are made of.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Jimmy Changas! Queso plus a playscape for the kids? Yes please!
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I love to sneak away after bedtime routine and go to Orangetheory Fitness. Working out is one of the only things I do for myself and after a long day with my precious littles it’s nice to work off some steam!
What’s your best advice for new or expecting mothers?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s going to get messy and sticky and imperfect. The house will be a wreck and you’ll have laundry piled up to your head on most days. Give yourself grace.
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
Crustless bread from HEB. Lunch making game changer.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. bath time, bed time, making lunches?)
Maybe the hour leading up to dinner? Dinner prep time is also peak meltdown time in our household.
You and your hubby own Board and Brush, tell us about the concept and the inspiration behind bringing it to Katy!
I knew I wanted to be with my kids as much as possible but also wanted to have a creative outlet that was above all else, FUN! Also, there was nothing like this in Katy at the time. After convincing my husband that quitting my job in corporate America to open a sign making business was a good idea, we pulled the trigger and never looked back!
You have a Cypress location as well! Tell our mamas what they can expect from a B&B experience?
If you are looking for a warm, welcoming and open atmosphere where you can relax while embracing your inner DIY master, you have found it at Board & Brush’s wine, paint and wood sign workshops. You are guaranteed a warm greeting by our friendly staff and a fun and energizing workshop! Once you arrive, you will be guided to your seat where all of your supplies will be waiting for you. All you need to bring is yourself and a can-do attitude. While creating your personalized DIY project, you will gain the experience of distressing the wood, sanding, assembling your boards, and choosing the stain and paint options exactly to your personal preference to match the décor of your home or to give as a gift. Our wonderful instructors and assistants are on hand to lead you through every step. At the end, you will have a custom wood sign that you will be proud to hang in your home for years to come!
How has the Katy community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I can’t even express the gratitude and love I have for the Katy community. I’ve received so much love and support from so many wonderful people it brings tears to my eyes just writing this. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful mamas in the community through Board & Brush! You guys are AMAZING…. wonderful, beautiful, and oh so crafty! Whether you’re making a sign for your new baby’s nursery or a growth ruler for your growing littles, getting away for a much-deserved date night, or finally getting a night out with the girls…I’ve loved being a part of your lives in a small way!
Best advice moms who experience the inevitable and dreaded MOM GUILT?
Oh man. Mom guilt is real, y’all. I constantly feel the push and pull of business ownership and being a mom. I think most moms feel this way… whether you work in the home or out. I would say don’t feel guilty for going after your dreams. And don’t feel guilty if your dreams don’t necessarily include your kids. Sometimes those dreams benefit them the most. I want my son and daughter to know they can pursue their passions and achieve anything they set their minds to.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My mom for sure. She had the “have baby, will travel” mentality and we spent most weekends and summers going and doing! Disney world, sea world, museums, you name it! We were busy and active little kids and she made life fun and exciting! She also supported us and our interests whole-heartedly. It didn’t matter what activity my brothers and I decided to pursue… she was going to be on the booster club! She never missed a dance competition, theatre performance, or band concert. I hope I can provide the same love and unwavering support to Tatum and Owen.
When parenting gets hard, what’s something you tell yourself that gets you through?
I made a sign I keep in my bathroom that says “You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they will be a little bigger than they were today. This day is a gift. Breathe and notice. Smell and touch them; study their faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today. It will be over before you know it.” I think I found the quote on Pinterest but it brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. Such a good reminder that this time is fleeting and babies don’t keep.
Name one thing you hope your kids look back and remember about their childhood and you as their mama?
I want them to remember how loved they were/are by their mommy & daddy. I want them to remember we were always there for them through every stage to love on them and support them. If they could only have one take-away from childhood I think I’d want it to be that.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
You’re not tired.
What does community in motherhood mean to you?
Surrounding yourself with other mamas who are in the thick of it too. Being a mom is the hardest, most rewarding job. I think you might possibly lose your mind if you try to “mom” alone. A community in motherhood means finding a tribe to support each other, learn from one another, and most importantly, laugh with!
For more information on Abby and Board & Brush, be sure to follow along on FB & IG and visit her website
www.boardandbrush.com/katy
www.facebook.com/boardandbrushkatytx
www.instagram.com/boardandbrushkaty
