Mother-Daughter Business Venture Gets Jumpstart with Help from Small Business Center

Sept. 12, 2025 – Shannon Haywood of Rockingham launched her new mobile food business, Our Daily Graze, back in April after receiving assistance from Richmond Community College’s Small Business Center.

Our Daily Graze combines Haywood’s woodworking skills with a knack for crafting beautiful and delicious charcuterie spreads. Customers can choose to have their spreads on an Our Daily Graze branded board, or get a custom laser engraved board for a special keepsake.

“The Small Business Center has been an invaluable partner in helping me build and launch Our Daily Graze,” Haywood said. “Their guidance was instrumental in developing a professional website that effectively showcases my offerings and connects me with customers. From business planning and marketing strategies to technical support, the team provided hands-on assistance every step of the way.”

Haywood’s daughter, Carleigh Strickland, is in this business venture with her, sharing in her mother’s creativity and passion for making memorable experiences for customers. Since launching in April, they have done pop-up markets, craft shows, small business openings and several private events.

“What started as just making amazing charcuterie spreads for family gatherings has evolved into a business dream for Shannon and Carleigh,” said Flynne Meares, Director of the Small Business Center & Entrepreneurial Services.

This is not Haywood’s first business venture. In July 2024, she started a wood engraving business, Sunrise Wood Design - Laser Engraved Gifts, selling her products at pop-up markets. At her initial counseling session with the Small Business Center in December 2024, Meares discussed the importance of opening a business bank account and possible ways she could expand her business. Haywood also received help in creating a website.

In February 2025, Haywood decided to pivot from selling laser engraved gifts to starting a mobile food business with her daughter to provide personal charcuterie boards at events and gatherings. And thus, Our Daily Graze was born.

“The encouragement and expert advice that I received from the staff at the Small Business Center not only helped bring my vision to life, but it also laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth. I’m incredibly grateful for their continued support and look forward to growing Our Daily Graze with their partnership in the future.”

Small Business Center Information

RichmondCC’s Small Business Center supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of counseling, training, and resource information. It is located at the Robinette Building in downtown Rockingham. It offers a wide variety of seminars and workshops year-round to help small businesses be successful. For more information, contact Meares at afmeares@richmondcc.edu or (910) 410-1687.