Meet Dee Dee Means | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dee Dee Means and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dee Dee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After vacationing in Paris, I realised how inexperienced of a wine palate I had. At the time all I was drinking  was Moscato and Lambrusco occasionally. I wanted to expand my palate by exploring the flavors that would bring out the best flavors in the wines. After looking for tasters boards and things of that nature and finding none, my research began. Charcuterie boards are all the rage, yes I will admit that, however will every board that looks good pair well with the wine, or other spirit that is going to be enjoyed along with it, NO, I did extensive research on pairing, creating spreadsheets of information and a database of my information that I use to create boards when mye customers want one to pair with a specific drink. My goal is to provide an experience in which the edible experience is just as enjoyable to the palate as it is to the eyes. Brie is a cheese that will pair nicely with almost any wine, my personal favorite as well,  and that is how BriePaired was created.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I initially began researching I noticed that there were not very many minorities, particularly in the DFW area that had these types of businesses or had even heard of Charcuterie. Of course everyone knows what a cheese and meat tray is but I got questions like, “Why is this one so special, and expensive?” An advantage that I have with starting this business is that I know who my target audience is and who it is not. My customers are paying for quality, As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. I’ve even had people ask for quotes and tell me i’m too expensive and they would do it themselves. However, I’ve never had a complaint from a paying customer, only compliments and returning orders. Aside from interactions with people there are technology woahs that are difficult to deal with at times. I lost my business FaceBook page due to it being hacked and I was getting a website built only to find out the month it was to launch, it was never built. I didn’t give up though. I love to make boards and graze tables, for all themes and events. When a customer gives me creative freedom because I am free to create and make something amazing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
FIVEE Bistro & Bar on Sunday

Wing City Mesquite on Saturday

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate this Shoutout to my wonderful business mentor S.M.A.C.K. Lip Balms @smack_lipbalms A wonderful Woman owned business who has supported me since day one in every way possible such as sowing seeds and cherished words of wisdom. You are appreciated!

I’d be remiss if I did not Shoutout my the reason BriePaired is even a reality my reason I was in Paris, my husband Richard, Mr. Lead By Example @leadbyexample.btc. The leadership and positivity that you share with the world, particularly the youth, is an inspiration to all. Your newly published coloring book the Lead By Example Coloring Book will inspire children young and old to become leaders for generations to come.

Instagram: brie_paired