Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Colvin.
Hi Kristi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent most of my career in the tech world as a user experience design manager, which means I’ve always loved creating experiences that make people feel something. But even while I was designing digital products, I was constantly drawn to something more tangible — hosting and feeding people.
I’ve always been the one planning themed parties for my family and friends, finding joy in every little detail — the food, the setup, the atmosphere. Long before my design career, I worked as a catering manager at a Tex-Mex restaurant, and that experience never really left me. I just love creating moments that bring people together.
A few years ago, I saw the most charming little horse trailer and immediately fell in love with the idea of turning it into a mobile bar. That inspiration became Wild & Free Mobile Bar, which I’ve now been running for about three years. Around that same time, I discovered the art of grazing tables — those beautiful, abundant spreads that invite people to gather and connect. That passion turned into Posh Nosh Grazing, which began as a mobile catering business about two years ago.
Eventually, I realized I needed a real space to work and grow. Using a mix of inheritance and my own salary, I started building a catering kitchen — something I imagined would be ready “someday.” Then, in February of this year, I was laid off from my tech job. The kitchen wasn’t even finished yet, but I knew it was time to step into this dream full-time. Sometimes the timing isn’t perfect, but the calling is.
Now that the kitchen is up and running, Posh Nosh Grazing has become not just a catering kitchen, but also a small gathering spot here in Garnett, Kansas. Our town doesn’t have a lot of food options, so we’ve opened for limited lunches and dinners as well — and it’s been amazing to see the community’s response. People are excited to have something new, creative, and local to enjoy.
Every day I still use what I learned in my design career — not for software and sites, but for people. Whether it’s styling a grazing table, setting up an event, or serving dinner in the kitchen, it’s all about crafting experiences that make people feel welcome, cared for, and delighted.
That’s what I love most about this chapter of my life — it’s creative, connected, and full of meaning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. The catering kitchen took about sixteen months to complete, and I had to design the entire space myself — even though I started out knowing very little about what that would entail. My husband, Tim, and I acted as our own general contractors, learning as we went. He’s been an amazing support system through all of it and is co-owner of the kitchen, though more of a behind-the-scenes partner. We both poured so much time, energy, and heart into creating a space that could bring this dream to life.
There have been other challenges too, especially in this economy. Food costs continue to rise — especially smoked meats, which are customer favorites — and it’s tough to balance that when we can’t charge big-city prices. Garnett is a small rural town, and yet we’re committed to offering food that’s far from average. So much of what we make is from scratch or sourced from small-batch artisans, and that quality comes at a cost. Finding that middle ground between keeping things affordable and staying true to our standards has been one of the hardest parts.
Still, every challenge has made us stronger. We’ve learned how to adapt, stay creative, and focus on what really matters — making people happy with good food and genuine hospitality.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At both Posh Nosh Grazing and Wild & Free Mobile Bar, I focus on creating experiences that feel elevated but approachable — where every detail matters. Food styling and presentation are a big part of what I love, but it goes beyond looks. I care deeply about quality and the story behind what we serve.
We use thoughtfully sourced ingredients — from the blend of ground beef we use for our burgers, to the small-batch cheeses and charcuterie on our grazing boards, to the spirits and mixers in our cocktails. I want everything to taste as good as it looks. Even the little things, like matching napkins, tablecloths, and serving pieces, are part of creating a cohesive and memorable experience.
I think what sets us apart is that we treat every event, every table, every service like it’s something special — because it is. Whether it’s a corporate grazing table, a backyard wedding, or a Thursday night dinner in our Garnett kitchen, I want people to feel cared for.
I’m most proud of how far this has come — from a creative side project to a real business that brings joy to people in my community. We don’t have a big staff or a big city behind us, but we put heart and intention into everything we do. That’s what makes it feel different.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support us is to come experience what we do firsthand. I’d love for people to take a little day trip to Garnett and join us when we’re open for lunch or dinner — it’s a great way to see what we’re about and enjoy some really good food in a relaxed, welcoming space.
We also love collaborating on events of all kinds. Whether it’s a private party, wedding, corporate gathering, or community event, we’re happy to talk through catering options or bring our Wild & Free Mobile Bar to make it extra special.
Even just sharing our page, following along on social media, or telling a friend about us makes a huge difference. We’re building something small but meaningful here, and every bit of support helps us grow!
Pricing:
- Grazing Tables: $18 pp and above
- Hot Buffet Catering: $18 pp and above
- Smokehouse Cantina Buffet: $48 pp including beer and margaritas!
- Corporate Lunchboxes or Platters: varies
- Grazing Platters: $75 and above, sizes vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poshnoshgrazing.com
- Instagram: @poshnoshgrazing
- Facebook: @poshnoshgrazing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/posh-nosh-garnett
- Other: https://share.google/Mk1Osv5hzXR10njCO
