Bringing Folks Together, One Board at a Time
A week doesn’t go by where I do not see a friend of mine posting a pic with one of their newest, wooden creations from Board & Brush with a big smile on their face. Unless you have been living under a rock, you are aware that the Harris Teeter plaza has been taken over with fun and exciting new businesses! First, there came the addition of TopSea Wingz, which took over the corner spot and began bringing us juicy chicken wings in every flavor.
Now, we have taken a creative turn and Board and Brush has entered the chat. I remember when they were in a different location before moving to the bustling plaza and being very excited about the relocation. Now, I can’t get on social media for 30 seconds before I see local patrons holding their custom creations.

A Brave Move
We owe all of this to Preston and Yanessa Miller, natives of Virginia and West Virginia. They have been in North Carolina for 20 years and moved to North Topsail Beach in 2020, mid pandemic. They decided life was too short and they should move to the beach! This meant downsizing and Preston losing his woodworking garage, so they thought Board & Brush would be a good feature outlet, plus a place for the community to fellowship.

This is a far cry from their original careers, however. Yanessa was a teacher for 15 years, while Preston is an engineer and global program director with Schneider Electric. He also flipped houses as a child for 15 years with his father. Their precious daughter, Zoe is 11 and has helped make every project on the wall! They have already started to receive recognition too. You may have seen where they were featured on “NC Tripping” when they visited Pender County.
They did face obstacles such as construction timelines, in addition to state and local alcohol requirements. They also shared that the supply chain, especially regarding wood and paint, has been challenging. “We’ve tried to solve this by working with other local businesses – we’re getting there!”

What IS Board & Brush?!
It is a creative, do-it-with-us studio that offers fun for all ages and abilities. You can enjoy a drink with good company, learn/practice some skills, and walk out with a personalized piece of decor for your home or a gift for someone special. They offer:
- Wood based crafts (boards, planters, lazy susans, trays, clocks, and more!)
- Tea towels
- Doormats
- Wreaths
- Pillows
- Glass etching
What makes it so unique? It’s ALL personalized and made by YOU! As a customer said, “it’s pretty, practical, and fun!” Yanessa and Preston agree!
When asked what brings the most enjoyment from offering B&b? “Crafting, teaching, supporting, laughing, problem-solving, seeing someone else’s joy when they do something they thought they couldn’t.”

We’re not just for Artsy People!
The Millers really want to emphasize that Board & Brush is for everyone and you do not have to be artistic! They have over 400 projects to choose from, participants do not have to choose the same project, and they work really hard to be available and flexible so give them a call!
You CAN do this! Their heart’s desire for the future is that people feel a sense of connection and belonging in the studio. Ready to create YOUR special memory?
Contact:
- 201 ALSTON BLVD, Suite B HAMPSTEAD, NC 28443
- (984) 208-6564