Today we’d like to introduce you to Sienna Ricca.
Sienna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In fall of 2016, I adopted a plant-based lifestyle and with that a newfound enjoyment of cooking. I snuck a very much contraband hot plate, pot, pan, and blender into my university dorm room and created an Instagram account to document the meals I was making. It was appropriately named Party With Plants because A. I was eating lots of plants and B. Being 19 at the time, I was doing what any normal college sophomore would do: partying.
For the next four years Party With Plants took on a whole new meaning of its own. Although still only a creative hobby, it added happiness to my every day. I found reason in living mindfully by adding intention to all that I do. What started out as a simple Instagram page became an influential platform to celebrate conscious living.
When the pandemic hit, I lost my dream job of being a hostess at a fancy Malibu restaurant (kidding). I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in until I realized Party With Plants was staring at me right in the face.
I started to set up private picnics with entirely plant-based menus for family, then friends, then friends of friends, and then eventually booked out every month for the remainder of the year.
Party With Plants was officially launched as a business in Summer 2020 during a time where social connections were limited. We are now serving as LA’s first and only plant-based, private picnic experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
While the Coronavirus pandemic provided a challenge for many small businesses, it created an opportunity for Party with Plants to blossom. Our outdoor private dining experiences were able to thrive safely.
Although an amazing problem to have, my biggest struggle has been keeping up with the growth of Party With Plants. Recently, we are lucky enough to have moved into a commercial grade private kitchen in Mid-city which has been a huge game changer.
I also quickly had to learn how to be the head honcho of a business at 22 years old. As the founder, chef, and creative director, I do everything from learning how to perfect my vegan buttercream to figuring out how build a custom picnic table.
I have met the kindest people and surrounded myself with an amazing community along the way. Special mentions are to my lovely florist and now dear friend Emma, the designer behind Roobarb Studio who also provides blooms for PWP’s picnics and events! As well as my amazing publicist, April, from Waddon Media.
We’ve been impressed with Party With Plants, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are LA’s first and only 100% plant-based private picnic experience. Our purpose is to inspire others to treat Earth kinder while finding a reason to celebrate all of life’s moments.
From locally sourced farmer’s market produce to handmade materials, we aim to create an experience that inspires sustainability. Party With Plants creates an open invitation to conscious living and transports you into a world that can feel nothing short of serendipitous.
My passion is to bring people together over a beautiful meal in dreamy settings, which is why PWP is launching a Summer Night Dinner series, where guests can purchase a ticket for a seat at our table. These dinners are complete with a four course meal, connection, and inspiring conversation. Dates and locations are soon to be announced!
Cakes, Challahs, and monthly dessert Specials are now available to order for deliveries and kitchen pick ups!
At my core, I am a free spirit who has set out to share my gifts with the world. A natural-born artist, my craft is inspired by travel, Mother Nature, and culture. I am always dreaming and actively turning those dreams into reality. Party With Plants is here to welcome you in and create warm and fuzzy moments out of any occasion. Now more than ever is the time to party.
What does success mean to you?
You have succeeded when you take the plunge. The hardest part is starting, but nothing exciting ever happens inside your comfort zone. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. If what you are doing feels scary, then good, you’re doing something right.
I always remind myself to compete against no one but myself. All I ask of myself is to improve upon what I did last. That is when I know I succeeded.
Read books about what you want to do! Ask questions! Ask for help! There are people out there who want you to succeed. Up to you to find out.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://shoppartywithplants.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partywithplants/?hl=en
Image Credits:
Edin Markulin
