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Exploring Life & Business with Brianna, Myanna Hawkins, Khalfani-King of Two Chicks And A Picnic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna, Myanna Hawkins, Khalfani-King.

Hi Brianna, Myanna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Brianna and Myanna are more than just business partners—they’re best friends (two peas in a pod) who turned a shared passion for creativity, connection, and aesthetics into something truly special. We always wanted to start a business together and were inspired when hosting our close friend’s bridal event. Our bond, built on trust, laughter, and a shared dream, gave life to Two Chicks and a Picnic—a boutique picnic experience designed to celebrate moments both big and small with intentional beauty. We wanted to ensure people who looked like us were able to experience high level event planning where we worry about the details so our clients don’t have to.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many small businesses, the beginning wasn’t all pretty florals and sunshine. There were real challenges: figuring out logistics –where to start, initial funding, sourcing quality materials, hauling heavy setups, dealing with unpredictable weather, and learning how to market ourselves from scratch.
Starting Two Chicks and a Picnic wasn’t just about building a brand from scratch—it was about carving out space in an industry where we didn’t always see ourselves reflected. Starting a business as two Black women came with a whole set of challenges that we weren’t fully prepared for—but we quickly had to learn how to navigate them.

One of the first things we noticed was just how little representation there was in our space. Luxury event styling, curated picnics, boutique experiences—these industries are often dominated by a certain look, a certain aesthetic, and a certain demographic. And that didn’t always include us.
We had to work really hard to carve out a place for ourselves—not just to be seen, but to be taken seriously. People questioned our prices, underestimated our professionalism, or treated our business like it was a “cute idea” instead of a real venture. There were even moments when clients asked to speak to “the manager”—and we were the managers, the designers, the movers, the everything.

Access to capital was another huge challenge. We didn’t have investors. We didn’t come from generational wealth. We built Two Chicks and a Picnic piece by piece—literally. Every table, every pillow, every plate came from money we saved or earned from our other jobs and very first bookings. We both work full time jobs and have to navigate the duties of owning a business on top of other professional and familial duties. We supplied everything, and while that was tough, it also taught us resilience and hustle on a different level.

And beyond the financial and logistical hurdles, there’s also a pressure that comes with being Black women in business—this feeling like we have to be perfect, because we’re not just representing ourselves. We’re representing a whole community of women who don’t always get the same opportunities or visibility. That pressure can be heavy—but it also drives us to show up with excellence every single time.

We always say, we didn’t just start a business—we started something that challenged norms, created space, and redefined what luxury and celebration can look like when it’s led by women who look like us for people and communities that look like us.

The obstacles have been real. But so has the joy. So has the community that’s rallied behind us. And we’re proud to be doing it our way—with intention, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.
Each event taught us something. Each client inspired something new. And we are still learning and growing.

We’ve been impressed with Two Chicks And A Picnic, 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?
At its core, Two Chicks and a Picnic is about transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. We curate pop-up picnics that are more than just table settings and blankets—they’re fully styled experiences. Whether it’s a romantic date night under the stars, a dreamy baby shower, or a luxe birthday brunch, each setup is designed with care, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. Everything is custom: the colors, the themes, the décor, the vibe. Clients don’t just get a picnic—they get a memory that feels personal, thoughtful, and luxurious without the hassle.

We work together to obsess over the attention to detail, with an eye for design, and a deep understanding of what it means to celebrate well to create lasting memories for our clients. To us, a picnic or event is never just a picnic or event. It’s an act of love. A moment of pause. A reminder to slow down and savor life.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Definitely our village, first and foremost our mothers. Without a doubt, our mothers have been the backbone of our journey. From the very beginning, they believed in our vision and encouraged us to take the leap and start our business. Their support extended far beyond moral encouragement — they have been a source of perspective, stability, and inspiration. They have been there through long nights, the doubts, the setbacks, and the small wins that keep us going. More than anything, they have reminded us of our worth and potential every single step of the way. Our business wasn’t just built on strategy or hustle — but built on the love and unwavering support of the women who raised us.

We also want to uplift our amazing village of friends, family, and spouses. They believed in us and were so many of our firsts– our first customers, first social media posts to spread the word, guinea pigs to test out ideas, and valued sounding boards when needed.

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