Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Arellano.
Hi Stacy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am the owner and founder of Wndrlnd Picnics. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am 26 years old and aside from being a luxury picnic planner, I also have a career in social work. I graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a degree in medical sociology and I currently work for Los Angeles Unified School District as a full-time case manager. The pandemic is what really motivated me to launch this business October 2020. In a time where we couldn’t get together to celebrate life’s precious moments, I decided to create a business for micro events. I have planned birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, bridal showers and baby showers. Luxury picnics have created a safe space for loved ones to come together and enjoy life’s milestones. The idea of picnics initially came from my love of Alice in Wonderland hence my business name. I am the friend people frequently reach out to for things to do, places to eat, locations to visit and date night suggestions. I figured it would be suiting for me to create a date night option that could be set in remote locations around Los Angeles. The locations I offer for my picnics are all places near and dear to my heart. It is amazing being able to use them as a picture perfect backdrop for my picnics. I launched this business impulsively. The day the idea sparked, I started online shopping for inventory. I set up three picnics in three locations and captured some content. I created an Instagram, posted the content and launched. I was not ready to take on clients, my goal was simply to gain exposure but I immediately started receiving inquiries so I took the leap and went for it. It’s been a learning process but with the love for my city, my eye for design, the exposure from Instagram, TikTok and my website, I have been able to grow my business to what it is today.
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?
So far I can say it has been a smooth road. My business has only grown since I have launched. However, I cannot say there hasn’t been challenges. This is my first attempt at entrepreneurship and it’s been a learning process. I have definitely learned to build confidence in my work, value it and stand firm with my pricing. You really realize your worth when you’re out there carrying heavy furniture through the sand, hauling heavy carts full of inventory up hills and fighting the wind to keep your setup from flying away. It’s easy for customers to forget the time that goes into every picnic. When customers view you’re pricing they think they’re simply paying for the duration of the picnic. Sometimes what isn’t considered is all the hours that it takes to create that magical experience for them. The hours of planning, packing, designing, driving, cleaning, laundry and organizing. The inventory we invest in to create these luxury picnics is expensive and it’s definitely taught me how to reinvest and budget in order to keep this business growing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wndrlnd Picnics?
Wndrlnd Picnics specializes in planning, designing and styling luxury picnics, events and private dining. We service most of Southern California. We have set up picnics anywhere from Malibu to Orange County. We also had a very successful popup in Arizona and hoped to expand there in the near future. We try our best to accommodate our client’s needs and budgets. We offer competitive pricing and tiered pricing suitable for everyone. Our tiered pricing consists of different picnic options our clients can choose from. We also give our clients the freedom to choose whatever theme and location they desire for their picnic. Our private dining services are definitely where we stand out the most. Most companies don’t offer food, and if they do offer food items they outsource vendors. Thanks to my boyfriend who is a private chef and owner of In The Cut Takeout, I am able to provide an entire private dining experience along with my picnics. We have set up private three course dinners for our clients at the beach, park and in the comfort of their home. If our clients aren’t interested in an entire meal, they can also add on some of our picnic friendly food items such as charcuterie, fruit, dessert, salads and sandwiches.
We also provide movie night setups for those who would like a movie night in their backyard. We provide everything necessary such as the projector, screen, sound and of course furniture for comfort. Another way we stand out is that we offer beach setups for our beach lovers. We can provide our clients with the perfect beach day set up including: umbrellas, cabanas, sling chairs and day beds. It gives you a beachfront resort feel for those days when you wish you were on vacation. We are always looking for new ways to grow our business along with new services we can provide. We enjoy collaborating with local small businesses that can provide add ons for our picnics. Tiny Chocolate House is the magic behind our s’mores basket and chocolate treats. Creations by Alma is our balloon artist. She creates the backdrops and balloon garlands for our setups. One last thing, when we say “we”, we mean Me and my boyfriend Angel Gomez. Yes, it’s only us behind these picnics. We are a small business and I, Stacy Arellano, run the whole show. I handle all bookings, marketing, social media, communication, and event setup. My boyfriend is the muscle behind the operation, he comes along to help me load and unload these heavy items. I am so grateful for his support.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Spending time with my loved ones and helping others is what makes me happy. Those two things make me happy because they’re selfless acts and they’re fulfilling to me. In this business, I’ve found happiness providing people with the things I love. I get to help them create an unforgettable experience for their loved ones and witnessing their reactions brings me joy. I love surprises, most of all I love surprising others and this business allows me to do that for my clients constantly. It brings me happiness knowing that I started something, I own it, I’m my own boss and no one can take that from me. It’s my art form and I get to create whatever I want, I have full artistic direction and that makes me happy.
Pricing:
- Sweet & Simple Picnic for 2 people (1 hr.) $200
- Set the Mood Picnic for 2 people (1.2 hrs.) $250
- It’s a Vibe Picnic for 4 people (2 hrs.) $300 additional guests $50/each
- Wine & Dine Me for 2 people (2 hr, private dinner) $400+
- Movie Night for 2 people (2.5 hrs) $350 *inquire for large groups
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.wndrlndpicnics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wndrlndpicnics/?hl=en
