Meet Trailblazer Nicole Leza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Leza.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nicole. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from UCSB in 2016, I knew I wanted to continue living in Santa Barbara. However, I was lost (like many graduates) as what it was I wanted to do. I had many random part-time jobs just because I didn’t want to sit idle at one desk job. I picked up freelance work in social media marketing, became a personal assistant, a caregiver, worked early hours at a coffee shop and did marketing for a local nightclub. I’ve always had a strong interest in events… I just didn’t know how to get started in that career. One of my part-time jobs ended up turning into full-time so I decided it was a good time to start developing administrative/office skills and save up money.

I was definitely lacking a creative outlet and was starting to lose hope and inspiration. Someone once told me, “You can either live somewhere you love and sacrifice where you work, or you can work in a career you love, and sacrifice where you live.” I thought that statement was ridiculous, but it stuck with me anyway. I knew there were definitely job opportunities in my field of interest in LA, but I fell in love with Santa Barbara and wanted to make this place my home.

Santa Barbara’s weather is the epitome of perfect. There are breathtaking views everywhere you look being surrounded by the Santa Ynez mountains and the ocean. It’s hard not to want to be outside. So, picnicking became my favorite pastime. My favorite part about picnics was (and still is) packing everything you need for a great time while being able to sit outside and soak in the sun and views with your favorite people. I started to add items to my picnics each time. I bought a nice wooden serving board, poufs, decorative pillows, and stylish rugs/blankets. I’d always pick up flowers from the farmer’s market to include as well!

I started to get ideas to do this for other people in early 2018. The idea started with my strong desire to create stylish and cozy spaces for groups of friends to enjoy. I wanted to continue styling these gatherings, which essentially were picnics, in new and different ways. When I got the idea to start Santa Barbara Picnic Co., I could hardly contain my excitement and eagerness to get started. The emotions were so intense that I had to make it happen. It started to take over my entire attention. Of course, I had many doubts and fears too, but nothing had felt so right to me before.

It was truly through the help of my good friend, Barbara, who encouraged me every day and supported my idea since day 1. It was her idea along with another friend, to create a picnic gathering open to the community. We invited other local bloggers and photographers to join, meet and connect. Only a few people showed up, but it was a nice beginning. I got to test out my business idea and style/design my first picnic event. I created an Instagram page and it quickly gained a lot of attention. I got my first bookings through Instagram- before I had my website up- and it still plays a key role in connecting me with clients.

I am truly thankful for this community of entrepreneurs and creatives. Many other Santa Barbara businesses have been so kind, helpful, and supportive. I’m not sure it would’ve been the same if I lived somewhere else. I am also glad I decided to work full time while starting Santa Barbara Picnic Co. because I wouldn’t have been able to pay for all of the items I’ve added to my rentals/inventory. I really wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the support and encouragement of my close friends, family, and the community welcoming my business in with open arms.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been as scary as I thought it was going to be with getting started. There is a lot of time spent working on creating a website, packages, pricing, and so on. It truly doesn’t ever feel like there’s an off switch when you are starting a business and handling all aspects of it. One thing I’ve struggled with is prioritizing work over self-care. When you’re just getting started there’s a lot of free work and unpaid collaborations you can do to get your name out there. For me, it has been difficult to say “no” at times because I genuinely do wish I could take on every opportunity that comes my way, but it’s just not realistic.

My advice to other young women who are just starting their journey is to balance work-life, honor time for self-care, and really consider each request for work. I think collaborating with other businesses and creatives is a great way to connect and promote, but it’s just knowing how much you can handle in a month or season. Starting a business requires a lot of time, energy, and focus, and I definitely think it’s important to dedicate time on your business as well as time for yourself. It’s truly a fun and rewarding journey to start your own thing. I encourage everyone who wants to turn their idea into reality to just take the first step (ANY step) with getting started. It’s really important to put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Santa Barbara Picnic Co. – what should we know?
I set up picnics for people. It may sound funny to say, and often times people are confused by that statement, but that is essentially what I do. I have added many specialty rentals in my inventory to make this happen- such as custom-made, low picnic tables, handmade macrame tents, and lace canopies, fringe umbrellas, large blankets, rugs, etc.

My business, Santa Barbara Picnic Co., specializes in what I like to call, a “pop-up picnic experience.” Depending on the client’s occasion, favorite colors, and food preference, I create and style a unique picnic set up based on their needs and interests. I also love to work with caterers and a florist to make it extra special. Many people usually book for anniversaries, baby showers, bachelorettes, bridal showers, birthdays, post-wedding receptions/brunches, and date nights.

I am proud to be offering this type of service to visitors and locals alike by showcasing the beauty of the region with intimate, charming picnics to go along with the views. I spend a lot of time looking for quality pieces to add to my inventory and planning how to style each client’s unique event. I am very grateful for each person I have worked with in the past, for trusting my vision/style and allowing me the pleasure to create picnics for their special occasions.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would love to know other people’s advice on finding a mentor because I haven’t found one yet. That is something I’ve always wondered. I definitely do not think you have to know what you’re doing before getting started and it has been a learning process for me along the way. I’m sure it would’ve been helpful to have found a mentor before or along my journey, but I don’t think it’s necessary. However, I would love to start finding mentors and others who have been through similar paths because I think they could provide wisdom and advice.

As far as networking, I’ve found Instagram to be really useful in connecting with other entrepreneurs. I really appreciate each message I get and I’m always open if someone is interested in working together or meeting up to bounce ideas. If there is someone you’re really interested in meeting or learning from I think you should just directly message them and ask them out for coffee. It never hurts to try.

Contact Info:

• Website: santabarbarapicnicco.com
• Email: nicole@santabarbarapicnicco.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/santabarbarapicnicco
• Facebook: facebook.com/santabarbarapicnicco

Image Credit:
Willa Kveta, Stephen Lewis Photo, cherthismoment, Richard Fusillo, Miranda Kelton, Sandra Vega

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.