Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Diaz.
Hi Leslie , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in 2021 when I started Luxe Picnics by Les as a luxury pop up picnic business. What began with creating beautiful, intimate experiences quickly grew into charcuterie, grazing tables, catering, and eventually our mobile grazing cart.
As the business grew, so did my vision. In November 2024, my family and I took a huge leap of faith and opened Luxe Picnics by Les: The Boutique in Yulee, Florida, creating what we believe is Florida’s first gourmet Build A Box Grazing Bar and boutique café.
There is also a very personal heart behind the boutique. My daughter, Nina Simone, is a professional performer, and I wanted to build a business that would allow me to continue supporting her career while creating something meaningful of my own.
Today, Luxe Picnics by Les is truly a family business and so much more than I originally imagined. At the heart of it all, my goal remains the same: to bring people together, create special experiences, and give them memories they can cherish.
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?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. Growing a small business comes with constant learning, adapting, and taking risks, and opening our brick and mortar brought an entirely new set of challenges. From managing rising costs and staffing to navigating slower seasons and simply learning the day to day realities of running a café, there have been plenty of moments that have tested me.
One of my biggest lessons has been learning to pivot rather than give up. Some ideas work beautifully, others need to be changed, and sometimes you simply have to start over and try something different. There have definitely been difficult days, but the support of my family and our community has kept me moving forward. Every challenge has taught me something and ultimately helped shape the business we are continuing to build today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always considered what I do a form of creativity. I specialize in taking food, presentation and hospitality and turning them into an experience. Whether it is a beautifully curated charcuterie box, a grazing table, a catered event or something we create inside the boutique, I love making the smallest details feel special.
I think what we have become most known for is doing things a little differently. Our Build A Box Grazing Bar allows guests to create something completely their own, while our boutique café brings together charcuterie, European inspired sandwiches, specialty drinks and unique experiences all in one space.
What I am most proud of is that we have created something that feels distinctly ours. I never wanted to simply follow what everyone else was doing. I wanted Luxe Picnics by Les to feel creative, welcoming and memorable, and to give people a reason to gather, slow down and enjoy the experience.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to work with and support us! We love collaborating with local businesses, creatives and organizations on special events, workshops, catering and unique experiences at the boutique. We also offer private events and catering for everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.
And honestly, one of the greatest ways to support us is simply to visit the boutique, bring a friend, share your experience and continue spreading the word. We also recently joined DoorDash, making it even easier to enjoy some of your Luxe favorites from home.
As a small family business, every visit, order, recommendation and collaboration truly means so much to us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxepicnicsbyles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxepicnicsbylesllc?igsi=am5zc214ODZsZTR0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQrpMUHTs/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luxe-picnics-by-les-the-boutique-yulee
