Today, we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Teten.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Gathering together around a meal is such an important part of relationships. When our community rhythms were disrupted in 2020, dining outdoors became a creative (and beautiful) way to regain that shoulder-to-shoulder human connection.
A friend of mine started providing these beautiful luxurious picnics for customers in Atlanta, and I immediately wanted to be a part of it. In a few weeks, I was up and running here in Jacksonville. I love that I get to curate a meaningful backdrop to special occasions. I’ve had the joy of hosting weddings, date nights, bachelorette parties, and birthdays.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have never started something like this on my own. While very exciting, it was discomfort zone after discomfort zone. Often, I doubted my ability to keep going. It’s so much easier to stay in the lane you’re used to.
Along the way, I learned so much about myself, and now I’m a little quicker to trust my instincts to try new things and push through obstacles. Creating something from nothing is very vulnerable, and my husband was a source of support and encouragement.
I also learned when to ask for help or outsource tasks completely out of my wheelhouse. Let me know if anyone needs a good bookkeeper.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I genuinely care about the people that reach out to me! Celebration is my love language, and I want to be a part of making the day special. As much as I love all the beautiful details, the people who enjoy it are the stars of the show. Part of me loves it so much I want to join in (don’t worry, I never do).
Communication is also of high value to me. From the first inquiry, I have invested in their story and the brief part they are sharing with Picnic Party Jacksonville. I know from experience that it is frustrating to wait and wait and wait for a response, so I’m proud that my clients often comment on how prompt I respond.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Working alongside other business owners, brands, entrepreneurs, and creatives is such a gift! I am so inspired by the work that other people create, and I love opportunities to collaborate.
I’m partnering with a local chef and event space to begin hosting dinners that bring strangers together to share food and conversation so we can grow our connections and empathy. Join us for a dinner (details on my website)!
I also want to inspire others to bring their ideas to life. I didn’t know I could start a business… until I did! I’m trying to leverage my experience to encourage others to bring beauty to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: picnicpartyjacksonville.com
- Instagram: @picnicpartyjacksonville
Image Credits
Oxana Rox Photography, Jacquelyn Photography, and VH Photos
