Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Granert.
Hi Gina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First Coast Picnics was launched in March of 2021. I have always been a party planner, hosting parties for my family and friends. I have always wanted to pursue my love for event planning, decorating, and making things look beautiful!
During the pandemic, I was scrolling through TikTok and saw a video of a day in the life of a luxury picnic planner and that is how it all started. A TikTok video inspired me to launch First Coast Picnics! With elements of party planning, decorating and design combined, curating luxurious picnics is a true passion of mine! I started with five different themes and have since expanded to 14. I love building relationships with my clients, helping them plan their events, and celebrating that special milestone in their lives. I have curated picnics for all occasions from anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, baby showers, date nights, graduations, and a lot more! It has been fun and rewarding seeing my clients’ reactions when they see their setups. I really love what I do!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Weather is a big factor for a luxury picnic business. Florida weather can be crazy! The sun can be shining one minute, and raining the next. We learned a lesson when we had a picnic get rained out at the beach and a picnic where most of the items ended up covered in sand.
We now monitor the radar for rain and check the temperature, tides, and wind.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have worked in the corporate world for 24 years and have the luxury picnic business as my side hustle. First Coast Picnics is my “fun job” where I get to express my creativity. I have also learned how to create the most exquisite charcuterie boards to offer with a luxury picnic.
Each picnic setup is designed uniquely for my clients. I have so much fun with each set up, and my passion shows. There are many themes and add-on options to choose from, so there is absolutely something for everyone.
What makes you happy?
I found my niche in creating First Coast Picnics. It has been an incredible journey and I have enjoyed so many wonderful experiences. It brings so much joy to be able to provide a fun and unique setting for my clients. We live in a vibrant city that has a lot of beautiful parks and beaches.
Running a luxury picnic business can be demanding, from responding to bookings, planning with the clients, bookkeeping, marketing, social media, IT, shopping, loading, lugging carts, sanitizing, setting up, breaking down, unloading and organizing. Whew…that’s a lot but all that hard work is worth it!
I am beyond grateful to collaborate with social media influencers and other local vendors, and be a part of the small business community.
Cheers to more picnics and thank you for all the love and support!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@firstcoastpicnics
- Website: www.firstcoastpicnics.com
- Instagram: @firstcoastpicnics
- Facebook: @firstcoastpicnics
- Other: https://g.page/first-coast-picnics?share
Image Credits
Susan Dixon Photography
