Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Washington.
Hi Michele, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Polished Parties (formerly known as Polished Picnics) back in December of 2020 (yes in the middle of covid) The crazy thing is covid is actually what sparked my business idea and its success.
During covid being locked up in the house with three kids trying to do virtual learning was a bit taxing and I definitely wanted to interact with people that were not my own tiny humans in a fun safe way. This is when I began researching micro events & picnics on Pinterest. I saw tons of ideas and knew this is something I could do with me having knowledge of event design florals and being quite creative. So, I started making my own website logo & social media accounts and got straight to work. In literally had my first client by the end of the week. I feel like my business really popped due to most people like myself who were longing to connect with people safely.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would be lying If I said this journey was easy, it definitely was not. I’ve bumped my head a lot but with every lesson, I grew stronger in my craft. The biggest struggle I had towards the beginning were overspending on inventory. I mean I was out literally buying EVERYTHING, just wanting my business to be absolutely perfect instead of sticking to the basics and growing as I grow. Another struggle that I faced is more of the behind-the-scenes side that my clients don’t get to see it’s also more of the ugly side of my “pretty business “. Which is packing & cleaning inventory, this can be a bit of a chore if you have 20+ guest at an event or picnic. Also organizing inventory is sometimes a nightmare. I’ve now figured out the proper solutions that help keep my job fun in prevents me from feeling burnt out. However, I think the cleanup & organizing part will always be a chore.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hate to toot my own horn but I feel we have one of the best picnic & party experiences in the DFW. Our clients get the opportunity to be completely spoiled and pampered with our all-inclusive picnic packages. We literally do it all a one-stop shop if you will. From the the planning & styling to the execution. We not only provide our picnic setup but we also include fresh florals and custom place cards for our clients to keep as well as delicious charcuterie boards for our clients to enjoy on during their picnic experience & so much more (can’t give away all the surprises) All our clients have to do is show up and have fun. Our party services are just as luxurious with customizations to cater to our clients’ wildest party dreams. We also offer DIY balloons kits & party kits for the DIYer who loves to party. (Shipped nationwide.)
Pricing:
- Our picnic packages range from $325-$1325 for guest counts 2-20
- Party Styling varies based on design needs (party budget min $5k)
- Party rentals varies based on rentals (we do require a $350 min for delivery pickup service is available free of charge)
Contact Info:
- Website: Polishedparties.co
- Instagram: Instagram.com/POLISHEDPARTIES.co
- Other: POLISHEDPICNICS.co
