Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Johnson.
Hi Rae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Not Your Average Picnic was birthed during quarantine. Everyone handled COVID the only way they could. For me, my passions and dreams began to stir and I decided to grow in the gifts that I didn’t know I had. When one of my dear friends wanted me to drive to Houston and setup a picnic for her birthday, I did not think twice. As we were all celebrating at a park together, I saw the worry and fear turn to joy.
We did not keep track of time, and eventually stayed outside laughing and enjoying each other’s company until it was no longer light out. In that moment I realized this is something I wanted to do for others.
Help put a smile on their face. I’m passionate about celebrating people and making them feel loved and appreciated. That is the why behind Not Your Average Picnic. Everything we do should be done in love and to the best of our ability and that is what I strive to do in this business for the people I get to work with. I look back on every person and moment and truly feel so blessed to be a small part of their story.
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?
Honestly starting your own business is never a smooth road. There will always be hiccups or something that might go wrong, but how you handle them is all that matters. When I first started in San Antonio, I had difficulty finding clients. I had to learn to give myself grace, and keep trying. Take the time to put yourself out there and don’t feel bad if you aren’t someone’s preference. I told myself when I started that if this was God, He would provide the clients that I need. To this day, I stand firm on that truth and continue to work on ideas and be the best I can be in this industry.
We’ve been impressed with Not Your Average Picnic , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Not Your Average Picnic is a luxury picnic and event planning business based in Dallas, TX. We are known for our luxurious over the top picnics, but we also provide party and event planning as well. Our business has planned every event you can think of from birthday parties, engagements, baby showers, bachelorette parties, networking events, and even small weddings. We offer everything from styling to coordinating your event.
We love every aspect of events and we would love the opportunity to help you celebrate in any area of life you’re in. We believe that our attention to detail sets us apart in this industry. Every aspect of what we do is for a purpose and matters, so you will find intricate details in our events and picnic setups. We want our clients to feel that they are seen and heard when they book with us, and the goal is for their dreams to become reality.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be having family over for Christmas. I have always been a performer and loved putting on events and shows for my family. My sister and I along with my cousins, would make up skits, songs, and dances for all the adults to see. We would craft invitations, decorate the living room, make costumes, and even prepare snacks (that were kid-safe of course). I had such a blast doing this every holiday. Looking back, I believe this is where my creative self began to grow.
Pricing:
- Two Person Picnic Starts at $200. $30 each additional person
Contact Info:
- Email: noturaveragepicnic@gmail.com
- Website: noturaveragepicnic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noturaveragepicnic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noturaveragepicnic
Image Credits
Merissa De Falcis
Sarah Pierce
Abby Shadle Collins
