Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Temomo.
Hi Marie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Initially, I built The Tasty Picnic to help me pay for my college tuition, little did I know, it was so much more to me than that. At that point in my life, I did not truly understand the importance of building strong relationships with people, which today is the driving force of my business.
After hosting just a few picnics a couple months into business, I felt overwhelmed. I told myself it was too hard and thought about giving up. There were seasons when I wanted to scrap it all because I wasn’t seeing the results I hoped for. Fortunately, as I grew over the years, not just as a business owner, but as a person, my perspective shifted. Life began to teach me what truly matters: God, myself, and others. I realize now, that I was taking the wrong approach to it. I was focused on what I needed, instead of how I could serve. After some serious self-development, I began asking myself a new question: How can I serve people and please God? That’s when everything changed.
The Tasty Picnic isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about my clients, my community, and the people I’m blessed to serve. Each Luxury Picnic experience is thoughtfully curated with intention creating space for connection, celebration, and rest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building The Tasty Picnic has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. While the beautiful setups are what most people see, the journey behind the scenes has been filled with determination and growth.
I started The Tasty Picnic during my freshman year of college with a simple goal: to help pay for my education. What began as a creative idea quickly became something much bigger. In my first year of business, I made just $216. To some, that may seem like a small number, but to me, it was proof that something I created could bring value to others and that people believed in my vision enough to support it.
Balancing college, work, and entrepreneurship was not easy. There were long nights, early mornings, and countless moments when I questioned whether I could keep going. Success didn’t happen overnight, and there were many challenges along the way. But each obstacle became fuel for my ambition. The setbacks taught me resilience, and the small victories reminded me why I started.
What kept me moving forward was the belief that my consistency would eventually pay off. Even when I couldn’t see immediate results, I chose to trust the process. Over time, that decision transformed my small side business into a brand that helps create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for others.
Today, The Tasty Picnic is more than a Luxury Picnic company. It is a reflection of my perseverance, creativity, and the power of believing in myself. Every event I create is a reminder of how far I’ve come and why the journey has been worth every challenge
As you know, we’re big fans of The Tasty Picnic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One thing that sets me apart as an entrepreneur is my commitment to making data-driven decisions. With a background in Business Analytics, I have learned how to leverage even the smallest amounts of data to gain meaningful insights and guide strategic growth. I have invested countless hours into creating frameworks that help me streamline operations. While many small businesses wait until they grow to prioritize data, I believe implementing strong analytical practices early creates a foundation for sustainable growth. I am currently working on making these analytical services available to other small businesses because I see how valuable they have been for me in my journey.
Beyond analytics and strategy, what truly sets The Tasty Picnic apart is our love for God and people. That is the foundation upon which our business was built. Every picnic is an opportunity for us to serve others and create meaningful experiences that bring people closer together. One of the guiding principles of our business comes from Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is one principle we apply to every event that we host. It allows us to serve our clients in the best way possible.
If you visit our website, you will find a section called *Picnic with Jesus*. This page invites our clients to intentionally welcome the presence of God into their picnic experience. To some, it may seem unusual, but for us, it is deeply personal and real. Throughout my own life, I have witnessed the transformative power of encountering Jesus and experiencing His presence. Those moments have brought peace, healing, hope, and purpose, and they have shaped who I am both personally and professionally. Because that experience has been so meaningful in my life, I desire to create opportunities for others to encounter that same love and presence. Sharing the love of God is something I hold close to my heart, and it is my sincere hope that every person we serve leaves feeling seen, valued, loved.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In my opinion, finding a mentor begins with putting yourself in environments where meaningful connections can happen, and networking events are some of the best places to do that. They give you the opportunity to meet people from different industries, learn from their experiences, and build relationships that can grow over time.
One thing that has worked particularly well for me is approaching networking with a mindset of learning rather than simply looking for opportunities. Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” I focus on hearing their story, understanding their journey, and finding ways to provide value first. Some of the most impactful mentors I’ve met started as simple conversations at networking events.
Pricing:
- Date Night Picnic: $150
- Custom Picnic: $200+
- Proposal Picnics: $300+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thetastypicnic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetastypicnic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-temomo-0857541b7/
