Stella Kirimi is known for her flair, style and love for picnics! She enjoys producing memorable, customized and high-end experiences and is even better at making clients’ ideas come to life. Originally a pilot, she was grounded due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, so she decided to invest her time and energy into other creative pursuits. Stella turned her interest in glam style and unique experiences, along with her event and party planning skills, to launch Love and Picnic. She launched her business in early 2021 and has been growing ever since! Currently, Stella is producing 10 picnics a week in several different markets including Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Orlando, FL and is expanding to Washington, DC. Visit her Instagram page for more information: @loveandpicnic |
Where did the idea for Love and Picnic come from?
The idea was born from a picnic event that I threw for one of my friend’s birthdays, and people were just saying, “Oh my God, this is so cute. Maybe she’ll do this more!” So, then I said to myself, ‘let me see if I can turn my passion into a business.’ I threw several more picnics with a few more friends and then I just went for it!
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Each day is unique because I have to be in different cities at specific times due to the picnic bookings. It all depends on what picnics we have booked but we always start by getting everything ready the day before. Currently, I am running errands for a picnic for tomorrow. We collaborate with a lot of different vendors to get the proper food, pictures taken and more. Therefore, it is all about the prep as we always make sure everybody is ready for the next day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe that I get a lot of creativity from my dad. He’s a pretty creative human being; I think I got that from him. He has several different restaurant concepts that have been executed in very unique ways. The ideas just come to him naturally.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Balloons excite me. I like how they look and I am always impressed with how they can turn any event or picnic into an amazing ambiance. I look at the way balloon artists put them together and I am in awe of their creativity!
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I just don’t sweat the small stuff. Just do what you can, and make sure you’re doing something. As long as you’re moving forward then you are making moves.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Again, don’t sweat the small stuff. You won’t look back 5 years from now and not even remember what you were stressing about.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
People tell me that you need to see a face behind the brand. I think the people who pick me to create a picnic don’t care who’s doing it. They just want to know what I’m offering and is it something that they are looking for.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Consistency. That’s the only superpower you truly have. What can differentiate you, between you and everyone else? Every day I wake up and do the same thing over and over again.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I think focusing on the business and not my personal life. I haven’t posted anything personal on my business page. No one knows my face. I don’t post about myself. I just think that makes the business shine more than you.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
This is probably my eighth attempt at business. But I have never given up. I have had a business since I was 14. And of course, my dad was my teacher. Sometimes I just lost money by spending it without a clear enough strategy. But I have always kept going and never given up.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I think in today’s world, you can make anything a business. Any creative idea can be a business, so I would say see what you are passionate about and go for it!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I went for a massage for myself. I believe self-care is very important and it is good to feel taken care of – even if it’s just you taking care of you.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I am very old school, so I use paper and pen. I say do what works for you. I carry a notebook wherever I go.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I like Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich.’ I have read it 10 times.
What is your favorite quote?
This is more of a metaphor my dad likes to say. “If you start digging a hole right now, wherever you are, water has to come out. It just takes different times for different people. As long as you do the right thing, eventually you’ll make it.”
Key Learnings:
- It is important to keep trying no matter how many times you fail, eventually you will get it right.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff, let it roll off you and keep going!
- When you are running a business you need to be extremely organized and prepare for the next day, so you are always one step ahead!
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.