We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Bethea. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I actually started by following a picnic company on TikTok.. I was unaware of the term “Luxury Picnics” until I inquired with that picnic company’s owner. She informed me of some key items to purchase and I purchased those items and more. I would make some suggestions on social media that I had something brewing but kept quiet about what it was. See at that point, I already had an audience due to a current fashion boutique. I wanted to give hints without spilling the beans. Alot of the hints were covering fear. At that moment, I thought that I was bringing the new trend that I was now following on TikTok to my city so I had to be clear that I was really going to try it therefore, not saying what I had coming up was me saving face. I went out in my backyard and set up the items I’ve purchased and made a TikTok, then posted it on my Facebook page. My notifications went crazy, the shares went from 5 to 20 to 40 to eventually over 70 shares. Needless to say, I received a booking that day and 1 year and 3 months later, I have been going strong every since.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Michelle Bethea and I’m the owner of Elaborate Outings Luxury Picnics LLC. I provide extravagant outdoors or indoors events. I cover the gamet of small to large group events for customers who have a vision but need my expertise in the planning and creative process. Customers can focus on their guest while I execute the best. I plan the layout and design for the outing, I set it up and have it ready for guests arrival and clean it up when it’s done. Guest literally show up, have fun, then leave. Each outing includes games, a bluetooth speaker and an option for hand sanitizer or a portable sink. I’m most proud of my ability to work hard to provide luxury services to I’m satisfied with my ability to work hard. I give back with my business. I put my business in position to do more than just picnics. I’ve provided free events for breast cancer survivors. I’ve made partnerships with local schools to provide educational tools for future event planners, I show up to vendor events as well as networking events.
I’m most proud of stepping out of my personal comfort zone and making a great name for me as a business owner as well as my business’s reputation for greatness and attention to detail.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media by using everything as content and becoming a story teller. I post my business on my personal Facebook page as well as my business Facebook page, on TikTok as well as Instagram. I post reels and on all stories. I also share my content to other relevant Facebook groups where potential customers are.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been presenting my business in a strategic manner. When I use music with my videos, the songs must match the events I’m hosting. Using current trending music is not always key to use when you’re aiming for your customers unless it is in line with the event.

I keep in mind that the customer’s problem is my solution. I’m there to serve their needs and to give them the royal treatment. I always go above and beyond to make each event unique and I keep customers involved by reaching out to ensure that everything is fine and that it is okay to enjoy the stress free ride while I handle it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elaborateoutings.com
• Instagram: Elaborate Outings Luxury Picnics
• Facebook: Elaborate Outings Luxury Picnics
• Other: TikTok Elaborate Outings Luxury Picnics

Image Credits
Young Soul Media