We were lucky to catch up with Ally Aboud recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ally, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I believe that occasions big and small all deserve festive attention. I have always had a love for events and party planning. It is a way to unwind and have fun with the people you are close to. Life can be so serious and fast; that it’s nice to take a step back and enjoy the big moments, accomplishments, or just take a break to be with the people you care about.

A picnic is such an intimate and perfect way to spend quality time and create lasting memories with friends & family. From birthday parties to anniversaries to proposals-no matter what my clients are celebrating A Picnic Affair offers the ideal backdrop for any celebration with minimum stress & effort on their part.

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 back background and context?

I lost my job due to Covid back in 2020, which ended up being the best thing that could have happened to me! It really gave me the push I needed to finally start my own business, which had been a dream of mine since high school! I’ve always had a passion for events and design and I wanted to create an event service that wasn’t overly complicated, but something special that friends and loved ones could enjoy together no matter what the occasion.
My very first picnic was for my birthday party and I hosted it in my backyard with my closest friends. I wanted to test it out and get their opinions on turning it into an actual service/company. We had so much fun and they loved it! I had my husband build me custom tables and I had a blast searching and shopping for all of my inventory and decor! It was truly my dream job!
It really took off and I couldn’t believe how many bookings I was getting despite starting a company during a pandemic! I think everyone loved the fact that it was something so unique and new and that it could be so private and personal without having to be around others during such a scary time.
We offer a wide variety of themes and add-on options to build the perfect one of a kind luxury picnic experience for each client. We set up at beaches, park and even backyards!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

A Picnic Affair was one of the 1st luxury picnic companies! I’m so proud to be one of the originals and I think it has really helped build my reputation within this market, especially in the area I service!

Picnic companies really took off in 2020 and they are still going strong which has been so amazing! It is always good to offer something that is highly sought after.

I’m also very proud to only have 5 star reviews, and nothing less! Providing excellent customer service is top on my priority list. I think it has really helped my company stand out and have a great reputation in Brevard!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media has been such an amazing tool to help build my clientele and spread the word about my business in the area I operate in (Brevard County.) I frequently run Instagram and Facebook ads to help attract new customers and promote my services. Staying consistent and posting often is also very beneficial and helps me stay fresh in peoples minds! I think it’s important as well to become friends and collaborate with other local businesses, to provide that sense of community and support and to be able to reach a wider audience through each other.
I have been lucky enough to be featured in several publications like Everything Brevard Magazine and Space Coast Living Magazine (where we got the amazing title of Best New Business on the Space Coast 2022!)
I put so much effort into having high quality customer service and it really pays off because people come back and book a second, sometimes even a third picnic with my company! I also have so many clients that recommend A Picnic Affair to their friends & family which means the world to me! Recommendations and positive reviews can really help your company grow & stand out!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.apicnicaffair.com
• Instagram: @a.picnic.affair
• Facebook: Facebook.com/apicnicaffair

Image Credits
Southern Photo Co. Lys Rayne Photography Mae Murphy Photography Maria A. Photo Kirnos Photography Ashley Lotus Photography