We were lucky to catch up with Cali Jai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cali , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

What my mom did right was never coddling me. She raised me to be independent and to think for myself, even when it meant letting me struggle a little. At the time I didn’t always understand it, but now I see how it shaped me into a strong, solution-oriented person who doesn’t shut down when things get hard.
One of the biggest things she taught me was that you can reinvent yourself at any moment. I watched her make the decision to stop working for other people and open her own business. She didn’t wait for permission, she didn’t let fear stop her — she just went for it. Seeing her create something from nothing showed me what’s possible when you bet on yourself.

That example has impacted my life and career more than anything. Her independence taught me to trust my own voice, and her courage taught me to build instead of wait. Everything I do the way I problem-solve, the way I move through challenges, and the way I approach my own business is rooted in the foundation she gave me.

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?

My name is Cali Jai, and I’m the owner and creative mind behind a luxury picnic and curated experience brand — but my work extends far beyond event styling. I’m also a Montessori teacher and a toddler yoga instructor, and those two roles deeply influence how I show up creatively, professionally, and personally.
My journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by the way I was raised.
My luxury picnic brand was born from that same spirit of creation and intention. I specialize in curated luxury picnics, themed set-ups, teepee experiences (including my signature $75 “TP” deal), and intimate décor that transforms simple moments into meaningful memories. My clients come to me when they want something special but don’t know how to bring it all together — and that’s where I shine. I take ideas, elevate them with intention, and create an experience that feels warm, beautiful, and unforgettable.
What truly sets me apart is how my background with children influences everything I do.
As a Montessori teacher, I’ve learned how to create environments that feel calm, organized, and purposeful. As a toddler yoga instructor, I’ve learned patience, presence, and how to bring a grounding, nurturing energy into every space I touch. Those skills translate directly into my creative work — from the way I curate atmospheres to how I manage details and support my clients through the process.
I’m most proud that I built this from the ground up. No shortcuts, no blueprint — just faith, independence, and a commitment to creating experiences that make people feel celebrated.
What I want potential clients and followers to know is simple:
When you book with me, you’re not just getting a setup — you’re getting an intentional experience crafted with heart, creativity, and care.
My brand is about connection, beauty, and moments that feel personal and unforgettable.

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 honestly been staying consistent and building real relationships with the people I serve. Every setup I create is treated with the same level of intention and care, whether it’s a small intimate picnic or a larger event. When people feel that level of thoughtfulness, they share it, talk about it, and recommend me naturally. Word-of-mouth has become one of my strongest forms of marketing because my work speaks for itself long after the moment is over.
Showing up consistently online has also made a huge difference. I let people see the behind-the-scenes process, my personality, and the heart behind what I do. When clients get to know me before they ever book, it builds trust and makes the connection feel more personal. People aren’t just booking a picnic setup; they’re booking the energy, creativity, and professionalism they see me bring to each experience.
Another big part of my growth comes from my work as a Montessori teacher and toddler yoga instructor. Families, parents, and community members already trust me because they’ve seen how patient, grounded, and intentional I am with children. That naturally carries into my business. People feel comfortable recommending me because they know I bring that same calm, reliable presence into every space I create.
Overall, my clientele has grown the most from being authentic, consistent, and fully committed to making each person feel valued. When people feel cared for, they always come back and they always bring someone with them.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business wasn’t something that happened through a big loan or outside investors. It was built the same way I was raised — through independence, discipline, and the belief that I could make something out of nothing. When I first started, I didn’t have a large amount of money set aside or a big financial safety net. What I did have was resourcefulness and the determination to create something meaningful.
I started by using what I could afford. I bought pieces slowly, one check at a time, and reinvested almost everything I earned back into the business. If I made money from a setup, I would use it to purchase better décor, more inventory, or tools that would help me elevate my work. It was a very step-by-step process, but it made me intentional about every decision I made. Nothing was wasted, and everything I purchased had a purpose.
Being a Montessori teacher and a toddler yoga instructor also helped because I learned how to budget, plan ahead, and prioritize what truly mattered. I applied those same principles to building my business. Instead of rushing, I focused on creating a solid foundation. I trusted that consistency would bring growth — and it did.
My business was funded through hard work, patience, and a whole lot of faith. I didn’t wait for perfect conditions or a large amount of capital to start. I simply began with what I had, stayed committed, and built my brand piece by piece. Looking back, I’m proud of that process because it taught me resilience, responsibility, and how to truly appreciate every milestone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moonlightmobilehometheater.as.me/schedule/12353aa7?fbclid=PAdGRleAN_bBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadB4VFYgprhhPd2Ee5pcozSTSYZ4cCYYusi_d82QtJ133vwyhkUoq1vf4dknQ_aem_d9x1ivS8u9wxlvz332ZpZA
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