Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Villalobos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have hosted over 300 picnics- since the start of my business. Out of all of them, I believe that the very 1st one that I hosted was the most meaningful. It was amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, September of 2020- I had just created my Instagram, and only had a few pictures posted. I was contacted by a family friend who wanted to book a picnic not for herself but as a gift for a couple she knew! The couple had recently lost their daughter a few weeks prior, the picnic was to be a surprise on the beach to give them the opportunity to get out and socialize, I remember being so touched by the thought of this gift, I asked for details about their daughter, favorite flowers etc. The picnic was a simple set up for two, but the details included were so personal and heartfelt. Sunflowers were placed delicately amongst some candles, I remember placing a hand painted chalkboard in the sand, that read a quote from her funeral. I remember setting this picnic up and being a little emotional. I was touched by what I was creating and who I was creating it for, and more importantly whom I was creating it in honor of, Brooke. This picnic would forever stay in this couples memories and that feeling of being able to create that feeling for someone, has stayed with me 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 back background and context?

Before JustbecausePicnics officially evolved, we were months into the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything was closed , including restaurants. My neighbor expressed to me one day, how cooped up she felt being stuck at home and the longing to enjoy a meal outside of their home. I gave her the idea to order some take out and take her food to my parents farm @1stfruitsfarm in Temecula. I told her that there was a picnic table there and that she could enjoy her meal outside, and walk the farm for a change of scenery. She took me up on my offer and the next day called to thank me, and told me how much she had enjoyed being outside and how peaceful she felt the farm was. This led me to want to host picnics on my parents property, and offer Picnics on the Farm as an Experience.
I feel that allowing my clients to have a private experience on a farm is what sets me apart from the rest! You can come and enjoy the agriculture, graze with your guests and feed cute alpacas! That is a unique experience!
I am most proud of the growth that I have made in such a short time. What started as just wanting to host picnics for 2, has turned into picnics up to 24 guests, and now even custom designs for Micro Weddings & Events.
JustbecausePicnics offers customized styling, we offer a range of themes to choose from but love to personalize each picnic.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I feel that the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is being able to use my talents to bring families together at table, and allow them to create memories for their big life moments.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Allot of who I am today, and 100% of my creativeness comes from my mom and my grandparents. It runs through my veins, naturally, and as most would say “with no effort.” Most of my childhood memories are being around my grandparents and what would they be doing? Crafting and creating! Grandma would be painting & designing and Grandpa would be hard at wood working in the garage trying to keep up with Grandma and all her new ideas! In August of 2022 ,my grandmother passed away from a long battle with dementia. Having to watch this disease rob my Grandma of her ability to craft and remember things, was hard for me to witness. When she passed away, I was so broken. I remember having a picnic scheduled a few days after she had passed. I had no desire to set up a picnic, I felt like I couldn’t create a memorable space for someone with the mindset I was in. I think I even tossed the idea around to stop my business completely due to my grief. I pushed through the emotions & didn’t cancel on the client. It was their wedding anniversary! My grandmother would have wanted them to enjoy their special day, she would have wanted me to turn on the music and create. I feel that this moment in my life really showed me how strong I am. It taught me that life is tough, and we need to be tougher. I am glad I did, It’s been 6 months- I know she is rooting for me! ” Go Jess!”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justbecausepicnics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbecausepicnics/

Image Credits
Glass Clinking & Feeding Alpacas – Cassy Velasquez