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

Martha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My venture into Picnics in the City started during my senior year in college, thanks to a challenging entrepreneurship class. Under the guidance of a fantastic professor, our assignment was to build a business from the ground up – name, social media, website, the whole shebang.

Initially, I was drawn to the idea of personalized passport holders with custom monograms and stamps, given my love for travel. However, halfway through the project, it just didn’t click. Something was missing. That’s when I decided to switch gears and focus on something that truly spoke to me – “Picnics in the City.”

The inspiration for this concept came from my year in Paris, where picnicking by the Eiffel Tower was pure magic. Bringing that experience to Houston seemed like a no-brainer, especially against our city’s skyline – something truly unique.

What really fueled my excitement was realizing there was nothing like this in Houston. The city lacked a curated picnic experience that blended outdoor enjoyment with creativity. “Picnics in the City” wasn’t just about picnicking; it was about offering an experience Houston residents didn’t even know they were missing. Parks became our canvas, and the experience was enhanced with a creative touch, creating Instagram-worthy moments.

The blend of my passion for travel, the allure of Parisian picnics, and Houston’s outdoor culture came together to birth a business concept that stood out. It wasn’t just about providing a service; it was about crafting an experience that resonated with the outdoor-loving spirit of Houstonians. This fusion, coupled with the void in the market, is what truly excites me about the journey of Picnics in the City.

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 I ventured into event planning, I was fully immersed in the influencer world under the handle @marthasuch. Those influencer years not only shaped my social media skills but also gave me the knack for creating fun and interactive content. Through collaborations with bloggers and businesses, I honed my ability to connect and engage.

Transitioning from influencer to event planner, my social media background proved invaluable. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about having an eye for new trends, staying ahead of the curve, and infusing that creativity into the events we curate. This skill set became a defining factor in making my events not only well-executed but also visually appealing and in tune with the latest trends.

Crucially, social media has been the linchpin for our business’s greater exposure and client acquisition. Leveraging these platforms has allowed us to showcase our work, connect with a broader audience, and attract clients who resonate with our unique approach. It’s not just about planning events; it’s about crafting a digital presence that speaks to our brand and draws in clients who share our vision for memorable experiences.

One aspect that makes me particularly proud is the shift from a solo operation to building a great team. It’s not just about me working; it’s about creating an over-the-top customer service experience through collaboration and shared dedication. Assembling a team of six has been a transformative journey, proving that the magic lies not just in what I can do alone but in the collective effort of a passionate and skilled team. This shift has allowed us to elevate our service, ensuring that every client receives a truly exceptional and personalized experience.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building our social media audience was a dynamic journey that involved a mix of strategic approaches. One pivotal strategy was hosting influencer events, meticulously curated for Instagram-worthy moments and VIP experiences, including food, games, and classes. By inviting influencers to these events, like the popular Gals Brunch, we used cross-promotion. Influencers attended, shared their experiences, and tagged us, creating a ripple effect of exposure.

Collaborations with influencers played a significant role. We extended our reach by offering influencers personalized picnic micro-events, either delivered to their homes or in a park, in exchange for exposure. This not only showcased our services in diverse settings but also leveraged the influencers’ followers for increased visibility.

Maintaining a cohesive Instagram feed was a strategic move. I created a content calendar in advance to ensure a visually appealing and consistent aesthetic, enhancing the overall appeal of our Instagram profile.

Monthly giveaways added an exciting layer to our social media strategy. By enticing our audience with enticing prizes, we not only increased engagement but also drew more traffic to our page. This interactive approach helped build a sense of community around our brand.

Investing in top-quality content and styled shoots has been a constant priority. High-quality visuals not only showcased our services in the best light but also contributed to our brand’s overall aesthetic. This commitment to quality content has played a crucial role in capturing and maintaining the interest of our audience.

In the current social media landscape, staying relevant involves adapting to new trends. Live videos, stories, and interactive features have become increasingly important. Engaging with the audience through polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions adds a personal touch. Additionally, collaborating with influencers who align with your brand values and leveraging trending hashtags can amplify your reach. Consistency and authenticity remain key, so staying active and responsive on social media platforms is essential for continued growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In the early days, social media, especially Instagram, played a crucial role in establishing our presence. It served as a platform to showcase our luxury picnic events and generate initial recognition.

Over time, our reputation evolved into a potent combination of word of mouth and social media presence. Satisfied clients became our most significant advocates, sharing their positive experiences. This personal recommendation, coupled with our continued social media activity, has been instrumental in solidifying our standing within the market.

The transition from a picnic-centric company to a comprehensive event planning and decor service presented its challenges, but our clients have gradually embraced the expanded range of services we now offer.

What truly distinguishes us is our commitment to crafting personalized events. Each one is meticulously designed to be unique, garnering attention not only from satisfied clients but also across social media platforms. This fusion of word of mouth and a sustained online presence has become a hallmark of our reputation in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://picnicsinthecity.com/pages/event-planning#event-form
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picnicsinthecity?igsh=ejNicHNncndvam94&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@Shaimaaphotography