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

Shari, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I actually started my business during COVID. I live in a beautiful southwestern city in Sarnia Ontario, Canada. I had been following a business on the west coast of California who was creating beautiful luxury picnics, and thought I could do that here! We have beautiful beaches, parks and most importantly people.
So after a bit of research (probably 3 months) … I started collecting the items I was missing to start. We were still in lockdown… so after connecting with other local small businesses, and lots of planning, I launched during the Spring of 2021. Spring was early (April 17, 2021) as the cherry blossoms were blooming… this was my introduction to my community.
Social distancing was still a BIG thing here but you were “allowed” your bubble of 10, or you could be outdoors.
With the help of friends and family, my photos were shared on social media, and Great Lakes Luxury Picnic Company was born!
Throughout the spring summer and fall, I was busy most weekends, and sometimes double booked! Thank goodness for my family for helping pitch in when I needed it most!
My first “real” booking I learned a lot of lessons in planning…. And logistics…. Yes this was the hard way!!
As the business owner, social media operator and luxury picnic stager, I had to learn it all and balance while still working full time (I also work in healthcare).
Opening my business allowed me to express my creativity during a time when we couldn’t be with the people we loved most! It also allowed me to meet people in my community…
As I worked my first, second and third years of my business … I swore I wouldn’t change my business model from luxury picnics to anything else…. But of course that changed too!! I started offering luxury bridal and baby showers…. And now weddings and day of coordination…. Who knew!!
The design part came easy… the coordination, storage and bookkeeping… well that’s still a work in progress that I am learning as I go. I feel that every year I get a little better!
2024 was a different year for my business, it was a lot slower, so I had to adjust, but I know that next year will be different again!! I think that’s what I love the most, the fact that it’s always changing … but somethings are still the same.
I love helping families and couples create memories…. From date night picnics on the beach to weddings and baby showers. I love seeing my clients happy when their special event starts and ends!!

Shari, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

People might not know, about me… I started this new business because of my love of events and families. Family is THE most important thing for me. I love the idea of families and friends making memories that will last for their lifetime. I think this is also what I am most proud of, bringing loved ones together is special and memorable ways.

I opened my business to express my creativity. During lockdown, I wasn’t able to to help my favorite charity (and one close to my heart) St Joesph’s Hospice. I had been a part of their Dancing Under the Stars Gala for over 10’years, with my role being Live Auction co-chair. As part of this team, we would always dream up fun and sometimes crazy live auction packages. As our team worked through the years, we found that experiences seemed to be popular and the biggest fundraiser for the live auction, but during lockdowns, the gala was cancelled, and so was my love of creating special packages.
By year 2 of lockdown I was well on my way to making this new dream happen and that is truly how my business was created.
I am most proud of the connections to people and my community I have made. I love giving back!
My followers are amazing and many have been following along my journey since the beginning…. I mean there is always room for new followers!! We love them too!!
I love chatting and meeting my luxury events clients and helping them meet or exceed their expectations. (It’s all about the little details)
The other thing I love is the friends I have made with other local small businesses and entrepreneurs!! We help lift each other up and to new heights!! I have worked with several small home bakers, for the most fabulous (and delicious) desserts, I have worked with incredible photographers and amazing florists!! each and everyone of them I consider friends and would recommend to my clients.
Some of my clients have also become friends and I think that is the most beautiful thing about this business!
I also love giving back to my community and when I can, I absolutely jump in to lend a hand!
One of my most favorite stories coming out of lockdown was for our medically fragile community….. I had been in contact with the group home to let them know I wanted to offer a session for them outside with their families when they felt safe and comfortable that COVID wouldn’t be as risky. When they were ready, we were too!! We had special cookies, a special set up to accommodate their needs and a photographer to capture their precious memories! Because they had been separated from their families for their protection and safety, this was a very precious and special moment. I know it meant a lot to their families that they could make these special memories with their children! And for me and the team… our hearts were full!
That’s the thing about my business .. it really is for everyone!!
My other favorite memories were the proposals!! I can’t even choose which one is my favorite, because love always wins!! (But we did have one where some horses just showed up and that was really special! And not something that just happens but it did!!)
That’s the thing… each and every event is special and always touches a piece of my heart.
I’m not sure if this is what sets me apart from the others, but I like to think it is!

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

I think what helped me build my reputation within my market were….
1. New and innovative business, there was nothing like this in our area and our area was the perfect place to launch. Beautiful beaches and parks, as long as Mother Nature cooperated!! Not to worry … we always made a back up plan in those situations.
2. Consistency- I was out there hustling every weekend and some weeknights. Giving the best luxury picnic I could provide with the best product .
3 over delivered to all my clients, I believe I alway exceeded their expectations.
4. Social media – by showing my end results this helped improve and solidify my reputation
5 word of mouth, this has always been the best testimonial to what I provide:

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

Social media…
I am always learning something new.
From the beginning I relied on friends and family sharing until my audience started to grow… thank goodness for them!
But social media is all about learning what your audience wants to see, and sometimes knowing what to post and when to post. It really is a dance!!
I have had to learn a LOT and I am still learning, I think consistency is also key … the more you post, the more business you will gain.
And as the person who does it all, I have had to lean on my friend and family to help teach me what I don’t know, and to continue to share my journey .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @greatlakesluxuryeventsco
• Facebook: Great Lakes Luxury Events Co

Image Credits

Thulara Bethmage
John Lyons