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

Tiana , appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What makes my business different isn’t just the concept—it’s the heart behind it. Blunts & Brunch With A Twist LA/OC was born out of pain and a desire to create an experience that blends soulful food, vibrant art, and culture in a beautifully styled, 420-friendly space. While there are other brunch and paint-and-sip concepts out there, few offer this level of intimacy, inclusivity, and elevated design for communities that are often overlooked in luxury spaces—especially creatives, young professionals, and those who seek joy and healing in unconventional ways.

What sets us apart is the ability to turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. My events are a vibe—equal parts delicious, expressive, and healing. I don’t just want to serve guests; I want them to feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to connect with themselves and others. That’s where my legacy begins.

As a disabled Black woman and a single mother, I know what it means to face challenges and keep building anyway. I want my journey to show others—especially those who’ve been counted out—that they can create something powerful out of their pain. My legacy will be about more than business. It will be about showing people that luxury, healing, and creativity can coexist—and that they deserve to experience all three.

Tiana , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Tiana Heggins, the founder of Blunts and Brunch With A Twist LA/OC, a unique, elevated private dining and paint experience. My journey into the culinary and events world wasn’t traditional—I didn’t go to culinary school or have a background in hospitality. Instead, I was driven by a deep desire to create safe, creative spaces where people could relax, express themselves through art, and connect over good food and great vibes.

I started curating intimate brunches and dinners because I saw a gap in the market—there weren’t many places where you could enjoy a chef-prepared meal, paint, listen to music, and just vibe with others in a laid-back but luxurious environment. Being a single mom, disabled, and a creative myself, I wanted to build something that blended accessibility, authenticity, and community into one unforgettable experience.

Blunts and Brunch With A Twist is for the people who crave something different. We serve gourmet-style brunch and dinner events with beautiful boho-inspired tablescapes, set outdoors in an intimate space. Our paint and sip portion adds that extra twist—no stuffy rules, just a relaxed, expressive outlet that brings people together.

We cater to creatives, young professionals, and social adventurers who want more than just a meal. They’re looking for something soulful—an experience that allows them to be themselves while celebrating life in good company.

What sets us apart is that we blend food, art, culture, and music into one cohesive event. Each brunch or dinner feels like an escape, even if it’s just for a few hours. I’m most proud of creating something meaningful from scratch and seeing people light up when they walk into a space I curated with love.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that Blunts and Brunch With A Twist is about freedom—freedom to express, to connect, to indulge, and to heal. We’re not just feeding people; we’re feeding the soul.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely. A defining moment of resilience for me came when I decided to transition from surviving off of a limited income,battling depression, anxiety and chronic pain, to launching my own MEHKO business. I was juggling motherhood, disability, and the emotional toll of dealing with unjust treatment, yet I chose to move forward anyway.

There were countless moments when it felt easier to give up—especially when money was tight, people tried to slander my name and business or life got too loud. But every time I hosted a small event or received encouragement from someone who believed in my vision, it reminded me that this dream was worth fighting for. Completing the COOK Academy program was proof of that—I stuck through the ups and downs, and now I’m stepping into entrepreneurship on my own terms.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Hands down, it’s been word-of-mouth paired with authentic storytelling on social media. I started by simply sharing the vibes of my events—behind-the-scenes prep, the gorgeous setups, the laughter—and that naturally attracted people who wanted more than just a meal. They wanted the whole experience.

People love seeing something that feels real and relatable. By creating content that shows the heart and intention behind Blunts & Brunch With A Twist, I began to attract my ideal clients: those who appreciate elevated vibes, creative expression, and a welcoming, judgment-free zone to unwind and connect. Consistency in branding and staying true to the mission has helped grow the community in a powerful, organic way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluntsandbrunchwithatwistlaoc.com
• Instagram: @bnbwithatwist
• Facebook: Blunts And Brunch With A Twist LAOC

Image Credits

None