Meet Savannah Hodges | Owner & Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Savannah Hodges and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Savannah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was pregnant with my second baby and COVID restrictions were starting to become more relaxed. At the time I was living in Boston with my son and Fiancé. I shared with him that I wanted to start working or doing something that allowed me to have creativity and would be fun. It was around February and I knew the weather would be starting to turn in MAY. I started thinking “we have all been cooped up inside for so long a nice outdoor picnic would be something” Then it sort of hit me “luxury picnics”. My good friend Lauren Mayer was also into events and hosting so I managed to convince her we should do this together. So we did our research, which was tough because there really wasn’t anything like it. We put together our business plan and details then started buying all that we needed. My fiancé flew to Ohio and drove a uhal with all of our custom made tables and backdrops. I wanted to create an aesthetic vibe that brings people together to enjoy quality time. COVID was very hard for all of us and being able to get back outside and visit with friends and family was big. So why not make it lively and beautiful with a luxury picnic.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are a unique kind of business. We specialize in luxury picnics. They are stylized low picnic tables for you and your friends to celebrate a birthday , or anniversary. Maybe a much needed date night or surprise proposal. Picnics are so unique that they can be curated for anything. We offer boutique styled tableware items for picnics and also for rent. Our entire inventory is available for A La Cart for rentals, you can hire me for customized tablestyling for any event.

This journey has not been an easy one for sure. There are many days where negativity can consume your thoughts, but that’s when I like to reflect on my “Why. What is it that keeps me going? The gratitude of my clients when their expectations have been succeeded. Knowing I played a small part in a major life milestone or event. For instance, I recently had a client who expressed the difficulties of fertility and had finally become pregnant with her first baby and wanted to celebrate such a long journey. Seeing her be able to celebrate a huge moment with her loved ones was such a gift. I was able to create this beautiful setting for her to share this moment.

The biggest challenge is balance. The balance between my passion and family, my kids are still very little and my fiancé works non-stop to provide the beautiful life we live. I often feel a sense of guilt when I am away from home multiple weekends when I have events. What’s the saying “when you say yes to one thing I’m essentially saying no to another”. I try very hard to prioritize the amount of time I dedicate to my business and to my family.

Things I have learned along he way….You can’t do it all. I know I like to try and say I can but you just can’t effectively! So I focus mostly on being good at what I’m good at and allow others to assist where I fall short.I work with some other amazing women like Ali McDermott from Magnolia and Lace, she is my primary florist for all of my events. I want the world to know mostly about my brand is that we truly invest in your day and your experience. I don’t take on a lot of clients because I want to be able to dedicate my best efforts into each and every project. We are big on the details. I always like to add something unique to each project that the client would not expect, but would appreciate.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man there are so many amazing places in Tucson! so I would say we would obviously start with a boring hike on tummomoc. Which would earn us the right to indulge in an amazing brunch breakfast at like five points market. I am in love with their huevos rancheros. It’s my favorite. Then head to a cute local farmers market to shop followed by a luxury pop-up picnic in the desert with an amazing charcuterie board. Then a quick lunch at a local Sonoran hotdog stand. Then home for a quick nap because who doesn’t love a good nap? Then specialty cocktails at Portal followed by an amazing dinner at Locale. I am such a foodie so most of my touring would revolve around food and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my Fiancé and my family. Without their love and support I could not run my business. They have been such a huge help and support during this journey and continue to build me up at all times. Payson Herring (fiancé) has been such a big supporter. My Parent Bruce & Deborah Hodges have helped me build items, work events along with watching my beautiful babies. My siblings have helped me time and time again from shooting my content, attending events with me. I could not do it without my village and I am forever grateful for my loving and supportive crew. I feel beyond blessed!

Website: www.wickedpicnicevents.com

Instagram: wickedpicnic

Other: TikTok: wickedpicnic

Image Credits
Nicole Traveller, Isaiah Hodges