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

Hi Brandi, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” ― Erin Hanson

This quote questions the strength of my anxiety in such a powerful way. It brings forth a snapshot of joyful success.
How could I not leap, how could I not try, after seeing such a picture? I repeat this to myself when I feel apprehensive about my new business adventure. It helps quiet my “cookie tossing anxiety” as I wait for my next booking, search for that perfect location, or worry about the weather. So I often look up and ask, what if I fall? I am always overwhelmed by the answer, “Oh but my darling, What if you fly?”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over the years, as a stay at home mom, I had found many outlets for my creativity. I had thrown countless themed parties for friends, family, and school events. I taught a children’s Bible class which involved themed lessons, crafts, and snacks. I got excited when my kids had a creative project to do for school. Although not all of my children would let me help. (She knows who she is.) For several years, I even designed and sold virtual household décor and art for an online game-world. These creative outlets added joy and glitter to my life. I was a Pinterest Mom before there was a Pinterest. I believe that everyone needs one in their life. Especially during special occasions.

In 2012, I was blessed with an unique opportunity to work for a non-profit organization as a Special Project Coordinator. A large part of my job was to budget and plan themed events and mission trips for volunteers and donors. In 2015, I was tasked with creating a benefit event that girls of all ages would enjoy. For four years I planned and hosted the largest tea party in Texas, Hope Tea 2015-2018. I am thankful for my years with Healing Hands International. They gave me a creative outlet that also helped people and allowed me to earn income for my family. However, in late 2019, their Texas office closed and I found myself without a job or creative outlet. I had no idea what was going to come next. What came next was a worldwide pandemic and life seemed on pause. As life returns to normal, people are ready to celebrate with close friends and family. They want to make memories that will last a lifetime. I know that’s how I felt when my daughter asked for an over-the-top picnic for her birthday this year. I was more than happy to do that for her.

Now, Samantha and I are overjoyed to offer themed picnic setups, tablescapes, and party planning to others who are ready to celebrate with friends and family again. Our low-tables and tablescape themes can be used inside or out and with your choice of drinkware any theme can be turned into a tea party. We also offer add-on activities like painting, star-gazing, and lawn games.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots and activities:

Steampunk November in Venus TX: http://www.steampunknovember.com

UTA Planetarium: Pink Floyd Show : https://www.uta.edu/planetarium

Six Flags on a weekday when there are no lines and you ride your favorite roller coaster over and over again.

Breakfast at the Pantego Cafe, a favorite local spot, in Pantego, TX, with home cooked meals and delicious pies.

A walk through Crystal Canyon Natural Area in Arlington, TX. It’s a unique and hidden gem!

Ft. Worth Zoo!

Torchy’s Fried Avocado Tacos followed up with Avocado Frozen Yogurt at Yumilicious. You won’t regret it!
They are next door to each other on Collins in North Arlington.

Dinner and Metal at the Gas Monkey in Dallas

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My personal shoutout goes out to my daughters who both play an important role in Picnics by Brandi. Elizabeth inspired my business when she asked for an aesthetic picnic for her 19th birthday. At that time I had no idea what an aesthetic picnic was. She showed me her Pinterest board and I knew I could do this for her. She was my first client and she inspired my Boujee Bohemian themes.

As my other daughter, Samantha, helped me set up for Elizabeth’s picnic party I realized that I could not ask for a better assistant and I offered her a job. She is creative and detail oriented like her mom. Samantha and I have designed and set up every picnic together since day one.

Website: www.picnicsbybrandi.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/picnicsbybrandi

Facebook: www.facebook.com/picnicsbybrandi

Other: picnicsbybrandi@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.