Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Nunnery.
Hi Elizabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The idea for Posh West Picnics & Events was something that came to me gradually over time. I’ve always wanted to own my own business, but as a mother blessed with four beautiful children, an amazing husband, and a full-time career as an emergency room nurse, I barely had time for myself let alone time to think about a business. Plus, I was mostly happy with my job at that point, so I pushed the thought to the back of my mind.
Everything changed for me, career-wise, in 2020 when the pandemic hit. The early months were eerie. While most of the world was tucked away at home, the ER staff sat quietly, waiting for an unfamiliar storm to hit. What followed over the next three years was utter chaos, and I realized that my job had begun to take a toll on my personal life along with my mental health. I knew that I was ready to pursue something else, but I wasn’t sure what path to take. All that I knew was that I wanted to work for myself, and I wanted it to be something that didn’t feel like work.
I sat down one night and made a list of all of the things that I enjoyed doing.
I’ve always loved decorating, especially setting beautiful tables, and I have a knack for creating something beautiful without having to spend a ton of money. I get excited over pretty plates and stemware and love scouring vintage stores for cool decor.
The beach is one of my favorite places, and I’m convinced that West Michigan has some of the most beautiful beaches ever. My goal was to incorporate the two things that I really enjoyed into a business. That’s how I stumbled upon the idea for Posh West.
What I love the most about our picnics is that they are for almost anyone! Not everyone enjoys swimming and lying in the sand, but a picnic gives everyone a reason to visit the beach.
We have a large fringe umbrella or a pretty canopy that can be added to picnics for shade, and we also offer a bistro-style table with chairs for couples who don’t prefer our typical floor pillow seating. We can set picnics upright on the sand or in a more secluded area of the parks for privacy.
But either way, our clients are getting to enjoy the beautiful views that West Michigan has to offer while enjoying an intimate setting. We’re ready for some warm weather and are very excited for this summer’s picnic season!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has certainly had its challenges, and since we are a relatively new business, I have no doubts that there are more challenges on the horizon. I started this business with no experience or professional guidance, so the first few months of just getting things started presented some obstacles. There is so much more to starting a business than just the end result-beautiful picnics and events. Aside from setting up all the legalities, I had to develop a website, learn how to manage several new social media pages, and figure out a way to advertise to attract clients. For me, tackling social media and advertising were the scariest part. I’ll be the first to admit- I am happiest being a wallflower. I’m the type of person who despises having the spotlight on me. I much prefer to blend into the background, so the idea of blasting my new business to friends and acquaintances was intimidating. Once my nerves calmed, I trudged forward, and I am beyond grateful that I did. I’ve learned so much in the last year and look forward to all that I will learn in the years ahead!
Once my nerves calmed, I trudged forward, and I am beyond grateful that I did. I’ve learned so much in the last year and look forward to all that I will learn in the years ahead!
We’ve been impressed with Posh West Picnics & Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer luxury pop-up beach picnics and event styling along the West Michigan shoreline. Using low picnic tables over rugs with pillows for plush seating, we curate intimate picnics for groups of 2 up to groups of 25. We currently offer beach picnics at our public beaches in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties. We also offer picnic setups at any of our gorgeous parks for clients who prefer to picnic under the trees versus a picnic on the beach.
Our main goal is to give people a reason to be outside and to enjoy the gorgeous views that West Michigan has to offer. We also believe in keeping our beaches beautiful. After each picnic event, we handle all of the clean-up to ensure that only footprints are left behind.
We hope to expand our business in the Fall of 2023 to include full event styling packages, and also hope to open a decor rental store in the future as well.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think that our industry is still in the coming up stage, but I foresee huge growths for our business over the next 5-10 years. The Muskegon area itself has been rapidly changing, and with the growth of our downtown district coupled with our gorgeous coastline, I believe that in the years to come, Muskegon will become a popular vacation destination for tourists. As for our upcoming summer 2023, most of our events have been booked by tourists who are excited to utilize our beautiful beaches. We are hoping that as Muskegon grows and continues to attract visitors, that our business will grow as well.
Pricing:
- Picnic packages start at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: poshwestmi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posh_west/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poshwestmi/
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/poshwest POSTS REELS
Image Credits
Tario Lee Photo
