From Birthday Splurge to Luxury Event Empire

Ever planned a party and thought, “I could do this better, and make it a business”? That’s exactly what happened to Peace Adebanjo! After splurging on her 26th birthday picnic setup in the DMV area, she realized her passion for creating beautiful, curated experiences could be more than just a one-time event. What started as a personal project during the pandemic has blossomed into Picnics by Peace, a luxury event brand that has now served over 600 clients and even partnered with major companies like AstraZeneca and EY.

From Pandemic Hobby to Business Success

During the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, when safe social gatherings were scarce, picnics became a popular way to connect. For Adebanjo, who loves to travel, it was a welcome creative outlet. She began organizing weekend picnics, often solo, and her infectious enthusiasm quickly earned her the affectionate nickname “the picnic queen.”

Adebanjo explains that her vision went beyond just food and a blanket. She aimed to create an experience filled with “peace” – a feeling of being outdoors in nature, slowing down, and truly enjoying the moment. While friends encouraged her to turn it into a business, she was initially hesitant, fearing the stress. However, she soon identified a gap in the market for truly luxurious and intentionally designed picnic experiences.

Curating Joy and Black Excellence

Adebanjo’s approach is deeply personal. She starts by understanding her clients’ vision, whether through mood boards, inspiration photos, or simply the desired vibe. For romantic occasions, she incorporates elements that encourage conversation, and for birthdays, especially for women, she ensures everything is Instagram-worthy, knowing how important those captured memories are.

Her signature style includes lush florals, custom signage, unique décor, and a palette of over 20 color schemes, allowing clients to personalize their experience. More than just aesthetics, Adebanjo sees picnics as powerful spaces for connection and, importantly, Black joy. She’s witnessed women booking luxury picnics to surprise and appreciate their friends, a testament to the emotional impact of her work.

Overcoming Challenges and Diversifying

Building the business wasn’t without its hurdles. Adebanjo found it challenging to put herself out there but found success through consistent Instagram posting. A viral moment came from an imperfect video that unexpectedly garnered a million views, proving that authenticity resonates. Community engagement, including influencer events and sponsoring local gatherings, also played a key role in growing brand awareness.

The first winter proved to be a critical learning period, highlighting the need to diversify beyond outdoor-only services. This led to the expansion into proposals, event design, florals, and corporate events, as well as the launch of The Picnic Suite, an indoor venue for year-round celebrations. This strategic diversification was key to the business’s sustained growth.

Building a Team and Embracing Help

Today, Picnics by Peace is more than just picnics; it includes Petals by Peace with its popular Bloom Bar and collaborations with other Black-owned businesses. Adebanjo emphasizes that behind the beautiful setups lies hard work, including laundry, dishwashing, and endless sourcing. She’s built a 10-person team, including an executive assistant, and her biggest piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is crucial: “Don’t do it alone.”

She learned the hard way that accepting help is vital for preventing burnout. After being let go from her federal accounting job, Adebanjo is now fully focused on scaling Picnics by Peace into a comprehensive luxury event company, with plans for expanded floral design, rentals, and eventually their own event space. Her journey, fueled by faith and a desire to create joy and legacy, serves as an inspiring example for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.