Life and Work with Amanda Baida

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Baida.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
All I’ve known is marketing. While completing my bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, I explored social media marketing as a career. In 2012, I started InnerSocial Marketing. A lot of people doubted me. A lot of people didn’t understand what I did. A lot of people thought social media was a fad. Today I look back and laugh. Over the years, I’ve seen social media evolve, shift and become a huge influence in every aspect of our lives. I’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of clients in numerous industries from Colorado, to all over the world. There was a huge part of me that loved what I did, mostly because of the people I get to work with on a daily basis, but a small part that was looking for a way to embrace more of my creative side. During a trip to Australia, I came across a beautiful business concept of luxury picnic events. Companies all over Australia would setup these dreamy, Pinterest-worthy events in parks, on beaches, and at wineries. This sparked the idea in my mind to bring this concept to the states… and what better state than Colorado with 300 days of sunshine and endless scenic beauty!? InnerSocial Marketing has always been a successful business but could this be a fun side business? I decided to dip my toes in the water but as a true entrepreneur, I spent over a year doing market research, developing a business plan and getting my event planning certificate first.

Finally, the day came where I would share this idea with my friends and family! In the spring of 2019, I hosted an indoor picnic for 16 people to celebrate my cousin’s bridal shower and there was nothing but excitement and positive feedback. This idea could really be something! I also had a test run outdoor picnic with 14 for one of my closest friends for a surprise going away party. It was such a success! My friends followed up with several ideas for how I could go beyond picnics, where to source food, who to market to, business partnership ideas, etc. Not only did these first test runs make my heart full but it gave me so many ideas on how to improve, expand and mold this idea into so much more. Could this eventually become my full-time business? I like to think that way. I officially launched in July 2019 and since then have hosted several picnics, catering grazing tables for parties 50+ (another Australian concept) and recently launched ‘Boards to Order’ offering brunch, dessert and charcuterie boards delivered. The heart of Plated Picnics is luxury picnics but it’s exciting to see the business expand in such a few short months and also where it will grow. I look forward to expanding to Denver and Colorado mountain towns. Currently, I provide event planning and catering for birthdays, showers, engagement parties, date nights, anniversaries, corporate events and my favorite… proposals!

For catering, we provide all the meals for the picnics, grazing tables for 10+ and boards to go that serve 2-6 per board. My marketing background certainly comes into play with Plated Picnics but has also blossomed my creativity with each event I host. The idea of being a part of people’s milestones and biggest celebrations makes me smile. I feel so much joy in everything I do for Plated Picnics.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Jumping into a completely different industry and balancing ownership of two companies is not easy. I learned a lot and I learned it quickly. Luckily, between Event Planning school, Google and my sister-in-law who is a professional caterer in NY, I had a lot of resources to lean on. Food safety was my biggest concern. In social media, you have a spelling error or an inaccurate post or ad, you can edit it. You can’t ‘edit’ a mistake with food safety. I did extensive research and certifications to make sure everything I do is safe and sanitary. Timing is also huge with event planning and catering. There was once when the guests were 1/2 hour late and another event when they showed up 15 minutes early. You have to be prepared for all scenarios. I still have a lot to learn and I’m sure there will be more roadblocks ahead but I’m glad I took the first few months of business to grow slow and take each event as a learning opportunity to refine my operations to really hit the ground running spring 2020. It’s a time to be flexible and say, ‘Yes!’ to opportunities that come my way.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I think growing up in a family of graphic designers lead me to be more gifted with design. In fact, my father ran his own successful graphic design business for 30+ years in Colorado Springs. He was highly respected and extremely talented. When he passed away while I was a junior in college, after the deep sadness subsided, it ignited something in me. His influence led me to believe entrepreneurship was the ultimate way to work. A lot of hours, a lot of work but twice as rewarding. I feel like the two businesses I’ve started are a way to pay homage to his hard work and success.

I’ve also never turned down an opportunity to plan a party of event. I even remember creating a party layout and itinerary for my 8th birthday party: petting zoo here, face painting over there, at 1 pm we’ll open gifts and 1:30 we’ll cut the cake, etc. Every event I’ve been asked to plan over the years has brought joy and excitement rather than dread… and lots of time spent on Pinterest. Finally, my husband and I have flipped our last two houses from outdated disasters (complete with mauve countertops and popcorn ceilings) to homes I think Chip and Joanna Gains would be proud of. That eye for design has carried through my childhood to every aspects of my life. It’s with these passions as well as my focus, determination to succeed and knack for entrepreneurship, that I’m not surprised that I ended up where I am now… and proud of it!

Pricing:

• Luxury Picnics: Start at $250 for two people
• Grazing Tables: Start at $18 per person
• Grazing Boards to Order: Start at $50 per board

Contact Info:

• Website: www.PlatedPicnics.com
• Email: amanda@platedpicnics.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/PlatedPicnics
• Facebook: Facebook.com/PlatedPicnics

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.