Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera Chang.
Hi Ciera, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
During the pandemic, I adopted a foster-fail rescue pup named Kenzie. She quickly became my little sidekick—but with restaurant and business shutdowns, we did a lot of eating outdoors and hanging out outside at the park. After planning her first birthday party, I got the idea to combine all my favorite things: event planning, food, & dogs, to create a pup-friendly pop-up picnic business.
I originally created Puppy Picnic Co. because I wanted to set up picnics for people and their pups, but within the first few months of the business, it quickly grew into a bigger lifestyle brand. Now, Kenzie and I set up picnics and special events all throughout central San Diego. We have an exclusive partnership to set up picnics at Liberty Station, along with a pop-up retail store in The Quarter District near South Promenade. The store is open by appointment during the week to shop picnic supplies, dog items, boho decor, & more, and features pop-ups shopping events with local San Diego businesses on weekends.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely faced quite a few obstacles and challenges along the way. I have a background in social media marketing, copywriting, blogging, and content creation, but this is my first time officially starting my own business. There is obviously a huge learning curve in becoming your own boss and figuring out all the processes of how to do your own taxes & finances, time management, licensing, etc.
I currently have a full-time job at a marketing agency, so it’s been challenging to find balance and time to manage both jobs. The pop-up picnic industry is a fairly new business, so navigating the space has been very exciting but, at times, can also be a challenge.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in dog-friendly pop-up picnics and events, from puppy birthday parties to engagements. Puppy Picnic Co. offers an unforgettable experience for humans to celebrate events and enjoy a good time with (or without) their furry friends. We have a variety of picnic packages and add-on options that include photography sessions, boho buses, dog beer & wine, pup charcuterie boards, and more!
I’m extremely proud of my growth within a short period of time. We just launched Puppy Picnic Co. earlier this year in 2021, and in May, we opened a pop-up retail store in Liberty Station. It’s been really exciting to partner with other local businesses in addition to meeting tons of people & cute pups!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Dogs! Food! Sunshine! My perfect day is hanging outside with my pup, enjoying some delicious food, and enjoying a smoothie (or margarita).
Pricing:
- Packages start at $140
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@puppypicnicco.com
- Website: puppypicnic.co
- Instagram: @puppypicnicco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puppypicnicco
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/puppypicnicco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/puppy-picnic-co-san-diego-3
- Other: http://tiktok.com/@puppypicnicco
Image Credits
Erin Wiese Photography
