Jessica Miranda OWNER, CO- FOUNDER, CEO, CMO, SMM OF PICNIC DATES & Salem Alcocer OWNER, CO- FOUNDER, COO OF PICNIC DATES shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica & Salem, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, We’ve found deep joy in reconnecting with nature—and with ourselves—through visiting National Parks and Monuments. After years without a proper vacation (not since before the pandemic), we decided to do something completely out of the ordinary and break from our usual routine.
Visiting the Grand Canyon was a truly cathartic experience. It made us feel incredibly small in the face of such vastness, but also infinite—like we are capable of anything. It was a powerful reminder of how expansive the world is, and how essential it is to find moments of peace and freedom amidst the fast pace of city life.
We also started new traditions: Collecting national park stamps and coins from each place we visit. But more than the things we collect, we’re gathering memories that warm our hearts and help us live more intentionally.
This time away from the usual has been transformative, and a true source of personal joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Picnic Dates was born in 2016 as a shared dream — two professionals who decided to combine our passions for design, details, and meaningful experiences.
From the very beginning, our goal has been clear: to create unique moments that connect people through authentic, sophisticated, and intentional experiences.
We started with traditional boxes, but soon felt the need to go further. Today, we design and manufacture our own boxes, both for local sales and export.
We carefully oversee every detail, from concept to final production, maintaining a high standard of artisanal, original, and sustainable quality.
This led us to establish our own carpentry workshop, where one of our first major achievements was born: the hexagonal box — an original design that also functions as a shelf. This approach of creating with intention has become the hallmark of Picnic Dates.
Our growth has been organic and genuine, allowing us to collaborate with local and international companies, participate in important events, and take our brand beyond borders to other countries and continents.
Over the course of nearly 9 years, we’ve faced challenges and learned countless lessons, but we’ve always stayed true to our essence: to create with love, live with intention, and share what inspires us most.
On a personal level, we love nature and the simple moments that fill our hearts: a picnic, a bike ride, a good glass of wine, a pizza, or a slice of cake.
We’re passionate about architecture and interior design — especially the mid-century style and Bauhaus movements — which inspire us to live in harmony, both in our home and in our workshop.
Two of our greatest inspirations are Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando — not only because of their visionary contributions to architecture, but also because they achieved remarkable international recognition as self-taught architects. Their stories remind us that passion, discipline, and a unique perspective can be just as powerful as formal education. This mindset resonates deeply with our own journey and creative process.
Because for us, Picnic Dates is more than just a brand — it’s a lifestyle that reflects who we are and how we choose to live.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, our marriage. While it might sound like a cliché to some, for us it opened up an infinite world of possibilities.
From the moment we met, there was a strong sense of freedom, authenticity, and shared vision — a feeling that we could achieve any goal, overcome any challenge, and truly enjoy life hand in hand with someone who admires you, loves you, and helps you feel at peace with yourself.
Getting married marked the beginning of the greatest adventure of our lives. That moment became the foundation for who we are today — both individually and as a couple. Together, we’ve shaped and refined our personalities, pushed each other to become the best versions of ourselves, and defined who we are as a family.
This relationship has also been key in shaping how we work together. Building a business as a couple comes with its own challenges, but it’s been easier and more harmonious thanks to the trust, mutual pride, and deep respect we share. We celebrate each other’s wins and embrace our failures with the integrity and belief that we’ll keep growing — always pushing one another forward.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To our younger self, we would say:
All the pain, the loneliness, and those moments when you thought, “Maybe this is all life has for me,” — they will fade.
One day, you’ll meet someone who will show you just how much more life has in store. Your heart will be seen, valued, and protected. You’ll laugh freely, smile without fear, and live the life you once only dreamed of — only better.
You will heal. You’ll learn to live without fear, without limits, and to embrace every small, beautiful moment life brings — because from now on, they’ll be extraordinary.
Never count yourself out. Keep going. Be proud of your heart, your strength, and the incredible human you already are — even if you can’t fully see it yet.
I admire you, I love you, and I respect you deeply.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say that what truly matters to us is living in a space of harmony, building a safe and loving home together, and pouring our hearts into the creative work we do.
They see how much we value working as a team — supporting and complementing each other — and how our relationship fuels both our personal and professional life.
They’d also highlight our attention to detail, the intention behind everything we create, and the genuine care we show to those around us. At the core, they’d say we’re driven by love, purpose, and the desire to create something meaningful — together.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
We would regret not choosing happiness as the foundation of our life. For us, happiness isn’t about perfection — it’s about finding meaning in the little things: quiet moments, genuine connections, and the beauty that can exist even in the middle of life’s storms.
What drives us is the desire to live truthfully — not following trends, external expectations, or the pressure to fit into someone else’s version of success. We believe love —for what we do, who we are, and who we share life with— has the power to carry us through anything.
We’re not chasing an ideal life; we’re creating a meaningful one. Because at the end of the day, if we’re not living to be truly happy, then what’s the point?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picnicdates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/picnicdates
- Other: picnic.dates@icloud.com
Image Credits
Picnic Dates | Jessica Miranda
Omar Montoya
