Meet Michelle Bethea | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Bethea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started this business I considered two things. Would the community accept it and could I be great enough to make a full-time career of it. At the time, I only saw the picnic business on TikTok and was unsure that if I brought it to Wilmington would I wish that I just admired it on social media.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I provide extravagant outdoor luxury picnic styled events for customers who have a vision but need my expertise in the planning and creative process. Every intimate atmosphere is sophisticated and unique leaving an impression of fine dining without walls. Customers are able to focus on their guest while I execute the design of the picnic, setting it up for guests arrival and cleaning up once the party is over. I also serve guests when they order food from a collaborating food vendor to give them a full restaurant feel. I’m most proud of the joy I’ve been able to give customers by creating the perfect atmosphere for their event.
I got to where I am today because of my ability to multitask and do the work as well as my determination to provide excellent customer service. I stay relevant on social media to constantly stay on news feeds. I attend networking events and just put my business on display. It’s not always easy.
Being an outdoor event planner can sometimes be a struggle when weather is inclement but having backup indoor locations has been key when customers can see how the experience can still be awesome indoors.
Lessons I’ve learned on the way is to focus on my own lane.
I want the world to know that Elaborate Outings will always go above the money you’ve spent on an event.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so many wonderful places in Wilmington. I know for sure on my friend’s first day here I’d throw us a picnic on the beach. We’d go to The Self-Love Museum and take pictures and have fun in there. We’d go to Lumina Station to dine, shopping in Mayfaire, hang out on Wrightsville Beach., explore downtown Wilmington. It’s tons to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes. Shout out to God for being the mastermind behind instilling the gift of creativity in me. My mom Carolyn Garrison and sister Ashley Bethea for being everything I need when I need it. My Pastors Antonio and Angel Wellington for having the desire to out serve one another. That includes throwing the best surprise birthday party for the other and allowing me to work with the design team as an extra hand to help. Who knew that I was actually sowing seed into my own design team! My church family Descending Dove Christian Center for praying a girl through. Last but not least, Girard and Tracey Newkirk of Genesis Block for being the light at the end of the tunnel for small businesses and up and coming entrepreneurs. Without their vision I’m not sure where my entrepreneurial journey would be.

Website: www.elaborateoutings.com

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Image Credits
Jessica Lee Photography Young Soul Media