Meet Shannon Fitzpatrick: Event Professional and La Petite Picnic Atl Curator

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

Hi Shannon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Pop up celebrations and small picnics are the newest celebration trend. For the cost of a hosted dinner out with friends, one can create a unique memorable indoor or outdoor experience that goes beyond your basic night out!  As an event professional working in weddings, I try to keep a pulse on the latest trends within the event industry. I had been seeing “pop up picnics” trending in California, Texas and Florida. With the event industry transitioning to look more to unique outdoor and alternate small event ideas, it seemed like a natural fit to just start a Picnic Company locally! I just decided, “I can do this, it’s something I have a passion for and there is no better time then now!” So I dove in and started with the items in my home at first to create small + free picnics for friends to get some practice and kick things off!

In a short time I seem to have found my own niche in the market with my combination of vintage finds, modern and bohemian elements and design accents which I have collected along the way. I always keep an eye out during vintage shopping and thrifting hauls for elements I can incorporate into my picnic décor. Plus who doesn’t love a reason to shop more! Its honestly so fun for me to chat with clients, curate and design the event to create a unique and custom tablescape for their special occasion!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My passion for celebrations and unique experiences has developed through over a decade of working within the event industry and primarily in weddings. I have seen hundreds of designs for the most lavish of weddings to the most unique and curated birthday celebrations. Many of the events in which I have worked are at a luxury level that are not as approachable for most on a budget. What I love about picnics and these pop up gatherings are is the approachability! They allow the host to incorporate some of the most on trend design elements into a petite style celebration in a variety of settings.

Professionally I always have been someone who likes to design and creatively and think outside the box, This little picnic business provides me an opportunity to combine what I love into a functional business!

So far, This little side hustle of mine has provided an outlet to share this creative side with others and the requests keep coming in. I am so very thankful!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I really love all the little towns throughout Georgia- we have tried to take in a few on hiking day trips on our off days. We live a bit North in Woodstock area which has a thriving downtown area which is rapidly growing with many new restaurants, walking trails, outside dining options and shopping. It was one of the big reasons we moved to the Woodstock area!

Then further North we love the wineries, they provide such a close by and fun day trip or overnight adventure. Also so many hiking locations north such as Kennesaw Mountain and Amicalola Falls for great views and some fresh air! Early spring & summer an afternoon float down the Chattahoochee River is a fun must do as well!

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?
My shutouts go to event industry friends who have encouraged and supported my ideas from the start. Early on they helped host some of my first picnics in their homes and backyards and provided an opportunity to get this business idea into a reality- as well as capture a few photos. My dearest Laura Burchfield you are a gem for always keeping everyone connected and hosting for my first picnic booking! My part time assistant Sydney Woods who has always been my go to gal! She has helped me on several picnics with both the glam and grit side of the of the picnic day, most importantly always with a smile! My other huge shoutout goes to my love Jason Raymond who has looked the other way as I have transformed our home, garage, basement and house into picnic storage overflow over the last few months.Our very few days off together have been taken over with picnic bookings, vintage shopping trips and design prepping. He still finds a way to find time for us and continues to encourage me to work toward something creative of my own! He most importantly balances my life with his calm and constant love and support. I am beyond thankful in so many ways. Follow along on this little adventure, I certainly cannot wait to see what the future holds for La Petite Picnic Atl!

Website: www.lapetitepicnicatl.com

Instagram: lapetitepicnicatl

Facebook: @lapetitepicnic

Other: lapetitepicnicatl@gmail.com 561-413-7131

Image Credits
@breanalynnphotography @madieicephoto @frostbyfran @brischarcuterie