Meet Madison Price | Event Stylist and Web Designer

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

Hi Madison, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue a creative career because it’s what comes naturally to me. I always wanted a career that didn’t feel like work, but I never felt strongly about any specific career paths. I tried pursuing careers in industries that sparked my interest, but I found many of the structures and expectations in those industries to be quite stifling. Eventually, the structures in place caused me to lose interest in things that once were a source of joy. The last thing I want is for something I love to become something that I resent. It’s not that I don’t want to follow the rules in the “corporate world”, but more that I crave the flexibility to go about things my own way – and to use the rules in place to produce work that helps me stand out. Running my own event business has been the perfect balance of creativity and structure. I’m able to follow some basic rules about running a small business, but everything else is completely up to me to flesh out and create, which keeps me from getting bored or burnt out by my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Beachin’ Picnics started as part of the picnic service craze that has swept San Diego during the pandemic. Picnic events seemed like a glorious combination of the things that I loved – being outdoors, exercising creativity, and serving others. I saw other businesses in the industry and knew that I could put a unique twist on an already great idea. I take pride in marketing myself as the “edgier” picnic business in the area, and having a look that isn’t quite like anyone else’s’. My favorite part of running a business is that my creative wheel is constantly turning as I try to find ways to set myself apart from others. My taste and style preferences are always changing, and I think it’s important for my business to reflect that.

Today, I’m most proud that I’m really doing this! Before now, being my own boss felt like a distant dream. Taking the leap to run my own business filled me hesitancy, and there were times when I didn’t think that I could follow through with it. The biggest challenge for me has been overcoming my own mental blocks. I often doubted that I had what it takes to run a business, especially one that others are depending on to give them an unforgettable experience. I have to remind myself that I’m more than capable of meeting my personal and clientele’s expectations, and that I often exceed those expectations. I’ve certainly learned a lot along the way, but I think my main takeaway so far is that not everything has to be so serious all the time. A mistake isn’t the end of world, but more of a teaching moment, and it’s okay to laugh at myself when I make those mistakes! Beachin’ Picnics is all about being laid back celebrating the good times, so it’s important to me that I reflect that in my approach to running a business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As someone who grew up in rural New Mexico – maybe the driest dustiest place imaginable – the beach is my top priority in terms of an itinerary for a San Diego trip.

My plan for day one is to start with a brunch picnic at Cuvier Park in La Jolla while we watch the waves crash on the beach below, and then walking along the coast to explore tide pools, watch the seals/sea lions, and take in some of my favorite views in San Diego. We’ll take photos, explore local shops, and stay until sunset. It may be touristy, but exploring and experiencing La Jolla is a must!

After that, I’d prioritize beach days at Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Coronado Beach, and Cardiff State Beach. I think these beaches do a great job of encapsulating the various “vibes” of the area. For dog lovers, I have to emphasize that the dog beach truly is a sight to behold.
The San Diego Zoo is truly a must-visit if you’re an animal lover, just make sure you wear your comfiest walking shoes!
Balboa Park is definitely worth the hype too, and the Japanese Friendship Garden is worth the additional cost of entering.

It’s hard to know where to start in terms of dining options in the area, there are so many amazing places. Some personal favorites that I would carve into the itinerary are Board and Brew, who is one of our favorite catering partners for Beachin’ Picnic events, The French Gourmet, Dirty Birds, Main Chick Hot Chicken, Parakeet Cafe, RoVino the Foodery, Supannee House of Thai, The Waverly in Cardiff, Baja Beach Cafe to enjoy a great beachside margarita, Rocky’s Crown Pub for an amazing burger, The Taco Stand, and my go to burrito place in my neck of the woods – El Rey Moro Taco Shop. The Fruit Stand is my favorite stop for fresh fruits and veggies when planning an at-home meal!

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?
I owe both my event experience and my creative eye to a couple of the amazing women in my family.

My mom, Casey, is a caterer, and a genius in the kitchen. Growing up, I assisted in many “Wild Whisk” catering events and
helped run her food truck in the summer. This was my first introduction to the events industry. My mom has also supported me throughout my journey to find my dream career. I changed my mind, college major, and job numerous times, and was riddled with indecision about how I wanted to make it in the world. She never batted an eye or voiced objections to anything that I took interest in pursuing. Without that form of support, I don’t think I would have arrived where I’m at today.

My grandmother, Marcie or “Mops” as her grandchildren call her, is an established business owner and event/interior stylist. I often assisted in styling weddings and various events when I visited in the summer. Her business, “Unique Unique Design,” has always lived up to its name by being an extra dose of unique. Mops helped spark my desire to stand apart from others, creatively speaking, and my artistic eye is very much modeled after hers. She has also been a beacon of support in establishing my own business, which I’m beyond thankful for.

Working under each of them in the events industry taught me to love the rush that comes with creating a memorable experience for others. My mom and Mops have been my main source of support as I navigate life as a business owner, and I definitely owe my success to them!

Website: www.beachinpicnics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachinpicnics/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-price-76882511a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachinpicnicssd