Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Perez.
Hi Candace, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Candace Perez—Austin native, mom of two boys, and the founder of The Posh Picnic.
Prior to starting my business, I spent 15 years as a lead optician at Costco! That role taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, customer service, and consistency. I didn’t realize it then, but those years were prepping me to eventually run my own business.
In 2018, I started Parties by Perez just for fun, planning weddings, corporate events, and social events on the side while still working full-time and raising my kiddos. When COVID hit, everything came to a halt. No events, no gatherings. But instead of giving up, I pivoted and launched The Posh Picnic in May 2020 as a way for people to still celebrate all their special moments in safe and memorable way-and it took off!
Now, five years later, The Posh Picnic has grown into something I could’ve never imagined. We’ve worked with brands like Stanley, Capital One, and American Express. Ive been featured on Spectrum News, interviewed by Codie Sanchez, and invited to speak as a keynote at Latin Talks, Austin Latina Day, and University of Texas. I get to do what I love and bring beautiful, intentional events to life—whether it’s a proposal, a birthday, or a corporate activation.
I’m proud to be building a legacy that reflects strength, purpose, and possibility for myself and for my boys.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely had its bumps. In the beginning, there were times I questioned if I could really do it all—raise my boys, work full time, and build a business from the ground up. There were late nights, moments of burnout, and seasons where I was running on pure faith. When COVID hit and my events stopped overnight, I had to reinvent everything. That pivot taught me how resilient I really am.
But even now, five years in, I’m still learning. Every season brings new challenges—whether it’s scaling, managing a team, protecting my peace, or navigating what leadership looks like as a woman, a mother, and a creative. Growth isn’t always glamorous, sometimes it looks like falling apart and rebuilding with more intention.
One of the hardest challenges has been believing in myself when others didn’t. People I love and trust questioned my decisions—especially when I left my full-time job. “Are you sure? What if it doesn’t work?”. I had to learn that not everyone will see your vision, not everyone is willing to take that risk for themselves-and that’s okay. I had to love my ideas and trust myself so deeply that I could keep going without external validation. I’ve had to become my own source of motivation.
Another frustrating challenge in the early stages was competition. When you’re the first to start something and people see your success, it’s not uncommon to see others follow—sometimes by undercutting your prices. In the beginning, it felt exciting to be the only one in Austin with this service. It felt exclusive. But as more similar businesses popped up, it started to feel less special—almost like what I created was being diluted. I had to remind myself of the value I bring, and that what makes The Posh Picnic special is me-my passion, my experience, the way I connect with my clients, the way I show up. I am the brand, and that can’t be replicated.
Through it all, what’s kept me grounded is knowing that this journey isn’t just about me. It’s for my sons, for people figuring it out as they go, for anyone who came from humble beginnings and didn’t know entrepreneurship was even an option. I want my work and my story to be proof that you don’t have to have it all figured out to build something meaningful. You just have to start. Every challenge has stretched me, and every lesson has made me stronger.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Posh Picnic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Posh Picnic is a luxury picnic and event planning company based in Austin, Texas. We specialize in lavish picnics, romantic proposals, milestone celebrations, brand activations, and curated setups that are both beautiful and unforgettable. Whether it’s an intimate picnic for two or a full-scale corporate activation, our mission is to create elevated, intentional experiences that feel personal and magical.
What truly sets The Posh Picnic apart is the passion behind it. Our specialty and what we’re most known for are our proposals. They’re truly my favorite type of event to plan! I pour my heart into every detail and I’m obsessed with creating unforgettable moments, but what I love most is seeing the reaction when someone walks into their proposal or event. The way their face lights up, it feels like fireworks going off in my heart! Their joy becomes my joy.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how this brand has inspired and uplifted others. My older son started his own business after watching me build mine. One of my assistants launched a floral and balloon business. And through collaborations, I’ve had the chance to connect other local creatives and help bring visibility and opportunity to their work as well. The Posh Picnic isn’t just about events. it’s about creating a ripple effect of inspiration, ownership, and confidence.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I don’t have one specific mentor, but throughout my life, I’ve had different people who’ve taken me under their wing or influenced me in meaningful ways. My former boss Arnold, for example, taught me patience, professionalism, and how to be more understanding-not just at work, but in parenting and leadership as well. And my realtor friend Myra Martinez was the first true boss lady I ever looked up to. Watching her navigate business with confidence and grace showed me what was possible. I’ve learned from so many people without them even realizing they were mentors to me.
Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Sometimes, just observing how someone shows up in their work, their relationships, or how they carry themselves can be deeply inspiring and impactful. I’ve gained so much simply by watching, listening, and staying open to learning.
There’s something powerful about simply being around people who are driven, disciplined, and passionate about what they’re doing and where they’re going. That energy is contagious. It just feels right and it reminds you of what’s possible. Most of my friends now are entrepreneurs, and being surrounded by that kind of mindset has truly elevated how I think, dream, and move.
It’s not always about having one mentor, it’s about staying close to people who make you want to be better. The right environment will challenge you, stretch you, and help you grow in ways you didn’t even realize you needed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.theposhpicnicatx.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/the.poshpicnic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theposhpicnic.atx/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.poshpicnic
Image Credits
•Picture This Liz Photography
•Kylee Kirby Photography
•Content by Jewels
