Aliana Tomlinson takes to ‘Naturally Blue Skies’

With an old sheet or blanket in hand, fast food, fruits and a bottle of wine – Aliana Tomlinson would often venture to hidden gems all over the island. It’s no wonder that this explorer turned her hobby into an opportunity by starting her very own luxury picnic service.

“I was sitting outside one Sunday and looked up and saw blue skies. A light sparked, and I ran the name across a very close friend of mine, and that was the birth of the business name. I love the sentiment behind it,” Tomlinson explained to Saturday Living. This concept gave birth to her company, Naturally Blue Skies.

Working in the field of science for over five years, no one would have guessed that she had an interest in the great outdoors. But as an avid environmentalist, this adventure is right up her alley. Coupled with her love for nature is a creative spirit just waiting to be unleashed. “So many of us have been told by the older generation that the ‘arts won’t get you the job you need to survive’ and sustain yourself spanning into your adult years. For some time, I believed that and parked my passion, even if it was for mere expression,” Tomlinson said.

Having the scholastic achievements in the bag, this budding entrepreneur spent the last year and a half not taking life for granted. She was convinced that people were and still are looking for new ways to enjoy themselves and explore. After extensive research and gathering expertise on décor and planning, she took a leap of faith.

NAME SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

The slogan ‘Nothing but blue skies when you’re on a picnic’, she says, speaks for itself. Because no one usually has a picnic when it’s pouring rain. A perfect sunny day, not too cloudy, is a wonderful afternoon to host a picnic. And allowing people to gather in a more intimate and private space in the comfort of nature is all Tomlinson could ever hope for.

Presently, the luxury picnic service provides two packages, one curated just for couples and the other catering to a group setting. While both are in alignment as far as setting up goes, the former offers more intimacy than the latter. The process begins from the moment the client expresses interest.

Capturing all the elements needed to make their special occasion a momentous one, she relies heavily on seeking out the personality of the individual(s) being treated.

“We offer five themes from our collection. Our base packages provide the guests with wine, juice, fruit platter, chocolate fondue, water, sanitiser, bluetooth speaker for connectivity, setting the ambience and mood. Not limited to complementary coloured centrepieces and signage for the event or celebratory occasion, other add-ons are available at an additional cost as well, for example, balloon towers, number balloons etc., to add flair [and a] backdrop to your occasion,” she revealed.

Also, the option is available for the client to take their own food to enjoy while on the picnic. A tablescape with plates and cutlery will be provided for use.

Once the set-up is complete, participants are given a 15-minute grace period. It is important to note that after arrival, partakers are left for the allotted time of the picnic, usually up to two hours. “We return to do the pull-down and access the area, ensuring no damages have been done while remaining environmentally friendly and disposing of garbage and recycling where necessary. We pack up and do a detailed cleaning off-site and gear up for the next booking we have, whether same day or in the near future.”

There are currently three standard locations: Castleton Gardens, a beach location by Port Royal and Hope Gardens. People have the option of choosing one or suggesting a specific location within the corporate area for a more intimate setting or even in the comfort of their own home. Sites are considered endless in this line of work.

Following her successful launch, Tomlinson is looking forward to growth and even greater natural experiences.

For more information on bookings, follow @naturally.blueskies on Instagram.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com