Story & Lesson Highlights with Tabitha Brown of Bar Harbor

Tabitha Brown shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Tabitha, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
“Not all who wander, are lost” a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien that I have chosen to live by. I consider myself an endless adventurer. Over and over, I have experienced that sometimes life doesn’t care about your “plan”. It seems like life reminds us of this when we start taking things too seriously. Before I started my business, I had an idea of what I wanted to do with it, but I had zero clue where to start. Sometimes I feel like I just threw myself into the path with a bag over my head, but isn’t that what it’s all about? Learning, growing, seeking new experiences that help forge your path. You might not have it all figured out, but it’s the wandering around, hands-on work that helps establish your success.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tabitha, a self-proclaimed picnic queen, and micro-event extraordinaire. I am a well-rounded woman who wears many hats. From being a busy Mom of littles, to slamming people on the mat as an indie pro-wrestler, to setting up weddings, you never know what to expect from me. I started Luxury Picnics Acadia in hopes to share our beautiful island of MDI, and Acadia National Park with those visiting from afar. From eloping on the fly, to creating balloon garland masterpieces, we are a one-stop-shop.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Dad taught me my work ethic. Despite many attempts as an angsty teen to rebel, I was never able to escape the 7-o-clock ring of the alarm and my dad’s voice in my head “be downstairs in the basement by 8, with a smile.” At the time I thought, “Good grief, who is happy at 8am?!” Certainly not 15-year-old Tabitha. But that mandatory work with my dad from 8-4, surely left an impression. It was my first real chance at earning money and being able to essentially earn the things I wanted. This left me with a lifetime set of money management skills, coupled with the ability to be a teachable person. These life experiences taught me important lessons about being a business owner and being a human in general. Thanks dad, sorry I was not a morning person haha!

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The last year of my life has been the most challenging year for me, to date. I chose to walk away from a situation that no longer served me. During this experience, I had to actively choose my own wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of my young children. Walking away from someone I loved deeply, was the hardest and scariest thing I have ever done, but my children deserve a happy mom. In the last year we have moved, lost our dog, got a new car, bought a house, and had many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it. It has also been incredibly healing. Healing for our hearts, and our nervous systems. My problem-solving skills have multiplied. I am making more decisive choices that help to better our lives and not waiting for life to go by. I am thankful for the challenges I have faced. As the saying goes “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” -Elenor Roosevelt

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think that one of the biggest lies that the wedding/elopement industry has convinces people to believe is that you have to practically sell your first-born child to pay for a wedding. This is not true! Your wedding or event is supposed to be how you envision it to be, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Yes, there are going to vendors who charge crazy amounts, but that isn’t EVERY vendor. You can have a beautiful event for under $10,000 if you know how to plan correctly.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Some days I go to work, and I feel like I am walking on sunshine. One of those times was when I was hired by Acadia National Park to make balloon columns for an event featuring our state senators. I was honored to be chosen to help on the project. Another exciting moment was when I was featured in Real Maine Weddings Magazine, a goal of mine since I had begun. I ordered 10 copies and cried when I opened them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Emily Brianne Photography
Kelsey Converse Photography
Bridget Stevenson Photography
Nicole Daake Photography

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