Small Business Spotlight: The Traveling Basket
When it comes to creating magical, picture-perfect gatherings, Kelly King of The Traveling Basket is the go-to expert in Central Iowa. What started as an idea to bring people together safely after the pandemic has now blossomed into a thriving luxury picnic and micro-event business. From dreamy black-and-white setups to whimsical fairy garden themes, Kelly’s passion for crafting unique, intimate experiences shines through in every detail. But how did she turn this creative vision into a full-time business? And what’s next for The Traveling Basket?
We sat down with Kelly to chat about her journey, her favorite setups, and what makes her events so special. Keep reading to get inspired!
LLF: Hi, Kelly! Tell us who you are and more about your business!
TTB: It was shortly after the madness of COVID was starting to die down and people were ready to get back to “normal”. I had seen the idea popping up on the coast in places like Florida and New York, and I thought it was the perfect way for people to start to gather in small groups outdoors and enjoy events like we used to. I love Des Moines and thought, why not bring that same elegant and unique experience here?
LLF: What was your first Luxury Picnic like?
TTB: We were so lucky to have a lot of support at the start. Our first event was definitely nerve-racking, making sure all the little details came together just how I had imagined it in my head, but it was also so surreal. I kept thinking, "Did I really just create a job for myself out of something so fun it doesn’t even feel like working?". Our first picnic took place at Jasper Winery for a friend-of-a-friend’s bachelorette party. It was honestly perfect and still one of my favorite setups to date.
LLF: What makes The Traveling Basket different from other event companies?
TTB: Our niche service and our focus on experiences make us different. For a long time, I thought I had to do it all to be successful in business, and over the last few years, I have learned to focus on what we do best and leave the rest to the other professionals out there who each have their own unique style and value for the client. The focus at TTB is really about that intimate gathering and elevated experience. This year we are working hard to add crafts, DIY kits and vendor add-ons that will give each event its own little twist.
LLF: How do you stay inspired to create fresh, beautiful designs?
TTB: I stay up to date on the trends each year just by being active on social media! I follow lots of different luxury picnic and event planners who share their ideas online, and I put my own little twist on the styles I love seeing. Not only that, but I am always looking for inspiration in all aspects of my life. Whether it be nature, my own personal style or even experiences I have while traveling – staying inspired feels easy because I am always surrounded by inspiration!
LLF: What has been the most rewarding part of running a small business?
TTB: The most rewarding part is getting to do what I love and enjoying it so much that it doesn’t even feel like work. I hope every person is as lucky as I feel to follow their passion and turn it into a business that fits who they are as a person. I would add client feedback to that. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude every time a client is happy with their event. It’s really not just luxury picnics, it is people’s biggest life moments, and I am lucky enough to be a part of it!
LLF: How do you engage with your local community?
TTB: I have always loved helping local non-profit organizations whose causes I believe in. Even in previous roles before TTB, giving back to the community has been important to me. I have donated several times to organizations like Iowa State Fair’s Corndog Kick Off and the Alzheimer’s Association, and I am always looking for ways to give back through the work we do. I also love to support our local chambers and hope to become more involved as the business grows.
LLF: What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a luxury event business?
TTB: Having been in customer service in one way or another most of my career, I had ideas of what it meant to put the customer first, even before starting this business. Since becoming a business owner, customer service has taken on a whole new meaning. This business is a reflection of me, and I treat it as such. I think of how I would expect a business to respond if I were the client and I always make it my priority to go above and beyond so that they have a smooth experience.
LLF: Do you partner with other small businesses for your events?
TTB: I love to plug the small businesses I work with on events! As I mentioned before, I have learned that the best results come when you stay focused on what you’re best at and collaborate with others to get the results you want. All vendors I work with are locally owned businesses in Des Moines and surrounding areas. Some of my closest partners are RaveBakery IA, The Wildflower Factory, KIN, and The Brenton Arboretum, but lots of new partnerships are in the works for 2025.
LLF: What's next for The Traveling Basket? Any new services or expansions in the work?
TTB: Lots of new stuff is on the way for 2025! I am currently in the very early stages of a partnership with The Glitter Factory to offer pop-up and private events in their space. We are hoping to create a unique and immersive space that rotates theme and décor seasonally. The intention is to create an elevated Crafternoon Delight-type experience where guests could either purchase tickets to a public pop-up event or book the space privately. As I mentioned earlier, I am also working on several new DIY kits and add-on activities in partnership with a few other local businesses. This year is all about making memories through a unique experience and being able to walk away from the event with something tangible to remember it by. I also have big dreams of a picnic style, al fresco dinner – I hope to partner with local floral farms or outdoor venues to offer something like this in the future.
Kelly King has built The Traveling Basket on passion, creativity, and a love for bringing people together in unforgettable ways. From elegant black-and-white picnics to whimsical fairy garden setups, her events are designed to create magical moments. And if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate in 2025, now’s the perfect time—Kelly is offering 20% off to anyone who books a picnic from her 2025 Wishlist! Whether you want to let her take full creative control or collaborate on a one-of-a-kind experience, The Traveling Basket is ready to make it happen. Don’t wait—book your dream picnic today and let Kelly work her magic!
We want to thank Kelly for taking the time to chat with us about her business! Be sure to follow her on social media and shoot her a message or email to get your custom creation today!
Connect with Kelly:
Website: https://www.thetravelingbasket.com/
Instagram: thetravelingbasket
Facebook: The Traveling Basket
Email: thetravelingbasket@gmail.com
***DISCLAIMER***
All photos and logos featured are the property of The Traveling Basket. Please contact the owner before using her copyrighted materials.
