By Kate Bartlett
U-Picknic offers gourmet custom picnic baskets for any occasion, including unique gifts for the holidays, Buffalo Bills baskets and her traditional baskets. Owner and founder, Alicia Ekstrom, seeks to help others enjoy simple pleasures while sharing appreciation for local artisans in the Western New York region. She curates beautifully designed baskets tailored for practicality, to any personality, or event. They are surely not your traditional picnic basket, rather bamboo baskets including lid, mesh farmer’s market bags, and/or produce baskets that can be useful in more ways than one.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Alicia moved to Chautauqua County 9 years ago. She began to embrace a simpler lifestyle, immersing herself in the natural beauty and communities that surrounded her. She currently owns chickens and will soon be selling her baskets out of her “fresh and pretty” egg-stand. Her daughter, Lilly, is her little helper and has grown to nurture their chickens and learn responsibility in developing her business. “I started to slow down and enjoy a more practical, comfortable lifestyle similar to the Swedish term “hygge,” embracing Chautauqua’s nature & trails, and farmer’s markets in my area,” says Alicia. “I planted my roots here and became devoted to supporting this area by venturing, getting involved and networking.” Covid and life changes introduced her to the idea with initial thoughts of how to support the local farmers surrounding the Chautauqua region.
With experience as a full time Director of Recruitment/Retention & Health/Wellness, as well as a Wellness POUND Instructor, Alicia understands the importance of a balanced lifestyle and mindfulness. She sought to help others take each day as it comes and appreciate life’s moments. She’s always had a passion for being an entrepreneur since baking on the side for family/friends when she was in college, and has always wanted to make a difference in her community at the same time. She grew to appreciate food and presentation, love her local artisans, and wanted to share with others the wonderful aspects of a small community. She saw the opportunity to create gourmet picnic baskets as a way to merge her two passions: wellness and community.
In 2021 she began planning U-Picknic, and she began selling her baskets in 2022. Through U-Picknic, Alicia curates gourmet baskets that promote wellbeing with products and light bites from local vendors. Typically, Alicia combines a sweet treat, such as a chocolate or jelly, with a meat, like beef sticks, artisan cheese and a produce, all purchased from local artisan vendors. All baskets are aesthetically pleasing, and include something as a conversation piece, like a handwritten vintage postcard local to WNY.
Alicia hopes to create a small farm-to-table experience, and takes her time selecting the items for each picnic basket she creates. “These aren’t your typical picnic baskets,” explains Alicia. “I carefully select each item in order to create a unique experience. I hope these baskets spark a moment of joy, surprise and nostalgia with the recipients. To me, they are a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures, so many of which we can find here in our local communities.”
U-Picknic offers a variety of themed baskets, including but not limited to hostesses/Airbnb hosts/realtor welcome baskets, Buffalo Bills themed, wedding day gifts, bridesmaid gifts, pet themed gifts, and employee appreciation gifts. Alicia adds a bit of whimsy as a personal touch, a little something special to each basket, like a scented fire-starter pine cone, reusable patterned beeswax wraps, food crayons, etc. She enjoys meeting with local vendors, and building relationships within the community, offering a unique experience and conversation starter.
Currently, she sources all her cheese from Eden Valley Creamery, which you can also find at Winery of Ellicottville. She gathers produce from local farms, including Carlberg Farm Produce, Feinen Farm, Yerico Farm, wine from Chautauqua’s grape belt wineries, sweet treats from Chais Chocolates and Gifts, Webb’s Candies and meats from EnJoyABle Acres LLC.
U-Picknic can be found at local markets and events, as Alicia recently had a table at Merritt Winery’s Septemberfest, and Wellness and Wanderlust at Truffle Honey. She is looking forward to creating baskets for the upcoming holiday season, offering unique items such as, fire-starters, artisan goods, and homestead items. Alicia also takes custom orders, and enjoys creating unique baskets to make any occasion memorable.
Alicia embraces the importance of community, and strives to support local vendors in the area. “I truly value the connections amongst small businesses within the community,” says Alicia. “These relationships are invaluable. We have so many great small business owners in this area, and it’s been amazing networking and getting to know their stories. Not only do I hope to support them, but I hope to introduce others to these vendors by selling their amazing products.”
Alicia is grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by the community. “Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I’m truly flattered by all the positive feedback I’ve received by customers and vendors. I feel very supported and hope to continue to gain momentum with this project.”
For more information, email Upicknic@gmail.com, call (716) 863-3010 and follow Alicia’s Facebook group, U-Picknic. Watch for updates on her website coming soon.