Ali Kaminetsky
Courtesy of Modern Picnic.
Age || 26
Company Name || Modern Picnic
Job Title || Founder + CEO
Years Living In New York || 4 Years
Social Handles || @modernpicnic
Company Website || Modern Picnic
What did you want to be while growing up?
I wanted to work in the fashion industry as a buyer!
What made you interested in starting Modern Picnic?
When I graduated from college I moved to NYC to start a job in retail. I would bring my lunch to work everyday but did not have a cute or functional way to do so. I would carry my lunch in paper, plastic or old shopping bags which were neither cute nor sustainable. It was clear the traditional lunchbox we all know, and hate, needed a makeover and from there, Modern Picnic was born!
What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting Modern Picnic?
To be put into a position where you are able to start a company, and do something and build something you love is a blessing. No matter how hard or stressful things get, always remember that. You chose this, enjoy the ride.
How do you define success?
Loving what you do, working hard, and feeling fulfilled and accomplished each and every day.
Courtesy of Modern Picnic.
How did your background help you with launching the company?
I went to Lehigh University for undergrad where I majored in Supply Chain Management and Marketing, and minored in Communications. It was there where I got foundations into topics such as logistics, supply chain, accounting, finance and more. However, it was when I graduated from college, I was able to get real world retail experience working as an assistant buyer. It was at that job that I was able to build a foundation into the retail world, and how products are priced, sourced, and marketed. All of these experiences definitely helped me in launching Modern Picnic.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting out?
Listen to your customer. At the end of the day, if your end user is not happy with your product, then what’s the point? Everything must be done with your end user in mind.
What is your creative process like?
For me, personally, it means a lot of lists! I don’t know how I would get everything done or remember anything if it wasn’t for writing everything down. I find that I am most creative when I am relaxed and not stressed out about something. That is definitely when I come up with the best ideas!
How do you maintain a zero-waste production?
We try our best to work with our partners overseas to minimize waste and reduce our plastic consumption. We also work with all recyclable packaging materials when shipping to our customers. While we are definitely not perfect we are always looking to improve.
Courtesy of Modern Picnic.
What is your go-to motivational quote or personal motto?
It is better to try and fail, then to never try at all.
Which women inspire you?
Sarah Blakely from Spanx, Jen Rubio from Away, and my mom.
How do you overcome moments of self-doubt?
It can be really hard to overcome moments of self-doubt when you are building something from the ground up. What I try to remind myself is that start up life is one big roller coaster—there are constantly really high highs and really low lows. While you can’t control the lows, you can control how you choose to react to them, and the learning takeaways and experiences you take from each.
How are the bags made?
All bags are insulated on the inside and vegan leather on the outside! They are perfect for bringing your food with you from work, to the gym, to drinks, to anywhere in between. The best part is no one would know what was inside!
How do you handle situations where you feel overwhelmed?
I try to take deep breaths, and talk it out with someone (usually a friend, my brother, or my mom)!
Courtesy of Modern Picnic.
What has been the most rewarding thing since starting out?
Hearing from our customers, whether that be through email, DM or the pictures they tag us in. I love seeing our products being put to use by all of these incredible women.
What advice would you give to other women working to start their own business?
Go for it! If you have an idea and you have the passion and drive, nothing should hold you back from trying.
What are some of your goals moving forward for Modern Picnic?
Expand our product line, expand our team, and complete our first round of fundraising.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.