Meet Laurien Bean, a local Westwood mom of three. She is a South African born, veterinarian trained, and the creative heart behind Picnics & Pillows. What started as a big career pivot (and a desire for a little more pink in a house full of boys!) has become a one woman, mom run business bringing beautifully styled magic to kids’ celebrations across our community. From teepee sleepovers to dreamy picnic setups, Laurien pours her creativity, warmth, and attention to detail into every event. Let’s get to know Laurien!
Tell us about your family! How many children do you have, where are you from, and where do you live now?
I have been married to my wonderful husband, Mike, for 18 years. He is the best decision I ever made. We have three boys – Ashton aged 14, Connor aged 12, and Harry aged 9. We also have a dog, two cats, and seven chickens. Life at home is busy, loud, and fun. We are originally from South Africa – our family moved to the U.S. ten years ago. We now call Westwood home.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of this community?
Knowing we’re all in this parenthood journey together – it makes me feel part of a tribe. We may not have a clue what we are doing half the time, but we get to be clueless together and cheer each other along the way. Parenting is more fun and less overwhelming when done together.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
You mean there’s life beyond the soccer field? When we’re not at practices or games (which is most of the time), we love staying active as a family. Our favorite family activity is doing escape rooms together – we even look for them when we’re on vacation! We are also frequent visitors of Level 99 and Top Golf, love skiing in the Winter, and spending time together at home doing board games & puzzles.
Tells us about your background and what inspired Picnics & Pillows.
My background is far from what I do now! I’m actually a veterinarian by training and practiced up until the end of last year. While I loved my career, I found it hard to balance the demanding schedule with motherhood. I’ve always been a creative person, and I missed having that outlet. So, I decided to take a break from veterinary medicine and start something new – combining my love for celebrations with my creative side (and maybe balancing out the lack of all things feminine in my house!). I have never owned business before so this is all very new, scary and exciting.
That’s quite the career pivot going from Vet to Event Planner! How has the adjustment been?
It’s actually been really fun and exciting. I love having a flexible work schedule and spending more time in my home. Being able to attend my kids school and sport activities, and be more involved in their lives is an absolute gift. The hardest part is taking the leap and starting, and putting yourself out there when you don’t know what kind of response you will get. That, and figuring out how to make a reel on Instagram!
How do you maintain a healthy work life balance?
It’s taken me time to realize that I can’t do it all – and that trying to is detrimental to both me and my family. I keep this in mind when booking clients, making sure I only take on what I can truly manage. Staying within my capacity allows me to absolutely love every event I do while still being present for my family. I don’t always get it right, but im trying. Having a flexible work schedule is definitely helpful! It’s also wonderful having parents as clients – they completely understand if I need to schedule a setup or breakdown around my kids’ activities.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
This is a tough one…I have so many rewarding moments. I love working with moms – there’s this instant connection, even if we’ve never met, because we all understand how wonderfully chaotic motherhood can be. I also absolutely love the creative process that goes into each event. I get to select all the little details, make personalized items, and play with textures, fabrics, and décor pieces. Since every party is custom, every one feels like a brand-new creation for me, so I never get bored. But the best part will always be seeing the kids’ faces when they walk into a setup for the first time – it’s priceless and makes my heart so full.
What is the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
I had a friend and mentor back in South Africa who was an amazing mom and someone I really respected. When I became a mom for the first time she shared a scripture with me that says God holds little ones close to His heart and gently leads those with young. I think about this scripture often – knowing the God of the universe is holding my kids close to his heart and guiding me as I parent makes me feel secure and loved. She also frequently reminded me to have grace for myself – which is good, because parenting can be hard, and I rarely have it all figured out.
Thank you, Laurien, for letting us get to know you! Picnics & Pillows creates unforgettable teepee sleepovers, canopy sleepunders, picnic setups, and spa parties — all tailored to your vision, theme, and budget. To learn more, visit her website and follow along on Instagram @picnics_and_pillows and Facebook picnicsandpillowsLLC for her latest magical setups.
