Whitney Coyle is the owner of Lux Pop Up Picnics, which sets the stage for themed luxury picnics for special occasions and expands to Waterloo and surrounding areas on August 1. “This is an exciting expansion, and we can’t wait to serve Iowa.” Learn about Whitney Coyle…
Hometown: Middletown, New York
First job: Child care worker at a local day care.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Adventure out. Since I am new to the area, adventuring out and exploring my surroundings has been what I’ve been doing. Trying to get to know and network with the community no matter where I go is important to me.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Completing my Bachelor of Science in Community Health Degree. Playing college volleyball and juggling the course work load was difficult. Being able to sit down and read a textbook was never something I enjoyed. Even during the times I thought it was pointless or didn’t want to complete the work, I pushed through. For the moments I kept going, I am grateful because it resulted in my four year degree.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: In high school, I tor my ACL during a volleyball playoff match. I was very upset I couldn’t play in the final the following week. It taught me how to be an all-around good teammate and be there for my teammates, even if it was me being on the sideline. It was very challenging and mentally draining to go through rehab. Although, at times I wanted to quit, I pushed through. I set my mind to finish something and to be in better shape than I was before the injury, and I accomplished that.
Someone who inspires you and why: My parents. They have their own martial arts school and work very hard. They’ve always pushed me to accomplish things. Since I feel supported, I am inspired to go after my dreams.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Go for it! Your heart is still beating, you’re still on this beautiful earth, you’re still alive, so go for it! No matter what anyone has to say, go after what makes you happy and cancel out the negative talk about it.
Favorite quote: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am adopted. The greatest blessing I could have ever asked for. It has allowed me to live the life I have so far and has gifted me with a loving and supportive family.
What makes someone fabulous: Their heart. One thing this past year has really taught me is it doesn’t matter about the job a person has, what their political views are, if they’ve gone to school or have a good family. If they have a good heart and treat you with kindness, they are fabulous in my book.