We had the good fortune of connecting with Joni Danao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joni, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Back in Hawaii, I worked in the Banquet Department for Four Seasons and truly loved setting up and being a part of events. With each occasion and event whether it was small or large, I enjoyed decorating tables, meeting the guests, and watching them enjoy these milestones and moments in their life.

After moving to Colorado, I missed setting up events and wanted to start a business where I can be as creative and innovative as I want to be. Through social media, I noticed that luxury picnics has become an ideal way to have a more intimate gathering and I wanted to be a part of that world. One day I woke up, and began building Milestones + Moments to help curate luxury picnic and events for peoples special moments in their life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I truly get excited when I curate different events. Every couple, every individual, every group of family and friends are all unique in their own way and I am always open to making sure they enjoy themselves and love the style of the set up. Each celebration is special whether it’s small or big. I get excited the most when clients have a vision of what they want and it’s up to me to bring it to life. I love playing with variety of colors, textures, and styles and do my best to make sure that each experience is personalized and customizable to each client.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel extremely lucky to live in Colorado as there are so much to see, do and eat!

Day 1: I would set up a morning luxury picnic for couple hours to enjoy along with a breakfast charcuterie board and mimosa. After head over for a drive and walk through Garden of the Gods.
Day 2: Grab a vanilla latte Peak Place because it’s the absolute best! Take a stroll through Manitou Springs, eat some Jalepeno Honey Chicken Wings and drink some local craft beer at Manitou Brewing Company.
Day 3: Grab a latte and some Happy Hour Donuts in Coati Uprise. Take a stroll through downtown. For lunch, head over to Cerberus for some local craft beer and delicious food!
Day 4: Enjoy the start of the day with Urban Egg and indulge in their Jumbo Lump Crab Eggs Benedict. Take a drive through Woodland Park and enjoy the mountain and lake views of Manitou Park Lake.
Day 5: Head over to Metric Brewing and hope that either Tepex or Huevones Cafe Food truck is there for amazing birrias and tacos!
Day 6: Early morning hike up the Manitou Incline. Enjoy a drive up to Pikes Peak Mountain
Day 7: Take a beautiful hike to Rampart Reservoir. Grab a delicious bike at Pho-nomenal Vietnamese and order a B6: Bun Dac Biet!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I made the personal and ultimate decision to start a business, I only told a small handful of people. From day 1, my other half Jon, my mother Vangie, cousins Pearl, Jessica, Mel, Aunty Kristy, brother Richard and my son Rylan are the only people in my life who knew my vision. They show’d me so much love and support and believed in me whole heartedly. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for their unconditional love. My ultimate Shoutout goes out to them.

In the journey of being a part a small business community in Colorado, I’ve met other small business owners who has done nothing but cheer me along the way and provide so much support and helpful advice. I would also love to give a Shoutout to Happy Hour Donuts, Minnie’s Macarons, Blossom Baking, Letters By Ivey, Capturing Grace Photography, and Gabrielle Herry Photography.

Website: www.milestonesmoments.com

Instagram: milestones.moments

Facebook: milestones.momentsco

Other: TikTok – miltstones.moments

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.