We’re partnering with Trainual, an onboarding and training software for small businesses, to highlight a local female entrepreneur who has found success using the platform. See how Trainual is changing the game when it comes to leveling up the people and the processes that keep these businesses running smoothly every single day.
Profile: After moving to Nashville, Jessica Rose and her then-boyfriend, now-husband Stephen missed the farm-fresh peaches of his small hometown. So, they decided to bring hand-picked, just-off-the-tree peaches — an essential summer staple in many Southern kitchens — to Nashville with The Peach Truck.
We asked Jessica what advice she has for other entrepreneurs, what makes the Nashville business community special + what her ideal day in the Music City looks like.
Q: What got you interested in the entrepreneurial journey and starting your own business?
A: Our journey with The Peach Truck started out organically with a genuine curiosity if people around Nashville were as obsessed with truly great-tasting, fresh-from-the-tree peaches as we were. Once we started selling more and more peaches, we realized we were onto something special. It was so liberating to reach that point where we could quit our day jobs and dedicate ourselves full-time to growing the business.
Q: What are some of the most important characteristics a leader can have?
A: I think it’s important for a leader to continue to focus on their own personal growth and development. Setting goals, prioritizing those goals, and taking responsibility for when those goals are met or not is an important quality for an effective leader. Not only does a great leader work on their own development, but they also prioritize training within the entire organization and focus on growing their team members as well.
Q: What makes Nashville’s business community special?
A: I absolutely love how supportive everyone is of each other in the Nashville business community. Even when there may be competition between one another, everyone is there for each other and genuinely loves to see each other succeed. We love being a part of such an open and kind community.
Q: Describe your perfect day in Nashville.
A: A perfect day in Nashville has to start with the weather. I am obsessed with a cool morning where I can build a fire on my back porch and enjoy my cup of coffee. Then the family loads in the car for a country road adventure to one of Tennessee’s breathtaking waterfalls.
Food is always involved, so lunch has to happen at Mas Tacos Por Favor, and the best part of being out and about is running into all the legends of Nashville like Teresa, Mas Tacos owner. An afternoon nap seems like heaven, and then it’s dinner at one of our chef-owned gems in town like Henrietta Red with friends and a bottle of our favorite natural wine.
A show at the Ryman to watch an artist share their passion and life’s work on one of music’s most iconic stages would perfectly top the night off. How lucky are we to call Nashville home?
Q: Who are the local movers + shakers you’re watching?
A:
- Joy Oladokun is a singer/songwriter here in Nashville, and her music is powerful. I am obsessed with her and anything she puts into the world. She is definitely someone to follow and pay attention to.
- Corner to Corner is an organization in Nashville that has seen incredible movement in the entrepreneurial space. They work to help people learn and grow their own business and take those businesses to their communities, and the impact they are having is beautiful. They are an inspiring group that I am honored to know.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What advice would you give to women looking to start their own business?
A: Never doubt yourself. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of feeling unworthy or not capable of achieving big things for yourself. Confidence is the key to success and you absolutely have to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself -— no one else will either.
Q: What is your biggest challenge? Reward?
A: I’d say the never-ending quest to balance family and work is my biggest challenge. Being the mother to three young kids is a feat in itself, but adding on the demands entrepreneurs face on top of that is a lot to juggle.
The seasonality of The Peach Truck brings a very concrete start and end to the peach season. After months of preparation, the peaches are finally ready in late May and it’s the best feeling, year after year. Our entire family looks forward to biting into that first peach each season and there’s truly nothing like it. We see that same anticipation in communities across the nation, and it’s such a rewarding experience to see the joy we’re able to bring to everyone.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee or drink order?
A: Herbal Tea.
Question:
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve received? Let us know here.*
