Many women dream of starting their own business for different reasons. What proves to be most successful when it comes to starting a business is to start one that is close to your heart.
Ashley Tyrner is founder and CEO of Farmbox Direct, a startup that delivers USDA Organic handpicked fruits and vegetables directly to your doorstep weekly. Coming quite naturally as a farmer's daughter, she started Farmbox Direct with a vision of food constantly being fresh and local. Ashley felt that she needed to feed her daughter the best organic food, and realized that this is what many families all over the country are after. She sincerely believes that everyone deserves the right to eat healthy. At the same time, a life in the fast lane has taken her time away from her daughter, and so with all these reasons, she started the now successful business that is turning America healthier, one home at a time!
After learning about Ashley, one can really take inspiration from her story. She went through some touch times and had been hit by a past relationship and financial issues, but this did not stop her from going after success. I've seen Ashley Tyrner on AriseEntertainment 360 and she is truly a Real Career Girl to take cue from. We have the honor of having her answer some questions for Ms. Career Girl readers below. Read and enjoy!
Tell us about your career.
Q: Tell us more about your company.A: Farmbox Direct is a consumer facing subscription service for fresh fruits and veggies delivered to your door. We are basically a customizable CSA.
Q: Tell us about the moment you decided to move from the fashion industry to pursuing your start up.A: I was a busy working mom, and had a hard time getting to the farmers market to get fresh produce for my daughter who is a self proclaimed vegan. I had an access problem when I was pregnant and on food stamps, but still had the problem once I was back on my feet, and I realized I was not the only person who needed a service like Farmbox Direct.
Q: What about your work would you consider that most gratifying or fulfilling?A: I really love that we are not only changing the way Americans eat and their health, but also the way Americans have access to fresh produce! The food desert problem in American is REAL, and we tackle that problem!
Q: What would you say is the most important milestone and goal of your company so far?A: We have pioneered how to ship produce to your door, and let me tell you : Its NOT easy. I think figuring that out has been the biggest accomplishment, but we have so many great things going on to pin point just one of them would be hard.
Tell us your secret!
How do you balance a fast growing start up with your personal life?I actually don't have much of a personal life!!! My personal time is focused on my daughter, other than that you would catch me on a night with my laptop working! I have had to learn how to balance being a mom, and being a CEO. We expanded and grew very quickly, which is a good thing, but that has meant my personal life has to take a back seat, which I am ok with...I was already married, I have the perfect little girl and I am actually not even interested in focusing on anything further than my daughter and Farmbox Direct.
What motivates and inspires you?I am motivated and inspired by my daughter, I have zero education, her father actually abandoned me while I was pregnant and I ended up on food stamps, so I am motivated by showing her that NO matter what is placed in front of you, if you believe in yourself... there isn't anything you can't do.
I have a few of them, but one would be Sam Kass who sits on my advisory board. Sam just stepped down as the White House Chef and actually planted the 1st Organic garden at the White House. I really have looked up to Sam for awhile( he is my age lol) because he is so very passionate about our food system in America, and so knowledgeable. It was pretty magical when I met him, we both have such passion about our industry. I told him when I met him that he was like me meeting Madonna... to me he is kinda a big deal! I still remember the moment he agreed to come on my advisory board, it was a top 5 moment in my life.
Do you have a personal mantra or motto you live by?Give us some start-up advice!
What was the biggest challenge to building your own start up?The biggest challenge has been taking the idea from my head... and implementing it. We have so many moving forces in this company from supply chain management, to logistics, to weather, to packaging, to IT, to operations.. the list goes on. I simply had a great idea, I took it and ran with it, pioneering a path and a movement.
What is the one most important advice you would give a woman who wants to build her own start up?Surround yourself with a great team! My day by team team, my investors and advisors all have a passion about this company and our movement. I have been very lucky with my advisors and my team, they come from all different backgrounds but those backgrounds all bring this company full circle!
Abbi Gabasa is the Managing Editor of MsCareerGirl.com and owner of UpraisedLiving.com. Having the background of a Marketing and Public Relations Manager with years of professional experience in various industries has given her an insightful perspective on careers, lifestyles, relationships, and attitudes which she humorously applies in helping people through her writing. Abbi is a training life coach, and an advocate of children's charities, women empowerment, optimistic thinking, and slow Sundays. A self-confessed Jane of all trades, she hopes to help girls all over the world find their calling and pursue their passions.
