Heels hero | Angie Gleason
"Trust your instincts, embrace the unexpected, and build something you're truly passionate about."
We’re excited to celebrate Angie Gleason, Co-Founder of The Nashville Tour Company and Bevē Nashville, as this week’s "Heels Hero."
What started as a leap of faith in 2012, moving from Minnesota to Nashville, turned into an incredible journey of building not just one but six businesses across Nashville and Austin, TX. Angie’s story is a testament to trusting your instincts and pursuing unexpected opportunities.
We had the privilege of stepping "In Her Heels" to learn more about her and her inspiring journey.
How did you enter into your industry?
A close childhood friend of mine started Nashville Pedal Tavern back in 2010. A couple of years later, in 2012, he was looking for someone to take over and grow the business. The idea immediately caught my attention—not just because of the concept but also because it was in Nashville. My husband and I took the leap, moving down from Minnesota in April of that year. Since then, we’ve expanded into the hospitality and tourism industry, building something we’re truly passionate about. Today, we manage and operate 6 businesses between Nashville and Austin, TX.
Did you always know you wanted to have this career?
Not at all! I had no idea that my true passion was in hospitality—or that Pedal Tavern would open the door to creating even more fun and unique businesses.
If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?
Get out there and connect with other women business owners! For years, I didn’t have many female connections in town, and looking back, I wish I had made the effort sooner. In the last couple of years, that’s changed, and it has helped me grow so much—not just as a business owner but as a person. I’ve never really considered myself a “girl’s girl,” so being intentional about building those relationships wasn’t easy for me at first. But I’ve learned that women in business have such a unique and powerful way of supporting each other, and I truly regret not embracing that earlier.
How do you manage imposter syndrome?
Oof, this one hits deep. A few years ago, when I started Bevē, I really struggled. It was our first business designed specifically for women, built around shopping, and that’s when I started meeting all these incredible female business owners. Seeing what they were creating and putting out into the world (hello, Insta-perfect feeds) made me feel like I should be doing the same. So, I forced it. I pushed myself to put my face and name out there, but it felt completely unnatural. My anxiety was at an all-time high because, deep down, I knew I was just trying to be like everyone else.
Even now, I catch myself slipping into that comparison trap. That’s when I have to pause, pray, and ask God to show me who He created me to be—and continue to guide me to that version of myself.
If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice, what would it be?
Stop, just stop, and talk to your big sister more and be honest with her. She will tell you what you truly need to hear. She will snap you out of it.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
At home! I'm a homebody. I also love being on the lake, so I try to get out there as much as I can.
Name 3 things you cannot live without.
Jesus, my family & candles - I'm kind of a candle snob!
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I love Christian & Country music. They both ground me and bring me back to my roots. The most recent podcast I've been listening to is Craig Groeschel's Leadership Podcast. I don't have a specific song that motivates me. It really just depends on what I need at the time, whether that's hype music or just something to cry to and get it out of my system & refocus. My most recent go-tos are a couple of songs by Samantha Ebert.
How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?
It might be weird but I don't really try. I pray & lean into it, knowing that it's just the day and it won't last. I think it's important to feel the feels and be aware of what's going on & learn more about myself from it. And remind myself it's probably just hormones, haha.
What would surprise us about yourself?
For years, I wanted to be a Family & Marriage Therapist. I finished my Bachelor's in Psychology in Human Services even after moving down to run the business. I planned on continuing on to grad school, thinking I’d eventually need a more traditional “big girl career”.
What is the best advice you have received?
Like many of us have been told, it hit me hard when someone told me to find others to do what I'm not good at. I just assumed that as an owner-operator, we had to know it all and do it all. I started owning NOT being good at something and focusing on what I am good at.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
When the former CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Ralph Schulz, told me that we were the standard they compared other operators to, it was validation that our hard work, dedication, & patience over the years were worth it. Being so public-facing, there are a lot of misconceptions about Pedal Tavern and how things actually run behind the scenes. Receiving the stamp of approval, so to say, meant the world.
Being named one of the Best Places to Work for medium-sized businesses by the Nashville Business Journal in 2023.
Being nominated for a 2024 NEXT Award in Growth. I didn’t apply because, honestly, the thought of public attention makes my anxiety skyrocket, haha.
Reaching the point where we could create The Nashville Tour Company, not just to support all of our businesses but to give our team more opportunities to grow.
What is something you are excited to be working on?
Creating Curated Experiences for Bevē for all types of groups. We are continuing to add unique things to do for the luxury market, teen girl birthdays, couple's outings and more.
Contact information: Where can members connect with you?
angie@nashtourco.com; 615.390.5496