In Her Heels with Tanesha Sims-Summers
Poppin’ with a Purpose
Join us as we learn more about the founder of Naughty but Nice Kettle Corn Co.
NBNKC is a leading artisan kettle corn company making the world a sweeter place by providing their Popheads with exceptional service, and experiences, elevating communities and unique kettle corn blends. They enhance our team’s lives by creating a fun, family, oriented environment where they feel challenged and connected to our mission to Pop with a Purpose. Their fans will reimagine how kettle corn is crafted and will be able to experience our products for life’s sweet moments worldwide online, at our national locations, and at kettle corn food trucks.
How did you enter into your industry?
I arrived in the food and beverage industry specifically the kettle corn industry, from an initial desire to be home with my children. I left corporate America about a year and a half after starting the business in 2014. My aunt who is more like my mom, would talk to me every day almost while I was on maternity leave. She made the suggestion that I consider this bushes concept. After researching and identifying the unique opportunity I went full speed ahead growing the brand
Did you always know you wanted to have this career?
I always knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur. In my mind, entrepreneurship is so much about how we can serve our community and the people we employ. It’s about breaking generational curses and being an agent of change within our families and learning and stretching ourselves in new ways. Our products and services are simply the catalyst to the impact we all are striving to make in the world. Hopefully, it’s a more positive impact than not.
If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?
I would tell myself to brace myself for the adventure of problem-solving daily. Be comfortable being uncomfortable, and lastly, invest wisely.
How do you manage imposter syndrome?
Whooo, imposter syndrome is a real thing! It’s funny that when the things we’ve imagined and hoped for find us we doubt that.
If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice what would it be?
Enjoy being a teenager and focus on maximizing opportunities at that moment. No one has it figured out and don’t rush to be an adult because you have your whole life to be one. Don’t sweat the small stuff and being different and unique is a whole goal.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
I’m definitely going to be spending time with my beautiful family. Whether it’s spending time at home, supporting an event or family celebration, or traveling. It’s always an adventure. Family is everything to me.
Name 3 things you cannot live without.
Clorox bleach, lip gloss/Vaseline - my grandmother don’t play about dry skin, and cozy socks.
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
My husband has put us on a group of Surfaces- positive vibes, Song I love I’m fine Mary J Blige or the Gospel song, Break Every Chain, Podcast How I Built This …. Love to hear stories or entrepreneurs’ challenges in the building. We all have a story. It’s not what happens to us but rather our response to what happens to us.
How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?
Well, my first order of business is prayer. I start to thank God for all I have after I’ve complained a little bit about it. Lol. Then either a gospel song or upbeat song or a podcast. I talk to my husband If he isn’t the one who put me in a funk. I also talk to my dad, my aunt or a couple of my trusted friends. But most of all, I talk to myself and remind myself that it’s temporary and that the good in my life outway the bad. I also remind myself that it always works out for my hood and to trust the process. It could be a lot worse.
What would surprise us about yourself?
I am super silly and adventurous. I can be introverted at times. I have to clean with bleach and I don’t like waking in the house with shoes on.
What is the best advice you have received?
I have been told many many times to trust the process. It’s not a sprint it’s a marathon. It’s hard to do but if more people did we could be fully present.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
Being a wife and mommy is big for me. Starting a business and an actual brand from scratch that provides for my family is huge and my community. I have had an abundance of accomplishments from awards to serving on boards, counsels, and organizations and being featured in articles. I am amazed and honored by them all and there are so many to name. We have been blessed to Employ students in our city and continue to grow across the country. To find out about some of our greatest accomplishments find us on Google.
Contact information: Where can members connect with you?
We’d love to Pop with you on social media IG: @nbnkettlecornco FB: Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. LinkedIn : Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. www.nbnkettlecorn.com 5831 1st Ave N Ste 200 Birmingham, Al 35212 205-224-5769
