“Don’t be afraid to invest in your idea. Do something like CO.STARTERS or try to be around someone who can show you the proper steps to starting a business. All you can do is try and the worst case scenario is that it doesn’t work.”
Name: Tanesha Sims & Tiffany Turner
Occupation: Co-Owners of Naught But Nice Kettle Corn Co.
Creative Industry: Culinary Arts
1. What was the inspiration behind Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn?
Tiffany: When we were kids we started a popsicle stand. We had really good customer interaction with all the people that stopped by. We decided that we wanted to do something just as interactive; something that gave people an experience. Kettle corn is what we decided on. It’s the all-American universal food that didn’t follow the trends of cupcakes or frozen yogurt, but still has the versatility. It’s lightly sweet and lightly salty and that’s how we came up with the name Naughty But Nice.
Tanesha: After doing some market research we realized there were little to no offerings for kettle corn. It’s kind of unique so we decided to fill a void.
2. You two have been friends for a long time and this isn’t the first time you’ve worked together on a business; what were some of your previous endeavors?
Tanesha: We always wanted to start a business and as Tiffany said we started with a popsicle stand. We would set up our little wooden table outside of Alabama/Auburn games at Legion field and run from car to car selling popsicles for 50 cents. It was the most exciting thing ever as a kid.
Over the years we’ve thought of different ventures, but never really stepped out with any of them until now. The kettle corn opportunity came about and we both decided to jump on it. It took a while for the timing to be right, but here we are 20 years later with an actual business.
3. How did CO.STARTERS help move your business forward?
Tiffany: It helped out flush out our business plan and our idea of what we wanted to pursue. It definitely gave us a clear vision of our elevator pitch. Who we are, what we’re about, and how we can fill a need for our customers. I think that’s the biggest thing I got out of CO.STARTERS. Not just describing what we do, but really what the benefit is for our customers. The networking was also phenomenal.
Tanesha: I would piggy back off of that. We talked about a lot of simple principles that you learn in school, but more of the application of those principles. It forces you to do the work. Actually having a business and being able to apply those principles to different scenarios was really helpful. It helped us be more aware of who our customer is and really find the benefits of our product for the customer.
4. What’s next for Naughty But Nice?
Tanesha: Big things! Right now we are fine tuning a lot of the backend part of the business. We’re working on logistics and finding the best ways to get our products in our customer’s hands. We may look at distribution opportunities and potentially upgrade our mobile rig.
We’ve almost got a full year of business under our hats. I’m pleased with where we are considering we both work full time jobs in addition to the business.
Tiffany: I think the ultimate goal for both of us is to be able to do this full time. Being able focus on the business more would help us grow. Hopefully we can transition to that in 2016.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Tiffany: Just be patient and really hit the ground running with your idea. It really helps to test out your business model. That’s what CO.STARTERS really helped us with. Don’t get discouraged if your idea doesn’t work right away.
Tanesha: Don’t be afraid to invest in your idea. Do something like CO.STARTERS or try to be around someone who can show you the proper steps to starting a business. All you can do is try and the worst case scenario is that it doesn’t work. If you surround yourself with like-minded, driven people they will encourage you and inspire you.
It’s critical to involve yourself in some kind of structure or real education. It doesn’t have to be a four year college. Just get started. Just do it.
For more information about Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. please click here.
