Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleeah Smith
Hi Aleeah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Aleeah Smith, I’m a business woman on a mission to become one of the youngest and most successful multi unit franchise owners in the U.S.
My remarkable journey began at the age of 14, my first venture, “Ah Taste of Love LLC,” exemplified my passion for baking, decorating, and making desserts. What started from a desire to honor my family members grew into a fully functioning business.
I was a freshman in highschool at the time and I didn’t have much money for Mother’s Day so I opted to make gifts. I watched tutorials online and made fruit bouquets from scratch. The effects of this one event was astonishing; they posted their arrangements on Facebook and 80 customers came in as a result.
I quickly rose to prominence, earning accolades and gracing the covers of major magazines. My early success was just the beginning of a career defined by passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to greatness.
I have over nine years of experience spanning banking, finance management, multi-unit business management, and operations management. I’ve honed my expertise to perfection. My academic foundation from Michigan State University, where I studied Business Management, further solidified me as a force in the business world.
At 18 I started my first banking position as a teller lead and worked in banking for one of the biggest banks until 2022. This gave the structure of being corporate while creative in other arenas.
Today, I own and manage Peach Cobbler Factory Fayetteville, Peach Cobbler Factory Dalton including a wide range of territories, I recently secured eight locations in eight different states with Rickettes World Famous opening our first generation of Bar & Sports Lounges.
Overall combining my love for the dessert industry with business acumen is proving to be fruitful to say the least.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, being a millennial were known to take the road less traveled. I’m a risk taker, I’m not systematic, that being said I opted out of following the traditional way I was raised in. I was always driven to go above and beyond what my family experienced. I finished college getting 9-5 while being a full time entrepreneur.
I wasn’t scared to take the risk for my family. It takes one person to lead the way and it also takes sacrifices. I overcame the obstacles of taking care of the people I love. Living below my means was challenging while tending to family. My franchises are self funded which requires a lot of discipline and dedication to invest in my businesses rather than materialistic things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is hospitality based. My portfolio is growing at a ramped rate. It’s at 10 franchises, which is amazing but I want it to be at 20 by the time I’m 30.
My business is categorized around family friendly environments, sports lounges, and night life so it’s a diverse business that caters to everyone.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I would say one of my favorite childhood memories growing as a young entrepreneur was being exposed to things early, starting a business as a freshman in high school was a big deal, and it’s one of my favorite memories because it set me up for where I am today. So I thank my younger self for initiating my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.peachcobblerfactory.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleeahleeah
- Other: @getpeachydalton @getpeachyfayetteville @ricketteslounge
