Transitioning from Big City Life to a Close-Knit Community in Arkansas

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city to settle in a small Arkansas town of 16,000 was never on my agenda. Yet here I am, grateful for the journey.

Initially, I relocated to Washington, DC for my education, but the city's vibrant job market, cultural richness, and meaningful friendships kept me there for nearly 20 years.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. While I was lucky to continue my work remotely in the nonprofit sector, my boyfriend, a chef, watched opportunities vanish as establishments shut down or cut back.

Faced with ever-increasing rent for our cramped basement apartment in DC, we questioned its worth as my fiancé explored employment prospects in his Arkansas hometown, conveniently nearer to my family in Memphis. So in August 2020, we set off, belongings in tow.

Discovering a Hub of Self-Employment

Accustomed to DC's professional scene where people primarily worked in large organizations or government roles, it was refreshing and surprising to see a high rate of self-employment in our new locale.

I quickly noticed half of the people I met were running their own businesses – from managing bands and law practices to dog grooming. Even the high school kids were launching car wash services and boat-detailing ventures.

Strolling through town, my fiancé and I imagined having our own place—a quaint gift shop or perhaps a burger bar.

Owning a storefront never seemed like a real possibility until we found a small café and marina waiting for new owners.

Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap

Pooling our resources, we proudly became the proprietors of a lakeside burger and po'boy eatery. My fiancé took charge as head chef while I initially planned to assist just on the weekends. Destiny had another plan, leading to my layoff just as we finalized the deal.

Embracing My New Role

Embracing my new role, I now immerse myself full-time in diverse tasks beyond serving food, such as handling payroll, liquor taxes, and marketing through designing ads and managing our social media.

I'm also the go-to for any task at hand, whether stocking supplies, cleaning, facilitating events, or making fries.

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Joys in Our New Career Path

Running a restaurant is infamously demanding, which became clear during our first summer in business.

We initially operated lunch and dinner services, but sweltering outdoor temperatures meant empty tables by noon.

Adjusting, we focused on afternoon and evening hours and began featuring local musicians on weekends to make the most of cooler, lively nights.

Through it all, I've come to appreciate the dynamic nature of my new workweek. I've deepened my ties with the community by hosting local artists' work, providing meals for sports teams, and simply getting to know the townsfolk.

Despite the constant need for learning and adapting, our entrepreneurial venture has brought fulfillment, instilling in us a rewarding lifestyle and a business we're passionate about, five years on.