Small businesses are what make our community in Murfreesboro continue to grow and thrive. In Tennessee, about 43% of small businesses are owned by women. We gathered a panel of local female entrepreneurs to ask them three questions about their small businesses in Murfreesboro: 1) How did you get your start? 2) What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community? and 3) How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
Stephanie Brackins
How did you get your start?
I discovered Monkee's when I lived in Mississippi and I just loved shopping there. My husband David and I had been looking for a business to start, and I have always had a passion for fashion. Monkee's is the perfect business for me to do something that I love.
What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community?
Murfreesboro has been so welcoming to us and in return, I want to provide the women of Murfreesboro with a place to have a special shopping experience. I want the women here to feel like our friends, and to leave our store feeling confident and beautiful.
How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
I worked for many years in the corporate world and retail. I was successful, but I felt limited in my ability to express myself and show people who I was. Having my own business gives me the freedom to create an environment for me and other women to enjoy. It is a labor of love, and my family and friends have been so supportive all of the way through this journey.
Tanja Whitman
How did you get your start?
I lost both of my parents as a young adult - neither one put much focus on their health. When my father passed away in 2021, I decided I needed to focus more on my health so I could be there for my family. When the opportunity to help others achieve this goal by opening a Pilates studio presented itself, I jumped at it.
How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
Like many others in 2020, I was looking for a career change to spend more quality time with my growing family. I wanted to be an example for them to show anything is possible with hard work. I have the flexibility now to make sure I can prioritize them just as much as my career.
Jennifer White
What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community?
I have a close relationship with Beasley Animal Clinic and have taken an interest in working with foster dogs. I've had multiple foster pups come in for a spa day so they can look their absolute best and get adopted sooner. Overall, I love the feeling of helping others.
How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
Owning My 4 Dogs and being a nurse has shown my daughter that she can do whatever she wants in life. I've taught her to never be afraid to go after what she wants, and she has become a very independent young woman and planning on going into the medical field. Overall, I just want to say, “Build something you can be proud of!”
Leigh Achenbach
How did you get your start?
When I discovered professional organizing, I suddenly felt like I had been training and preparing for this career my entire life without even knowing it. I've always functioned better in a decluttered, well-organized space. When I put my Entrepreneurship degree, my organizing skills, and my desire to help others simplify their lives together, Suddenly Simple Organizing was born!
What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community?
Murfreesboro is where I was born and raised – and where I made my husband promise to bring me back when he finished his time with the Air Force in 2018. I grew up with parents who played important roles in our community, and I am honored to also serve the people of Murfreesboro. As much as it has grown, this is still the small town I grew up in. I love the people and my joy comes from helping them fall in love with their homes!
How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
I am a problem-solver, and like most women, a helper. Being able to use my talents to not only help others in our community, but to be an important part of making sure my family is provided for has been so fulfilling to me.
Heather Moore
How did you get your start?
I brought home this really cute but BAD yellow lab puppy. She is what sparked my interest in dog training. I took a class and wanted to learn how to help others with their dogs. I worked with Susan Marett, owner of Purely Positive Dog Training in Charleston, SC, for about 13 years until we moved to Murfreesboro. I volunteered at local shelters and realized the need for positive trainers. Wag It Better was born about 11 years ago so I could begin fulfilling that need for my local community.
What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community?
I love helping people understand their dogs. Whether it's a puppy that needs some encouragement to get a good start or owners struggling with a behavior problem. I want the dog and owner to be happy and train in a positive way where it is fun for everyone! A trained dog gets to go to more places, enjoy more family events, and can be a great companion.
How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?
I really enjoy owning my own business. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals through working for Wag It Better and watching people learn new skills that can lead to embracing a new career for themselves.
"I want the women here to feel like our friends, and to leave our store feeling confident and beautiful." - Stephanie Brackins
"I love the people and my joy comes from helping them fall in love with their homes!" - Leigh Achenbach
"I want the dog and owner to be happy and train in a positive way where it is fun for everyone!" - Heather Moore
"I like being able to show my kids that if you want to do something bad enough, it is entirely possible." - Heather Moore