“Never give up, and manage your time wisely; these are the keys to success.”
In the landscape of business pioneers, there are those who not only create companies but also forge paths to transformation and social impact. In this spotlight, we present Ashley Tyrner, a true visionary and the driving force behind FarmboxRx.
With a narrative that seamlessly blends personal experience, resilience, and a profound commitment to change, Ashley has redefined what it means to lead with purpose in the business world.
Join us as we delve into her journey, insights, and the remarkable tale of FarmboxRx’s inception.
Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Ashley Tyrner: My name is Ashley Tyrner, and I am the founder and CEO of FarmboxRx. During my 20s, I found myself as a young mother relying on food stamps to support my daughter.
This challenging experience led me to establish this company with the aim of assisting families who are facing similar circumstances. Having grown up in a family of farmers, I have always been aware of the profound impact that fresh produce can have on one’s overall health.
When I found myself unable to provide that for me and my daughter, I was driven to find a solution. This motivation fueled my desire to help others fighting the same battle.
FarmboxRx is a first-of-its-kind nutrition program that not only makes healthy eating accessible but also provides proactive, preventative care through human-centered engagement solutions. We believe everyone deserves to eat healthy foods and are committed to addressing the root of inequities in healthcare.
What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey?
Ashley Tyrner: I received a lot of advice in my early days. Many of the microaggressions I encountered were in the form of unsolicited advice, with people tempering my expectations for success based on my gender and ethnicity.
Even though I was already at a disadvantage because of my situation, I knew I wanted to prove those who doubted me wrong.
What I came to discover on my own, and I wish someone had told me earlier, is that it doesn’t matter where you start or what people think you are capable of; all that matters is what you know you’re capable of, and that you do everything in your power to bring your vision of the future to fruition.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Ashley Tyrner: We have recently achieved a significant milestone by securing the 100th position on the Inc. 5000 list. These victories are significant, as they not only acknowledge our company’s success but also raise awareness about the company, leading to more opportunities to serve those in need.
As word spreads further about FarmboxRx, we can expand our reach and touch more lives, which is the driving force behind all of this.
It’s also an excellent way to uplift the entire team and remind them that their work is valued and is receiving the recognition it deserves.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Ashley Tyrner: Back in 2015, I was in pursuit of venture capital funding. I discovered that as a Latina presenting to conventionally white, male associates, my pool of opportunity was incredibly limited.
The experience left me feeling defeated, but it forced me to bootstrap my company, which has allowed me to keep the mission of our work consistent without any external pressure from investors.
Today, the venture landscape is more difficult to navigate than ever before. I believe the biggest challenge startup founders are currently facing is identifying the best way to turn their vision into reality without relying solely on funding.
What does “success” in the year to come mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Ashley Tyrner: There’s a food crisis in America right now, and it’s only getting harder to put food on the table. My goal for this company was simple, and although it has grown in ways I could never have imagined, the goal remains the same: to provide families and individuals with the support I wish I had available to me in my time of need.
Success, to me, is being able to address this disparity in care. If I’m able to scale the company and offer relief to more families, then I’ve succeeded in my mission.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Ashley Tyrner: Time and resilience are often the most underestimated aspects. As a CEO, you work every moment of every day. Your time becomes your most precious asset, and you have to use it wisely.
Not only do you have to balance your personal life, but you also have to juggle all aspects of the company to keep everything operating smoothly. Resilience is another skill that I’ve had to finely tune in this role.
You are constantly facing new obstacles, and it’s your responsibility to devise innovative solutions. When any operational challenges arise within the company, the team turns to you for guidance. It’s not for the faint of heart; it’s something that requires active effort.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
