My, how so much can change in so little time. It's been difficult to write the introduction for this next feature in my project because of how much our community has dealt with over the last few weeks here in Nashville. Just days after I did the photoshoot for Nina Marton of Galena Garlic in her East Nashville store, an EF3 tornado ripped through the community and left a 50 mile path of devastation in Middle Tennessee. The store at 1000 Fatherland was lucky to have no physical damage, however it was left without power until 4 days ago. Fast forward just a few days later and here we are in the face of a global pandemic where social distancing is one of the few things we can do to help stop things from getting worse. 

So much of our lives is on hold right now. This project will be on hold indefinitely - even though I feel like it's needed more now than it was just a few weeks ago. I'd love to be able to shine the light on more women business owners, healers, artists, leaders, etc. during this time of darkness. There are things for me to think about as I sip my morning coffee, and get caught up on housework and organization with all of this time on my hands. I might come up with a temporary solution in the interim.

One of the best things that we can all do right now is support local businesses in any way we can. For some, like Galena Garlic, that means placing an order on their website (galenagarlic.com) to have your goods delivered directly to you. Through March 31, you can save $5 on your online order and get free shipping on orders over $50. Just use code: SAVE5  We're all cooking at home more often right now. Why not take this time to try some of their delicious seasoning packets, infused olive oils and vinegars, sauces and giardiniera? If you follow them on Facebook, you'll also come across recipes and inspirational posts that will leave your mouth watering. A few of my favorite Galena Garlic products are: Garlic Thunder, Nashville Hot Chicken seasoning (SO good on potatoes!), pesto blend, peperoncino agrumato extra virgin olive oil, and the dark chocolate balsamic vinegar. 

And now, for the feature. Please meet Nina Marton. She is co-owner of Galena Garlic and the reason this little project finally took flight. Nina gave me just the nudge I needed to get started on it when we met for coffee in February. I am inspired by her business mind, her drive, and her determination. She is a natural problem solver and is dedicated to the greater community with her work in the food industry - specifically in local farmer's markets. I hope you get the chance to meet her in person once we can all roam freely again. Until then, place an order on the website. You'll love what you'll cook up!

Nina Marton {Galena Garlic} 

• Tell us a bit about yourself, in general.

Hi! I am Nina! I love numbers and quickbooks. Crazy, I know. My dad and I own Galena Garlic Company and we have our newest shop here in Nashville!

• What made you go into garlic farming and owning a store?

I always knew I loved food. Growing up we always celebrated by going out to restaurants. When we started growing garlic, as a family, I knew I wanted to be a big part of the operation. I got a degree in Accounting from DePaul University and worked for a few years doing financial reporting and several companies but I knew it wasn’t my happy place. When I moved to Nashville, I knew it was time that I jumped in full time. We just celebrated our 4 year anniversary at our East Nashville shop. 

• What is a typical day like for you?

Everyday is different for me and that's the way I like it! I try to work out a few times a week, in the morning, usually.  Some days I am at home doing accounting and paying bills all day. Other days I am out at the shop selling. Last year, I did 5 farmers markets each week so in the summer that takes up a lot of my time. 

• What are your top 3 strengths?

My top three strengths are passion, perseverance and resourcefulness.  I rarely take no for an answer. There is always a way. I graduated college in three years because I told myself I was going to from the start, and I wanted to save some money...haha.  

• What are 3 things you want to work on (or are currently working on) in your life?

I am trying to focus on myself more.  I used to work out on a daily basis and at some point in the past two years I got away from it.  Stress of a business will get you. You will have a million things on your to do list and every reason not to put yourself first.  I have to remember that everyone has an hour for themselves. I also want to work on staying on top of my to do list and not procrastinating. I am bad with deadlines. They don't really exist to me! Ha! That is one hard thing about working for yourself, you do not have anyone checking your work and making sure it is  done on time. The last thing I want to work on is growing my new small business. This past year, I launched Small Bizkeeping, where I help small businesses with their bookkeeping and accounting. My goal is to help my clients feel comfortable completing their accounting on their own instead of handing a box of papers over to an accountant to do it.  No one knows your business better than you do and it is important to understand the numbers you are looking at as that is what you can use to make business decisions. 

• Who has been the biggest role model or source of inspiration in your life? Why?

My Dad!  He has been an entrepreneur since I can remember. At this point, I don’t think that something you decide to be I think you’re born with that spirit inside you. He taught me to never ever, ever, give up and that anything is possible.  He is all over the place, in a good way. Some people see it as disorganized. Both of us have a hard time finishing projects after we start them because we’re already on to the next thing. 

• What advice would you have for someone just starting out in business or entrepreneurship?

Be ready for constant change. Nothing is the same from year to year and sometimes even week to week.  You have to be ready for anything that is thrown at you. Keep a great team around you! They will keep you sane, even when you are not. 

• What do you love about being located in Nashville? What are the biggest challenges?

The thing I love most about Nashville is being around so many small businesses.  We LOVE collaborations. We partner with so many other small businesses some of my favorites are when we partner with local meat producers and they use our seasonings to make custom sausages or pre-seasoned meat.  I even had a sausage named after me once! Nina’s Sunrise Sausage from the folks at Running Hog Farm. The biggest challenge for me being here in Nashville is being far from my family. My sister just moved here this year but we are all very close and it’s hard not being there for birthdays and Sunday family dinners. 

• Define the word success:

Success to me, is waking up every day and getting to make the decisions for my business. I guess you could say I am already there!  Just being able to run my own business everyday is a success in itself. Not many people are able to do that everyday.    

• What do you do when things just aren’t working according to plan?

Clean!  I don’t think I would call it stress cleaning but I always find myself when I have a full to do list, and I am completely overwhelmed by it. After that is all said and done, I pivot. I am not afraid to change my plan, or my mind...sometimes a couple of times in one day. It drives most crazy!