Unscripted Small Business Podcast: Rachel Smalling
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeremy Rivera for his Unscripted Podcast to discuss my journey as a small business owner in Cookeville. For those who missed it, I wanted to share some highlights from our conversation.
How It All Began
When I moved to Cookeville in 2010 to attend Tennessee Tech, I never imagined I'd become a small business owner. I fell in love with this community and decided to stay, spending nearly a decade as the executive director of the Bryan Symphony before venturing into entrepreneurship.
"My parents don't understand at all what I do," I joked during the interview. "And you wouldn't unless you were totally immersed in small business."
Lakeside Inn at Dale Hollow - Where It Started
My first business adventure began during the COVID pandemic in 2020. My partner Alex and I kept driving past a closed-down motel near Dale Hollow Lake that needed significant renovation.
"We kept joking about it all summer," I shared with Jeremy. "We should buy that. We should buy that. Well, then the next thing I know, we're looking into the asking price and then we've made an offer."
By April 2021, we had transformed it into Lakeside Inn at Dale Hollow, creating what I saw as a much-needed offering: an affordable yet comfortable option for visitors just three-quarters of a mile from Sunset Marina. We’re not a Cabo Luxury resort, but we really do pride ourselves on our beautiful renovations and lovely accommodations.
Expanding to The Sportsman's Lodge
In 2022, opportunity knocked again. We had the chance to purchase The Sportsman's Lodge, and the decision was straightforward: "Either we buy it or somebody else buys it and they become our competition," as I explained to Jeremy.
This acquisition required partnership with Alex's parents, who became our investing partners. I'm always transparent about this part of my journey because I believe aspiring entrepreneurs should understand that support systems matter. "We wouldn't have been able to do it without Alex's parents investing with us. So that was a huge help."
The Sportsman's Lodge taught me that sometimes traditional methods still work. "When we bought this property, I'm not kidding. The entire property was running off of a paper calendar," I laughed. "I thought, this is crazy... no one's going to do that. And it was insane. Like we were so busy we couldn't keep up."
Creating 1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge
My third business, 1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge, is truly my passion project. The idea sparked during a trip to New York City when I visited a cocktail bar called the Rains Law Room at the William.
"We're sitting there looking around and I'm saying, 'You know, I think Cookeville needs something like this,'" I recalled. After a year of market research, an unexpected commercial real estate opportunity to lease the perfect space accelerated my timeline.
I approached this venture with a focused vision: "I did not approach this as 'I want to open a restaurant.' I approached this as 'I want to open a small cocktail bar.'" Despite having no prior restaurant or bar experience, I built a team of talented individuals who shared my vision for quality over quantity.
"When we set up the bar menu and the cocktail menu, we were very intentional about the ingredients that we use," I emphasized. "Your tequila doesn't have any additives in it. Your juice was fresh squeezed this morning. You're using organic cane sugar in your drink."
The Reality of My Daily Life
During the interview, I tried to be honest about the challenges. Being a small business owner means "you're pretty much always on. It doesn't matter if it's two in the morning, it doesn't matter if it's your weekend, it doesn't matter if you're abroad in another country. The buck stops with you."
I operate on what I call the "what's on fire currently" system. Managing three businesses means constantly prioritizing and sometimes letting go of my type-A tendencies to have everything perfectly organized.
One memorable story I shared involved a septic system failure on Labor Day weekend: "My partner was up there literally up to his knees in crap on the phone with any septic company desperate to try and get them to come out and fix it." These are the unglamorous realities of business ownership that don't make it to Instagram!
What Makes Cookeville Special
One of the most important points I wanted to emphasize is how Cookeville's business community has been crucial to my success.
"This idea and this concept, I don't think I would have had the courage or been brave enough to do in a place other than Cookeville because we truly do have such a great small business network and a sense of camaraderie," I told Jeremy. "It really is like I want to support everyone and see everyone thrive."
My Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
For those considering their own business ventures, I offered these thoughts:
Ask yourself about authenticity: "Where does that idea come from? Is it coming from your own passion to want to share and create? Is it authentic?"
Evaluate market needs: "Is this the right market for it? Are you currently living in the town where that is something that is needed?"
Build your network: "From since the time I was 18 or 19, I took every single opportunity that came my way... I built such a vast network of people with different skills and knowledge."
Visit My Businesses
If you're interested in experiencing any of my businesses firsthand:
Lakeside Inn at Dale Hollow - Our renovated motel just minutes from the lake
The Sportsman's Lodge - The classic fisherman's lodge with a nostalgic feel
1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge - Our intimate cocktail bar on Cookeville's square
Thank you to Jeremy Rivera for the thoughtful conversation and to everyone who continues to support local businesses in our community!
Rachel Smalling is the owner of Lakeside Inn at Dale Hollow, The Sportsman's Lodge, and 1854 Cocktail Bar and Lounge in the Cookeville, Tennessee area.
