Tanesha Sims-Summers, Co-Founder of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co.
Tanesha Sims-Summers, an award winning graduate from UAB, where she studied marketing and Spanish, has always had a passion for people and community. After nearly 15 years in a corporate career in investment banking and later digital marketing, she decided that the time had come to pursue her passion of entrepreneurship. While kettle corn was never on her radar of pursuits, it has become a fun endeavor that has been the catalyst to the work she feels God has called her to do. She co-owns and operates Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. with her rock and ride or die partner in business and in life, husband Clem Summers. Her joy is in raising her four extraordinary children.
NBNKC, based in Birmingham and established in 2014, has coined itself as Birmingham and Beyond’s Favorite Snack, specializing in unique sweet and salty kettle corn blends. Their small batch kettle-to-hand process allows for the freshest snack possible. The high quality flavorings keep “Popheads” (customers) coming back for more. NBNKC helps people celebrate life’s sweet moments whether it’s weddings, employee engagement celebrations or a family movie night.
It’s not just popcorn with NBNKC; the brand is fun, fresh and festive and exists to make the world a sweeter place to live.
“We are a proud Top 40 Under 40 Recipient 2020 recipient. Minority Business of the Year Recipient 2021; Goldman Sachs 10KSB Graduate 2021; SBA Emerging Leaders Graduate, 2018; Trufund EmpowHER Graduate 2019; CARA Graduate 2021 and 2022; Co Starters Graduate 2015; PNC Bank Big Pitch Winner 2015; Renasant and Roots Accelerator with Birmingham Business Resource Center Graduate, 2019; Small Business Council for the City of Birmingham 2019 to present; I3 Academy Board Member, 2019; Jones Valley Teaching Farm Board Member, 2022; UAB Excellence in Business Top 25, 2022; and BADD Women 2023 Recipient.
Growing up as the village child, Tanesha sees the value in receiving support from the community as well as offering support. She is a mother of four extraordinary children—sons Jaylen 18 and Amir 17, and daughters Jacee 7 and Janaah 6, as well as fur baby Merry—who are her complete pride and joy, daily motivation, and one of the most important roles in her life.
Best Advice: The best advice I’ve ever received, is enjoy the process and doubt your limits.
Greatest Influence: Since I was the village child my major influences were my grandmother, dad, grandfather, my aunts and uncle, oh, and Oprah. They influenced me because they showed me daily the meaning of family and love. I learned sacrifice and the importance of serving. I watched Oprah as a young girl during some of my toughest times. We share similar stories regarding our maternal relationships and I have admired how she was able to grow and thrive and embrace this part of her life. I hope to be on her list on Oprah’s Favorite Things.
