Alley Kneece is not your typical business owner. She’s not just a successful entrepreneur; she’s also a devoted mother, navigating the intricate dance of balancing work and family with grit and determination. Neece's journey into entrepreneurship was far from conventional, but it’s a testament to her resilience, passion and unwavering commitment to creating a life that aligns with her values and aspirations.
Before Neece became the powerhouse behind multiple successful businesses, she was a teacher grappling with a sense of disconnection from her career. Despite her dedication, Neece realized that teaching wasn’t her true calling. During this period of self-reflection, she returned to her passion and taught yoga, which served as a catalyst for her journey into business ownership.
Leaving behind her teaching career, Neece embarked on a quest to explore her newfound passion and purpose. Her first venture, Aiken Organics, was a testament to her belief in the sustainability of the farming community. She enabled people to support local farmers selling organic products through an online platform, fostering connections between producers and consumers.
Neece’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. She established a series of successful businesses, including The Alley Downtown Taproom, Whiskey Alley, Draft Society Taproom, Aiken Augusta Aviation Flight Club and The Red Door Sake Bar & Kitchen. Each venture reflected her vision of creating vibrant, inclusive spaces where people could come together and enjoy exceptional experiences.
However, Neece’s journey wasn’t just about building businesses but also about embracing motherhood. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of raising a child required Neece to learn valuable lessons in time management, boundary setting and prioritization.
One of Neece’s insights was the importance of investing in key moments with her daughter, from breastfeeding to her first steps and words. She recognized the significance of family support and was grateful for the assistance provided by her mother-in-law, allowing her to navigate the complexities of being a working mom.
Learning to set healthy boundaries and delegate responsibilities was crucial for Neece’s success. She realized that asking for help and trusting her team were signs of strength, not weakness. She created a supportive work environment that fostered growth and collaboration by relinquishing control and empowering her employees.
As Neece embraced her role as a mother and business owner, she gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by working parents. She gained empathy for her staff, especially when dealing with scheduling conflicts or surprises. Neece strived to provide a supportive environment for working parents.
As a business owner, Neece learned that it wasn’t just about problem-solving but also about empowering her team to take ownership and responsibility. She encourages her staff to handle challenges independently, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work.
Neece stressed the importance of showing herself grace and embracing challenges as an opportunity for growth. Neece said, “There is no such thing as failure if you learn from the experience.” She also recognizes the importance of self-care and prioritizes exercise, sleep and dedicated time to her family to maintain balance and perspective.
Other fundamental advice she shared for business owners is to ensure they understand their role within their business. She emphasized the importance of recognizing your strengths and leveraging them effectively. She discussed how functioning in your strength contributes well to a business because you can delegate some everyday roles to others. This approach allows business owners to focus on tasks that align with their expertise to drive growth and success.
Beyond the confines of the workplace, Neece is passionate about instilling essential values in her daughter, even at a young age. She believes in exposing her to all aspects of the business, teaching her that every role is important and deserves respect.
Neece takes pride in the fact that her daughter can witness firsthand the inner workings of the business and learn valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork and gratitude. She stresses the importance of teaching her daughter to appreciate the flexible time the business affords them as a family, enabling them to enjoy activities like her daughter’s gymnastics and family trips together.
In essence, Alley Kneece’s approach to business ownership extends far beyond the bottom line. It’s about empowering oneself and others, fostering a culture of teamwork and respect, and instilling values in the next generation. Through her guidance and leadership, Neece inspires her team and her daughter to embrace the principles of integrity, gratefulness, and collaboration in business and life.
