Ashley Tyrner, the founder and CEO of FarmboxRx, has established a thriving multimillion-dollar company that is revolutionizing healthy food delivery for millions of Americans. Her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to industry stardom showcases her resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to her goals. Like many successful entrepreneurs, Tyrner’s path to success was paved with various side hustles that eventually led her to the creation of the company she leads today.
Early Ventures: From Beanie Babies to Ice Cream Vans
Tyrner’s entrepreneurial spirit first emerged while working at an airport in Arizona, where she launched her initial side hustle of flipping rare Beanie Babies. This venture proved to be more than just a small-time gig; it sparked Tyrner’s interest in identifying opportunities and ultimately laid the foundation for her future success.
During a challenging period while pregnant and reliant on food stamps and Medicaid, Tyrner embarked on another side project with her sister, investing in a hot pink ice cream van to sell ice cream in nearby towns. This experience taught her valuable lessons in resourcefulness and determination, shaping her mindset for the entrepreneurial journey ahead.
Driven by her ability to spot trends and capitalize on demand, Tyrner continued her ventures in New York by purchasing popular Christmas toys from retailers and reselling them online for a profit. These early hustles not only provided financial stability but also honed Tyrner’s business acumen, preparing her for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Inspired by her personal struggles with food insecurity as a single mother, Tyrner felt compelled to make a positive impact. In 2014, she founded FarmboxRx with a mission to improve access to nutritious foods for underserved populations. The company offers customised nutrition programs, health literacy materials, and boxes of wholesome food to health plan members, aiming to enhance health outcomes and empower individuals to make healthier choices.
Tyrner’s firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those in need fueled her determination to create a company that could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Her commitment to providing nutritious food to those who deserve it reflects her empathy and dedication to addressing societal issues through innovative solutions.
Overcoming Adversity: Confronting Sexist Rejections
Despite her drive and vision, Tyrner encountered numerous obstacles on her path to establishing FarmboxRx. Facing sexist rejections from venture capitalists due to her unconventional background, she refused to be discouraged and made a pivotal decision to pursue her goals independently. This resilience and determination became the driving force behind her efforts to create a self-sustaining business model that would enable her to thrive on her terms.
Tyrner’s journey was not without challenges, as she navigated the complexities of developing a sustainable and innovative business in the competitive food delivery industry. Through trial and error, she refined FarmboxRx’s packaging and logistics, overcoming hurdles with tenacity and ingenuity to ensure the company’s success.
Finding Support and Scaling the Business
In 2019, Tyrner seized a transformative opportunity when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allowed the sale of produce to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid recipients. This breakthrough paved the way for FarmboxRx to expand its reach and impact, but it required strategic partnerships and support from key stakeholders.
Sonya Maddox, the head of product at Vibra Health, played a pivotal role in supporting Tyrner’s vision and enabling FarmboxRx to scale rapidly. Maddox’s recognition of the challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs like Tyrner underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and success in the business world.
Today, FarmboxRx collaborates with over 89 health plans, including some of the largest in the country, to deliver fresh produce and nutritious food to 2.7 million individuals across all 50 states. The company’s significant growth in sales and impact underscores the effectiveness of its mission and the value it brings to communities in need.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Tyrner offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to build successful businesses. She emphasizes the importance of seeking genuine advisors who can provide honest feedback and challenge conventional thinking. Surrounding oneself with individuals who inspire innovation and growth is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success in the business world.
Tyrner’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society through FarmboxRx exemplifies the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in addressing pressing social issues and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
