We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Ann Tyson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica Ann, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success and brand is truly a whirlwind of things. It is not only my passion, vision and drive, but the people who help me to fulfill the mission everyday are the reasons I am walking along this journey with a smile. I could have all the smarts and know how in the world, but without an amazing and willing team, I would fail. Iron sharpens iron. On the other hand, I could have a dynamic team, but without a real hunger and desire to propel myself to exceed my goals – I am nothing but a place holder taking up a good title. Leadership should be earned.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a fiery serial entrepreneur. I believe that business ownership is the way to transform communities, set forth new dimensions for family legacy and wealth creation and the best way to live your life out loud and on purpose.

My background and up bringing has lead me through some rough valleys and some very tall mountains. Learning and living through whatever experience I have been afforded at the time, has made me a stronger more resilient person. We all have challenges, and we all have things that try to break us. But, celebrating each step and each win every day is how I know that I will see more mountains then valleys.

I grew up with my most FAVORITE person in the world, my roommate and twin sissy, Monica. As young girls, sometimes our only meal would be what we pulled out of the trash can. We endured a tragically, broken, foster care system. Then we were welcomed into the home in the hearts of the a caring couple, who spoiled us and gave us all of life‘s best offerings. That opportunity came with the teachings of love through community service and giving to others. Showing us value in being a part of something greater than ourselves. Never relying on the past to validate who we were to become in the future.

Many days, we enjoyed gardening and taking the fresh veggies to sell at the market. What we didn’t sell we took to the nursing homes to share our fresh bounty with senior citizens. Now, the owner of three restaurants, I can feed whomever I want to. Utilizing the influence that I have earned, I am able to be a sounding board for those aspiring to be an entrepreneur and generously and wisely help those in need with my time, talent and resources.

If I had anything to put on my gravestone, it would be to leave an impression that said- this girl lived on purpose!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to come and visit Grand Rapids, I would take them to some fantastic places. Here’s a list of places anyone would DEFINITELY enjoy!

I would first fill their tummy with a delicious meal at The Candied Yam – Delightful Southern Cuisine, one of the Top 50 Places to Eat in Grand Rapids. They have all the southern scratch-made favorites made with love just like grandma used to make. Crispy fried chicken, fried catfish, collard greens, creamy mac & cheese, peach cobbler, and signature candied cornbread. If my friend had a dog or cat, I would bring them to Beastro: Fresh Canine Cuisine. The only restaurant for dogs in the city.

After our meal, we would enjoy Pink Lounge: Dry Salt Therapy. This spa uses the ancient science of halotherapy for therapeutic relaxation. We would then travel next door to Body Sculpt, Better Body Bar to enjoy a Kissy Fish Foot Spa experience from the Garra fish.

During the Spring, we would visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for their annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit. This is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation.

During the Summer, we would cheer on the home team during a Whitecaps Game or check out the animals at John Ball Zoo.

During the Fall, we would visit the International Wine, Beet & Food Festival or pick apples at Robinette’s.

During the Winter, we’d visit The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife Betty Ford. While downtown, we could enjoy a basketball game with our home team, Grand Rapids Gold the G-League of the 2023 NBA Champions the Denver Nuggets.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to a preacher and a teacher as well as the best adoptive parents one could ever have! My mom and dad!

Website: www.thecandiedyamgr.com, www.thebeastro.co, www.japrgroup.com, www.pink-lounge.com

Instagram: @thecandiedyamgr @thebeastrogr @pinklounge_salt

Linkedin: jessica ann tyson

Facebook: jessica ann tyson, @thecandiedyamgr, @thebeastrogr, @pinklounge3105

Yelp: the candied yam

Other: Tik Tok: @thecandiedyamgr, @thebeastrogr, @jessicaanntyson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.