It’s Wednesday again and you know what time is! It’s #WCW. Yes, that’s Woman Crush Wednesday!
You can expect to have some real, honest I See You Moments...I See You® Candle and wishes to follow!
Today’s I See You® blog features the energetic Bonnie Bratton, owner of Bratton Farms and Bratton’s Best BBQ Sauce. Located just 37 miles, South West of Nashville, Bonnie’s farm brings to life her dreams, while honoring the legacy of her late husband. Her late husband, David, was a 7th generation farmer and the Bratton Farm has been in their family for over 100 years raising corn, soybeans, as well as livestock and fresh greens.
Bonnie was featured in the Tennessee AG 2018 magazine an article, Helping Hands, that shared her story of how their agriculture community rallied around her and the Farm during the unexpected passing of her husband. Through her tragedy, she rose to build a brand and launch Bratton’s Best BBQ Sauce. In her first year of launching Bratton’s Best BBQ Sauce, Bonnie’s product was in over 30 stores in Tennessee and is now in three states, as well as featured in eateries and markets statewide.
Bonnie chooses to share her story with the hope she may inspire others to know they can come through challenges and hardship stronger than one could ever imagine.
Enjoy learning a little bit more about Bonnie in her own words!
What or who inspired you to create your business?
My business was inspired by my late husband, David N. Bratton. This is his BBQ Sauce recipe that I decided to market after he passed away. It’s my way of carrying on his legacy and keeping his memory alive.
Who saw you and supported your dreams?
All my friends, family and I give a lot of credit to the Nashville Kitchen and Cannery.
What song heals your soul?
Amazing Grace by Aretha Franklin or anything sung by her.
What does it mean to YOU to feel seen?
It’s very meaningful to me for people to see me. I feel more of a connection because that’s all we all really want is to be seen and validated.
What’s your go-to, self-care tip?
When I’m feeling stressed, I like to walk on the farm with my dog, meditate and practice my ukulele!
Growing up, did you participate in any organized sports or clubs? How do you think this activity help shape you as a person?
I was in the Girl Scouts. My first sales job selling Girl Scout cookies! It helped me learn to make cold calls! (IF willing to share more, I’m curious how it helped you with cold calls?)
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would definitely tell my younger self to be more in the PRESENT MOMENT and also to not take life so seriously.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone thinking about starting their own company?
To make sure that you love it because there will be hard times and if you are passionate about it, it will pull you through and it will lead you to your purpose in life.
Bonnie, WE SEE YOU!! We honor your ability to rise from the tragic and unexpected passing of David. You inspire us. We celebrate how you found a purpose and focus that honors his legacy and your lives together.
Bonnie has the spirit of a survivor. She is one of the most welcoming and encouraging people we’ve ever met. We hope you join us in celebrating this amazing soul!
Check out her website at https://www.brattonfarms.com/ to learn more about her farm and BBQ sauce. For those of you don’t live in Tennessee, she’s just an email away from being able to ship this amazing BBQ Sauce to your home! Don’t forget to show her some support by following her on Instagram and Facebook.
