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Backroads Boss Lady: Happiness Ain't a Side Hustle--Straight Talk on Creating the Life You Deserve
Read the inspiring story of a mother of four who faced down her hard past, poverty, and self-doubt to create the life she dreamed of, including owning her own multi-million dollar business--in this book that's "filled with grit, humility, common-sense advice and entrepreneurial wisdom" (Lee Woodruff, #1 bestselling author).
New Plymouth, Idaho. Population 1536. It doesn't look like much from Rural Route 30, but it was here, in this quiet town, that Jessi Roberts created something the kind of life she always wanted and a multi-million dollar, for rural/by rural business empire.
The business is Cheekys, which started with 6 purses and a tanning bed. Now in her book, Jessi shows how she grew one small store hurdle-by-hurdle into a national clothing and accessories brand with a 1.5 million strong community. Best of all, she did it by standing tall for her always be kind, lift up the next gal, and treat employees and customers like family.
A personal story filled with life and business tips, BACKROADS BOSS LADY is about embracing your passion even when others don't see value in it--or you--and about putting food on the table and believing in yourself. Brimming with authenticity, it gives the warts-and-all, love-it-despite-it skinny on rural life, community, and contentment without compromise.
New Plymouth, Idaho. Population 1536. It doesn't look like much from Rural Route 30, but it was here, in this quiet town, that Jessi Roberts created something the kind of life she always wanted and a multi-million dollar, for rural/by rural business empire.
The business is Cheekys, which started with 6 purses and a tanning bed. Now in her book, Jessi shows how she grew one small store hurdle-by-hurdle into a national clothing and accessories brand with a 1.5 million strong community. Best of all, she did it by standing tall for her always be kind, lift up the next gal, and treat employees and customers like family.
A personal story filled with life and business tips, BACKROADS BOSS LADY is about embracing your passion even when others don't see value in it--or you--and about putting food on the table and believing in yourself. Brimming with authenticity, it gives the warts-and-all, love-it-despite-it skinny on rural life, community, and contentment without compromise.
- GenresBusinessNonfictionMemoir
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2019
16 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 21, 2019
This is one of those non-fiction books that was written with help of a professional writer but told intensely by a person with an unusual story to tell. It's one of inspiration and gritty fact. And at times goes far more to the gritty end upon tangents of girlhood and family past experiences. There are a lot of very sorry life characters all around in Jessi's vocational, marriage related, partnerships, friendships, birth family etc. She talks like a survivor and doesn't consider herself a victim. But she was victimized. Repeatedly- and by more than a couple of people too. And in various ways.
Her business model is not all that atypical. Especially in the reality of not making any profit for at least the first 3 years. What is atypical is its huge success over the next 5. Because she knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. Literally- in inventory and in people. In motives and in products. All changes, all the time. And she has her own standards hard learned. For both outputs and for employing practices and habits.
Getting this kind of sales numbers while living in a town of less than 1,600 people total in the foothills of Idaho?? It's rough. And at times and repeating of Cheekys again changing time debt ridden super poor.
Her writing is adequate; her history one kind of struggle after another. But her intuitions and hiring practices (and most advice given too to start ups-like what to do about all the town sponsoring requests) is above average. Self taught and heart held but head /logic/ numbers first kind of woman.
Lots of abuse and toxic people in this one too.
Her husband sounds like a fix-it saint.
Her business model is not all that atypical. Especially in the reality of not making any profit for at least the first 3 years. What is atypical is its huge success over the next 5. Because she knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. Literally- in inventory and in people. In motives and in products. All changes, all the time. And she has her own standards hard learned. For both outputs and for employing practices and habits.
Getting this kind of sales numbers while living in a town of less than 1,600 people total in the foothills of Idaho?? It's rough. And at times and repeating of Cheekys again changing time debt ridden super poor.
Her writing is adequate; her history one kind of struggle after another. But her intuitions and hiring practices (and most advice given too to start ups-like what to do about all the town sponsoring requests) is above average. Self taught and heart held but head /logic/ numbers first kind of woman.
Lots of abuse and toxic people in this one too.
Her husband sounds like a fix-it saint.
April 16, 2019
I had never heard of Cheekys or Jessi Roberts when I saw "Backroads Boss Lady: Happiness Ain't a Side Hustle - Straight Talk on Creating the Life You Deserve" in the "New Non-Fiction" section at my local library. I was intrigued by this real-looking woman on the cover of the book with her long mane of gorgeous and oh so shiny hair and a big grin. I read the inside of the dust jacket and added it to my pile of books to check out. "Why not?" She looks like a real woman with real practical advice. It can be any worse than some of the "happiness" and "self-help" books I had been reading.
It was a good choice. Jessi Roberts, with the help of her not so ghostly ghostwriter, tells her story of growing up in abandoned warehouses and strip malls, being neglected and emotionally abused by her addict mother, and terrorized and sexually abused by her mother's pimp. She had a long road to adulthood in which she needed to figure out how to trust people and make smart, mature decisions while choosing a few wrong guys, fighting a contentious custody battle, being broke, facing scorn from her small town, etc. She tells that story and somewhere in her own coming of age story, she creates another story - the story of a "For Rural by Rural" or FRBR boutique catering to rural, Western loving woman in Idaho that turned into a multi-million dollar juggernaut thanks to her savvy selling skills learned as a waitress and car salesperson, hustling to take care of herself and her firstborn son.
I am not building a small retail business or looking to design and manufacture women's clothing and accessories targeted to rural American women, but there is a lot to take away from this book - Jessi Roberts shares her struggles and parts of her life that she has never shared with anyone before in this book. She is trying to raise women up and foster friendships, not rivalries. I think that she is a straightforward woman who is trying to make it in this world without stepping on anyone else's toes or dragging them down so she can have her time in the limelight. She seems like a cool chick, someone I would enjoy getting to know.
Reading this wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though, and I am not just talking about the subject matter. There were times while reading when I grew frustrated with Jessi Roberts and her "woe is me" and "everybody is coming out to get me" attitude, but as the book progressed, I realized that her breaking free of the negative self-talk is part of her journey. She had to show readers how her thoughts were so we could see where she was and how far she has come.
And she has come so far. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Jessi!
It was a good choice. Jessi Roberts, with the help of her not so ghostly ghostwriter, tells her story of growing up in abandoned warehouses and strip malls, being neglected and emotionally abused by her addict mother, and terrorized and sexually abused by her mother's pimp. She had a long road to adulthood in which she needed to figure out how to trust people and make smart, mature decisions while choosing a few wrong guys, fighting a contentious custody battle, being broke, facing scorn from her small town, etc. She tells that story and somewhere in her own coming of age story, she creates another story - the story of a "For Rural by Rural" or FRBR boutique catering to rural, Western loving woman in Idaho that turned into a multi-million dollar juggernaut thanks to her savvy selling skills learned as a waitress and car salesperson, hustling to take care of herself and her firstborn son.
I am not building a small retail business or looking to design and manufacture women's clothing and accessories targeted to rural American women, but there is a lot to take away from this book - Jessi Roberts shares her struggles and parts of her life that she has never shared with anyone before in this book. She is trying to raise women up and foster friendships, not rivalries. I think that she is a straightforward woman who is trying to make it in this world without stepping on anyone else's toes or dragging them down so she can have her time in the limelight. She seems like a cool chick, someone I would enjoy getting to know.
Reading this wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though, and I am not just talking about the subject matter. There were times while reading when I grew frustrated with Jessi Roberts and her "woe is me" and "everybody is coming out to get me" attitude, but as the book progressed, I realized that her breaking free of the negative self-talk is part of her journey. She had to show readers how her thoughts were so we could see where she was and how far she has come.
And she has come so far. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Jessi!
March 24, 2020
I caught part of a radio interview with Jessi Roberts, which piqued my interest (who is this Jessi Roberts and how did she grow a multi-million dollar business out of little New Plymouth, Idaho?). This story of her life, and the story of her business, Cheeky’s, are tightly intertwined. Woman will probably enjoy this book a lot more than men, but I learned a lot from her experience of starting and growing a business, and unfortunately, from her sharing of her experience as a victim of years of abuse and rising above it. I had a hard time putting the book down through the first half of the book, had a hard time getting through the middle through 3/4ths of the book, then was glad I finished reading it through to the end.
July 28, 2019
Loved this book! Such an interesting story about an inspiring woman who showed persistence against all odds to be a success and find her happiness. This is grit if you ever needed an example! I never heard of Cheeky's before seeing this book. You don't have to be a Cheeky's Chick or an entrepreneur to enjoy this book.
January 3, 2020
Won this book on Goodreads and even though it took me a few months to take it off my TBR shelf, I'm so glad to have read it. What an inspiring, motivating, heart wrenching and funny lady - thank you for being so vulnerable with your story and your business savvy. https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
July 26, 2020
This is not really a 'how to succeed in business' book which the author readily admits. But while there were some interesting tips on growing a business, and the author's ability to persevered in the face of some really tough times, a lot of the book seemed like settling scores with family and some locals which was distracting.
March 7, 2019
A wonderfully heartfelt, beautiful and empowering book!
It’s wonderful to read about a strong beautiful woman that triumphed over her struggles in life and came out on the other side a success. Stand tall and keep your head held high, because you deserve it!
It’s wonderful to read about a strong beautiful woman that triumphed over her struggles in life and came out on the other side a success. Stand tall and keep your head held high, because you deserve it!
March 14, 2019
Great book,great story ,the author makes you feel like you are her friend while telling you her amazing story sometimes happy sometimes very sad ,a very teachable story full of moments of love ,friendship and hard work and determination.
April 1, 2019
Backroads Boss Lady was an amazing surprise. Thank you Goodreads giveaways. Written in a breezy style, Jessi Roberts explains how she made Cheekys a success. It isn’t just a how-to business book but a how-to be happy book while raising four kids and birthing a multi-million dollar business.
What got me was her optimism. Instead of wallowing in the past and all the wrongs committed against her, which there were plenty of, she thrived. By keeping her chin up and ‘being pretty’, she focused on the positive. It is a book I will be sharing, everyone can use a dose of Jessi Roberts.
What got me was her optimism. Instead of wallowing in the past and all the wrongs committed against her, which there were plenty of, she thrived. By keeping her chin up and ‘being pretty’, she focused on the positive. It is a book I will be sharing, everyone can use a dose of Jessi Roberts.
November 27, 2019
Interesting read, entertaining, but tough to see how much domestic abuse is part of so many peoples lives.
January 31, 2020
This book was raw & real & not at all what I was expecting, & I am so glad for that. Will continue review later...
March 1, 2019
This book was such an inspiration! I applaud Jess for her honesty and strength! She tells all! The good and the bad! I cried, laughed, and learned from her book. This book is a must read. I know it is going to be an inspiration to everyone! This book is number 1. I couldn't stop reading it! Pre-ordered mine. I can't wait to share her story with others. Definitely going to recommend everyone to buy this book.
June 15, 2019
This is such an interesting memoir. Jessi tells her story in a way that makes you feel like you're her personal friend. And what a story she tells! I felt so many emotions while reading this. I think what I liked most about it is how honest Jessi is, while never playing the victim card - which she certainly would have been entitled to do. (No spoilers, but I felt some real anger towards "W".)
I never heard of Cheekys before, but now I'm a fan. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and doubt I would have heard about this book if I hadn't. If you enjoy a good memoir and maybe want to learn a little something along the way about being a REAL PERSON, I recommend this book to you.
I never heard of Cheekys before, but now I'm a fan. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and doubt I would have heard about this book if I hadn't. If you enjoy a good memoir and maybe want to learn a little something along the way about being a REAL PERSON, I recommend this book to you.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews