2 Peach Cobbler Factories and Then Some. This Woman Owns Her Business

If you asked teenager Aleeah Smith what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would be steadfast and assured in her response. She envisioned a life as an entrepreneur. Her specific aspiration was franchise owner. Fast forward to 2025 and those dreams are her reality. Not only is she the first-generation franchisee in her family, but she is also one of the youngest franchise owners in the U.S. Smith spoke with Beyondish about her childhood dreams, her love for her community and her north star–her family.

You ran a dessert catering business called Ah Taste of Love LLC from 14 to 25 in Michigan and Georgia. What fostered your ambition at such a young age?  

I grew up in a family that had an entrepreneurial spirit. Both of my parents were entrepreneurs. I also had the drive. When I was younger I always wanted to be a boss and make a mark. I started my dessert catering business in my hometown, Southside Lansing, Michigan, and was able to do that through high school into my young adult life.

You acquired your first The Peach Cobbler Factory franchise in 2022 in Dalton, GA, and then the second in Fall 2023 in Fayetteville, GA. What inspired you to go from owning your catering business to becoming a franchise owner?

Franchising was always a dream for me. I focused on the important pieces. I’m very hands-on in the business, providing exceptional customer service, fixing all the trial and error, having that good business ethic to transition into a bigger chain, and just working that foundation into running successful [franchise] locations. I’m very attentive and very hands-on when it comes to my customers.

What was the transition like?

I have done every single role in my business. I have been a cashier, a cleaner, on prep, an accountant and an assistant. I have opened and closed my store. Especially in the beginning stages, it’s important to be hands-on and be visible. I’m big on team building. My employees see me with the hat on, hair net, shirt, everything. I make sure that my team feels like family to me, and they feel like anything that I have they have access to as well.

In addition to The Peach Cobbler Factory locations, how many other franchises do you own?

I have eight restaurants and sports bar lounges. I’m also expanding my portfolio and becoming the first franchisee of my third franchise. I have goals, so I have to keep shooting for the stars. I’m trying to continue to be successful, grow my brand and give back to the community. I give a lot back to kids and I’m big on youth community involvement. I want to set the path and provide that knowledge I didn’t get because I was self-taught.

How do you maintain your confidence walking into new spaces as a woman, being young and Black in a male-dominated industry?

I am super confident and I keep my head high. I’m stepping through doors that I couldn’t imagine. Or that other people wouldn’t imagine for me. I’m making history. My name comes up in rooms that I wouldn’t even imagine. I’m doing it for all of us. All of the people in my culture, all the people in my race and I’m doing it for women.

It’s been said more than once that women can’t have it all. How do you balance being a wife, a mother and a businesswoman?

I have a strict schedule, so I know what I’m doing for the day. I love my kids. My kids come first. My kids keep me going. I have four children, two boys and two girls. I’m very active with them and being organized is the key. They are why I continue to do what I do every single day. I want to keep going because I want to create generational wealth for my kids. I want them to know that anything is possible. I have a great support system. I have a great family and a great village.