Meet Courtney Kinard | Entrepreneur & Registered Nurse

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Kinard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a woman from a small town who grew up in a single-parent household, my perspective on risk has been shaped by both necessity and resilience. For me, risk isn’t just about taking chances; it’s about survival and growth in environments where the odds aren’t always in your favor.

Growing up, I watched my mother take on risks daily—working multiple jobs, making tough financial decisions, and doing everything in her power to ensure that I had opportunities she never had. Those experiences taught me that risks are often a necessity when you’re striving to break generational cycles and create a better life for yourself and your family.

In my life and career, taking risks has meant stepping into spaces where I wasn’t always welcomed or represented. Whether it was pursuing higher education, moving away from my hometown, or advancing in my career, I’ve had to navigate the fear of the unknown and the possibility of failure. But I’ve also learned that taking calculated risks is essential for growth. It’s about betting on yourself, even when others might doubt you, and having the courage to push beyond the limits that society tries to impose.

Risk has played a critical role in shaping who I am today. It’s taught me to be resourceful, to trust God and to never settle for less than what I deserve. While the path hasn’t always been easy, each risk I’ve taken has brought me closer to my purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my resilience and determination, both as a travel nurse and an entrepreneur. Balancing these two demanding roles isn’t easy, but it’s my passion for helping others and my belief in my business, The Sugar Plum Factory, that keeps me going. I’m most proud of the fact that, despite facing significant adversity, I didn’t give up on my dreams.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. As a travel nurse in graduate school, I’ve had to adapt quickly to new environments, and as a small business owner, I’ve faced numerous challenges—from financial setbacks to moments of self-doubt where quitting seemed like the only option. But each time I faced a hurdle, I reminded myself of why I started. I’ve learned that perseverance is key, and that success often comes from pushing through the hardest times.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that adversity is inevitable, but it’s how you respond to it that defines you. There were moments when The Sugar Plum Factory seemed like it might not make it, but I kept going because I believed in my vision. I want the world to know that my brand is a testament to the power of persistence. The Sugar Plum Factory isn’t just a business—it’s a symbol of overcoming obstacles, and it’s built on the idea that sweet things can come from even the most challenging circumstances.

My story is one of resilience, and I hope it inspires others to keep going, and to trust in God even when the path is difficult.

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 visiting Greenville for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience filled with the best of what this city has to offer. Here’s how I’d plan the itinerary:

Sure! Here’s the updated itinerary with a sushi and a seafood restaurant included:

**Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration**
– **Lunch:** Start with lunch at *Soby’s*, a staple in Greenville known for its Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The shrimp and grits are a must-try.
– **Afternoon:** Wander around Falls Park on the Reedy, where we can take in the stunning waterfall and enjoy the lush greenery. It’s the perfect spot for photos and a peaceful stroll.
– **Evening:** Head to the *Up on the Roof* for cocktails with a view. This rooftop bar offers stunning panoramic views of downtown Greenville, especially as the sun sets.

**Day 2: Art & Culture**
– **Morning:** Visit the *Greenville County Museum of Art* to appreciate works by artists like Jasper Johns and Andrew Wyeth. It’s a great way to soak in some culture.
– **Lunch:** Stop by *The Anchorage* in the Village of West Greenville for a farm-to-table experience. Their menu is always creative and delicious.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the Village of West Greenville, an artsy neighborhood filled with galleries, local boutiques, and street art. We’ll check out some local artists’ studios and perhaps pick up a unique piece.
– **Dinner:** Dine at *Jianna*, an Italian restaurant with an amazing selection of handmade pasta and a prime location overlooking Falls Park.

**Day 3: Nature & Adventure**
– **Morning:** Take a drive to *Caesars Head State Park* for a morning hike. The views from the overlook are absolutely breathtaking, especially when the morning mist is still lingering.
– **Lunch:** On the way back, grab lunch at *The Trappe Door*, a Belgian pub with great food and a cozy atmosphere.
– **Afternoon:** Relax back in Greenville with a leisurely afternoon walk along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
– **Dinner:** For dinner, we’d visit *Halls Chophouse*. Known for its impeccable service and mouthwatering steaks, it’s a fine dining experience not to be missed.

**Day 4: Shopping & Rooftops**
– **Morning:** Start the day with a visit to *Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery* for a locally-sourced breakfast and some shopping for unique products made by local artisans.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy a sushi lunch at *Sushi GO*, where they offer fresh, creative rolls in a chic atmosphere.
– **Afternoon:** Spend the afternoon browsing Main Street’s shops and boutiques, maybe even stopping by *M. Judson Booksellers* for a coffee and some book browsing.
– **Dinner:** Finish the evening at *Stella’s Southern Brasserie*, enjoying its excellent wine list and sophisticated ambiance.

**Day 5: Day Trip to Asheville**
– **Morning:** Take a day trip to Asheville, just about an hour away. We’d explore the *Biltmore Estate*, America’s largest home, with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
– **Lunch:** Enjoy lunch at *Cúrate*, a tapas bar in downtown Asheville known for its authentic Spanish dishes.
– **Afternoon:** Explore Asheville’s vibrant arts scene and grab some locally-made chocolate or craft beer before heading back to Greenville.
– **Dinner:** Back in Greenville, I’d take them to *Larkin’s on the River* for a riverside dinner.

**Day 6: Relaxation & Seafood**
– **Morning:** Spend a relaxing morning at *Falls Park* again or perhaps a visit to *Cleveland Park* for a change of scenery.
– **Lunch:** Have a laid-back lunch at *Pomegranate on Main* for some delicious Persian cuisine.
– **Afternoon:** Enjoy some downtime or maybe a spa visit at *River Falls Spa* to unwind after all the exploring.
– **Dinner:** End the day with a seafood feast at *Rick Erwin’s Nantucket Seafood*, where the freshest catches are served in an elegant setting. Their oysters and lobster dishes are exceptional.

**Day 7: Brunch & Departure**
– **Brunch:** Before they head out, we’d have a leisurely brunch at *Tupelo Honey*, enjoying some of their famous biscuits and Southern comfort food.
– **Last Stop:** A final walk through the Liberty Bridge area to soak in the views one last time before saying goodbye.

This itinerary now includes a sushi spot and a seafood restaurant to make the experience even more diverse and delicious!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible foundation of support that my parents , aunts, uncles and grandparents provided me throughout my life. They are the reason I’ve been able to achieve anything, and their influence is woven into every part of my journey.

My parents taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to myself. They made countless sacrifices so that I could have opportunities they never had, and their belief in me has been a constant source of strength.

My aunts have been like second mothers, always there to offer guidance, love, and a listening ear. They showed me what it means to be a strong, independent woman, and their examples inspired me to pursue my dreams fearlessly.

And my grandparents, with their wisdom and unwavering support, instilled in me a deep sense of pride in where I come from and a commitment to carrying our family’s legacy forward. They reminded me that I stand on the shoulders of giants and that my success is part of a larger story.

All of these amazing people deserve so much credit and recognition in my story. Their love, mentorship, and encouragement have been the bedrock of everything I’ve accomplished, and I’m forever grateful to them.

Website: https://www.thesugarplumfactory.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_courtneyydanielle_?igsh=MWx3eW81MnZmMnR0dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Other: https://www.instagram.com/_thesugarplumfactory?igsh=MTVkZXQ1aTg0NnE1Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://linktr.ee/ckmc

Image Credits
Kecla Chapman
Courtney Kinard