The Inside Scoop

For my very first blog post, I have chosen to write about a local and inspirational business owner, Jenny Rhodes Askins of Touronimo. Touronimo stands for the same pioneering vision as Huntsville Scoop, that is, a platform to help promote, endorse and advocate Huntsville’s vibrant atmosphere, thriving communities and innovative tech culture. I wanted this first blog to be about her since everything her company stands for promotes and inspires the growth of the greater Huntsville that makes us who we are as a multicultural city.

For those who may be new to the area, or unfamiliar with Touronimo, let me start off by briefly summarizing; Touronimo is a company that offers exploration and ways to discover the cultural experiences from history, street art, photography, private wine tastings to sightseeing, brewery tours, and even soaring above the North Alabama skies.

Below is my interview with Jenny Askins:

Ultimately what was your inspiration in starting Touronimo and where do you see it heading in the future?

I knew I was ready to create my own business and was looking for inspiration, so I began researching tech companies trending on the west coast. There was a company called Vayable on a top ten list that sounded interesting. It connected tourists with locals who wanted to share their city. The more I researched the company, the more I knew it was something I wanted to recreate on a local level.

My vision is to grow Touronimo into a destination management company providing services for conferences and corporate groups. I'm also coordinating VIP experiences for special guests visiting North Alabama.

If coming from out of state and you've never adventured here previously, which favorite events rolled up into one day would be on your list?

I would start the day at one of our fabulous local restaurants, Shea's Express! They have excellent food and a heartfelt mission to serve the less fortunate in our community. I would book a hike with a local guide for the early morning and explore the beautiful Monte Sano hiking trails. For lunch, I would visit Betty Mae's for an authentic southern lunch experience. After lunch, I would set aside some time for an art experience at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment with a local artist and take a guided tour of the nation's largest arts and entertainment centers. For the early evening, I would sign up for a Craft Brewery Tour with a real beer aficionado and taste and learn about six different beers along Clinton Avenue, followed by pizza from Earth and Stone Pizza, a local favorite. I would end the night with a local music guide who will lead me to unique venues for some local tunes.

Your favorite season events to do in Huntsville, and why?

My favorite things to do usually include the arts. I love Concerts in the Park during the Summer, along with Monte Sano Arts Festival, the Downtown Arts Stroll, and Green Street Market. I enjoy being outdoors, so any opportunity to enjoy the warm weather is on my list.

What's your vision of Huntsville, and how could we, as a community accomplish that vision?

The thing I love most about our community is the inclusiveness. Everyone is willing to collaborate, and that's so important. If you have one piece of the puzzle and I have the other, there's not much we can do alone, but together we could create something great where everyone benefits. I haven't met anyone yet who wasn't all in to figuring out how we could work together. I believe that as long as we keep that spirit alive, Huntsville will continue to thrive.

Where do you see Huntsville in ten years from now?

The benefit of a diverse community is that it inspires innovation and drives creativity. As North Alabama grows and attracts new talent, the sky is the limit. I expect genetic breakthroughs, continued economic diversity, the expansion of public art, authentic multicultural restaurants, and extended bike trails. We are also a very engaged community, so I expect to see more of us sharing the things we love about the city we call home. Good thing Touronimo is here!

Being a part of this amazing city, there is so much to share, engage and to inspire each other. I'm grateful for the opportunity that Jenny has given me to write about in my first blog. I especially love what Jenny said about her vision for the Huntsville area, “ ….there's not much we can do alone, but together we could create something great where everyone benefits” Bringing pieces together, that’s what it’s all about. That pure vision of bringing talents collaborating them into a stronger community, this is Huntsville and who we are; always growing and learning together."

A huge thanks to Jenny Askins for allowing me to interview her, and for just being that inspiration to all women entrepreneurs out there! Not only do we appreciate her, but we also are looking forward to what the future brings with Touronimo!