Inspiring Conversations with Naomi Chavez of The Amsterdam Local

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Chavez.

Hi Naomi, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
I immigrated from Canada in 2009 while I was married to my former husband who was at that time on his second deployment with the US Military, I was a US Army and then Special Forces spouse for almost 10 years. I stayed at home with my children until 2016 when I went back into the workforce. 

During my separation and then a divorce I found myself needing more than just minimum wage jobs to get ahead with my 2 children. I had a wide variety of experiences from running a donut shop at 14 years old off the highway in rural Ontario to working the front reception at a large investment firm in Vancouver Canada. I worked in retail management and serving jobs in between for years. 

Thanks to my current husband and business partner Chris, I landed a role that would change the trajectory of my career forever. I started working with a start-up meal prep company and found my passion for structuring, marketing, and branding small businesses. Ultimately, I have a heart for serving. I had found purpose in being an asset for small businesses and helping others, so I began my own consulting business. 

I began working with small business owners. Focusing on rebranding and assisting with the setup and launching of a new business. During that time, I had a vision in my heart for a space where I could utilize my experience, and my love for serving and launching a brand that was entirely my design without limitation. I learned very quickly that bringing my vision to life was the next step. 

I started working on what is now “The Amsterdam Local”, a cafe and market in Clarksville TN. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is no such thing as a smooth road in business, I don’t think you could gain the best experience if there was. I’ve learned the most from the pressure of needing to pivot quickly. I think if you are walking a smooth road, without any rough patches. You are way too comfortable. Life (not just business) is about the ability to overcome. 

It’s about choosing to push forward, ESPECIALLY when it gets hard. Life is here to reveal who you are. And if you are not being pushed to change and grow in every area of your life, it means you are stagnant and settling for less than you are capable of. Gratitude for the good things and the bad, for they are both here to teach us something. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
This space has been curated to inspire a more walkable community in downtown Clarksville and around the APSU area. We offer an environment inspired by cozy European cafes, fresh whole foods, and scratch-made pastries. 

The cafe focuses on utilizing Local vendors, farmers, and creators as much as possible. We are extremely proud of the team we have built here at The Amsterdam. I am so grateful to have found such caring and just all-around loving human beings. They treat everyone with so much kindness and truly do everything with intention and love. I’ve been so blessed to be a part of this process. 

We are looking forward to the spring season, more live music and artists, local markets, and a full patio! I work at the cafe full time right now, as I continue to grow the business and the brand but have started to take on clients who are looking for help starting their own cafe or small business. 

What are your plans for the future?
Slow and steady growth is the plan! We are working on our spring menu and planning some spring and summer events with the cafe, but overall, just looking forward to our 1st anniversary and to seeing what this next year brings! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theamsterdamlocal