We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mayasir Tran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mayasir , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The story behind Music City Drop Pack and Ship is a tale of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and community dedication. As a Black and Asian-owned business in Greenbrier, TN, the company was born out of a dream that my husband and I had with a deep connection to Tennessee and a shared vision of creating a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship.
The foundation of Music City Drop Pack and Ship was laid when my husband and I, a couple with roots in Memphis and East Nashville, faced a challenging crossroads during the pandemic. Ingland, with a robust 15-year tenure at UPS, found himself at a career impasse when he lost his job. Concurrently, I was successfully navigating the e-commerce landscape, building a thriving online business. This juxtaposition of circumstances led us to a pivotal decision: to unite their skills and experiences to create something meaningful for ourselves and the community of Greenbrier. We have been living in this community for 7 years, and we love our community. We are honored to serve the great people of this community.
The mission of Music City Drop Pack and Ship goes beyond providing shipping and receiving services. It’s about building a legacy for our daughter and offering a much-needed service in a community we are profoundly connected to and proud of. Our business fills a crucial gap in Greenbrier, being the only facility of its kind in the area. We not only offer logistical solutions like UPS, FEDEX, and DHL shipping and receiving but also extend our services to include faxing, copying, registered agent services, private mailboxes, and notary, catering to the diverse needs of local businesses and residents.
For the us, this mission is deeply personal. It’s about giving back to the state that has shaped our identities – My vibrant memories of Memphis and Ingland’s roots in East Nashville. We see our business as a way to contribute to Tennessee’s economic and social fabric, ensuring that our community’s shipping and business needs are met with dedication and a personal touch.
In essence, Music City Drop Pack and Ship is more than a business; it’s a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of resilience, and a beacon of community service. Our mission reflects the commitment to our heritage, our community, and the future they envision for our family and the people we serve!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello! I’m Maya Tran, the passionate entrepreneur behind Music City Drop Pack and Ship LLC, a thriving hub for all your shipping and mailbox needs. My journey into this industry was fueled by a desire to create a seamless, customer-focused experience in the world of logistics and shipping.
My journey into the shipping industry, alongside my husband Ingland, is a tale of passion meeting expertise. It began with a shared vision to revolutionize the shipping experience by infusing it with a more personalized, reliable, and versatile approach.
Ingland’s Background in Logistics:
Ingland’s career in logistics spans over 15 years with UPS. He started as a sorter, meticulously organizing packages, a role that taught him the nuts and bolts of the shipping process. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become a driver, a position that brought him face-to-face with customers and their diverse shipping needs. This experience gave him a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies and the areas ripe for improvement.
Maya’s Entrepreneurial Success:
Meanwhile, I, Maya, embarked on my entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic. Starting a small online business, I quickly found success, achieving six figures in sales within a few months. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges and opportunities in the shipping sector, especially for small businesses striving to reach a wider audience.
Combining Our Strengths:
Our decision to enter the shipping industry was a natural progression of our combined experiences. Ingland brought his extensive logistics knowledge, understanding the operational and customer service aspects. My experience with online sales provided insights into the needs and expectations of small business owners and individual clients.
Our Services:
Music City Drop Pack and Ship LLC stands as an independently owned center offering a wide range of services under one roof. We are an authorized dealer for major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Our services include:
• Professional Packing and Shipping: Ensuring your items are securely packed and shipped, with a range of options from standard to express delivery.
• Mailbox Services: Providing secure, private mailboxes with a real street address, not just a P.O. Box number.
• Custom Solutions: Tailored services for unique shipping needs, be it for businesses or personal items.
*. Registered Agent Service: Use our office as your official address to recieve important documents in the state (required in TN)
*Virtual mailbox service: Receive packages from any carrier, check your mail from your phone, and get a professional address for your business
*Notary services
*basic copy services
What Sets Us Apart:
Our commitment to customer satisfaction is what truly sets us apart. We understand that every parcel and every customer is unique. Our team is trained to offer personalized solutions, ensuring that your items are treated with care and professionalism.
Our Pride and Promise:
What I am most proud of is our ability to maintain a high standard of service while fostering a community feeling. We’re not just a shipping center; we’re a part of the local community, helping to connect people and businesses across the globe.
For Our Potential Clients:
To our future clients and partners, know that at Music City Drop Pack and Ship LLC, you’re not just another transaction. You’re a valued part of our community, and we’re here to support your shipping needs with integrity, reliability, and a friendly smile.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A Resilient Beginning: The Story of Music City Drop Pack and Ship
In the midst of the pandemic, an unforeseen challenge struck my husband and I. Ingland had built a career in logistics, faced job loss. Maya, a stay-at-home mom, was equally affected by this sudden change. This turning point was the beginning of a story of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that led to the creation of Music City Drop Pack and Ship.
**Facing Uncertainty:**
The initial days were filled with uncertainty. The pandemic had transformed the job market, and opportunities were scarce. Ingland and I found ourselves at a crossroads, needing to create a new future for our family. I started an e-commerce business that started off in a laundry basket and ended up being really successful. However, It was a period marked by worry, but also by the realization that this could be an opportunity to build something of our own together.
**A Spark of Inspiration:**
One evening, as they discussed our future, I recalled my experience running a small online business during the pandemic and the shipping challenges I faced. We had to drive over 40 minutes (back and forth) to drop off shipments! My husband, with his extensive background in logistics, saw a gap in the market for a shipping service that was more personalized and community-focused. This conversation sparked the idea for Music City Drop Pack and Ship.
**Turning Challenges into Opportunities:**
Pooling our savings, we decided to invest in their idea. Ingland’s knowledge of logistics and my entrepreneurial experience were our greatest assets. We worked tirelessly, learning the ropes of running a business, from securing a location to negotiating with suppliers. It was daunting, but our shared vision and determination kept them going.
**Building the Business:**
The early days of Music City Drop Pack and Ship were challenging. They had to navigate the complexities of a new business amidst the ongoing pandemic. However, their resilience paid off. They created a welcoming space that offered not just shipping services but a sense of community. Their personal touch and understanding of customer needs quickly earned them a loyal clientele.
**A Symbol of Resilience:**
Today, Music City Drop Pack and Ship stands as a testament to Maya and Ingland’s resilience. It’s more than a business; it’s a symbol of their ability to transform a difficult situation into an opportunity. Their journey inspires others in the community, proving that with courage, hard work, and a shared dream, challenges can lead to new and rewarding beginnings.
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This story captures the essence of your resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting how you and your husband overcame adversity to establish a thriving business that serves and uplifts your community.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Growing up in South Memphis where opportunities were scarce, the concept of entrepreneurship or attaining significant success seemed distant. In communities where survival often takes precedence, the luxury of dreaming big can be rare. I was in an environment where the narrative of success, especially in the form of business ownership, was not commonly discussed or encouraged.
In such a setting, television shows like “A Different World” and “The Cosby Show” served as windows to a different reality. They offered glimpses of success, education, and a life that was different from what I saw around me. These shows were not just entertainment; they became a source of inspiration, igniting aspirations of college education and a successful future.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Doubt, both internal and external, often clouded my vision. Hearing from people around me that I wasn’t smart enough or lacked what it took to start a business was disheartening. Such negative feedback, especially when it comes from my immediate environment, had a profound impact. It’s a battle against the ingrained beliefs and the stereotypes imposed by others.
Despite these challenges, my faith and persistence shined through. Turning to a God, I found strength and guidance. The belief that God was with me, carrying you through tough times, was a beacon of hope. It helped me to hold onto my dreams, even when the path was obscured by doubts and negativity.
Unlearning these deep-seated beliefs about my capabilities was a pivotal part of your journey. It’s a process that requires immense mental strength and self-belief. Recognizing that my past and the opinions of others do not define my future or my potential was a significant breakthrough.
Having faith and confidence in yourself is key on an entrepreneurial journey. So many people will speak doubt and fear into your dream, Steer clear of those people and see yourself the way God sees you.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.musiccitydrop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiccitydroppackandship/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Music-City-Drop-Pack-and-Ship/100090588332893/?mibextid=LQQJ4d&dl_redirect=1