Our Team

Claire Crowell, Founder & CEO

Claire Crowell started her journey in the food industry at age 12 stocking drink coolers and making biscuits at her father’s country market Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. After moving through the ranks of their family’s growing restaurant business, Claire began to dream about starting her own company. Inspired by her first daughter’s name, she developed Hattie Jane’s Creamery in 2013 while also serving as COO for the restaurant group. She wanted to create a space and product that was reminiscent of her childhood memories living in a small Southern town while showcasing the forward-thinking flavors of the region’s modern culinary scene. Today, she serves as the company’s CEO while maintaining a position with her family’s business as Chief People Officer.

Rhonda Schmitz, COO

Rhonda Schmitz moved to Middle Tennessee from Kansas in 2013. Inspired by all the delicious Southern treats, she started working in the specialty food industry. Her focus has always been with small businesses that are cute, sweet, and full of people to build relationships with. In 2017, she joined Hattie Jane's Creamery as the manager of the Murfreesboro, Tenn. location, and in 2019, she was named Chief Operating Officer and became a partner. She loves creating an exceptional and memorable customer experience wrapped around delicious and creative treats. Rhonda's heart for serving and caring for her community led her and her husband to found ShowerUp, a nonprofit that provides mobile showers and personal care to those experiencing homelessness.

Autumn Friese, Operations Manager

Born and raised in the service industry, Autumn grew up working with her family at her mother's restaurant and bar in upstate Michigan. She moved to Middle Tennessee in 2006, where she met her husband. She met Claire Crowell when she began working at Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant in downtown Nashville in 2010, where she eventually became the General Manager. In 2019, Autumn left restaurant management to return to school and complete her associate’s degree in business management. She initially joined the Hattie Jane's Creamery team part-time to help with operations and then became a partner in late 2019. She is known as the handywoman around Hattie Jane's and can be found in her shop woodworking and creating household items with her sweet puppies, Three and Lucy, on her days off.