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

Hi Derek, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say so far, its been the creativity aspect. I love and enjoy being creative with new flavors and ideas of what a pierogi can be. I feel like, especially in a foodie town like Nashville has become, they appreciate the traditional flavors they can find, but also gravitate towards the more “out of the box” ideas ive created over the past few years that have pushed the boundaries on what you’d expect to find from a pierogi company. I feel like thats what has set me apart, and made the brand successful to this point.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a funky one. I moved to Nashville after college in 2005, and worked solely in the Music Industry. I worked at couple record labels, and then ultimately as a Tour Manager to various Country Artists through the years. I would definitely say those were some challenging times, but I enjoyed the process and learning the various “behind the scenes” aspects, and friends you make along the way. The lessons and struggles for sure helped me transition eventually out of touring, into Sales jobs, and then of course into starting my own business bringing hand made pierogi to the Nashville area, which was something that (especially at that time) wasnt around AT ALL, and I felt like could be a fun, cool new thing to do here in the community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
oh man… It used to be a few nights out at the honky tonks on Broadway, but the past few years as my family grew and I got older, I dont go out to that area as much. Now i’d probably still recommend that at least to check it out and see what the Nashville night life is like, and of course all the new food spots at places like Assembly Food Hall, etc. I’d probably try and work in a show at the Ryman, hit up some great locally known food places, get some cocktails at some new cool spots like Bay 6 at The Wash. There’s SO MANY great places to try out now in this town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MOR Empanadas (here in Nashville) are a great company that I feels deserve a shoutout to their hard work and drive.

Website: www.upstatepierogico.com

Instagram: @upstatepierogico

Facebook: @upstatepierogico

Image Credits
The Headshot photo – Jason Myers Photography

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