NWA Women in Business: Anna Russell
Residence: Bentonville
Education: Russell did not complete high school or attend college. Much of Russell’s learning has come through real-world experience, entrepreneurship and the lessons passed down through her family’s business background.
Professional background: Russell was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Bentonville six months after marrying her husband, Sam. Coming from a family with three generations of entrepreneurs — including her father and grandfather — she was exposed to business ownership and entrepreneurship from an early age. That family legacy helped shape her perspective on hard work, innovation and pursuing opportunities, and it continues to influence her professional journey today.
What was your dream job as a kid, and why? As a little girl, my dream was to be a wife and mother. I admired the strength, love and stability that came from a strong family, and I knew from an early age that creating a home and raising a family would be one of the most meaningful roles I could ever have. Today, those values continue to influence both my personal life and the way I lead in business.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? My passion has always centered around serving people. Hospitality and food have a unique way of bringing communities together, creating connection and making people feel cared for. I was inspired to pursue this career because it allows me to nourish others, build relationships and contribute something positive to our community every single day.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? “Set the standard; keep the standard.” Leadership begins with consistency. People pay attention to what you do more than what you say, and culture is built by the standards you are willing to uphold every day. Another principle I live by is remembering that my brand is bigger than my opinion. As a leader, I represent something larger than myself, and that requires humility, discipline and a long-term perspective.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Surround yourself with great people who are willing to be straightforward with you. Honest feedback is one of the greatest gifts a leader can receive. Find mentors, peers and team members who care enough to tell you the truth, challenge you to improve, and help you see opportunities and blind spots alike. Success is rarely achieved alone.
What time do you wake up in the morning? My day starts at 5:20 a.m. I’ve found that beginning the morning early gives me valuable time for prayer, reflection, movement and preparation before the demands of the day begin. Those quiet early hours help set the tone for everything that follows.
Can you share a time you took a significant career risk? What did you weigh before making that move? Opening The Buttered Biscuit was by far the biggest risk I have ever taken. My husband and I were newly married. We had a 4-month-old baby. I was a first-time mom, and we were living in a town that was completely new to us. On top of that, we invested all of our assets into the business. We weighed the financial risks, the uncertainty and the sacrifices it would require, but ultimately we believed in our vision and in our willingness to work for it. Looking back, it was one of the most challenging decisions we’ve ever made but also one of the most rewarding.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? The next challenge is growing our brand beyond Arkansas and into other states. Expansion brings exciting opportunities, but it also requires protecting the culture, quality and guest experience that made us successful in the first place. My goal is to grow thoughtfully and strategically while staying true to the values that built our foundation.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently? “The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive” by Patrick Lencioni. The book reinforces the importance of organizational clarity, communication and healthy leadership. It offers practical lessons that apply to any growing business and serves as a valuable reminder that culture and leadership must be intentional.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Northwest Arkansas or the Fort Smith metro? The Buttered Biscuit, of course! While I may be a little biased, it represents so much more than a restaurant to me. It’s the result of faith, hard work, family and an incredible team. Watching guests gather around our tables and become part of our story is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Who are the key types of people (mentors, sponsors, peers) you keep in your inner circle to help you stay grounded and sharp? My husband is my greatest partner, encourager and sounding board. Alongside him, I have three dear friends whose honesty, wisdom and support help keep me grounded. They celebrate victories with me, challenge me when needed, and provide perspective that helps me continue growing as both a leader and a person.
How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? For me, it comes down to three simple but essential practices: prayer, movement and journaling. Prayer helps me stay centered and focused on what matters most, which is my relationship with Jesus. Movement gives me energy and helps clear my mind. Journaling provides space to reflect, process challenges and maintain perspective. Together, these habits help me stay healthy and grounded through the demands of business and family life.