Q: You left a long career in technology sales to take a leap of faith and launch Funny Bus Atlanta full-time. What ultimately pushed you to make that bold transition, and what did those early months of building the business look like for you? 
SR: I know it might sound a little cliché, but before launching the Funny Bus, I never felt truly passionate about my career. I worked for great companies and met amazing people, but I certainly wasn’t waking up every day feeling “called” to a life in tech sales—it was simply a job that paid the bills. Like so many others after the pandemic, I really began reevaluating my priorities and thinking deeply about how I wanted to spend my time and energy. We spend such a huge part of our lives working, and I knew I wanted to pour my effort into something I genuinely enjoyed and could proudly call my own.

The early stages of building this business were equal parts exhausting, thrilling, and downright terrifying. When you start something from scratch, you’re stepping into the unknown, and even when people warn you about the challenges ahead, NOTHING can fully prepare you for what's ahead. You have to stay resilient, focused, and incredibly determined—because once you’ve invested so much blood, sweat, and tears, giving up simply isn’t an option!

However, the reward outweighs every hard moment! Seeing something I built spark joy, laughter, and connections for so many people makes it all worth it. Now, almost a year and a half into this journey, I can honestly say that leaping has been one of the best decisions of my life!

Q: As a full-time entrepreneur who poured 12-hour days into launching Funny Bus Atlanta, what habits or personal philosophies helped you stay grounded and energized through the long hours and steep learning curve?
SR: Oh wow, that’s a tough one, and I’m definitely still figuring it out! First and foremost, I feel incredibly lucky to have an amazing support system. My friends and family have been my rock throughout this journey. Without their encouragement, listening ears, and constant cheering, I don’t think I’d have made it this far. Honestly, without them, my sanity might have flown out the window a long time ago.

The learning curve has been steep! I definitely underestimated how much there was to learn when transitioning from a sales role to suddenly running a tourism business. Thankfully, part of my support system includes my wonderful business partners and longtime friends, Lisa and Kevin, who started the original concept in Charlotte 10 years ago. Their guidance has made this transition far smoother than I could have imagined!

I also can’t say enough about my amazing team here in ATL. Their talent, energy, and dedication are what make our tours truly unique and memorable for our guests, and without them, none of this would be possible.

On top of that, I’ve had to learn the hard way how important it is to take care of myself. Eating well, getting enough sleep, staying active, and even just stepping outside for a little sunshine or fresh air have become essential. When things get hectic, I’m guilty of skipping meals or working nonstop, and it always leaves me drained. I’ve learned that pausing, breathing, connecting with friends, and carving out time for life outside of work isn’t optional, it’s what keeps me grounded and sane!

Q: Funny Bus blends humor, history, and community in such a unique way. What do you think women entrepreneurs should know about building something unconventional—or stepping outside traditional career paths?
SR: I think finding something you genuinely love and can build a career around is one of the most underrated challenges out there. I’ve always been a people person with a big sense of humor and a creative streak, and the Funny Bus allowed me to bring all of that together in a way that finally felt aligned with who I am.

I never imagined I’d be lucky enough to stumble upon something I not only enjoyed but felt I’d truly regret not pursuing. And while entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Building something completely new in a major city like Atlanta takes a whole lot of grit, blood, sweat, tears, and then some!

My advice to any woman considering a major career shift is to listen to your gut. When your heart whispers that it’s time and you have the drive to follow through and take the leap! Chances pass quickly, and there’s nothing heavier than the regret of missing your moment once it’s gone!

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment since launching Funny Bus Atlanta, especially as a female founder in a space that’s not typically women-led?
SR: The most rewarding part of this job is watching a bus full of strangers turn into a community by laughing, singing, and dancing together, and even inspiring people on the street to join in! There’s nothing that fills my heart more than seeing an experience I created spread joy across the city that I grew up in and love!

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
SR: To me, resilience and determination are truly the foundation of success. No job is ever perfect, and every role you take on, especially early in your career—shapes you in ways you may not appreciate until later. I’ve had jobs that I absolutely loved and others that made me miserable, but each experience taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow into the person and professional I am today.

One thing I’ve learned is that the “perfect job” doesn’t exist. I see a lot of people chasing it and then feeling disappointed when reality doesn’t match the dream. Every job comes with its own set of challenges, and as you gain experience, you start to recognize what truly matters to you and what reasonable expectations look like.

The real key is learning how to navigate those ups and downs while still showing up and doing your best. Once you’ve worked through different environments, personalities, and pressures, you build the confidence that you can handle hard things—because you already have. And that confidence becomes the fuel that helps you take on bigger goals and believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
SR: Even if someone told me in my younger years that it’s never easy, I wouldn’t have believed them! When I was younger, I honestly believed there was some magical “career finish line” where everything finally falls into place and you just glide into your happily-ever-after with a corner desk and perfect work–life balance. Spoiler alert: that finish line does not exist! Life and work are tough no matter what your age or title! But that’s exactly why resilience and determination matter—because the roller coaster doesn’t stop, you just get better at holding on!

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
SR: Trust your gut—deeply and wholeheartedly. I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, witnessing every triumph, every setback, and every lesson in between. Watching those journeys and combining them with my own career experiences- taught me to pay attention not just to what happened, but to the feeling behind every choice. Instinct often whispers the truth long before logic catches up.

Throughout my life, I’ve had plenty of opportunities that were exciting, bold, or unconventional… but many didn’t feel aligned. And when something doesn’t sit right, forcing it rarely works. But when the right opportunity finally shows up, everything clicks—you feel the timing, the clarity, the pull. That’s when you leap, because moments like that don’t wait around.

Failure plays a huge role in that, too. Every misstep, every “not yet,” and every closed door teaches you something valuable—how to trust yourself more, how to spot red flags faster, and how to recognize the difference between an opportunity that drains you and one that transforms you. Those lessons prepare you for the moment when the real chance comes along.

If doubt outweighs excitement, it’s probably not your time yet. But when everything in you says “this is it”—when your heart, your instincts, and your timing align—listen. Your gut knows the path long before you do and trusting it is often the first step toward your greatest success.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
SR: You truly never know who you’ll cross paths within the workplace, and that’s why building relationships is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career. Throughout my journey—from college jobs to corporate roles I’ve met incredible people, mentors, and colleagues who later became close friends.

There is always someone who knows more, has deeper experience, or brings a perspective you haven’t considered. Those people can help you grow both personally and professionally—and often become your strongest advocates inside and outside your organization.

Some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen are rooted in pride: believing you know it all, being afraid to ask questions, or hesitating to lean on others. In reality your peers, mentors, and even your customers can be your greatest resources, and most people are more than willing to help if you simply reach out.

Building genuine relationships and a strong network isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for long-term growth, opportunity, and success in any career.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
SR: Oh, I had no clue at all! Honestly, I think the people who know exactly what they want to do right out of high school are some of the luckiest people out there. I got my degree in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University simply because I figured a tech background would give me solid job options after graduation. That led me into a long career in tech sales and now here I am, the proud owner of the Funny Bus!

If you had told me five years ago that I’d be running a comedy tourism company, I would’ve laughed you out of the room. (-; It just proves how unpredictable life can be and how quickly things can shift. Looking back, the only hint might’ve been the fact that I was always the class clown, maybe that was the small preview of what was coming! HA!

What I’ve learned is that you must stay flexible and open. You never really know where life might lead you, or what unexpected doors might open that turn out to be exactly the right fit. Sometimes the best paths are the ones you never even saw coming.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
SR: This is definitely still a work in progress for me! Entrepreneurship can be unpredictable, and no two days or weeks look the same. Starting a business is wonderfully messy, so being organized is important, even though it doesn’t always go perfectly! If I’m not careful, I can easily slip into working nonstop, which isn’t great for my mental health, so I’ve had to be intentional about creating balance.

I prioritize eating well, getting good sleep, and staying active because I need to be mentally sharp every day. Taking care of my body and mind isn’t optional, it’s essential. I also try to step outside for fresh air and sunshine whenever I can, whether it’s a quick walk or just a few minutes soaking up Vitamin D.

When things get hectic, I’m guilty of skipping meals or pushing through without breaks, and that eventually catches up with me. I’ve learned how important it is to hit pause, breathe, spend time with friends, and make room for life outside of work. Those simple moments keep me grounded, protect my sanity, and help prevent burnout!

Six Things About Summer Rose 

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Almost anything outside or in nature. If I’m in the city I love to ride my bike along with Beltline and go to the park with a blanket and people watch! 

2. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on? 
Traveling in Europe for 3 months by myself in my early 20’s. Was an amazing and unforgettable experience! 

3. Among your friends, what are you best known for? 
Lots of laughter, a relentless passion for life, and determination for success! 

4. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
“Don’t look back you’re not going that way”

5. What song would you sing at Karaoke night? 
There may or may not be video footage of me singing Jump by Van Halen at Dark Horse Tavern for Live Band Karaoke night, and there may or may not have been some air guitar involved!   

6. What were you like in high school?
I was the class clown—goofy, adventurous, and always the life of the party. I was a total jock, but academics and schoolwork weren’t ever really my thing. Where did I shine? On the court and the field—basketball and fast-pitch softball were my jam, and I even snagged Athlete of the Year my senior year.