I Moved to Arkansas to Build My Career, and You Should, Too
A relocatee shares why moving to Arkansas has been the best decision for her life and career.
Though Heather Kouns, the director of tourism development for North Little Rock Tourism, didn’t grow up in Arkansas, it’s the place she has chosen to call home – even after living in a variety of places.
Kouns grew up in Wauchula, a small rural town in Florida, and attended Florida State University in Tallahassee. Soon after graduating, her first job took her to Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, where she worked in the hospitality industry. Three years later, she returned to the U.S., working several years in hospitality and tourism in Miami.
In 2019, she decided to move to Bentonville and then to North Little Rock in 2021 to work for the city’s destination management organization. Read on to discover why she says moving to Arkansas has been the best decision for her life and career.
You’ve lived a variety of places. What drew you to Arkansas?
As with most decisions in life, it came from “she who knows best” – my mother. Mom had taken her own professional journey to Bentonville, working for a company you might recognize – Walmart. My time in Bentonville was eye opening. I found myself with a sense of belonging in a state with tons of potential for me, not only professionally, but also personally (work-life balance, y’all!) I had seen Wauchula, Miami and Saipan, but I had never seen anything like Arkansas. And, you guessed it, I decided to make Arkansas my new home.
I began exploring The Natural State, and a serendipitous moment at a local Trader Joe’s revealed the unique charm and allure of the “heart” of Arkansas. Trader Joe’s is a company that is particular about their locations, so I knew there had to be something special about the area for them to enter this market.
Seeing the interaction between customers and staff was heartwarming. The staff asked me all sorts of questions and even gave me advice on neighborhoods. I had finally found a home in a vibrant region that inspired me to realize my own dreams and ignite my career in ways I never could have dreamed. It was destiny that led me to become project manager at North Little Rock Tourism. It’s a career that respects my work-life balance while also satisfying my intense need to create change in the tourism sector.
And it wouldn’t be right if I did not mention the draw of the breathtaking beauty of my state. Arkansas has four true seasons. Whether it’s driving along Lakewood Lake Number Two and seeing the fall colors, the Buffalo River’s cascading waters or the spring tulips in downtown Argenta, you’re going to meet and build better rapport with Mother Nature here in Arkansas.
In what ways has being based in Arkansas been beneficial for your career?
I was quickly surprised that I found people and spaces that were genuinely committed to my success, from community leaders and elected officials to acquaintances-turned-family. This sense of belonging has allowed me to successfully drive culinary initiatives such as Setting the Table and host and plan cultural exchange events like our Hispanic Heritage Festival in partnership with Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach, an organization committed to the well-being of Latinx folks living in Arkansas. Meeting industry leaders and community members has really cultivated my career.
I find it exciting that I am still learning every day about what it means to forge my own path in the tourism and hospitality sectors. My experience in North Little Rock has introduced me to a new (for me) industry dimension – destination marketing. I’ve discovered that Arkansas harnesses the power of effective tourism leadership, making it an ideal destination for anyone.
Why would you recommend other people relocate to Arkansas?
Arkansas offers a remarkable canvas for those seeking unique tourism and hospitality experiences. The industry here is at a unique turning point where its true potential is increasingly recognized. That opens doors for tremendous professional growth and innovation. As someone who is incredibly passionate about creativity, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this North Little Rock journey, where every day brings refreshing challenges and exciting opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
What sets Arkansas apart from the other places you’ve lived?
The interconnectivity of tourism and hospitality across diverse industries. It’s not just a component of traditional business. It’s integral to agriculture, distribution and logistics, all of which Arkansas is known for.
It’s also home to a spectrum of destination marketing organization types, ranging from outdoor recreation to hotels, casinos, agritourism and more. Here in Arkansas, we are multifaceted in the sense that we offer unique tourism jobs in both traditional and nontraditional settings and spaces.
What programs have supported you and your career?
Arkansas truly embodies the spirit of opportunity and community, making it an exceptional place for personal and professional growth. There are so many training opportunities, including ServSafe courses by the Arkansas Hospitality Association and affordable culinary, hotel and management programs at Pulaski Tech’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute. We also have Food Jobs Work, a culinary workforce development training program for underemployed adults.
What advice do you have for those considering a move to Arkansas?
My recommendation to anyone considering a move to Arkansas is to do it! Arkansas is grounded in extraordinary benefits. The low cost of living has allowed me, a millennial, to achieve the dream of homeownership.
North Little Rock, specifically, has given me a sense of belonging and true community. Neighbors aren’t just acquaintances; they’re my co-workers, friends and chosen family. Whether it’s art, ballet, symphonies, community theater, music, festivals or community-building, we’ve got it all here in North Little Rock.
This article was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism.