Portraits of Nashville

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Nashville.

Ellen Boyer

During Brett’s 100-day hospital stay, we witnessed firsthand the dedication of countless medical professionals—doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, social workers, transplant teams, sonographers, phlebotomists, and many others—fighting to give our girl more options. We believe in these people and their mission. We believe they can revolutionize the field of cardiac surgery, and we will do everything we can to help them fulfill their God-given talents. Read more>>

Heather Dimmett

It’s been a mix of some struggles but mostly a smooth ride. I got my apprenticeship very easily, but at a cost of not being in the best environment to learn in. Then my first year as a licensed artist was 2020, so when we went in lockdown it was a little stressful to think I just started progressing my skills and now I’m not allowed to work. Read more>>

Ashleigh Menzies

Like many other nannies, I learned a lot through experience, sometimes the hard way. Nannying doesn’t come with a handbook, and figuring things out often felt like trial by fire. In the early days, I definitely encountered situations where I was taken advantage of by families, which unfortunately is something many nannies can relate to. But overall, my journey has been a positive one. Once I found my footing, I really grew into the work and found so much meaning in it. Read more>>

Joli Hope

Recently, I was recognized by ASCAP and was selected to be one of the songwriters in the Belmont Fall Songwriter’s showcase. I am also currently working part-time as a hostess at The Listening Room where I am constantly inspired by the talented artists and songwriters in this town. Currently, I am interning at BMI through the Catalog Cast program and am inspired by all the uncut gems I get to hear, champion, and pitch to publishers around town. I truly feel like singing, writing, performing and sharing my music with others is my calling in life. I just got into the studio last week to record my debut single so be on the lookout for “Things I Wish I Knew” by Joli Hope. Read more>>

Candace Matthews

One thing that sets me apart is my versatility/adaptability. I don’t like to make the same type of music over and over. It’s boring! I am all about reinventing myself with every song, with every hair color, with every music video. I strive to embody my art in every way. Each song teaches me an important life lesson and I’m always better for it. That being said, the one common thread you can always count on hearing in my music is honest songwriting. If I don’t feel a visceral reaction to a song, I won’t be able to give it the performance it needs. It has to be real for me in some way. That’s the magic! Read more>>

Mac Watts

I always wrote stories. I always had a love for music from a young age but never got into it until later in life. I watched my cousins growing up play music during hunting season, kind of how I got introduced to live music. I started teaching myself guitar when my Xbox broke in college. I played my first bar gig not long after and I fell in love with performing just like that! I finished my degree and moved to Nashville and then the fun really started. Read more>>

Morgan Ashley

The day after Thanksgiving 2020, I pulled out the small amount I had saved, left the life I had known in Georgia, and headed to Nashville. While to visiting family for the holidays, I watched in horror from my parent’s living room while the news stations reported a bombing in downtown Nashville. The shop I moved to work for and everything in it were gone. For months following the events of Christmas Day, I returned to work in Jasper and would commute back to Nashville every weekend to try to find a new footing in the neon-lit life I had my eyes set on. Read more>>

Brenda Coldwell

I took a workshop at the Peninsula School of Art in WI, and loved the experience so much, that I decided that my dream could become a reality. I put a twist on it by wanting to have studios for artist to rent, along with a workshop room: all of the studios were committed to, even before I broke ground. The artists that believed in me were a huge influence in my life and art career. After years of thinking, planning, buying property, going through the building process, crying, laughing, doubting, and divorce, it has happened. It’s been a lot of work, but work that I love. Read more>>

Katie & Eric England

Eric and I learned quickly where our individual strengths lie: He is great at sorting out delivery routes and schedules as well as the business side of everything. I enjoy the customer service side of the business. We had (and still have) an amazing delivery crew member, Yusuf, that had worked for the previous owner. It helped having him on board since he already knew so many of the little tips and tricks that made for successful deliveries and pickups. Read more>>

Maeve Wilders

Never had I identified it until that moment. I took her classes and we became the best of friends staying together for an entire festival to compare techniques and pieces. Once I realized it was something that could be, and should be, shared on a larger scale I started doing so. It was more widely accepted than I thought it would be. Originally, I read for family, farmers and church ladies but the community as a whole had a need for it so now I read as often as they need me. Usually, at festivals and events geared more towards the metaphysical or arcane types. Read more>>

Peyton Dollar

I started taking photos professionally in 2017 and moved to Nashville in 2019 primarily working in the underground music scene with artists to create cover art and promotional material. By 2022, my journey led me to country music and documenting life on the road. Within this space I had the amazing opportunity to work within the machine of some of the biggest tours in country music: Jelly Roll’s Backroad Baptism Tour, Carrie Underwood’s Denim and Rhinestones Tour, Dierk’s Bentley’s Gravel and Gold Tour, Dan and Shay’s Arena Tour and more. Read more>>

Chloe Thomas

This experience taught me every aspect of successfully operating a business from using social media to winning new business, offering exceptional results to my client base, a heightened sense of urgency to all inquiries, above average turnaround times for delivery of services and the most flattering result of all was handling a substantial amount of new client referrals from my existing base. What began as a means to provide me with an income stream as a high schooler turned into a lucrative and long term supplemental career that continues to thrive with each passing year. Later this year I’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of ChloePhotography. Read more>>

Bella Raye

I started releasing music, performing even more, and had multiple writes a month at that point. Still only at the age of 18/19 years old, learning every single day what it took to chase this dream. Now, fast forward almost 9 years, i’ve really stepped into who I am as an artist and as a woman, and there’s no better feeling. I have enjoyed every minute, and every up and down, has taught me a valuable lesson. I have now had the honor to perform at the infamous venues in town such as “The Bluebird” , “The Listening Room”, and “The Country Music Hall of Fame” and have released multiple songs, and have even had songs I have written cut by other artists. Read more>>

Jared Chance Taylor

From a young age, I was always fascinated with music. I didn’t come from a musical family per se, but my father is a painter and would always be playing different kinds of music in his studio while painting. Eventually all that exposure stuck for me in a big way. I started on piano at age 7 and moved to guitar, bass, and singing when I became a teenager. I got really involved with singing and playing at my church. I also started a band and we would play all over Phoenix. All of those experiences were a really good foundation for me branching out. Read more>>

Nallely Tyler

My love for makeup came later, during my own struggles with self-image. I grew up in the YouTube tutorial era, with Michelle Phan, Dulce Candy, all the early beauty gurus. Watching them made me want to experiment, to learn how to enhance my features and feel good in my own skin.I’ve always been obsessed with blush and fell in love with how something so simple could make me feel instantly more confident and beautiful! Read more>>

Danny Vliet

I then moved on as a Graphics Producer for Nascar Race Hub – a nightly show on FS1 back in my hometown of Charlotte, NC. After a few years doing that, Fox Sports made a ton of layoffs at their Charlotte studio which I was included in and there wasn’t a ton of opportunities in the film industry there at the time. Bounced around from job to job doing things I took no joy in and didn’t allow me to be creative which really took a toll on my mental health and I kind of got away from my passion for making and creating things. Read more>>

Marilyn Doore

As we set about finding a new location for Lolly, we drove down a side street in the Grassland area of Franklin and found several businesses had space for lease. The first one I saw was a small space that had been a smoothie bar and quesadillas shop and I knew immediately that it was perfect! Our lease actually includes the smoothie and quesadilla making equipment so we continued to run that side of the business and added our popsicles to something that was already working quite well! Read more>>

Joshua Stump

I spent a solid six years deep in financial debt, constantly on the verge of complete failure. There were plenty of moments where it would’ve made sense to just walk away. But honestly, I’m stubborn — I don’t quit easily. Perseverance became the real pathway to success for me. Read more>>

Whitney & Tommy Woodall

I used my very last paycheck from my job at the university to buy my first camera. I had a close friend who worked in photojournalism, and she taught me so much about how to really use a camera. From there, it was the classic beginning—I asked friends if I could photograph their families, reached out to families at church, and started building experience. At the time, our oldest son Samuel was just six months old, and I had this deep desire to document life with little ones. That longing to capture fleeting moments really became the heart behind my work. Read more>>

Tennessee Ghostbusters

You know, overall, it has been pretty smooth. Anytime you have a group of people together, especially for years like some of us have been, there will be some drama and personalities are going to rub someone the wrong way sometimes, but we’ve been able to stay successful by keeping and spreading a spirit of fun and community. After all, we’re putting on costumes and acting silly for laughs. Read more>>

Rosie Fitzgerrel

I started working as a graphic designer, got married, and eventually started growing my family. My husband and I recognized that our daughter was neurodivergent and at a young age, I would attend therapy sessions with her. This process unknowingly unlocked a lot of tools I myself needed to navigate my own brain and opened up the possibility of drawing and painting again, but this time without the perfectionism. Read more>>

Nadia Kode

I’ve faced many obstacles and struggles along the way. The constant cycle of competitions, auditions, and chasing success in the music industry took a serious toll on my mental health. I was diagnosed with depression and felt like a failure. It took me years to find myself again and start feeling whole. Read more>>

Rachel Permetti

I have always been interested in shoes. My aunt tells a charming story of when I was three years old and wore pink plastic sparkle shoes to the beach and wouldn’t have it any other way. Fast forward to now and I can make my own pink sparkle shoes! I love fashion and have a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Kent State University. After college, I had my own wedding photography business. I love making a bride’s dreams come to life! Read more>>

Kenny Long

We wanted to be more part of the community. We moved down on main street in June 2023. We started hosting numerous events. When we say we have something for kids 5 years old to adults 90 literally it’s true. We have free poker games on Mondays that averages 35 players. We have video game tourneys on Fridays that averages 10 to 15 teenagers and yiung adults. We trade pokemon once a month that brings in 60 plus people that ages from 3 or 4 years old to 50s. It’s our longest running event going on 4 years now. We are growing once again and will be adding the other side of our shop to make almost a 5k sq ft place.  Read more>>

Jason And Skylar Ferris

Funny enough, Skylar was my first “client”—though she didn’t know it at the time. We’d just started dating, and she was (very politely) skeptical about what I was doing. She was already a seasoned performer herself, with albums, festivals, church stages—even the iconic Red Rocks stage—under her belt. But she’ll tell you now she wishes she could go back and re-do every show with the insight she has today. That season was pivotal for both of us. Now, she’s completely sold out to this mission. She lives it out on and off the stage—doing everything with purpose. Her journey and transformation have become a huge part of what gives Purpose Live its heartbeat. Read more>>

Amber Wright

Then I began doing the research of what was currently available in the Nashville market as I knew we had to carry brands that weren’t readily available in other stores, and items that felt authentic to the European way of life. We buy from all over the globe and offer high/low pricing so there are price points that are affordable for everybody. We have one-of-a-kind items you can splurge on that will be a talking point for future parties, gatherings, and you’ll keep for a lifetime. But we also offer pieces that are unique and chic, yet very affordable. We understand everyone’s financial situations vary, so we’re here to make shopping and furnishing your home elegant and enjoyable. Read more>>

Rose Carter

I specialize in facials and microneedling, and I’m currently curating a thoughtful, high-performance lineup of products tailored to each client’s unique needs. If I don’t carry what’s right for you, l’ll point you in the direction of someone who does. I believe skincare is deeply internal, with a spiritual element—and my hope is that every woman who walks into my studio leaves feeling beautiful, supported, and truly seen. Read more>>

Rebecca Heid

I started knitting at age eight when my grandmother introduced me, and I have done the normal fiber arts, knitting, cross-stitch, and some simple braiding throughout my life. However, I didn’t become deeply interested in fiber arts until I joined the Chattanooga Fiber Arts Guild in 2019, where the incredibly talented artists around me instantly inspired me. I have learned so much and grown through the guild over the past six years, and my fellow CFA Guild members’ creativity continues to light fires in me today, and I find myself wanting to create and share that joy with others. I have always loved teaching, especially helping children use their hands to craft something beautiful and meaningful. There’s nothing quite like watching a youth light up when they realize what they can make! Read more>>

Rhys Weyrauch

We created a band called Feziwig. I was always hesitant to release music because I am way too ambitious for my own good. Sitting on this collection of songs, I decided that I didn’t want to do what it seems like musicians do these days. Which is releasing singles then releasing an album of songs that aren’t connected at all. I wanted make something that flows and is musically cohesive. We recorded our first album at Sound Emporium Studios over four days, and the first single “Metal Song (DRUNK!!!)” released May 3rd. Our debut record, Can’t Find My Way Back Home, is slated to release June 21st 2025. Read more>>

Kolby Alonzo

In spring of 2023, I joined Iris Global, the missions organization founded by Heidi and Rolland Baker. Under the leadership of CEO Will Hart, I traveled and ministered internationally. A key season was my six months in Brazil, where I helped train missionaries on multiple Iris bases and lived in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, doing outreach in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. That time was raw and transformative. It marked me for life. Read more>>

James Varner

It has not always been a smooth road. From the legendary 2010 Nashville flood, a change in ownership, moving to a new location, and then a global pandemic 2 years later, it’s been a wild ride. The thing that has always gotten us through is the belief in what we do and our love of the craft and the people we serve. Read more>>

Martrell Harris

At 18, I left Sweetwater for college, (Middle Tennessee State University) where I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while carrying that call to ministry with me, though not entirely sure where it would take me. I joined a local church and began serving in the music department, pouring myself into the craft and the community. Eventually, I transitioned to another church, where something clicked—I found my sound. It was in that environment that I sharpened my skills, learned the technical side of ministry, and discovered the power of spiritual community. I spent three formative years there. Read more>>

Lesley Daniel

We design logos for businesses and inside our store we also have a boutique with gift items and a nail salon. We try our best to make it a one stop shop from home decor, gifts, personalized items, business needs, jewelry etc. We do sports teams apparel, schools, businesses, hospitals, clinics, electric company’s. We started our business from the ground up with no knowledge and a lot of hustle. LD2 in all our business names now and prior stands for our first initial and last initial and the two is for the two of us.. my name is Lesley Daniel and my wife is Leah Daniel and we came up with LD2 and it stuck and that’s how we made a unique name for ourselves and our business. Read more>>

Leoni Jane Kennedy

The album ‘New World Woman’ was independently recorded and released by her in 2023 as an acoustic compilation of reinterpreted tracks, originally penned by the Canadian prog rock legends ‘Rush’. After raising a whopping £5.8K via a Kickstarter’ campaign, Leoni then had the funding to create a huge merchandise range with products such as executive bundles, stunning limited edition marbled vinyl and the original album artwork on canvas up for grabs. Completely selling out of CD’s and only 5 vinyl remaining, Leoni has toured all over the UK to promote this album which has gained worldwide praise and the hearts of many. Read more>>

Veronica Clark

The work I do isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. As an APEX Accelerator Counselor, I have the privilege of walking alongside small business owners, helping them navigate the world of government contracting and step into opportunities they may have once thought were out of reach. What I’m most proud of is being a part of someone’s breakthrough moment—watching their confidence grow, their vision expand, and their business take flight. Read more>>

Tyson Leslie

I’m a multi-instrumentalist live mercenary musician. I get called for various instruments for all kinds of gigs from main headliner bands and artists, to corporate events and weddings, to playing requests for drunk people in bars to going dueling piano shows all across the country. I’ve played with some of my biggest heroes alive, and I’m continuing to grow my network every year and as a result, I continue to get calls to work with some pretty amazing people. Read more>>