Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.

Katie Warren

Born and raised in Nashville, I’ve spent 15 years in the hairstyling industry, but my love for the craft truly blossomed after a few years working in the Nashville music business. Hairstyling became my creative outlet—an opportunity to help people feel seen and confident while expressing their individuality. Every client is a new canvas, and I’m honored to be part of their transformation. Last year, I decided to take the plunge and go into business for myself, alongside a few other talented stylists I’ve had the pleasure of working with for years. I’m now proud to call C&O Hair Collective in Germantown, my salon home. Read More>>

Timothy Butler

I have since downgraded and I do not offer sublimation or vinyl anymore. So that I can focus more on laser and 3D. Also; about 3 years ago; I added the addition of photogrammetry which is the ability to 3D scan an object and recreate it with reverse CAD. So where does this put me now, I now own a Bambu A1 a Bambu A1 Mini a Bambu X1 Carbon, a Snapmaker A350T with just the laser and 3D portions. I sold the CNC it was too slow for me. I also have had three different 3D scanners and now use the creality ferret for my photogrammetry needs. I also have an Epson 8550 sublimation machine and a cricket maker 3 and a 16×24 press. Recently; as of November 2024; I have just got my business on Amazon. Read More>>

Tasha Mc

Although this is true, coming into real estate during Covid made the business easier. But when the market shifted, it impacted my entire business in a way that I was unable to bounce back from as fast as I needed to. I had buyers who had a desire to purchase, but the increase in home prices and interest rates meant they needed more time to be ready. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that time. My son was counting on me daily. Although I loved the freedom I had in general real estate, I had to pivot into new construction in order to survive. If it was just me, I would’ve stayed in general until it paid off, but I have the sole responsibility of caring for my son so I couldn’t afford to push through at the time. Read More>>

Annie Burns

This is the moment when I truly fell in love with live performing. I had focused on improving my guitar skills, and I had my first solo gig in my hometown before starting my sophomore year of college. Once I had this, my live performing opportunities took off. I was performing at a couple of places in Nashville along with places in my hometown whenever I could. I am constantly looking to book more places and reaching out to local coffee shops and bars since this is something I truly have such a desire to do. Every step I’ve taken, every voice lesson, every guitar class, every email sent asking to perform, every rehearsal, has all led me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be where I am. Read More>>

Jessica Pace

On a more personal note, my wife and I faced a long, challenging journey to conceive our first child. After 10 unsuccessful rounds of IUI, we finally had a successful IVF transfer, but it was emotionally and mentally draining. Through all of that, the desire to start our family and create something bigger than ourselves kept us going. Now, we’re building the family we’ve always dreamed of, and that’s a beautiful thing. Read More>>

Peyton Mclain

In 2020 I moved to NY, got married, and had a baby so my makeup career was on pause for roughly 2 years and I missed it so much. As a military spouse it is hard every move to get your name back out to build clientele. So once life settled a bit and I moved again I reached out to local salons in Columbus, GA (where I currently live) and the best salon hired me as their makeup artist to help get my name out there. Read More>>

Bobby Johnson

Music was always a part of me, and after college in 2006, I took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. That journey took me across 24 states, 11 countries, and five continents, allowing me to experience incredible opportunities—performing at Carnegie Hall, visiting Good Morning America, The Voice, Entertainment Tonight, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and even taking part in a Carrie Underwood video. I was fortunate enough to be in the studio with incredibly talented people like Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls among others, and I was immersed in the creative energy that makes Nashville so special. From the Eiffel Tower to Buckingham Palace, from California’s finest wineries to New York City’s most revered restaurants—I absorbed as much as I could from every place I visited. Read More>>

Joselinne Salcedo

The most memorable one being The Lebanon Flea Market. I grew up promoting jewelry, bows bags, and other things to help sell at our little section. I just feel like it made me be so greatful for every little thing I have had and have. Working hard at a young age makes you feel greatful. I am a shy individual but it just clicks with hair. All the shyness leaves my body when I have a guest in my chair. I always tell everyone that you can’t fake a good vibe when meeting someone new. That’s why I love what I do . It’s such a great vibe with everyone all the time! Read More>>

Stevie C.

By 16, I upgraded to the electric. From there, rather than songs progressions, I was more interested in the musical expressions. How can I make this thing cry, yell, sing? My tender ears were just eating alive Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Jimi Page, Pete Townsend. Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmore and more. These were guys that could make you feel something. The music supported what they were doing, and I tried desperately to copy all the “licks”. It was the summer of ‘92 that sent my playing off into the atmosphere……I got grounded. Read More>>

Xavier Hunter

My journey is a bit unconventional. I started my career in the culinary world, driven by a deep passion for food and creativity. I trained as a chef, worked my way up the ranks in some amazing kitchens, and eventually became an executive chef. That role gave me the chance to lead teams, develop menus, and truly immerse myself in the artistry and discipline of the culinary industry. Read More>>

Alyssa Shelley

I spent countless nights reading books, scouring Google, and learning everything I could about the hospitality industry, especially how I could blend my love for design with a business venture. One day, it hit me—what better stepping stone into the hospitality world than owning and designing my own Airbnb? I booked a two-day trip to Nashville, scouted properties, flew back to college, and quickly made the decision to take the leap. I asked my best friend Myranda to invest in my idea, and she was in! I moved to Nashville for four weeks, where I set up my Airbnb—Denim Dreams—completely by myself, with a little help from some friends along the way. Read More>>

Shanda Mcreynolds-spitzer

For several years, I was seeking a creative outlet. Being married to a photographer, it was normal for him to take several photos while we would be on vacation and/or exploring new places. It became routine for me to ask to borrow one of his cameras. Eventually, he surprised me with my very own camera one Christmas (I think he grew tired of me wanting to use his gear – haha). Read More>>

Joe Nolan

I just released a new single (“All These Things”) over the Winter Solstice – it’s the latest release off of a completed album project I’m dripping out song by song. I’m also curating an exhibition of paintings including work by myself and three friends. And my book Nowville: The Untold History of Nashville’s Contemporay Art Scene was just pubished over the holidays by Vanderbilt University Press. Read More>>

David Bregande

Design has evolved quickly from pen, ink and pasteboards and print to digital, then cloud based and crossing over with web and social media, and now the emergence of AI. It requires constant learning, pivoting from technology to technology while maintaining lessons learned from all disciplines. It is essential to meet the clients needs with the flexibility that your idea might not be their idea, and to know when you are better served passing work on to someone more in tune with their requests. I always make an attempt to learn something new and deliver, but experience has taught me when it is better to consult someone outside of my strengths in order to build trust with a client for possible future work. Read More>>

Maggie Kavanaugh

Currently, in my coaching practice, I help others to release and reframe their life by design walking in the freedom from their past. I have spent over twenty years helping women. In the last seven years, I have focused on the next generation and equipping them for leadership through our TV show “Godfident Next Gen.” It can be seen on WHTN Christian Television and Nashville Public Access TV. In addition to media ministry, we conduct conferences and coaching. The “Be Godfident” movement started by providing the next-gen with the keys I needed when I was younger. The book of Titus, in chapter 2, refers to the older women as disciples of the younger women, teaching them to grow in Godliness in their relationships and callings. Read More>>

Tracy And Annette Vitela

COVID-19 delayed our dream for over a year, but giving up was never an option. When they finally opened our doors in February in 2021, we poured everything into making our cafe a true community of gathering. Still at half capacity and upside down world of finding products, we never anticipated something so hard. But with the overwhelming support from our Mt. Juliet location community we quickly became the top-performing Just Love Coffee franchise in the nation, and we haven’t slowed down since. We thrive in loving our people, and doing it well. We have the opportunity to make a difference one teammate, and one guest at a time. Read More>>

Janelle Grace

When I showed up for the exams they were closing the door on candidates as I was unfortunately running late to get to it. After mentioning I drove all the way from Omaha Nebraska for this they reconsidered and I was in the door. When I returned to Nebraska after the exam my online results were not favorable. At first I felt very defeated and thought it just wasn’t meant to be. Very confused and skeptical I pursued to look into this even more. The board called me after I inquired and asked questions and informed me that there was an error and that I had indeed passed the exams. Full of celebration in my music dental soul, pure hope, and joy I started applying for dental hygienist jobs in Nashville Tennessee. More details of this road to nashville story @ website jdgrace.net Read More>>

Malaysia Rosee

I’m a personality that’s simply known for my bubbly contagious personality. I’m proud of all of my accomplishments big or small. I’m most proud of my 2 awards that I’ve been nominated for and won. I like to believe my personality in itself sets me part from everyone else. I’m just me! Read More>>

Paulina Jayne

I’ve had the honor of playing all kinds of shows from Live Nation Festivals to the Bridgestone Arena with the Country Music Hall of Fame to opening slots for Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and the list goes on. All of these experiences and opportunities have been a result of hard work and wonderful people along the way. Now, I perform my songs all over the country playing all kinds of shows, from festivals to songwriting experiences to backyards to the Bluebird Cafe, and I get to write with hitmakers to put out songs I really believe in. And if that’s not cool enough, I even get to produce these songs alongside some of my musical heroes, like Mike Hicks. Read More>>

Alisha Haddock

My journey started with a deep love for community, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering belief that when people are empowered and given opportunities, their situation can change and they can change the world. Growing up, I saw firsthand the disparities in opportunity, access, and justice. I saw neighborhoods filled with brilliance and resilience but too often denied the resources to thrive. I saw people fighting battles they never should have had to fight alone. And I knew then that my calling was to stand in those gaps. Read More>>

Sumit Bhatt

I am a self-taught photographer and IT professional. Growing up in the picturesque village of Majirkanda, Uttarakhand, India, nestled in the Himalayas, I developed a deep appreciation for nature. However, at the time, I had no access to photography resources or knowledge. In 2019, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where a fall trip to the Smoky Mountains sparked a strong connection to the landscape, reminding me of my village. This experience inspired me to explore the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina every weekend, hiking, camping, and immersing myself in nature. Read More>>

Zack Hicks

The beginning of my story is a lot like most. You have this talent/dream, but not really sure what to do with it. Naturally I started singing in school talent shows and in my church. It’s sort of funny, before having the confidence to sing in front of an audience, I use to sing to my girlfriend over the phone. She recorded it once without me knowing and showed our choir director at church. He gave me no choice and had me singing a solo that next Sunday. Read More>>

Lois Berg

Everything is independent and just out there on my own. I have a very small amount of followers right now but I’m still putting stuff out there. It’s been rough. I went through some homelessness and ended up in jail during a nasty divorce which I got sober during. I also faced being bipolar head on and now I’m stable. I lived in a battered women’s homeless shelter but went from there to Belmont University so from homeless to Belmont, I graduated with my Bachelor’s and I still have my day job. Who knows what else amazing things will come down the pike? Read More>>

Samantha Kelly And Blerta Selden

Dr. was born and raised in a small town near Buffalo, NY. She attended St. john Fisher university for her undergrad and university at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine for Dental school. After just a few rotations in dental school working with children and patients with special needs, Dr. Sam knew she was going to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Sam’s favorite part of pediatric dentistry is the energy and FUN kids bring to the office every day. There’s never a dull moment at work and she loves getting to laugh with the kiddos and build long lasting relationships with them and their families! Read More>>

Emma Foust

I was bummed, but the Headcount crew from HQ had already made the trek down to TN and decided to still meet for breakfast. Getting to talk to those key members of the organization was so insightful and I knew I wanted to be more than just a volunteer. I applied to become a Team Leader so I could lead my own events, and was accepted a few months later. I started doing shows around the city at almost every major venue and was having a blast! I’ve now been a Team Leader for 3 years and have registered over 2000 people to vote, made lifelong friends, and created countless memories. This year I am looking forward to continuing events in Nashville while also expanding into the scene in Huntsville, AL. Read More>>

Christine Susi

A huge turning point for Where To Eat was expanding to TikTok, thanks to my friend Natascha at Moons & Things Co. She not only helped shape my brand identity but also pushed me to embrace TikTok when I was convinced it wasn’t my thing. I finally caved and posted my first video—and, to my complete shock, it went viral overnight, skyrocketing my account to 10,000 followers. That was the moment I realized the demand for this kind of content and saw the potential for Where To Eat to become something much bigger. Read More>>

Steve Scilasi

You can do all the research you want, but every city and every community is different, and people who are active on the ground level know the ins and outs in a unique way that you only learn by being involved. One conversation can lead to a tip about a casting, for example, that now gives you a connection for future opportunities. It’s about keeping your eyes and ears open and being truly present in every conversation. That, and making the decision that I wasn’t going to wait for a big opportunity to start being the type of person that has the success I was after has been another key factor. Start producing content on a high level now and putting yourself out there, and the odds dramatically increase Read More>>

Jeremy Harris

Left San Francisco in 2008 to live in Brooklyn, NY. Continued my photography career there until 2015, when I was asked by my girlfriend (now wife), if I wanted to move with her to Nashville. I once again rebuilt my photography business, and my personal reputation, gaining local clients while still working for clients in San Francisco, and New York, have slowly built of a successful multi media business (photo + video) that caters to musicians, record labels, and a variety of corporate and commercial clients. Read More>>

Bailey Shaye

Two years after high school I decided to follow my older sister, Taylor, to Nashville for better opportunities. Torn between diesel mechanic school and becoming a make up artist, she introduced me to lash extensions since her friend had done hers and owned her own business. At first, I dismissed it, thinking that I couldn’t possibly do something so tedious all day. But she believed in me (and probably wanted free lashes for life haha). So much so that she paid for my first class. I quickly realized I had a natural talent for it, tapping into my artistic side, which had always been part of me whether through art, music, or performing in our family band growing up. Read More>>

Terry Squires

My career started as a Registered Nurse and focused on open-heart recovery, open-heart surgery, emergency nursing. After several years in helping patients recover physically with heart issues, God pulled me into helping others with their spiritual hearts. With no experience in writing, the Lord gave me ability to write and create books for children, teens and adults – encouraging them to seek the Lord with all of their heart. Read More>>

Jessica Torres Anna Campbell

We (Anna and Jessica) both started as new agents within a few months of each other at the same boutique brokerage in Nashville, Zeitlin & Co,, Realtors. We both instantly felt at home there with the leadership, support staff and the collaborative environment. Early on as new agents, we (Anna and Jessica) would go into the office every day to soak up anything and everything we could learn about real estate from other agents. Quickly, we struck up a friendship and continued to learn together and bounce ideas off of each other. Read More>>

Anthony Davis

ENBW is often described as “next-level” family friendly and dog friendly with our beer, expansive beer garden (now featuring a playground area) and full food menu, the taproom has become a central gathering place and hosted hundreds of events. In 2024, we expanded our concept in a BIG way, opening our Wilson County Taproom 30 minutes east in Lebanon, TN. We’ll be brewing at both locations, and have two awesome taprooms now! Read More>>

Alix Still

It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Introducing something new to a community always comes with challenges, especially when you don’t have a built-in network or know who to trust. With Run Charlottesville, we had to figure out how to spread the word and build momentum in the local community. It wasn’t easy at first, but we learned a lot about how to connect with people and create a space where everyone felt welcomed. Read More>>

Amy Grantham

I’ve always been an artist first. That part has been a lifelong process. I always say that I’ve created since I was able to grasp a crayon. I drew constantly as a child. My grandmother saved these big drugstore calendars that were just white paper on the back along with stacks of “funny papers.” I drew Garfield and Peanuts and all of the Sunday comic characters until I could draw them from memory. I scribbled on the bottom of the kitchen table. I created characters and stories and honed that craft I feel like since birth. Read More>>

Rose Crouch

My husband and I have faced our share of life curveballs- financial struggles, stressful jobs, a couple of cross-country moves, a change in graduate programs, some difficult medical issues. Going through a faith deconstruction while living in the Bible Belt brought its own set of painful experiences. We found out we were pregnant with our son while I was in grad school, so juggling a new baby with a full-time job and a demanding graduate program was a very intense period of my life. All in all, the process of completing my master’s degree and getting independently licensed took 7 years of work. It’s a strenuous process to become a licensed therapist! Read More>>

Heidi Bellerjeau

With over 35 years of dedicated experience in the beauty industry, I am proud to call myself a lifelong “cosmetina.” My journey began as Director of Education for the Estée Lauder Cos and Kate Spade Beauty, where I honed my skills and passion for skincare. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, I became a contributing guest editor for In Style magazine while managing an at-home business, allowing me to balance travel and homeschooling for my children. Read More>>

Joy Boven

I have been in the horticulture industry for 15 years. Having accumulated experience in many tributaries of the green industry, my passion is for growing and selling native plant material as well as educating the public on their importance and role in our lives. In 2023, I started two businesses. Simple Joy Nursery, a wholesale nursery, and Wonder Gift & Garden, a retail garden center and gift shop. Both keep me incredibly busy and I absolutely love what I do! Read More>>

Kaitlin Walker

Today I am still writing, recording and singing – and doing some of my favorite things I have ever been lucky enough to do – a lot of USO and MCCS tours, where I travel around the world and support our troops by entertaining them with my band. We have been on 9 tours and counting to places like Tokyo, Okinawa, Doha, Honduras, Guantanamo Bay, Bahrain, Djibouti, and more coming in 2025! My Dad, who has also since passed away, was a Marine and I know he’d be very proud of this. We’re about to head to Jordan in March and I have a brand new song releasing next Friday the 14th called “The 90’s” – it’s a fun pop punk song all that will bring you back if you also grew up in the 90’s. Read More>>

Finley O’hara

I got my start around 2015, filming YouTube videos by myself or with friends. We would create sketches, experiment with storytelling, and just have fun. I never gave it up, and over the years, my passion grew into something bigger. Now, I run two YouTube channels: one focused on lifestyle content and another dedicated to film. I’m also very involved in the Nashville film community and have worked on many short films, both my own and those of other filmmakers. Read More>>

Mckayla Kennedy

My second prep was a mental battle with myself. Wanting to still be a good wife and mom but also do something for myself. Finding balance was hard and I struggled a bit, but my coach Mitchell Moss pushed me to the end and I took home 4th place. After that I knew the stage was where I belonged and I’m now on my 3rd prep and hoping to bring home a few overall wins this season. I also made the leap into competitive coaching. I love the complexity of a prep and I have found so much joy in coaching my own competitors. I hope to continue to grow in the sport and one day be one of the top female coaches in the area. Read More>>

Julia Langner

At graduation, despite having a degree in business, I moved across the country to Vermont to work at a residential treatment center for co-occurring disorders. There was a lot that happened over those four years that left me wanting to get the heck out of Nashville for a bit. Definitely escapism, but it served a good purpose in retrospect. Living in a new place and knowing no one, I had the chance to really get to know myself. The hands-on mental health experience solidified my plans to get my master’s in mental health counseling, which I returned to Nashville to do at Trevecca Nazarene University. Read More>>

Amy Gleaves

I knew I wanted so much more in my life and I wanted to have a career that spoke to me and excited me, I began working in real estate from the ground up. From receptionist to marketing to training and that is where coaching was introduced to me. I fell in love with the concept of asking people deep, meaningful questions about their life and career and watching them unfold and up level their life. I got certified and started coaching real estate agents and fell in love. Read More>>

Elly Cooke

I ended up feeling so moved by his show that I wrote a song about it called “Girl In The Crowd”. About a year after writing the song, I took my guitar into one of Hunter’s meet and greets and played him the song. Hunter was very encouraging to me. I think that experience gave me the confidence and inspiration that I needed to continue to push forward and work at my music career. Since then I’ve gotten to record and release music as well as open for some artists such as Maren Morris, Riley Green, Parker McCollum and Chris Lane. Read More>>

Nolli Brothers

The band, originally named Chaparrall adopted the name Nolli Brothers.in 2018, is a Brazilian country band acting in this segment since 1997. The band gathers the influence of modern country with Brazilian sounds, instruments and
influences. Nolli Merrighi (lead singer), Marquito (acoustic guitar, dobro, banjo, viola and mandolim) e Didi Xavier(eletric/acoustic guitar and samples). Read More>>

Sosanna Will

One of my biggest challenges has been defining my niche in photography and developing my unique style. While I’ve always loved photography, turning that passion into a business required me to refine my artistic voice and attract the right clients. Learning how to market my work, connect with my ideal audience, and establish a strong brand has been a journey of trial and error. Read More>>

Charlie Hill

It’s been tough. Starting with I’m a first generation musician and professional artist. So my parents didn’t really have the guidance for me or knew which direction to point me in. It’s taken a lot of trial and error and throwing myself into unfamiliar territory. A lot of imposter syndrome and self encouragement to keep going. Balancing jobs to stay a float and make time to keep playing. Networking and running your own business. And then come the creative blocks. But damn if you don’t just gotta keep going sometimes. Read More>>

Donny Van Slee

I started playing guitar in 6th grade after my dad bought me a guitar for Christmas. I started off learning songs that I wanted to play for my mom and eventually started learning songs to play for myself in my room. Once my pastor (also a professional musician) caught wind that I played guitar, he guided me and helped me get my first paid gig. Over 50 people showed up and it was alot of fun. After that show, I quit my day job and have been living off my music ever since. I eventually moved to Nashville to further my music career and have been here for about four years. Read More>>

Savannah Rae

It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being an independent artist comes with it’s fair share of struggles. I thought that I signed up to be a singer and musician and just work on music, however, there are about 12 other hats/jobs I have to do that have nothing at all to do with music. From graphic design, marketing, posting on social media, content creating, booking, van/bus driivng, being my own roadie, selling my own merch, etc. It’s definitely a 24/7 kind of job. Read More>>

Kelly Weaver

Black Sheep Logistics didn’t start as a logistics company—it started in a metal fabrication shop. But like any smart business, we adapted to a need. One particular customer had an issue, and instead of ignoring it, we solved it. That one delivery turned into another, and soon, we realized there was a huge gap in the market for a reliable, no-nonsense courier and logistics service. So, we pivoted, put in the work, and built Black Sheep Logistics into what it is today. Read More>>

Roni Bates

I was always very shy about singing until I got my guitar in middle school and became obsessed with writing music and singing while playing. After that I became dead set on recording my own music and making music a career. It became a very emotional process for me especially during COVID where I had to turn to music to deal with the isolation. I had always dreamed about Nashville and decided to apply to college there. I chose to go to Lipscomb University where my skills were nurtured, I joined a band and started working on my own solo music. Now I’m working towards my first full length album with my producer Avery Roy. Read More>>

Jennifer Briskin

My path has been anything but conventional, yet every step has led me to where I am today. I spent over two decades in corporate leadership, coaching executives and creatives in the entertainment industry. As a Chief People Officer and consultant, I worked with Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and entertainment brands, helping leaders develop high-performing teams and bridge the gap between the creative and business worlds. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for creative expression, and throughout my career, I found myself drawn to working with artists, musicians, and actors—people who bring something unique and soulful into the world. Read More>>

Maggie Redpath

Ephesians 2:10 says that we are “God’s handiwork, created for good works.” I wanted my business to reflect the care that I believe my God put into making me. My slogan, inspired by this verse, has become “you are art” as I believe we are all created by the most talented artist. Read More>>

Dawn Marie Morris

Having certifications in Zumba and personal training with a love for R&B dancing, I decided to incorporate all of my interests and skills and formulate my own dance fitness class called the DS60. The DS60 is 30 minutes of dance fitness and 30 minutes of strength training for one hour of pure fitness fun! I teach these classes through my business, The World Class Training Institute, Inc, a leadership, professional, and personal development company founded here in Nashville in November, 2019. This year we are celebrating 5 years! Read More>>

Yo Miestro

I know this sounds odd when taking into account that I wasn’t even a teenager in these night clubs, but it was a very pivotal part of my development. 6 months after my father went to prison, I opened up from Young Jeezy, 2000+ in attendance, and right after opened up for young Dro. At 12 years old I Djed my first wedding. Whether I’m creating or playing music, I still look at it as way to connect with an audience. I love people and I love to display art. From 10 years old to 26 I’ve continued to find ways to connect with people through my love for music. Read More>>

Pamela Little

One of the biggest struggles was starting out with little industry connections and resources. Booking shows and managing artists requires not just passion, but also relationships with venues, promoters, and other industry professionals. In the beginning, getting artists the gigs they deserved wasn’t easy, but through sheer determination and a hands-on approach, Pamela built Southern Lights Entertainment into a respected name in the business. Read More>>

Zelena Hull

Currently, I’m doing single of the week. I want to get my world record registered, but the process has not been easy. I was working on my record for over a year when I was notified that some songs wouldn’t count because they were too short (under two minutes). I will have to wait and see if my record will be able to be officiated. If its not I still broke the record, it just won’t be recorded officially. Read More>>

Kristen Nicholson

Not at all. As any entrepreneur will tell you, there are no two days or two hours the same. You will experience high highs and low lows. When I first started, I had to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and understand that not everything is black and white. Entrepreneurship is living in the gray. Read More>>

Campiones Taste

Campione’s was founded in 2008 after our family relocated to Tennessee from the Chicagoland area. Once here, we noticed that there were no hotdog/beef stands or pizza places like the ones we were used to. We opened Campione’s with the concept of a hotdog and Italian Beef stand in mind. Typical restaurants such as these had small menus, typically consisting of Chicago Hotdogs, Italian Beef sandwiches, Pizza Puffs, Polish Sausages and Italian Sausages, with variations of each. We wanted to re-create those menu items and also add our family Italian pasta recipes that we had known and loved. Just last year, we expanded our concept to include Chicago Style Pizza! Read More>>

Marin Davis

As a military spouse it was difficult to find a fulfilling career let alone someone willing to hire you. In 2018 I decided even if I made no money I wanted to be doing something I loved so I started my marketing agency, Local Collaborative. It would allow work to travel with me and offer the freedom and flexibilities demanded of military spouses. We offer clients executive-level results with a hometown experience because good marketing doesn’t need to be extravagant in order to be great. Read More>>

Emily Roose

With a longstanding interest and love for architecture and interior design, I decided to return to school to pursue a career in interior design. I initially worked in Los Angeles for two remarkable interior designers, and over a decade ago, I moved to the picturesque Lake Tahoe area. There, I gained valuable experience working for a showroom, an international architecture firm, and custom home builders, which provided me with a multi-faceted background and inspired me to venture out on my own. Read More>>

Bewindi Jackson

I love working with people who are motivated and want to address thinking patterns, negative coping patterns, replace problematic behaviors and help them to align with God’s word particularly when providing christian counseling. I love to serve couples who want to improve the quality of their marriage and relationship and christians who also struggle with mental health and their faith. I also provide Christ-centered counseling and absolutely love to assist people in moving from a place of disempowerment to empowerment and discouragement to encouragement. Read More>>

Sierra Smith

I started my journey in digital healthcare consulting, helping professionals integrate inclusive mobile apps and streamline workflows to elevate their practices. Seeing the gap in technology and accessibility in assisted living, I am launching my first white-label app soon to empower healthcare professionals with better tools. Read More>>

Beth Barnard

I’ve found the anatomical challenge of portrait and figurative sculpting to merge and fulfill the artistic, humanistic, and biological interests that have been a part of my curiosity from the get-go. People tell me that my work is quite expressive and although that may not necessarily be my intention, I think that could be related to observing so many intense feelings in others during my years as a therapist. Read More>>

Pavani Apsara

I’m a children’s book illustrator, bringing stories to life with vibrant colors, expressive characters, and a touch of whimsy. My work is known for its warmth, attention to detail, and the way it evokes emotion—whether it’s joy, curiosity, or wonder.
One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing my illustrations spark excitement in children and knowing that my art plays a role in their love for books. Read More>>

Jessi Lantz

Or you can just “go out of style” to the general public. That’s so scary to think about. Especially with the (very needed) strikes these past years, and covid, the business still hasn’t quite picked back up completely. So, being a full time creative is almost impossible these days. Another challenge for acting has been letting go of your ego and not caring about what people think about you. My old acting coach, William Arnold from The 4th Wall Acting Studio used to always say “Your comfort zone will kill you” and “More people get struck by lightning, than succeeding in this industry.” Definitely something I always need to be reminded of. Read More>>

Anthony Hicks

I have been involved in Aviation most of my life. I flew for 8 years in the Navy and then flew for the airlines, worked as a corporate pilot, and have been a mentor and instructor pilot since that time. Along the way, I worked my way through a Master’s Program in Geological Science. Part of that program was Meteorology, and we went on a Storm Chase in 2012. Storm Chasing and Tracking has since become a consistent hobby of mine. Since getting out of military service, I noticed that I was somewhat of an adrenaline junkie. This seems to be a common theme in many veterans. Part of my business is to provide discounted adventures to veterans, including storm chase and storm tracking trips. Read More>>

Zach Hartman

That’s when it hit me: Why not bring those experiences into adulthood? But with a twist—structured competitions that still carry that nostalgic fun but with the strategy and challenge that adults crave. From there, Forever Field Day was born. What started as just a cool idea turned into something much bigger—company outings, corporate events, and team-building experiences where every activity is designed to boost morale, improve communication, and build teamwork in a way that doesn’t feel forced. It’s competition, nostalgia, and connection all wrapped into one, and watching people get as excited as I do about it has been the best part of the journey. Read More>>

Monique Wells

I am originally from Indianapolis, IN. I had a 5-year-old daughter and had just given birth to a set of twins, boy/girl. I no longer wanted to live where I was living. I came to visit my dad and sister and purposely bought our birth certificates and social security cards. I had been talking about moving to Nashville since middle school. My sister talked me into it, she said I could sign my oldest up in school, go home and get my belongings, and I could stay with her as long as I needed. Read More>>

Jordan Moed

After I graduated from Full Sail University in 2017, I would re-locate to Nashville and once I established my footing, I opened Crashline Studios in a suite in North Nashville. I would only be at the suite for about 9 months or so before the reality of a modern day music producer came in, and alongside Covid incoming I was forced to move my operations to my home and since then have been operating out of there since. In 2021, I welcomed my partner and fellow Full Sail alumni Dan Morin to the operation and now Crashline Studios is fully operational machine. Read More>>

Lindsey Ruiz

Opening our salon in 12th South wasn’t without its challenges. We faced an unexpected setback that delayed our launch, forcing us to scramble and assemble a team in record time. But we’re happy to say that our team is now phenomenal! And so happy for all of the lessons we have learned! Read More>>

Somaira Hernandez

My photography business started off as a hobby of taking images of my first born in 2014. Not long after I had people contact me asking me if I could take pictures of their family, children, etc. I quickly realized I wanted to continue capturing such special moments for other families in their journey of life. So, in late 2014 I began my journey and started MMG PHOTO. I have been blessed to learn from professional photographers, and be mentored by them to get to the level that I am at now. All those long hours of studying and learning from them have molded me into the photographer that I one day wished so dearly to become. Read More>>