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.

Shen AKA ShenShen210

A detour to New York turned into a divine redirection when we unexpectedly landed in Nashville, Tennessee—closing on our dream home on Easter morning. Since then, I’ve painted live at the Franklin Theatre, exhibited in Paris, Fort Worth, Jackson Hole, Telluride, and Nashville, and collaborating on Art in Motion—an international fashion-meets-art project founded by Ofelia Cuevas and inspired by her husband, legendary designer Manuel Cuevas, “The Rhinestone Rembrandt” Read more>>

Maggie Hawn

When I had my own kids and stepped away from the corporate world, I felt a shift in my heart and in my work. My craft grew right alongside my family, and I realized what I loved most was capturing the raw, beautiful moments of family life, the tiny toes, the belly laughs, the quiet snuggles you wish you could bottle up forever. Read more>>

Sara Bartels-Feenstra

The focus of this interview should be 431 Ministries, but here’s a few things about me: I was born and raised in The Netherlands. My life has been fairly ‘normal’ in the sense that I was raised by loving parents, I have 3 siblings and went to school like most other kids. The one thing that separates me from most young adults is that in 2018, after graduating High School, I attended a ministry school in California and met my husband there. We got engaged in May 2019 and did long distance (I was back home, he was in the US) while waiting on my visa until August 2021 when I moved to Colorado so we could get married. We moved to Tennessee in 2022 and have lived in Franklin since. I started working at 431 Ministries in March 2024 after volunteering with them. Read more>>

Sarah Howell

As I grew musically and personally, I think the most impactful lesson I learned was how to use the skill and knowledge required on the violin to meet the Lord in anything I play. I truly encounter His Spirit when I can participate in the beauty that comes out of my violin, and it is my greatest joy. I consider all of my music as worship to Him, am always seeking to give my sound and music to others, whether that’s to an audience or fellow orchestra or band members. Read more>>

Amanda Palacios

Around the age of seven is when I became more serious about learning music. One of my dad’s biggest wishes in his life growing up was to learn an instrument. However, since he didn’t have that opportunity, he wanted to provide that for my brother and I. He asked me what instrument I wanted to learn— and I chose piano. From the time I was seven years old until I was eighteen, I took piano lessons. My classically trained background, I believe, has elevated my songwriting skills over the years. Read more>>

Drew Lytle

It has definitely not been a smooth road. I learned so much about starting and running a business, from fees, regulations, inventory, and marketing/advertising. It has also involved a large number nights and weekends spent at farmer’s markets and other events. Plus all of the preparation for these events. I gained a whole new appreciation for all the vendors in the farmer’s markets. There has been many a day where I questioned what I was doing. And many times in those moments, I would get a message from a satisfied customer or would see a post where someone mentioned my nut butter. Read more>>

Oluwafemi Olarubofin

I began my career in the United States in 2009, shortly after legally migrating from a region where mental illness was heavily stigmatized and often misunderstood as a spiritual or moral failing. My very first job was in a group home, caring for an autistic patient. This experience stirred a deep curiosity and passion in me for mental health—a subject rarely spoken about where I came from. Read more>>

Zane Harvey

From a young age, I was deeply captivated by animation and film, though acting never initially seemed like a career path I would pursue. That changed in high school, when I had the unexpected opportunity to participate in a last minute short film project. It was a pivotal moment that made me realize acting was something I needed to explore further. I enrolled at Pellissippi State Community College, where I pursued a degree in Kinesiology but also had the chance to perform in a stage play. Read more>>

Andrew Dos Santos

Growing up, I found myself imitating many of the TV shows I watched and video games I played. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t think much of it until I was in college taking the Building Virtual Worlds course from Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center. Anthony Daniels (best known for his work voicing C-3P0 in Star Wars) happened to be a guest professor for a portion of this course and commented that he loved some of the voice work that I did for a project, and suggested that I look into voice acting. Read more>>

Isaiah Davis

All I have ever wanted to do is capture rich emotion in my work, and after a year or so of shooting, I began to find my style. Through my connections at Lipscomb, I was able to shoot for Dolly Parton, Ernest, and more music stars than I could have ever dreamed of. Now, I’ve been able to direct music videos that have been nominated at film festivals, have my photos published in fashion magazines, capture weddings in scenic locations, and design graphics for artists all around Nashville. If you had told that kid during COVID that he would become a full-time photographer and director, he would have called you crazy. But it has been a blessing to live out my dream. Read more>>

Alyssa Truesdell

That same year, we rebranded to TME Brand Marketing and began focusing exclusively on mental health therapists. One of our main funnel sources was therapists, so it was a natural niche during and post-COVID, as so many mental health professionals realized they needed to focus on their digital presence. Being in a physical space without being able to network, or market and having to do virtual sessions was an adjustment for them, without a solid support system to rely on. So, we stepped in and built websites, managed blogs, created social content, and offered a level of support most of our clients hadn’t experienced before. Business grew quickly, and so did our team. Read more>>

Brandon D. Long Long

I got fired! Without cause or warning. That was the beginning of my journey into entrepreneurship. I was scarred from the event in a way that I didn’t know if I would recover from. I had put in a combined twenty years of service into education at many different levels and areas. I didn’t feel that I had neither the will nor the passion to do it anymore, so looking for another position in the field wasn’t an option for me. But what other skills did I have? Read more>>

Amari Owens

After a few months of exploring, doing research and studying the various aspects of modeling, in January of this year I decided to rebrand myself. I got rid of all of my work that didn’t match the goals and quality I wanted to present. Found a photographer who was able to help bring my vision to life and started creating art through print modeling. I knew realistically I would thrive in this category more than runway and decided to put my focus into perfecting my work. Within three months I was published in my first magazine, became a brand ambassador, and created an entire portfolio. My work ethic dedication and continued knowledge in this industry has put me in rooms I never thought I’d be in. Read more>>

Celicia Bledsoe

After that, I struggled. I had deep questions for God. I battled depression, anxiety, and even slipped into alcohol abuse to numb the pain. As the scripture says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death.” And it’s true. My bit of drinking turned into a lot of reckless decisions involving finances, relationships, and more. But it was truly the Lord who captivated me over and over again. He constantly encouraged me and reminded me there is a better way. Read more>>

Genevieve Heyward

I started writing when I was around 13 and doing smaller, local shows. I couldn’t wait to get out of high school so I could start touring. Once I was out of school, I started going to writing festivals, opening for artists, doing my own tours, and writing and releasing music, all while figuring out that music is actually a business that requires so much time, energy, and money. I’ve been touring almost full time since 2017, and pulled the trigger on moving to Nashville back in Nov. of 2023 and I’ve been there ever since! Read more>>

Lydia Underwood

I moved to Nashville and took the first job I could while continuing to look for an opening into my chosen field. Finally, my opportunity came when a friend (Michelle Merrick, IIDA, WELL AP) introduced me to her friend (Lynley Hammes, IIDA), the owner of a boutique interior design studio in East Nashville (LYNE, LLC), who was looking to make her first hire. Over the years that position blossomed into a vibrant career, and I realized my dream of becoming an Interior Designer and an indispensable part of a design firm. Read more>>

Brittany Best

Getting here wasn’t easy. I faced the usual entrepreneur struggles—self-doubt, long nights, learning curves—but I kept showing up because I believed in what I was building. The support of my husband, family, and incredibly loyal patients (some of whom drive hours to sit in my chair) has been everything. It’s a dream come true to now blend my clinical skills with artistry, helping people feel healthy, confident, and beautiful. Read more>>

Qui Daugherty

I began building a career in luxury retail with fashion at the core—earning a degree in Fashion Merchandising and using it to style executives, celebrities, and athletes. Working with iconic brands like Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue sharpened not just my eye, but also my understanding of how style builds confidence and opens doors. From there, I expanded into real estate, helping clients find homes that reflect their highest selves and dreams. Read more>>

Emaline Briggs

My aunt, Besty, was one of my biggest support systems. Owning her own salon in Nashville, she never pushed me into doing hair but, she saw my potential. One time specifically, I remember she had whispered in my ear as I was helping with my sister’s hair and makeup for prom, “You know… you could always do this too”. Of course with her timely and wise smirk, I waved her off thinking I could never be as successful as her, how hard it would be to get to the point of comfortability in a career in hair, how my parents would feel if I were to switch up from doctor path to hair path. But something in my gut told me right then and there… she was right. Read more>>

Cindy Sullivan

People often ask how I got into this field. While working as a corporate trainer, I became certified to teach the Franklin Covey time management course within my company. That training came at a critical time – we had a toddler, we were new homeowners, my career was accelerating, and my husband was commuting three hours a day. Life felt overwhelming, and learning that there were practical strategies to manage time better really stuck with me. So, when I left corporate, I knew this was a topic I wanted to keep pursuing. Read more>>

Zii Davis

My brand sits at the intersection of beauty, belief, and results. On the beauty side, I’m known for teaching everyday women how to do makeup that looks good in real life — not just online. Through my Matter Brushes line, my online courses, and my Beauty for Us University (makeup academy), I break down makeup step-by-step so beginners can finally feel confident doing their own face at home. Read more>>

Matt Diuk

It wasn’t hard to convince some of the venues that their drum sets were falling apart because they felt it financially as they were buying new parts or even whole new drum kits. I came along and sold them a cheaper solution because of my experience with drums I’m able to fix more things for less upfront cost on parts. The sound techs love me as well because they have less work to do to make the drums sound good in the mix in the speakers, and I truly love what I do. I’m sure there are some drummers who are not happy with me because of one reason or another but they are few and far between, most thank me on a daily basis. Read more>>

Ashlee Laroue

One of the biggest challenges has been stepping into roles that are totally new to me. I’m not a natural salesperson or marketer, and social media definitely doesn’t come easily. Figuring out how to communicate the value of FertilitEase—without sounding salesy or disingenuous—has been tough. I genuinely just want to help people navigate their fertility and pregnancy journeys with more clarity and confidence. Translating that passion into messaging that resonates? That’s something I’m learning day by day—and probably one of the first things I’ll offload as FertilitEase grows! Read more>>

Nikki Lynn

Sam on the banjo and before long we were performing local shows. Which led to getting discovered by a producer who brought us out to LA and eventually landed us a deal with Warner Brothers. We wrote music, toured and i started styling our stage looks – it was just another creative outlet for me! Traveling the world gave me so much inspiration, especially when it came to fashion. About 8 years ago, we moved to Nashville to dive deeper into songwriting and artistry. Since then, i’ve leaned into vintage fashion and wardrobe styling. It’s become a huge passion and the creative community here has been incredible. Read more>>

Cindy Lunsford

The obvious next step was to open a yoga studio since my town did not have one. After a year of planning and driving a few hours each week to manage the closest hot yoga studio I could find, I got my first studio opened, exactly one week after brining home and adopting two little boys from Ethiopia. Not exactly planned in that order but we went with it and within 4 weeks, we had 2 new family members and an already thriving yoga studio. It was a right time, right place scenario and people flocked to the studio. Read more>>

Chelsee McClintock

But the love of culture started even earlier. I grew up in a small town in northern Michigan, the kind of place where people wave at you even if they don’t know you. Long before I was born, my grandparents hosted exchange students from around the world. Brazil. Japan. I didn’t get to meet most of them in person, but I grew up on their stories. They were part of our family lore, and to this day, I still consider them “my uncles.” Even from my tiny corner of Michigan, the world felt wide and welcoming. Read more>>

Jessie Tigges

Getting into real estate also came with its own curveballs. It’s expensive to start, and there’s a lot no one tells you about until you’re knee-deep in it. You don’t get a paycheck just for showing up. You get paid when the deal closes, and sometimes that takes months. On top of that, I’m also running another business as a contractor in the tech space, so time management became a big lesson fast. Read more>>

Nikke Nelson

Since then, Book Club Trivia has grown into something truly special, and that’s completely because of the people who come to the events. It’s become such a warm, welcoming space where true friendships have formed, and where people are excited to connect with others who love the same stories they do. We’ve had bestselling authors send videos to say hello to our guests, and we’ve partnered with some amazing local businesses who’ve helped make each night feel unique. From giveaways and pop-ups to our community table for solo guests, it’s all about creating a space where people feel welcome and connected. Read more>>

Javier Chirinos

In early 2024, I moved to Mount Juliet, TN, to be the main drummer for First Baptist Church of La Vergne and a session musician in Nashville studios like Búnker Five Music and Nomad Studio Co, working on projects with Roberto Prado, Edwin Portillo, Misael Merida, Willian García, David Alastre, Danny López, Luis Pacheco, Kent Parker, The Middle Season, among others. I was also part of the Latin Showcase at the Dove Awards last year and Musicolab this year. Right now, I’m an endorser for Soultone Cymbals and working on producing my first solo album. I’m also currently the director and founder of PraiseSync Solutions, a music academy based in La Vergne, where I’m excited to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation of musicians. Read more>>

Jamie Glasgow

Everything really got real when I bought my first 35mm film camera from Ebay as a COVID project in 2020. I absolutely fell in love with studying both landscape photography and music documentation by photographers like Chris Burkard, Jimmy Chin, Jim Marshall, and Jay Blakesberg. After lots of growth and failure, I was fortunate enough to go full time as a photographer and Tour Manager in 2022 and haven’t really looked back since. I love what I do and every day I get to continue doing it feels like a privilege and like I’m living on borrowed time. Read more>>

SayCo Alford

S. SayCo Alford (He/Him, Cis Queer Male) is the host of: “The SayCo Show”; a talk show on Tuesday Nights. 8pm Eastern/ 7pm Central. He has been jet setting for the past 27 years with a major carrier. In his early years, he was a amateur photographer and dabbled in community theater. An avid Patsy Cline collector, ask him anything about the late legend. When not soaring as an International Steward, he enjoys his time home with his spouse and their rescued pets. Gardening, hens, and supporting his spouse’s Ministry, keeps him busy. Read more>>

Hannah Bradley

Stepping into the wedding world was a leap of faith. Finding clients and building trust in the beginning was not easy. There were days of discouragement, of wondering if it would work—but even then, something deep within me knew it was worth the pursuit. Each bride I’ve had the honor to serve, each moment captured in real time, has reminded me why I do this: to create space for joy, connection, and memory-making that lasts beyond a single day. Read more>>

Haley Bundy

That same year, she earned a top-3 finish in the inaugural American Idol × Ohio State Fair Vocal Competition, which secured her a VIP audition with American Idol. At just 14, she co-wrote her first song, “June,” with her father—marking the beginning of her journey as a songwriter. Influenced by legends like Stevie Nicks and Amy Winehouse but deeply rooted in her Appalachian heritage, Haley’s early start in music was defined by raw talent, deep family ties, and a relentless drive to share her voice. Read more>>

Laura Cruz

My big girl job is in Film and Television. I’m an IATSE 161 Script Supervisor, currently working on a soon-to-premier national television show, filming in Nashville. In the past five years, my industry has seriously contracted twice. The first time during the 2020 Covid Pandemic and the second time during the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike. There was very little work available during these events, and I needed to get creative fast to continue to make ends meet. It was during this time that I launched CraftStitchDesigns. Having a supplemental income flow when times were tough was a lifesaver, and it also allowed me to pursue art as both creative and financial outlets. Read more>>

Lucas Leon

I’m from Gallatin, Tennessee—just about 30 minutes north of Nashville—so music’s always been a big part of the world around me. Unlike a lot of people who move to Nashville to chase the dream, I was lucky to grow up right next to it. I started playing piano at six, then picked up the guitar not long after. The first song I learned was Chris Stapleton’s “Millionaire,” and I was hooked. Read more>>

Charlie Chamberlain

Boasting over 50 independent cuts in the Bluegrass, Americana, Country and Pop genre, my songwriting prowess is a testament to my versatility, skill and dedication to the craft. In 2023 I was recognized by the legendary Kerrville Folk Festival as a New Folk Finalist and was a featured performer both the festival and at the Southwest Folk Alliance in Austin, TX. Read more>>

Leslie Alverson

In February of 2024 our family started brainstorming how we could carry on Kim’s legacy and help other. While Kim’s husband, Travis, was taking her to appointments, he noticed that many people were alone. Based on that observation, we decided to focus our mission on cancer caregivers. Our theory is that if we support a caregiver, we are also supporting the patient. Many caregivers are forced to choose between working to pay the bills or being with their loved ones– this is where we come in! We pay common house hold bills so that caregivers don’t have to choose. In addition to financial help, we offer prayer and Bible study to all of our “foundation families.” We are very proud to also provide Christian counseling to those caregivers that are interested. We aim to provided well rounded service to our families. Read more>>

Megan Mersiovsky

My first social media experience was with Vine & Periscope. I would post videos on vine and go live on periscope. After that I started creating YouTube videos. I would post daily vlogs and that ended when I had my youngest. But in doing all of this I was comfortable in front of the camera and decided to start posting on TikTok. My videos started out being all over the place until one of my lip syncing videos went viral along with a trend that was going on. In about 4 months I went from 23,000 followers to 100,000 followers and kept snowballing. I kept posting 3-4 videos everyday and the momentum kept up. Read more>>

Natalia Bowles

My journey really took off when I became a fitness ambassador for STRIDE Fitness. What started as a passion for movement and building community turned into so much more. I began leading workouts, creating content, and stepping into the role of an influencer for the brand. That experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it sparked my desire to help others find confidence through health and consistency. Read more>>

Jason Freckelton

FRECKO are a father and son duo (Jason and Jack Freckelton), from the NSW Central Coast and the Inner West of Sydney. The pair have found a unique musical bond based on a shared love of the Australian character, in all its forms and failures. Jason’s journey into the world of music was quite humble when at 16 he snagged a guitar from a garage sale which survived many holidays around a fire, singing of the days events with a simple 3 chord progression. Read more>>

Jeremiah Stricklin

Over Covid, we spent our life savings on a Sprinter Van. We went stir-crazy like everyone else did and thought we could make up for that lost time if we had four wheels and an open road. We sold everything we had to move into the van. On our first tour to play a show in it, we hit a deer on the interstate and totaled it. Our lease was up and we had no where to go. The band we were supposed to play with that night (we never made it to the show) called us the next day and invited us to move in with them. They lived in Nashville and we’ve lived here ever since. Read more>>

Mia Taylor

Fast forward a few years later when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had a holistic midwife and learned a whole lot about things that could support me and my daughter without having to buy medications over the counter. Then, once I had my daughter, she got sick with RSV and the doctor literally told me everything that is advertised over the counter for babies/toddlers were not good for them and can make symptoms worse. This set a fire under my butt to learn more about natural remedies that can be safe for my daughter and actually help. In this I took two courses online to learn more about herbs and I came across tea remedies. I started to create teas for myself and friends personally. Read more>>

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>>