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.

Lauren Lowery

I began my career as a special education teacher, working across several settings, including an alternative school just outside of Nashville. Many of the students I supported had significant histories of trauma and behavioral challenges, and it became clear early on that when someone can’t regulate emotionally, academics aren’t exactly top of the priority list—no matter how solid the lesson plan. Read more>>

Darrell Martin

I began my journey in iron fabrication in 2014 as a shop helper, learning the trade from the ground up. Over the years, I gained deep hands-on knowledge and honed my skills, eventually becoming the lead fabricator and installer in 2019. Read more>>

spencer berry

Coop & Berry Land Prep TN was founded in early 2024 in Tennessee by co-owners Spencer Berry and Chris Coop with a shared goal of building a dependable, no-nonsense land preparation and excavation company that clients could trust. Read more>>

Mark Hudson

What started as a simple side hustle in July of 2024 quickly became something much bigger than we ever expected. At the beginning, the goal wasn’t to build a business—it was to spend more time together as a family. Read more>>

Trisha McClanahan

In the late 80’s, with a BS in Communications from UT-Knoxville and a love of all things music business, I secured an office job with Alabama management team, Dale Morris and Associates. For three years I answered phones and filed press clippings and learned. In 1990, I parlayed my new skills to a job with Reba McEntire’s Starstruck Entertainment. Read more>>

Karon Uzzell-Baggett

I am a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist in Nashville, Tennessee with a passion for working with older adults, women, veterans and people of color. I’m also a wife, mother, stepmother and retired United States Air Force officer. For over 20 years, I served in various postings around the United States, Germany, Italy, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Read more>>

Crystle Jones-Bond

I actually wanted to be a clothing designer before I ever picked up a comb—but hair found me early. I’ve known I wanted to be a hairstylist since I was 9 years old, and that passion never left. What started as a childhood dream grew into a lifelong calling and, eventually, a full-circle career as a hair entrepreneur. Today, I wear many hats. Read more>>

McEnroe Ardos

We (wife, 2 kids, and 4 nephews) migrated to this country from the Federated States of Micronesia back in 2018 to seek better opportunities. By the good graces of a uncle of mine we all started working at Kabuto Steak House and Sushi in Goodlettsville for the first 3 years before my wife and I decided to venture out on our own. Read more>>

David Cowger

In 2008, I found the creativity of haunted houses aided me while greiving the loss of my fiance. After joining the US Coast Guard in 2009 I continued to volunteer at haunted attractions wherever I was stationed and assisted with community events. In 2012, I sustained a traumatic brain injury while serving in board ship. Read more>>

Abu da Don

I started my career during high school while I was playing football at Hendersonville High School. During high school I started hosting events. This continued as a transitioned to play college football at Tennessee State University. Read more>>

Zach Glaser

From Spotlight to Stability: How One Family Turned Financial Struggle Into a Legacy of Prosperity Our practice was born from a story — one that began on stage. Years ago, a group of brothers formed a country music band with a string of chart-topping hits and were living the Music City dream. Fame, sold-out shows, and financial success came quickly. Read more>>

Shakira ‘Arikah Nash’ Baly

People don’t talk enough about Spiritual energy in Nashville. I’m not talking about the thousands of churches that line almost every two-lane road in and around the city. I’m talking about those who are energetically charged and watch the stars; those who consider themselves lightworkers; those who frequent the shops in town that carry crystals, figurines, tarot cards, and spellbooks. Read more>>

Ashley Lucas

Transformative Counseling started out as a dream, something I would hope would come to fruition while I was gaining clinical experience and learning myself as a professional. After passing my clinical exam, I immediately jumped into planning! I wanted to create a holistic therapy practice where the focus was on meeting the client exactly where they were in their moment of need. Read more>>

Blue Sky Bandits

Blue Sky Bandits is an Americana Rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2024 by Frontman Jake Handley and Drummer Joe Hamm, and Bassist Jason Markson, the group quickly began performing the Nashville circuit. With their authentic blend of Folk and Roots Rock N Roll, the band creates the perfect platform to spread the lore of the American Bandit. Read more>>

Tara Johnston

I started my career as a corporate event planner, a job I loved—until the world shut down in 2020. Overnight, events disappeared, I was laid off, and I found myself at home with a lot of uncertainty and a quiet but persistent pull toward something more creative. Read more>>

Taylor Stewart

Hey! I’m Taylor, I own Remedy Lash Co (right here in Brentwood!!). I am a lash educator and artist of over 10 years, and I’ve been in love with the beauty industry for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a small town in Alaska, and moved to Tennessee in 2014. Read more>>

Alex and Shené Scott

In 2001, Alex and Shené Scott committed their time and energy to serving their communities in youth ministry, as a firefighter, and as a teacher. Due to their passion to help others and the life-altering events they experienced performing their career responsibilities, they focused their attention on volunteering to assist those individuals and families they met. Read more>>

Ryan Weaver

I grew up with a family of eleven in a small town in Floral City, Florida, joining the Army right after high school. After several years as a Military Intelligence Analyst, I followed in my two older brothers’ (Steve and Aaron) footsteps by attending Warrant Officer Candidate School and flight school. I graduated top of his class in flight school, becoming a Black Hawk Aviator. Read more>>

Ann Hatcher

I graduated from college during a recession, so I felt lucky to find a job at all. I met my husband at my first job, and moving to Nashville to be with him was the best thing that has happened to me both personally and professionally! Read more>>

Rickey Jones Jr

My story starts in Miami, Florida. I was raised by a single mother from about age five, and like a lot of people, I had my share of ups and downs early on. But my mother and grandmother’s prayers carried me through, and my mother was stern in the best way. Read more>>

Jackson Tower

My brother, Owen and I have been playing music together since we were kids. We grew up in small town New Hampshire and played in a band throughout high school. I moved to Boston for college but moved back home due to Covid lockdown. During that time, me and Owen started a new project called Tower Brothers. Read more>>

Jeff Crabiel

Ugly Bagel started with a simple idea: create a neighborhood bagel shop that didn’t take itself too seriously but took the product and people behind it very seriously. The name came from embracing imperfection—bagels that aren’t mass-produced or perfectly uniform, but handcrafted, full of character, and made to bring a smile to your day. Read more>>

Lataka Foster

I’m born and raised in Lebanon. Graduated from Lebanon High School, Middle Tennessee State University, and Arkansas State University. After teaching Pre K in both Wilson County Schools and Lebanon Special School Districts, I stepped out of the classroom into a community role in drug prevention with youth and young adults. Read more>>

Chasadey Parker

In 2020, when the world slowed down and everything felt uncertain, I was at home feeling restless. I had always been an artist. I painted signs, shoes, canvases, vases, literally anything I could pour myself into. Art was how I expressed love, emotion, and healing. Read more>>

CARY SANDERS

What began as curiosity and intrigue quickly turned into passion and drive. While roasting coffee one very small batch at a time in the garage (to supplement mine and my wife’s consumption), I shared with friends and family. They promptly informed me that I should start selling this brown gem because Murfreesboro needed better coffee. Read more>>

Whitney Shariati

I’ve always been fascinated by understanding what makes relationships ‘work’ and what helps people feel truly seen, safe, and connected with one another. That curiosity, and an interest with how our emotions, our bodies, and our everyday experiences all intertwine, led me into relational and somatic-informed therapy. Read more>>

Sheri Stoner-Harris

After earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance, I began my career teaching private piano in Louisiana. Upon relocating to Missouri, I stepped back from full-time teaching to focus on raising my children, continuing to teach on a limited basis. Read more>>

KiAndre Kolb Kanv$$$

Ive always had a connection to music. One of my first memories is spawning in at around 3 years old listening to DMX in the back of my Moms car. Since then I’ve never stopped listening and studying the genre and art form as a whole. Read more>>

Ned Cameron

I started off in Los Angeles where I was lucky enough to produce for Kid Ink. We did made really successful music like “Hell And Back” which I’m best known for. After that I worked a good amount with Machine Gun Kelly, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Migos, Sean Kingston, Jason Derulo. Read more>>

Ryan Steva

I didn’t get into homesteading because it was trendy or romantic. I got into it because my body wasn’t working right and the medical system that was supposed to help me had no real answers. In my mid-20s, I had a sudden health crisis that left me with full body paralysis. Read more>>

Carl Busseau

My story isn’t all about building decks or renovating kitchens, it’s about building a life that matters. I grew up renovating our family homes with my dad. Christmas and summer breaks were always filled with home projects. I moved off to college, graduated with a degree in construction management. I met my wife and we bought our first ‘fixer-upper’ house. Read more>>

Dr. Courtney Johnson

From a very young age, individuals facing major hardships seemed to gravitate toward me and into my life. Beginning in middle school, I remember welcoming friends and family members into our home for respite and safety. My parents and their example are truly the reason for who I strive to be every day. My career path was not linear. Read more>>

Dr. Nicole Bryant

Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to both spaces and stories. Specifically how environments are used, who occupies them, and, most importantly, how they make people feel. For a long time, I thought that path would lead me to anesthesiology. I became a Medical Assistant in high school and spent time working in hospitals before college, but that experience ultimately redirected me. Read more>>

Molly Bass

Honestly, Say I Dew Floral started in a pretty unexpected way. During my own wedding week, I decided to do my own florals. At the time, I didn’t think much of it beyond trying to make things work within our budget. But while I was putting everything together, I realized how much I loved the process. Read more>>

Drew Bourke

My professional life started in technology. I’ve began building websites and online applications in 1996, back when the internet was still largely unexplored territory. Over the years, that led to founding and selling multiple businesses across very different industries — including a travel agency, two software companies, and eventually a medical clinic. On paper, things looked successful. Internally, my life was slowly unraveling. Read more>>

Scott Knight

I’m a guitar player who’s spent more time on the road than a touring van’s odometer. My journey started in California, where I somehow convinced the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood to give me a certificate. Armed with that piece of paper and questionable decision-making skills, I proceeded to teach hundreds of students the fine art of making their neighbors complain. Read more>>

Mary Beard

I was moving back to my hometown of Lebanon in 1992 and looking for a house. Edna Bennett was selling her house which had a school in the basement. I felt like I couldn’t pass up this opportunity . The school had a long waiting list and after 6 years in the house, I was strongly encouraged to move to a larger space. Read more>>

The Arc of Williamson County

Founded in 1950, The Arc of Williamson County exists to protect and promote the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while supporting individuals and families as they navigate life, services, and community inclusion. We were established in response to a growing need for advocacy, guidance, and connection for families often overwhelmed by complex systems. Read more>>

Brianna Kaylece

I started in the industry, June 2012 and have been working ever since specifically honing my craft with eyelash extensions specifically. I grew up in Utah and went to a technical college that taught me hair, nails, and eyelashes. Overtime I found that my love for lashes was the perfect fit for a long term career. Read more>>

Poonam Bhardwaj

My name is Poonam Bhardwaj. I earned my Master’s degree in International Business and currently reside in Franklin, Tennessee, with my husband, two sons, and our adorable dog, Mellow. In 2016, I embarked on a journey to establish my own business, driven by a genuine need I observed in the market. Read more>>

Sheri Alford

Over 25 years ago, my husband and I entered the short term rental business, hosting our first furnished rentals in Las Vegas, NV. With my experience and training in both hospitality and real estate, it was a natural fit. For several years in Southern California, I ran my own business as a Senior Move Manager. Read more>>

Ornit Aroni
0

Came to the United States 17 years ago, found myself moving from one state to another and from one job to another, until eventually created roots for myself in Nashville, started a few small businesses in TN and other states and decided after 4 years to close/sell them and take a breather… worked at genesis diamonds for 1 year and finally had my idea! Read more>>

Jeremy Lewis

I began my career in education in 2007 as a social studies teacher in Memphis at Bellevue Middle School. After teaching at Bellevue in Memphis for 5 years, my wife and I relocated to Middle Tennessee. I pursued a career in school administration by becoming a dean of students at Croft Middle School in Nashville in 2012, where I primarily oversaw student behavior and discipline. Read more>>

Alex Rodgers

I started working merch for local bands in my hometown back in high school. I was always interested in music technology and thought I’d be a recording engineer. After starting college at Belmont I fell in love with live audio, and in my internships I got put in the lighting department. Read more>>

taylor alley

No pun intended – but it’s funny how life can rope you into exactly where you’re meant to be. My husband John and I actually met through our mutual love of team roping. Back when he was professionally rodeoing, I started helping him with the books when he was doing fencing jobs on the side. Read more>>

Peggy Clark

Hi I’m Peggy with Clark Collaborations I have over 18 years experience in the advertising agency and corporate technology space leading the development of brands, global communications and international events. I decided in 2025 it was time to start my own consulting business to bring more creativity and community into my every day life. Read more>>

Coco Melchiorre Little wonders ceo

Child care for teachers. Founded in August 2022, Little Wonders ELC opened its doors at STEM Prep Academy with a clear mission: to provide exceptional care for the children of dedicated educators in the Nashville-Area. Building on our success, we expanded in August 2023 with the opening of our second location at Nashville Prep. Our third location opened July 2025 at Aventura Community School. Read more>>

Zackary Fedorka

I grew up playing sports but was plagued by injuries. I spent time in physical therapy for various injuries in high school. I had a good physical therapist that worked with me and grew my passion to become a PT. I graduated from University of Toledo in 2011 with bachelor in exercise science and continued right into physical therapy school. Read more>>

Deidre Heid

(It only let me put one name but want to make sure you include my business partner, Natalie Watterson as well!) In 2012, Natalie and I ended up waiting tables at the same restaurant in Hillsboro Village. She moved here with her twin sister from Los Angeles and I had come on a whim from Michigan, where I grew up. Read more>>

Valerie Lynn

Born and raised in Santa Clarita, California, I spent my early years on the soccer field and the track. Though I always loved to sing, my ‘stage’ was usually limited to Friday night karaoke-until my sophomore year of high school. At my mother’s urging, I auditioned for the show choir, a move that fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life. Read more>>

Brett Mathers

I was born and raised in Arizona, which is also where my wife and I were living when we had our eldest son. We fell in love with the Southeast after visiting some close friends that had moved to Kentucky. The draw was the slower pace, green landscapes, plentiful water sources, and southern hospitality, among other things, that we wanted our kids to experience. Read more>>

Seth Connell

I started my practice at the end of 2022, shortly after my wife and I relocated to Murfreesboro from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. I had just graduated law school and was admitted to practice law in November that year. Read more>>

Kim Rank

I moved to Nashville nearly 20 years ago from Wisconsin! I started my Nashville journey in staffing where I was able to employ thousands of people for hundreds of clients. My first role was an Administrative Assistant and I worked my way up to Branch Manager. All of those roles prepared me to successfully run a business. Read more>>