Today we’d like to introduce you to Kahlila Gann.
Hi Kahlila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Los Angeles, but Nashville has been home for most of my life. My family moved here when I was young, and this city has shaped so much of who I am.
Music was my first love. I attended Nashville School of the Arts before continuing my education at home, where I learned just as much from my dad, Nashville blues musician Gil Gann, as I ever could in a classroom. I started singing with him when I was around 20 years old, and I still hop up on stage with him every now and then. He taught me how to connect with an audience, have confidence in myself, and not be afraid to bring a little personality to everything I do.
Around that same time, I started working at Rotier’s Restaurant on Elliston Place, where I stayed for over 15 years. Charlie Rotier became a friend and mentor to me. My dad taught me one kind of showmanship, and Charlie taught me another. At Rotier’s, I learned that hospitality is about making people feel seen, welcomed, and remembered. We knew our regulars by name, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries with them, and built relationships that have lasted long after the restaurant closed. Looking back, that’s really where my love of building community began.
Like a lot of people, the pandemic forced me to rethink my career. I spent a short time exploring MLM and quickly realized I wasn’t meant to sell products. What I really loved was the creative side of social media—branding, storytelling, building communities, and helping people connect with the right audience.
That realization completely changed my direction. I started helping musician friends with their social media, which eventually led me to my business partner, Jessica Burrell, and Dope Vibe Promotions. It also opened the opportunity to my current position at Love + Exile, where I get to combine everything I’ve learned over the years as their social media director
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anyone’s path is completely smooth, and mine definitely hasn’t been either.
One of the biggest turning points was the pandemic. Like so many people in the hospitality industry, I suddenly found myself asking, “Now what?” After spending more than 15 years at Rotier’s, it wasn’t just a job ending—it was the end of a chapter that had shaped so much of my life.
Starting over in my forties wasn’t something I had planned, and it was definitely intimidating at times. I tried a few different things before I found what really fit. Looking back, I’m actually grateful for that process because it helped me figure out what I was good at and, just as importantly, what I wasn’t. I realized I wasn’t meant to be a salesperson—I was much happier helping people build their brands, tell their stories, and create community.
On a personal level, I’ve also learned how to balance building a career while raising three amazing boys as a single mom. Some days are a juggling act, but they’ve always been my biggest motivation to keep growing and creating a life I’m proud of.
I’ve also learned that careers don’t always follow a straight line, and that’s okay. Every experience I’ve had—from singing with my dad, to waiting tables at Rotier’s, to where I am today—has taught me something that I still use every day. Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If there’s one thing that’s been consistent throughout my career, it’s that I’ve always loved bringing people together.
Whether I was singing with my dad, getting to know regulars at Rotier’s, producing community events, or managing social media for local businesses, it’s always been about creating genuine connections.
Today, I specialize in social media marketing, branding, and community building. I love helping businesses find their voice and tell their story in a way that feels authentic. My background in hospitality has probably shaped my approach more than anything else. I don’t see social media as just making posts—I see it as making people feel like they’re part of something.
I am also co-founder Dope Vibe Promotions with my business partner, Jessica Burrell. We’re currently under a rebranding into We’ve been focusing more into community-driven pop-up markets that give local artists, makers, musicians, and small businesses a place to connect with new people. We had an amazing time throwing DJ parties but markets have started feeling like home for us . Watching all of these relationships grow and evolve is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
I’m also proud of the work that I have started with my new homebase of Love + Exile, where I have been given the opportunity to showcase and tell the story of a neighborhood restaurant that’s focused on creating a welcoming space for the East Nashville community. It combines so many of the things I love—hospitality, storytelling, creativity, and building relationships.
What I’m probably most proud of, though, isn’t one project or one job. It’s the fact that every chapter of my career has been built around people. Whether I’m helping a small business grow, supporting local musicians, or creating spaces where people can gather, my goal is always the same: to make people feel connected.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t come from a traditional marketing background. I come from music and hospitality. I spent years learning how to connect with people face-to-face before I ever picked up a phone to create content. Those experiences taught me that the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all—it feels like a conversation, and it gives people a reason to want to be part of your community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
For me, happiness has always been pretty simple. It’s the people I love, good food, good music, and creating moments where everyone feels welcome.
My three boys are my greatest joy, and no matter how busy life gets, they’re always my biggest motivation. I’m also really close with my parents and my five younger siblings, so family has always been at the center of my life.
Music will always make me happy. It’s something I grew up with, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to spend time with my dad. Every now and then I still hop up on stage and sing with him, and those are moments I’ll never take for granted.
I’m definitely happiest in the kitchen. I love cooking for my family and friends, trying new recipes, and finding ways to make food that’s both delicious and good for you. Health and wellness have become a big part of my life over the years, and I enjoy learning about nutrition just as much as I enjoy sharing a great meal with the people I love.
Then there’s my Cavachon puppy, David Bowie. He’s completely spoiled, has a bigger personality than he should for his size, and somehow manages to make every day a little more entertaining.
I guess if there’s a common theme, it’s that the things that make me happiest all involve connection. Whether it’s sharing a meal, singing with my dad, spending time with my kids, or bringing people together through my work, those are the moments that fill my cup the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dopevibepromotions.com
- Instagram: @lilamgann / @dopevibenashville / @loveandexilebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DFzPtJ92J/?mibextid=wwXIfr
