American poet Charles Bukowski once said, "Style is the answer to everything. A fresh way to approach a dull or dangerous thing. To do a dull thing with style is preferable to doing a dangerous thing without it. To do a dangerous thing with style is what I call art." I can't think of a better way to welcome you to our Style issue! In this issue, we meet artists who infuse their personal style into their life's work, and we are all better for it.
We get to know popular local artist Olivia Reckert. After spending time working and creating in New York, Reckert settled in Chattanooga and has made her mark on the art scene. You can see her whimsical work around town at Whiskey Cowgirl, local schools, and several area businesses.
We learn color theory with the professional stylists at House of Colour. Rebekah Latham and Tracey Moys empower people with the knowledge of what colors work best for them. They offer anything from one-time consultations to full closet overhauls!
We catch up with photographer Paige Evatt to learn more about her journey to entrepreneurship. She left her career as an attorney to follow her passion for photography, and her work and client base continues to grow.
We sit down with the philanthropy team at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to learn more about their goals and vision for the organization. And finally, we meet up with our friends at Twenty-Two to get their picks for their favorite top style trends of the season.
Style is a personal expression of who you are and what you want. We're fortunate to live in a vibrant city that embraces your style, whatever it is and however you express it. So, whether you are experiencing change in your life, or new challenges, or even just trying to find yourself a bit, do it with style. It's always the answer.
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Rebecca Kilday | rebecca.kilday@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Kendra Simons
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Becca Paschall, Ivey Photo, J. Adams, The SimonWest Agency
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
REBECCA KILDAY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @chattanoogacitylifestyle
Larry Taylor’s recognition comes 55 years after he flew a Cobra helicopter to a village near Saigon, where he plucked up four soldiers on a reconnaissance mission who'd been surrounded by 80 North Vietnamese troops. Steven Thomas, director of operations at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, said the facility is "honored to have another Medal of Honor recipient from Chattanooga.” Taylor will be the fifth Medal of Honor recipient from the Chattanooga area.
American Cruise Lines has opened the summer season operating brand new 8-Day Tennessee Rivers Cruises between Nashville and Chattanooga in Tennessee. On this new itinerary, guests will visit charming towns throughout the Tennessee Valley as they follow the River’s winding path into the Appalachian Mountains. The new cruises stop in Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah, TN; Paducah, KY; and also sail the Cumberland River, exploring Lake Barkley and the Land Between the Lakes.
April Cameron has been named President and CEO of the Chattanooga Airport. Cameron served as the airport's Vice President of Finance for the past 20 years. Cameron takes the top post amid work on the terminal expansion, the most costly such project in the airport's history, that's slated to wrap up in 2024. Cameron succeeds Terry Hart who was at the helm of the airport for 12 years.
As a local realtor serving the Greater Chattanooga area for the last 12+ years, I’ve come to realize the importance of supporting local businesses, while ensuring the majority of my dollars stay local. When you support a local business, you are not only strengthening the local economy, but you’re also helping your neighbor achieve their dream of operating their business concept. Supporting locally owned businesses help the local baseball team purchase team uniforms, or a little girl be able to take dance lessons, and more!
BARN DOOR BOUTIQUE: Owned by Melissa Paryse, Barn Door Boutique is famous for their fashion trends, live sales and runway events, and collaborative efforts with other small businesses. 9454 Bradmore Lane | Ooltewah, TN 37363
HART & HIVE PROVISIONS: Now with two locations, Hart & Hive Provisions is a gourmet market and gift shop. ...and let me tell ya, the chicken salad is noteworthy! 1301 Dorchester Road, Suite 113 | Chattanooga, TN 37405
THE HAIR BOUTIQUE: Owned and operated by Morgan Mason King, the Hair Boutique, a high-end salon in Ooltewah, offers hair cuts, colouring services, hair extensions and more. 9203 Lee Hwy, Suite 9 | Ooltewah, TN 37363
ISHQ AESTHETICS: Owned by Shruti Patel, Ishq Aesthetics offers med-aesthetics to enhance clients' beauty by creating natural results with facial balancing, rather than just enhancing targeted areas. 7739 East Brainerd Road | Chattanooga, TN 37421
VALLEY FLOWERS: Floral designs for every occasion, Valley Flowers is located in Cambridge Square. From weddings, gifts, events & more, ask about their same-day delivery service! 9469 Bradmore Lane, Suite 205 | Ooltewah, TN 37363
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Autumn Burke | @autumn_burke_homes
I’ve been married to my devoted husband, Kevin, for 14 years, and we have two amazing sons, Evan (20) and Brenton (12). Born and raised in Ooltewah, Tennessee I have seen the benefit of supporting locally owned businesses. That’s why I was thrilled to collaborate with Chattanooga City Lifestyle to comprise a list of some of my favorite locally-owned businesses for this month’s Style Issue. (dress: Barn Door Boutique)
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A Chattanooga staple, Olivia Reckert’s iconic art can be found throughout the city. From window murals on Frazier to her distinctive aesthetics at Reagan’s, Whiskey Cowgirl, and Hart & Hive, Reckert breathes life through art on every surface she touches. I’ll never forget the first time I saw her work in window displays at Locals Only and Boxcar General Store. Reckert’s signature bright colors and whimsical brush strokes literally stopped me in my tracks.
I had the opportunity to briefly meet Olivia at Sleepyhead Coffee’s annual birthday bash and soon discovered that her art was a reflection of her personality–vibrant and bold. With a smile that lights up the room and an iconic sense of style, Olivia, like her work, makes a lasting impression. So, when we sat down for our interview on a Friday morning at Stone Cup, what was once admiration for her work quickly grew into deep admiration for the artist herself.
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Olivia’s love for art began at a young age and she told me that she would often find herself painting inside of her closet. She recalled taking a pair of black mittens, pressing them on the wall of her closet, and seeing the dye from the mittens transfer to the wall. At six years old, Reckert had created her first mural. While her mother was not happy about it at the time, her grandfather, who was also an artist, advocated on her behalf and convinced her mother to let her explore. Now, Olivia credits her mother with being one of her biggest supporters and recalls that she even purchased professional paint for her while she was in elementary school.
Reckert moved to Chattanooga from New York during the pandemic and her first opportunity in town was a mural at River City Apparel. Living, working, and going to school in New York quickly taught her the art of hearing “no” and pressing on despite the setbacks and soon Olivia found her work appearing in the windows of stores on Broadway.
As she transitioned to life in Chattanooga, Olivia began approaching small businesses about creating window art for store fronts, which ultimately led to painting murals inside of stores as well. With a keen understanding of marketing, particularly in regards to social media, Reckert was intentional about creating art that was unique to each location, while also creating an aesthetic that people wanted to photograph and be photographed with, in turn increasing the popularity of the business and creating a sense of brand recognition for her work.
From shoes and vintage suitcases, to hats and handbags, anything and everything is a canvas awaiting Reckert’s touch. Olivia gave us a glimpse into her next business venture: Wet Leather, which will allow her to expand her work to creating custom art on leather jackets and more. No matter the canvas, one thing is abundantly clear: Reckert’s work encourages us all to live life a little more colorfully.
Learn more about Olivia’s work at oliviareckert.com and visit her studio at Clear Story Arts.
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IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
BY BECCA PASCHALL & IVEY
A photo of Paige Evatt on her website shows her laughing as her skirt flows in the wind, capturing the very essence of who she is. She’s fun. She’s admittedly wordy. She’s not afraid to ask questions and knows how to assert herself when necessary. Most of all, though, she truly wants her clients to be happy. It was this desire that led her away from her work practicing law as a pro bono project director–a career she loved and worked so hard to attain, but that no longer brought her happiness.
Paige began her work as a photographer by providing complimentary photoshoots to clients in order to build a client base. Through repeat clients and word of mouth referrals, Paige’s business began to grow as she photographed seniors, families, and weddings and was subsequently interviewed about her transition from lawyer to photographer. Now, with a stunning brickand-mortar studio to call her own and a loyal client base, Paige’s work speaks for itself.
With admiration and gratitude to her husband, Tyler, Paige recalls how despite completing his engineering degree just three days before the birth of their son, he continuously encouraged her to do what made her happy. So, she packed up her things just days after returning from maternity leave, dropped off her keys and left with no idea of what would come next. While she says photography found her, Paige credits her husband with the inception of her career as he purchased a camera for her shortly after leaving her job. Having always loved taking photos and with an innate gift for it, Paige laughingly notes that the amount of money they spent on newborn photos might have also contributed to her newfound career path.
Many people focus on the wrong things.” While many people do not understand the cost of equipment, taxes, licensing, and other business expenses that make up the investment in high-quality photography, Paige realizes her value and continues to push through knowing that her work speaks for itself.
Paige told us, “In my experience, if you spend time valuing people and building relationships, it will show through. In my work, people are the priority, and I hope that is what shows through more than anything else. It’s in the moments when my clients are moved to tears and say, ‘I have never felt beautiful until now’ that I know I have accomplished just that.”
To learn more about Paige and Ivey Photo, visit: iveyphoto.com
As a photographer myself, I jumped at the opportunity to cover Paige. Although her career as a photographer launched just a year before my own, Paige’s work quickly became something that I admired. With an impeccable eye for detail and an unmatched editing style, Paige’s courageous transition from a career as an established attorney to pursuing her passion for photography and spending more time with her family is truly inspiring.
Regarding being a small business owner, Paige told us, “Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone.
ARTICLE BY KENDRA SIMONS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IVEY PHOTO
More than stylists, Rebekah Latham and Tracey Moys boost clients’ confidence through their work at House of Colour. By conducting color analyses, Latham and Moys provide clients with lifelong tools to transform their wardrobes. Latham, who runs House of Colour on the Northshore, and Moys, who does the same in Hixson, came to the franchise at major turning points in their lives. Both women share a deep desire to listen to their clients, provide them with tools to feel confident in themselves and empower clients to make informed decisions about their wardrobe.
While opposites in many ways, Latham and Moys have a lot in common. Both had their initial colour analyses conducted in 2015 and both have ties to the Navy–Moys a former Naval Officer and Latham marrying into a Navy family. Both women became mothers who felt an internal shift of not wanting to lose themselves under one of the many hats that they wear, which led them to House of Colour.
A colour analysis is not a make-over, but rather a process that gives clients a lifelong tool that allows them to make informed decisions about what they wear and when. The initial analysis can last up to three hours and starts with a blank canvas followed by assessing skin tone and base and then finding one’s season and the colors within it. One person’s shade of red may not be another’s sister’s shade of red, which highlights the importance of the draping process. Clients leave their session with a book tailored to their specific seasons. Latham and Moys pride themselves on not only ensuring that their clients understand the colour analysis process, but that they see the difference as well.
House of Colour offers private color analyses as well as group analyses to accommodate any preferences in addition to makeup classes that align with the colour analysis process. Six months after embracing their seasonal colours, clients are invited to book an advanced colour analysis, which dives deeper into the process offering suggestions on hair goals, shade options, and understanding neutrals. Furthermore, Latham and Moys even offer: closet clean-outs where they remove what doesn’t work and piece together what does; personal shopping trips to avoid dressing room breakdowns; styling techniques; Tuesday Talks; newsletters and more.
Latham told us, “It’s a journey. Style is a lifelong journey and that’s why we want lifelong clients. Whether you’re starting a new job or your daughter is getting married, we want to be there.”
Learn more about House of Colour at: houseofcolour.com
“It’s a journey. Style is a lifelong journey and that’s why we want lifelong clients. Whether you’re starting a new job or your daughter is getting married, we want to be there.”
- Rebekah Latham
Boasting sustainable quality and highly-curated products, Twenty-Two features a range of furniture, home decorations and accessories, jewelry, art, gifts and clothing. Boutique owner, Lindsey Frost told us, “We want to be the first place that pops into someone's mind when they want to bring the fun to their home, wardrobe, or to a friend as an unexpected gift.”
The team at Twenty-Two desires for all who visit to be energized and inspired by the colors, patterns, and the quirk that greet them the moment they walk through the doors. From lacquered chests and grasscloth & linen-covered coffee tables to custom Asian-inspired throw pillows and gold Louis Phillipe mirrors, a visit to TwentyTwo should be on your list–there’s truly nothing like it.
This month, we have the pleasure of featuring some of the Twenty-Two team’s favorite items sure to help you bring the fun.
1 Waterfall Console Table: The Frost Designs mid-century modern waterfall console table features bookmatched burl veneer and added stability with a middle shelf for extra storage and display.
2. Custom Upholstered Chair: A brand new Frost Designs custom upholstery pieces featuring the Frost Designs deck label. The Dillon chair is made by skilled craftsmen
in North Carolina. It is covered in designer Thibaut fabric and has beautiful white lacquered tapered legs.
3 Wooden Ships Game Day Sweater: Wooden Ships’ high-quality sweaters feature classic soft, light breathable cotton blend yarn that is perfect for supporting your team in style!
4. Mary Frances Orange Bag: Mary Frances’ freshsqueezed crossbody orange handbag is a total slice of fun! The handcrafted beaded design full of details makes everyday a bit sweeter! GBO!
5 Game Day Collection: Be the star of your football party with these fabulously festive Game Day entertaining pieces! (pictured: Beatriz Ball Luxury Bamboo Melamine Servingware, Illume WoodFire Electroplated Candles, Ficks Classic Margarita Mix, Touchdown Decorative Pennant, Game Day Melamine Trays, Reusable Chip Basket, Football Bowl, Spreader, and Napkin)
6 Collegiate Monogrammed Matouk Pezzo Throws: Made in Portugal from soft brushed cotton with a fun fringe trim, perfect for any lounge space or keeping warm on Game Day!
LEARN MORE: With a degree in interior design from UTC, Lindsey Frost’s lifetime dream to open a retail storefront came true with the inception of Twenty-Two. The owner of Frost Designs, Lindsey loves creating vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environments that meet her clients’ needs and fit in with their everyday lives.
ARTICLE BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. ADAMS
Alignment. It’s a word that the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga’s philanthropy staff uses over and over again in talking about their work, and it seems to carry multiple meanings for them. This team works hard throughout the year to ensure that the needs and wishes of the Foundation’s donors are aligned with their charitable giving plans, as well as keeping the Foundation’s internal operations and processes aligned to make an efficient and tangible community impact.
Philanthropy team members Caroline von Kessler, Marisa Ogles, and Chris Adams recently sat down for a chat about what drew them to this unique work, and how they strive to help the most charitable people in our community meet the needs of a changing Chattanooga.
WHAT ARE YOUR JOB TITLES - AND WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO FOR THE FOUNDATION?
von Kessler
I’m the Vice President of Philanthropy, which means I work with professional advisors and our donors to help them understand the different opportunities available to them for giving.
Ogles
I’m the Senior Director of Donor Services & Engagement. My primary work at the Foundation is about understanding our donors: what they care about, the values that motivate their giving, and the impact that they want to have through their philanthropy.
Adams
I’m the Foundation’s Donor Services Coordinator. My primary role is to support the philanthropy team, which includes everything
from processing grants from our donor-advised funds, to building relationships with younger donors, to performing research for donors on grant recommendations. I enjoy putting my name and face out there so folks know that they have one more contact at the Foundation.
Adams
I knew next to nothing about the Foundation coming into the organization [laughs]. My introduction was through the interview process. Even though I had done some research about how community foundations operate, I still didn’t have a true understanding until I got here and started having lots of one on one conversations with the rest of the staff. I will say that I was very excited to finally be able to be a part of something that I can feel good about–I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and the longer I work here, the more I enjoy even the technical aspects of the job because we all believe in what we’re doing here.
Ogles
I came from the nonprofit sector, so my understanding of the Community Foundation was really about grants that they gave through a competitive application process. I was brought on to help build relationships with our donors and make their giving experience more meaningful. Working with people and helping them make our community better sounded really fun, and it is really fun!
Ogles
Younger donors are building careers and building families, and they also want to get very involved in giving back and understanding our community’s needs. One area that has seen a real cross-generational increase in interest is affordable housing and preventing homelessness. The pandemic really shed light on the idea of not having a home when you’re sick, and so we’ve seen a lot more interest in that.
The Foundation is committed to addressing root causes of our community’s greatest challenges. For example, along with our partners, we are working to stem homelessness by helping avoid evictions through the Eviction Prevention Initiative. Donors have joined us in supporting this initiative which has helped keep over 400 of our neighbors from eviction through legal representation, back rent, court fees and access to social workers.
This team works hard throughout the year to ensure that the needs and wishes of the Foundation’s donors are aligned with their charitable giving plans.
Marisa Ogles
When it comes to living healthy lives, our minds tend to default to time spent in the gym or prepping the perfect green smoothie. However, the importance of mental, and emotional health cannot be understated. Flowers on Saturn aims to serve as a place that tends to these needs, while simultaneously providing a safe space to discuss all aspects of health and ultimately a place for customers to simply relax. You can’t help but want to stay awhile as soon as you step in the door.
A recently completed courtyard allows customers a place to grab a cup of tea and spend time working, reading, or meditating outdoors. Additionally, the shop and courtyard host Flowers on Saturn’s Goddess gatherings, classes, and book clubs. The owners, Kat Merryfield and Emily Kapowski, invite individuals,
groups, and other local businesses to utilize these intentionally created spaces as well.
Merryfield and Kapowski have an aura about them that is comforting, safe, and inviting. They model complete transparency in all things and highlight that everything about their shop design and aesthetic were completed entirely by women and that all items in the shop including: crystals, skin-care products, chocolates, jewelry, tea, books, and more are by women-owned brands.
Flowers on Saturn has also launched a monthly self-care Goddess box. For only $45 a month, customers are invited to enjoy a specially curated
selection of goods each month. Outside of the monthly Goddess gatherings, these intentionally created boxes provide an opportunity for those who feel more comfortable at home or discussing their journeys in a more private setting.
Merryfield and Kapowski’s stories as individuals and as business partners on this journey are incredibly powerful; I found myself encouraging them to write a book or start a podcast to get their voices heard. You can’t help but be inspired by women who empower other women to find comfort within themselves and with each other. Furthermore, the simple, yet profound act of using the word ritual instead of
routine, and the belief that well-being and self-care go hand-in-hand, add to the intention with which they not only conduct their business but also their lives.
At a time when social media and society can heighten insecurities, create false narratives about self-care and women in shared spaces, Flowers on Saturn is breaking barriers without apology. So, the next time you are on or around Cowart Street, stop by Flowers on Saturn and stay awhile.
Learn more about Flowers on Saturn at: flowersonsaturn.com
At a time when social media and society can heighten insecurities, create false narratives about self-care, and women in shared spaces, Flowers on Saturn is breaking barriers without apology.
Semaj Freeman, a recent graduate of East Hamilton spent her high school years marching to the beat of her own drum. Excelling academically and participating in extracurriculars landed her a spot in the incoming freshman class at Tennessee State University. However, it was her attendance at a football game that led her to a creative passion that she plans to pursue alongside her studies in Criminal Justice.
While many don’t associate creativity with high school football games, as Semaj fostered relationships with her peers, she was able to take a hobby and turn it into a business. Custom painted jeans that began as a display of school pride elicited such a strong response from her peers that she began taking orders.
Semaj told us her favorite part about creating custom art on clothing is “the creative freedom to bring [her] ideas to life.” Having created a number of custom pieces so far with no plans to stop any time soon, Semaj is looking forward to continuing to march to the beat of her own drum.
Semaj Freeman, a recent graduate of East Hamilton spent her high school years marching to the beat of her own drum.
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