Chattanooga, TN May 2024

Empowered Women, Empower Women

When planning this issue, I knew I wanted to spotlight a diverse group of women with incredible stories and relentless passion. Getting to know the stories of some of our local leading female professionals has been a life-changing experience and I cannot wait to share their journeys with you.

This month, we have the distinct privilege of introducing you to "Ten (More) Local Women You Should Know"—a readers' favorite from last year's Ladies' issue; we visit Broads, a female-forward, female-owned cocktail bar that opened this Spring; and we take you back to Method MedSpa to learn more about this one-of-a-kind medical spa.

Working on this issue provided me an opportunity to reflect on the women in my life who have shaped me into the person I am today.  One, in particular, stands out the most. My great-grandmother, Mid Hayden, who turned 101 this past year is still as sharp, sassy and beautiful as ever. Recently, while visiting with my grandmother, she shared an inspiring story that made me eternally grateful for how far the rights of women have come while reminding me how far we still have to go.

My great-grandmother was one of the first female executive assistants for a Vice President at General Motors over 50 years ago. She told me that she was one of the very first women in her office to be even be allowed in the board rooms to take notes for critical meetings. Later, my grandmother pushed the boundaries by gathering a group of women to boycott wearing skirts to work. From there, she created an environment where women truly had a say in what they could wear and who they could be.

Her strength and determination were no shock to me, although she did keep an extra skirt in her office just in case she pushed things a bit too far. Learning that the matriarch in my life was so monumental in an action that we take for granted today, solidified my admiration for her. I am grateful to have inherited her wisdom, determination, grace and trailblazing attitude and will continue to reflect on the impact of her actions for years to come. Mid Hayden, an empowered woman continues to empower me to this day.

Her secret to living 101 years?

A glass of bourbon and a Little Debbie pastry every single day.

The recipe for a truly strong woman. Cheers!

AMBER HARRIS, PUBLISHER

@CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Amber Harris | amber.harris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

P.E. Craven, Amber Harris, Michelle W. Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christin Sofka Photography, The SimonWest Agency

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

LAYOUT DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Attendees of the International Women’s Day event co-hosted by Chattanooga City Lifestyle & TNWomen Connect. 2: Wine Women & Shoes Chattanooga co-chairs Taylor Lee Vinson, Dr. Laura Hill & Dr. Stephanie Young. 3: Guests enjoy beverages at the newly opened Broads Lounge located in downtown Chattanooga.

THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

WINE WOMEN & SHOES CHATTANOOGA

BROADS LOUNGE

R E N O V A T I O N S

O U T D O O R

L I V I N G S P A C E

C U S T O M H O M E S

@HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION 423.504.0438

h o m e w o r k s c h a t t a n o o g a . c o m

Ten Local Women You Should Know

THE STORIES OF LOCAL FEMALE TRAILBLAZERS

ARTICLE BY P.E. CRAVEN & AMBER HARRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIN SOFKA PHOTOGRAPHY

Amy Jo Osborn

Austin Hatcher Foundation

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer was founded in 2006 after Amy Jo Osborn and her husband Dr. James Osborn experienced the tragic loss of their son, Austin Hatcher, just eleven days after his diagnosis with rare and aggressive brain and spinal tumors. After their loss, the Osborns knew it was their calling to do something for the multitude of families suffering every day—families who had no place to turn once they had a child diagnosed similarly to their son.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s first brick-and-mortar facility, “The Hatcher House of Hope” came to life in 2009. In 2020, the Foundation moved to their current location where they have an expanded space that addresses the needs of entire families through counseling, occupational therapy, neurophysiological testing, and extensive family programming. The Austin Hatcher Foundation fills in the gap that hospitals alone cannot fulfill by providing a continuation of care.

Amy Jo has made it her mission to turn her passion to purpose by educating the community on resources available to families who find themselves in such dire circumstances with the Foundation aiming to be known as a referral for crisis management. With their sights set on continued expansion, Amy Jo and her team plan to open another center in the next five years.  As President & CEO, Amy Jo has grown the company 198% since 2021 and with a focus on fundraising and bandwidth, she considers this the hardest and most beautiful challenge she has ever achieved.

Learn more about Amy Jo and The Austin Hatcher Foundation at hatcherfoundation.org

Megan McClain Entrepreneur

If you are not familiar with The Chattanooga Cookie, then I am deeply sorry you never had the chance to experience the sweetest treat Cherokee Boulevard had to offer. Megan McClain and her twin sister had the opportunity to begin a venture that combined both of their passions, baking and business. Megan, the operational mastermind and her sister, a passionate baker.

Though the Chattanooga Cookie recently closed, the lessons Megan learned from the process will no doubt inform her future pursuits. Megan told us that while this endeavor was her most successful failure, there was no discounting the success of the brand during its tenure. When Megan found herself making cookies, running a kitchen and a storefront, managing a team, learning about commercial equipment, marketing and sourcing new ideas and products for a dream that wasn’t hers, she made the difficult decision to step away.

Megan has always had her hand in many projects simultaneously. From running a bakery and a successful real estate career to appearing on podcasts and serving as a transaction coordinator, Megan has done it all. As a ten-year Chattanoogan, it is safe to say that there is not a soul in Chattanooga that Megan does not know or is not willing to meet! We can’t wait to see where her drive, determination, and business sense take her next.

As a ten-year Chattanoogan, it is safe to say that there is not a soul in Chattanooga that Megan does not know or is not willing to meet!

Ella Livingston

Cocoa Asante

Cocoa Asante, a globally recognized luxury chocolate brand, was founded by Ella Livingston. Ella’s journey as an entrepreneur and a woman of color starting a niche business, has been plagued with challenges. These pain points, however, are what have allowed Ella to become the intelligent and empathetic leader that she is today.

When asked what advice she has for women in business, Ella told us, “Build a strong support team to carry you through those times when you feel crazy or need advice. You can’t do this alone. You need to surround yourself with a village of other female entrepreneurs who you don’t have to explain your doubts and troubles to.” Additionally, one of Ella’s biggest takeaways from her experience in developing and growing her business is the importance of self-care.

“You are your most important asset,” Ella told us. “We have to recognize our limitations and take care of our mental and physical health in order to be our best.”

Ella now runs a company where all employees have benefits and retirement plans. She has also created an environment where her team feels valued and welcomed. As Cocoa Asante continues to grow, Ella hopes to never lose sight of this culture. Ella continues to expand her knowledge of the industry and has dreams of opening retail locations where patrons can enjoy beautiful chocolates and tour the facilities.

It is no surprise that Ella plans to continue serving as a philanthropist who addresses inequities in the cocoa industry while continuing to create a stable and secure environment for her employees to work and grow their careers.

Learn more about Ella and Cocoa Asante at cocoaasante.com

-AH

Oddeci Fitch

Food Odyssey Meal Prep

Oddeci Fitch, a Chattanooga native, is a private chef who is making her mark on the food service industry, one client at a time. Chef Oddeci began her meal preparation business in Nashville during the summer of 2017 after struggling to find a healthy regimen for weight loss. Now, Oddeci provides weekly meal prep services to clients from a range of backgrounds with a diverse set of needs and nutritional goals. With an extensive menu to choose from, clients are able to build a customized meal plan with Oddeci’s expertise and services.

After spending a number of years in the hospitality industry, Oddeci moved to Los Angeles to explore the fresh ingredients and variety of foods available there. Here, she connected with celebrities including an NFL client on the Baltimore Ravens for her meal prep services. Don Jones of the St. Louis Cardinals was one of her first clients, which opened a whole new field of opportunities for Oddeci as a private chef for athletes.

When we asked Oddeci what she’s looking forward to most in her career, she told us, “God is pruning me so all of my branches can bear fruit”. She envisions a food truck, a juice bar, a storefront, and a sommelier certification in her future. Oddeci told us that Rachel Ray is one of her female inspirations on this journey and she hopes to build an empire similar to Ray’s one day.

Learn more about Oddeci and Food Odyssey Meal Prep by following on Instagram: @FoodOdysseyMealPrep -AH

“God is pruning me so all of my branches can bear fruit.”

Marionnth Crister Perfect Blend Pest Solutions

With chic, elevated style accompanied by a warm and inviting persona, at first glance, you would never guess that Marionnth Critser is a leading lady in the home service industry.

Born in Manizales, Colombia with roots in Houston Texas, Marionnth began working in the pest control industry over 15 years ago. A goal of creating a sustainable career in a reliable industry while raising her family led Marionnth to set an example of hard work and determination by starting with an entry-level position in the industry.

Marionnth quickly excelled and worked her way to upper management at Orkin and relocated to Chattanooga as a regional manager for the organization. Soon after, however, Marionnth knew it was time to take her years of knowledge and experience to start her own company with a foundation built on her integrity, values and beliefs. Now, Marionnth is the owner of Perfect Blend Pest Solution along with her husband and operations manager, Bart. The two named the company in celebration of the blending of their two beautiful families.

Utilizing a science-based approach centered on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, Perfect Blend works hard to deliver the tailored solution needed to get the job done right the first time.

Learn more about Perfect Blend Pest Solutions at perfectblendpestsolutions.com .

Liz Compton Southern Spear Properties

When you first meet Liz Compton, her presence fills up the room. Outgoing, ambitious, and unabashed, there is no doubt that Liz Compton was destined for greatness. Liz grew up in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Newnan, Georgia in her early teens where she quickly learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. Beginning her career in the insurance industry at an early age, Liz ran her own agency that eventually grew to five offices, taking her from managing fifteen employees to eighty overnight.

Liz met her husband, Sean, in August of 2017 and the two were engaged three months later. From there, Liz made her mark on the couple’s company, Southern Spear Properties where she jumped in as a commercial realtor, managed its human resources department, and adopted any additional hat that needed to be worn. Liz found herself handling audits with the Department of Labor while becoming a self-taught project manager who learned the intricate industry of structural steel. She did all of this to support the vision of the multifaceted company that is now consuming the Southeast.

Currently,  the team at Southern Spear is currently working to renovate the historic Park Hotel, which will be known as Park Tower. Liz and Sean envision that Park Tower will be downtown Chattanooga’s grandest condominium and Liz is thrilled to watch the economic growth throughout the city. This is just the beginning of the Compton’s landmark footprint in our community.

Learn more about Southern Spear Properties at southernspearpoperties. com and the Park Tower renovation as well as future investment opportunities at parktowerchatt.com

-AH

Outgoing, ambitious, and unabashed, there is no doubt that Liz Compton was destined for greatness.

Taylor Manor

Common House Chattanooga

There is nothing common about Taylor Manor or the journey that brought her to Chattanooga. Taylor’s approachability, open-mindedness and calming demeanor instantly attract people from all walks of life making her a confidant for many. Personally, Taylor was one of the first people that made me realize just how welcoming this Chattanooga truly can be.

Taylor grew up in South Carolina and moved to New York when she was just twenty-two years old. With a heart for the hospitality industry, Taylor quickly forged a path for a career as she was promoted from a server and bartender to the northeast market manager for a large liquor company while in New York.

As the Membership Director for Common House, Taylor is constantly acting as a liaison between members of the community building relationships around the clock. Having been with Common House from its inception, she is responsible for hosting a number of networking events, parties, celebrations, and weddings (including her own).

If you have questions about the benefits of Common House and all it has to offer or if you are simply looking for someone who has your best interests in mind when planning your next event or gathering, look no further than Taylor Manor.

Learn more about Common House at commonhouse.com

Lucy Miller

This year’s Ladies’ issue wouldn’t be complete without Lucy Miller, a realtor and founder of the Women’s Networking Group, Women Connect. Formerly known as TN Women Connect, Lucy founded Women Connect in 2021 in Franklin, TN. The group was created with the intention of creating a place where women could get together regularly to build personal and professional connections.

As a young professional, Lucy had a career in baking and would attend large networking events where she felt that she never walked away with any meaningful relationships. Because of this, she was inspired to create TN Women Connect knowing that many entrepreneurs not only wanted, but needed stronger, more genuine relationships and would invest in making the most of their time getting to know each other.

Having real conversations and forming real relationships on an intimate level (beyond a handshake and passing a business card) is what Lucy was determined to cultivate. Now, Women Connect has a presence in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. Lucy told us that the joy she feels watching connections being made is the most rewarding feeling she could ask for.

Learn more about Women Connect at tnwomenconnect.com

Having real conversations and forming real relationships on an intimate level beyond a handshake and passing a business card is what Lucy was determined to cultivate.

Amelia Carpenter

Behind the Bride Social

Picture this: It’s your wedding day. You’ve hired the photographer, videographer, and event coordinator. You’ve convinced all your guests to go unplugged so you get to avoid phone-clutching photobombers. And then, you have to narrow down your photographer’s pictures to a scant couple hundred after editing. Most of the photos are posed, pre-planned. You miss out on some of the candid, in-the-moment memories.

That’s where Behind the Bride Social comes in. Amelia Carpenter, the woman behind the brand, has built a business around capturing candid moments for weddings and the events leading up to the big day. Since launching her business, Amelia has been captivated by the community she found in Chattanooga. “It’s very inspiring. The wedding industry is woman-dominated, and I’ve never felt so supported since working in this business.”

A new bride herself, Amelia has a passion for digital content creation and launched her business after getting married in December. Amelia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Marketing & Communication and a minor in Storytelling from ETSU—the perfect foundation for Behind the Bride. While planning her own wedding was the initial inspiration to launch her business, it’s been the support of other women in the industry that has fueled that fire. While still in the early stages, she’s learned that there are no real limitations. “Your dreams are never really too far out of reach.” And nowhere is that more true than in Chattanooga. “The environment is like nothing I’ve ever seen!”

Learn more about Amelia and Behind the Bride Social by following on Instagram: @behindthebridesocial

Cassidy Davidson

That's So Fringe & Ringg

Cassidy Davidson is making fringe waves throughout the event industry in Chattanooga. From school dances to corporate events and, of course, milestone birthdays, Cassidy’s business remains a fixture in the event industry, which is booming in Chattanooga. As a busy mom of two, Cassidy’s designs provide playful backdrops to any event. And, there’s more to come for the small business! New textures, new rental offers, and more collaborations with other local event designers are on the way for That’s So Fringe. In addition to That’s So Fringe, Cassidy has also launched another venture called RINGG, which offers Audio Guestbooks for weddings and events.

When asked about being a woman in small business, Cassidy admired the sense of community and collaboration present in Chattanooga, especially in the event industry. “There’s a spirit of working together. Everyone’s open to new ideas–we all feed off each other.”

As the conversation continued, it became clear that Chattanooga’s unique sense of community has been a catalyst to Cassidy’s booming success. Cassidy recognizes that Chattanooga is a special place for small businesses to thrive. While being in small business can feel hyper-competitive, Cassidy emphasized that it doesn’t feel that way in Chattanooga. “We all support each other.”

Learn more about Cassidy and That’s So Fringe by following along on Instagram at @thatssofringe and Cassidy’s newest venture Ringg at @ringg_chatt .

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“There’s a spirit of working together. Everyone’s open to new ideas–we all feed off each other.”

a unique workout that combines the elements of dance conditioning, pilates, and weight training

New client intro offers! 2 classes for $30 or 2 weeks unlimited for $55

(423) 883-0535

@neighborhoodbarrechatt

www.neighborhoodbarre.com

MENTION THIS VOUCHER FOR A

BROADS

ARTICLE BY AMBER HARRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIN SOFKA PHOTOGRAPHY

Entering Broads Lounge is an escape from modernity. Patrons step into a different era transporting them to an Art Nouveau oasis. With televisions playing black and white classics from the forties and fifties and promises of the Nashville Women in Jazz and other female musical acts on

An Oasis with No Exclusivity

Broads brings a new dynamic to the cocktail scene in Chattanooga and it’s everything the city has been missing.

the horizon, Broads brings a new dynamic to the cocktail scene in Chattanooga and it’s everything the city has been missing.

Kristiana Mallo & Bailey Cole, owners of vegan restaurant, Cashew, dreamt of a place unlike anything Chattanooga has ever seen and they have done just that. Kristiana and Bailey’s mission was to create a place with zero exclusivity, a place that exuded safety, and a place that allowed people from all backgrounds to feel at home. With a long-standing appreciation for the term “Broads,” Kristiana was inspired by a friend who would often use the term, which dates back to the 1900s, in reference to any female figure. As they launched this endeavor, Kristiana and Bailey wanted to take the negative connotation from the term and put their own spin on it.

From the moment you meet Kristiana, her innate sense of style is immediately apparent. An avid vintage shopper since she was 14 years old, Kristiana has always been a lover of antiques. This was not overlooked when curating Broads’ aesthetic. Kristiana had many muses behind the retro chic decor, but one that stands out is JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge in Atlanta. Hargis Studio played a role in branding as they are responsible for the logo design, menu design and uniforms.

Many bars today are stocked with popular, easily identifiable brands of spirits. However, as trailblazers in their industry, Kristiana and Bailey knew they wanted to take a different approach and showcase uncommon female-owned brands. Setting themselves apart from most lounges in the state, they’ve

curated a decadent menu with cocktails that are uniquely refreshing and memorably named (i.e. “Moira Rose” and “Sasha Fierce”). The team is passionate about creating flavor-forward cocktails that you can't find and combine at home, so after exploring numerous cocktail lounges throughout the Southeast, they developed the perfect taste list without over-saturating classic beverages.

Not only is the Broads team knowledgeable about creating flavor-forward cocktails, they are also armed with the knowledge and history of the women-owned spirits. Bailey conducted extensive research when sourcing the products and narrowing down Tennessee distributors. Currant Cassis, an all natural 16% ABV sipper made by Rachael Petach in the Hudson Valley, is one of the many unique brands the Broads team has brought to Chattanooga and as their concepts evolve, they will be a pillar for bringing brand awareness. Most of the women creating their own spirits come from all over the world but one can be found a bit closer to home. Gate 11 Distillery, based in the Choo Choo in downtown Chattanooga, is also part female owner and operated. Wanda, the brand's distiller and business manager, left the peaceful life of a retired schoolteacher to join her husband Bill in developing Gate 11 Distillery and her contributions to the company have been profound.  Wanda continues to play a major role in new product development at Gate 11.

This is just the beginning of what’s to come for Broads Lounge! Keep an eye out for their quarterly feminist book club, local DJs, and weekly dance nights.

Cheers to all you Broads!

Method Medspa

A PROFESSIONAL, THOUGHTFUL ENVIRONMENT

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

A special team of women work together at Method Medspa to empower clients by helping them look and feel their best. Co-founders Dr. Tamara Bowers, Flora Walker, and Skylar Bowers, along with Practice Manager Mallory Geismar, lead a group of professionals offering medical-grade esthetic procedures and services with the goal of enriching lives.

“From a physician’s point of view, the field of esthetics is really growing. There is so much research out there showing that people are taking better care of themselves,” shared Dr. Tamara Bowers. “I enjoy helping them do that and feel better about themselves.”

Everyone has specific needs and desires, so the team works together to develop a customized plan for each individual that goes beyond the surface.

“We promote self-care first, and everyone needs self-care. We encourage everybody to take time for themselves, especially out of all the hustle that we experience daily,” said Skylar Bowers. “It can look like a brow wax, some filler in your cheeks, or a massage. These services are not a necessity, but they are fully meant to empower individuals so that they feel good about themselves. We're not trying to necessarily anti-age everyone, we're just trying to make everyone feel the best about themselves.”

As a full-service medical spa, certain procedures require physician oversight due to the medical component, taking services a step further than a regular spa. “Dr. Bowers is a very hands-on medical director who, for example, works with our massage therapists to make sure that their massages are not only therapeutic but also medically appropriate,” explained Skylar Bowers. “We want the Method experience to be relaxing, but there is a component of that you're seeing a medical provider.”

Even though Method Medspa is a woman-owned business, they have intentionally created an atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone. “When we were deciding on the name, branding colors, our services, and the decor in the building, we worked really hard not to make it overly feminine,” explained Skylar Bowers. “Aesthetic services are for everyone, and we want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable here.”

Additionally, to better serve their clients, continuing education as part of professional development is a priority. “We each consider ourselves as ongoing learners. There have been phases in our careers where in certain aspects we've reached expert level, but we try not to be stagnant in that,” said Skylar Bowers. “In addition to our continuing education for the services we offer as injectors, estheticians, and massage therapists, we also seek out education for business leadership. It is important for anyone starting a business to keep an open mind and be curious of how you can grow as a leader and motivate other people on your team.”

All these elements come together to create a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere. “Method Medspa is such a professional, thoughtful environment,” shared Mallory Geismar. “It's such a collaborative work environment where everyone is focused on the same goal, naturally enhancing and helping each individual feel the best in their skin.”

For detailed information on services, descriptions of procedures, and online booking, visit www.methodmedspa.com or call (423) 661-8280.  Method Medspa is located at 1807 Taft Highway Suite 2 on Signal Mountain. Follow Method Medspa on Facebook and Instagram for specials and extra insights into services and procedures.

“Method Medspa is such a professional, thoughtful environment. It's such a collaborative work environment where everyone is focused on the same goal, naturally enhancing and helping each individual feel the best in their skin.”

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE %SOLD/LIST BATHS DOM

Northshore

North Chattanooga Lookout Mountain

West Chattanooga

Mountain

Soddy Daisy

This data is a sampling of recently sold properties from April 2024. Source: Greater Chattanooga MLS System. DOM = Days On Market

MAY 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, & 23RD

Live Music at Feed Table & Tavern

Feed Table & Tavern | 6:30 PM

Come enjoy live music on the covered patio at Feed Table & Tavern: Mark Andrew (May 2), Gino Fanelli (May 9), Gabe Newell (May 16), and Barron Wilson (May 23).

MAY 16TH

Cocoon: A Monthly Breath Work Event

The Chattanooga Salt Cavern | 6:30 PM

Get out of your head, get into your body, and connect to your heart with this intimate Breath Work event, combining Halotherapy, Sound Bath and Meditation. Join us on the third Thursday of each month at The Chattanooga Salt Cavern.

Beneath The Surface Women’s Summit

The Chattery | 10:00 AM

Discover the Woman Within You at "Beneath the Surface." Join Mpowered and Lindsey Lang Life Coaching as they create a day dedicated to exploring the overlooked aspects of women's health. A team of experts will lead you through a day of introspection, growth and self love.  Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event to discover the woman within you.