Franklin, TN September 2024

Moroney ON SONGWRITING, SINGING AND STYLING

STYLE + BEAUTY

ADAPTIVE CLOTHING

NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND

ARTS + CULTURE

HOMETOWN PHOTOGRAPHER

TRENTON WALLACE SEPTEMBER 2024

Megan

DEBUNKING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WILLS

The majority of Americans do not have a will. Wills are not just for the wealthy—or older adults, married couples, or any other single category of individual. Estate planning is beneficial for everyone. But this is just one of the many misconceptions people have about wills and estate plans; there are also misunderstandings about how wills function and what planning purposes they can be used for.

 Myth: Wills can be used to avoid probate. When someone dies without a will (known as dying intestate), the courts and state law determine who receives the deceased person’s home, retirement savings, personal property, and other assets. This is done through a process called probate. Even if you pass away with a will, your estate must go through probate, although the process will not be nearly as heavy-handed as it would be for somebody who dies intestate. Your will lays out your wishes about what happens to your money and property instead of relying on your state’s law.

 Myth: You cannot use a will for tax planning. Estate taxes, sometimes called death taxes, are applied to assets (your money and property) that you leave to others when you pass on. In 2024, you will not owe federal estate and lifetime gift taxes until your taxable estate is over $13.61 million, and that exemption amount doubles for married couples. However, the federal estate, gift, and GST tax exemption amount is set to decrease sharply at the start of 2026. This anticipated decrease in the exemption amount might justify employing advanced estate planning strategies now, ahead of the 2026 sunset.

Trusts can be created by an individual during their lifetime, in a revocable living trust, or upon their death, under the terms of their will. The latter—known as testamentary trusts—can be structured in various ways that may be utilized for estate tax planning, particularly by married couples.

 Myth: Creating a will is cheaper than creating a trust. Creating a basic will might be cheaper than creating a basic trust, but it is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Trusts tend to be more complex than wills and, therefore, are typically more expensive to prepare. However, trusts and wills can often contain similar provisions that require a comparable amount of time to properly research and draft properly. In addition to upfront costs, administration costs need to be factored in. Wills are subject to probate and can, therefore, be more expensive to administer. However, trusts may have ongoing costs such as managing investments, filing taxes, and accounting that simple wills likely do not have. Rather than focusing on a set price, you should orient a plan around your specific circumstances and needs. Estate planning is not an area where it pays to cut corners, whether by using online planning tools or trying to make an overly simplistic plan when a more detailed plan is required. You also need to consider the costs of not having an estate plan—or having a plan that falls short of your planning goals

Justin M. Gilbert, Esq.

Madelyn Stampley, Esq.

Real Estate Builds Relationships

Jennifer Bickerstaff, Broker jennifer.bickerstaff@compass.com

M: 615.504.2118

O: 615.475.5616

Ashleigh Franks, Administrative Assistant ashleigh.franks@compass.com

M: 630.674.5080

“Jennifer was amazing and made navigating this competitive and crazy market a calming and logical experience. Working remotely for much of the buying process was stressful, to say the least, but Jennifer is a seasoned agent and we felt supported and protected at every step of the process. We cannot recommend her enough and we honestly feel that we’ve gained a new friend through this process!”

- John & Janet

“We had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Bickerstaff to sell our home this year. The process was beyond easy and we got the offer we were looking for. We had quite a bit of work to do on our house to get it ready to sell and she had a list of trusted vendors for us to use that did a wonderful job! We sold our home in a few days and relocated out of state. Jennifer continued to help with odds and ends and was great with keeping us up to date!”

- Cory & Amandalynn

“Being new to Franklin and first-time home buyers, we needed someone who had the right combination of knowledge and experience in this area. We wanted someone who saw us as more than just another client. The minute we met Jennifer, we were instantly family. Not only did she take great care of us, but she made the process fun and easy. That was over ten years ago, and we are in our third home, all with Jennifer by our side. It is so rare to have your expectations exceeded, but that is exactly what our experience has been. Never buy or sell a home without Jennifer Bickerstaff leading the way!”

- Kurt & Natalie

“We

-AMY MONTGOMERY

See You In September

"See you in September, see you when the summer's through, here we are..."

Here we are! Rolling into the ninth month of 2024 after what I hope was a wonderful summer for everyone reading this page. With the dog days of summer behind us, we look to fall, cooler weather, changing leaves on the trees and, invariably, shorter daylight hours.

At City Lifestyle, we look to style. September marks our annual style issue and we cover all of those distinctive manners of expression from words and music, to elegance of dress or appearance.

Current "it" girl, country music star and our September cover star, Megan Moroney, shares some of her very own style secrets. We learn about Nashville Fashion Week and the Nashville Forward Fund, hand-sewn clothes for celebrities, adaptable clothing and landscape photography from Franklin's own Trenton Lee. We dive into home styles in closets and flooring and have intimate chats with local influencers. Also in this issue, we visit Croatia, talk with local music legend Tony Brown and so much more.

With every issue, we hope to inspire, entertain, educate and inform. So please keep reading! We love so much bringing you the stories of the people and places that we call home.

Yours in style,

MARIA DINOIA, EDITOR

Franklin Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:

• Whole Foods - Franklin

• Fork of the South - The Factory at Franklin

• Cultheir - Downtown Franklin

• Optique - Downtown Franklin

• Zula & Mac - Franklin

• Red Bicycle Coffee and Crepes - Franklin

• United Country Real Estate - Leiper’s Fork

• Local doctors and professional offices around the area

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ed Atlas

INTERNS

Lainey Green, Hailey Holloway

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lisa Valentine, Jayna Pennington, Sue Baldani, Kellie Walton, Kathleen Davis, Ed Atlas, Christina Madrid, Karen Creason, Sarah Skates, Jennifer Bennhoff, Dawn Eck, Judy Beaudin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Deb Scally

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier Learn

Experience the Pinnacle of Luxury Living

Nestled in the serene beauty of Franklin, Tennessee, 3120 Boxley View Lane is a masterfully designed 5,748 sq. ft. custom estate that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. This magnificent residence, set on a tranquil wooded lot, offers an unparalleled lifestyle for the discerning buyer

Upon entering the grand foyer, you are greeted by an open-concept living area adorned with a majestic stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in natural light. The gourmet kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops, and a large island, is a culinary masterpiece. The sumptuous master suite is a private retreat featuring a spa-like bath with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and luxurious finishes With five spacious bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, this home provides ample space for family and guests.

Step outside to discover a resort-style oasis with a covered patio, a pristine pool, a cascading waterfall, and a stately stone fireplace. The property also boasts a 1,700 sq ft guest house with one bedroom and one bath and a climate-controlled 3,500 sq ft barn, offering versatility for extended stays or various pursuits

Additional features include a state-of-the-art home theater, a refined home office, and a three-car garage. Situated conveniently near Williamson County schools, Franklin, and Nashville, this distinguished residence offers both tranquility and accessibility.

Elevate your living experience to new heights at 3120 Boxley View Lane Discover the elegance, luxury, and serenity that await in this exquisite estate

Cindy Garvey Owner/Principal Broker

SheSpoke Showroom Now Open

Women constantly struggle with the ability to find well-fitting garments off-the-rack. Some problem areas could include shoulders, chest, sleeve length, jacket length, and pant length, thus creating an improper fit. Whether you’re looking for a more feminine or masculine fit/design, Richards Bespoke is able to create the perfect garment for you.

BLAZERS

| BLOUSES | BUTTON DOWNS | SKIRTS | JEANS WOMEN’S SUITING (JACKETS, PANTS & SHORTS)

Since 1958, we have built our reputation on a tradition of authenticity and exceptional care. As this community has grown, so have we. What started as a single building called Williamson County Hospital in 1958 has grown into a regional health system, with 30 different locations including primary care and orthopaedic clinics, outpatient lab and imaging services, EMS stations, walk-in clinics and more. We are proud to be poised to take care of our communities for generations to come. The entire Williamson Health organization is committed to providing world-class care that feels like home.

For more information, visit WilliamsonHealth.org.

city scene

1-2: McGavock’s Coffee & Provisions at The Harpeth Hotel opened its doors for the benefit of Bridges Domestic Violence Center in Williamson County. The event was centered around Lunch, Lattes, Lyrics and Love. Mcgavock’s provided multiple methods for giving including selling Bridge’s Generous Helpings cookbook. Music was performed by Mary Lou Lackey and Stacey Riddle. McGavock’s will continue to sell the Generous Helpings cookbooks in the cafe throughout the remainder of the summer. 3-6: Goo Goo Clusters hosted a coffee and chocolate pairing experience celebrating the launch of the Frothy Monkey Havana Latte Premium Goo Goo.

1-7: In 2014, Physicians Urgent Care opened its second location in Brentwood. They recently celebrated the 10-year milestone with their beloved patients, supportive family and friends, dedicated referring providers, and wonderful neighboring businesses.

KEL LU M

Cell Institute

Our son Jamison is non-verbal and autistic, and we felt like we had exhausted every option to help him thrive. That was until we discovered the world of stem cells and Kellum Stem Cell Institute.

After diving into research and seeing incredible stories of transformation, we were eager to give this innovative approach a chance.

Almost 6 months post-infusion, the changes in Jamison are nothing short of miraculous. He’s now putting on and taking off his own shoes, trying to brush his teeth, playing with his siblings, and even forming words and singing!

We are profoundly grateful to Kellum Stem Cell Institute for these remarkable improvements and wholeheartedly recommend them to other parents navigating the challenges of autism. Discover the possibilities for your child with Kellum Stem Cell Institute.

FRANKLIN’S GETTING CREATIVE

1-7:

residence earlier this summer in Franklin, raised over $12,500 for the Rahm Foundation, a charitable organization with a mission to improve the environment, making it a place where future generations can thrive.

La Dolce Vendita fundraiser, held at Dr. Christina Rahm’s

1-3: The McEwen Northside community celebrated a construction milestone marking the completion of the structural phase of the nine-story building, Block E, a 300,000-square-foot, $125 million project at the popular mixed-use district.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Franklin’s newest clothing destination for the effortlessly well-styled woman.

Check out new fall arrivals in store, online or on instagram stories.

SHOP IN BERRY FARMS

Monday - Saturday: 10am-5pm Personal Wardrobe Styling Available

societyfranklin.com / 615.374.6138

3100 Village Plains Blvd, Ste 140, Franklin, TN 37064 BV @society_franklin

Andrea Hanna Owner & Professional Fashion Stylist

johnnie-O To Open First Tennessee Store In The Factory

johnnie-O, the renowned lifestyle brand, is set to debut its first dedicated Tennessee store at The Factory at Franklin this fall, in the Grand Hall. Originating from Santa Monica, johnnie-O is celebrated for its distinctive blend of East Coast classics and West Coast casual, offering a wide array of premium apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, boys, and most recently, women. johnnie-O caters to individuals embracing an active lifestyle. The store in Franklin will be johnnie-O’s 11th branded retail store. Johnnie-O.com

Chukkers For Charity Announces Polo Legends As Team Captains

Polo legends Adam Snow and Memo Gracida were announced to headline teams for Chukkers for Charity, the annual sporting event held at Riverview Farm in Franklin, benefiting Rochelle Center and Saddle Up!. The polo match returns Saturday, September 7 for its 28th year. As a nod to these legendary players, the theme this year is Legends of the Fall. Adam Snow is one of the best American polo players of all time and Memo Gracida has had a record-setting career spanning decades. ChukkersForCharity.net

Carriage House Custom Homes & Interiors Celebrates 10 Years

Carriage House Custom Homes & Interiors Inc., an award-winning design-build firm that specializes in remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and more, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone and the dedication and hard work of the team and customers that support the business, Carriage House will host a special anniversary event this month. This celebration will bring together employees, customers, partners, and community members to reflect on the company's journey and achievements.

CarriageHouseCustomHomes.com

Blount Electrical Services Expands To New Location

Blount Electrical Services, LLC, a trusted electrical contracting company with over 50 years of experience in Tennessee, has announced the grand opening of its new office in Franklin. Family-founded, the business offers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. The team is excited to expand its reach to the greater Middle Tennessee area. BlountElectrical.com

“Absolutely wonderful experience. Ruth is professional, knowledgeable, attentive, responsive and overall made the transaction fun! What can typically be a stressful and difficult time, Ruth made it smooth and effective. Highly recommend. A+++” - The Wyatt’s

Fall Into a Healthy Smile This Season!

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to ensure your child’s smile is ready for the season. At Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics, we offer gentle, comprehensive checkups to keep those little teeth shining bright.

Schedule your fall appointment today and let us help your family maintain healthy, happy smiles all year long.

Firefighter Geoff Manfre Retires After 26 Years with Franklin Fire Department

Firefighter Geoff Manfre retired last month after 26 years with the Franklin Fire Department and a total of 31 years in fire service. Throughout his career, he primarily served on A-shift at Station 4 in Fieldstone Farms and Station 5 in the Polk Place subdivision.  An EMT, he was also a member of the department's Special Operations Team for many years. Manfre has been a vital part of the FFD's member recognition and community engagement efforts and played a key role in expanding the FFD's public outreach. FranklinTN.gov

Marsha Carroll Releases Sixth Book in Adventures of Rembrandt Children's Series

Author, retired teacher and College Grove resident, Marsha Carroll, has released her sixth self-published children’s book. Carroll, through her books, Adventures of Rembrandt, The Tuxedo Cat, strives to reinforce cooperation, courage, determination, and friendship while problem solving situations that occur in the lives of the characters in her books. “Inspiration can come from everywhere, you just have to be open to it,” says Carroll. AdventuresOfRemy.com

Franklin Alderman Clyde Barnhill Receives Municipal League Local Government Leadership Award

For more than 35 years, Alderman Clyde Barnhill has tackled the challenge of planning and managing the rapid growth of one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. In recognition of his dedication to public service, Barnhill was awarded the Bob Kirk Local Government Leadership Award. The award is presented to the council member, alderman, or commissioner who has shown themselves to be an outstanding public servant to both their municipality and their community. FranklinTN.gov

Williamson Medical Center Named

Tennessee’s Top Maternity Hospital By Newsweek

Williamson Health announced that the health system’s flagship location, Williamson Medical Center, has been recognized as Tennessee’s Top Maternity Hospital according to the Newsweek list of 2024 America’s Best Maternity Hospitals. The hospital has also been included in Newsweek ’s 2024 list of World’s Best Hospitals and has been recognized as a four-year champion.  The ranking is based on:

• Nationwide online survey of healthcare professionals including neonatal and perinatal doctors, nurses and midwives

• Overall patient experience in the hospital

• Hospital quality metrics with indicators relevant to maternity care WilliamsonHealth.org

DAVID EDWARDS MD | PhD

MATT MCEVOY MD

Wealth Management & Advanced Planning

Dzinly Launches Realtor Package

Dzinly, the nationally reaching virtual technology platform that lets users reimagine a home's exterior with expert recommendations on colors, materials, and even architecture before investing in contractors or materials, has launched a package specifically for realtors. The company, helmed by COO Jackie Mosher (pictured), offers realtors the option to showcase diverse design options with a realtor-specific membership (as well as memberships for builders and trades), transforming niche appeal into mass desirability. Dzinly’s toggle function ensures perfect selections. Dzinly.com

The Parlor At Bubble Joy Now Open

Step into a bygone era at The Parlor where a sophisticated mocktail bar for adults features signature recipes created with CBD plantbased elixirs and artisanal adaptogen beverages. The new Leiper's Fork experience includes a walk-in jewelry bar where visitors can unleash their inner treasure hunter and designer and an oxygen bar for rejuvenation. Birthday party packages for both children and adults are available along with private group sessions and events. The Parlor, at 4208 Old Hillsboro Rd, Suite 7, promises unforgettable experiences for all occasions. ILoveTheParlor.com

Hat Bar

h Choose your hat size and color.

h Browse the “bar” to choose the patches and embellishments that are perfect for you.

h Within minutes, your custom-designed hat will be delivered to you!

Make one for you and customize the perfect gift for your bridal party, friends, and loved ones.

Oh Baby Ultrasound + Boutique to Open Second Location

Locally owned, Oh Baby Ultrasound + Boutique in Murfreesboro is excited to announce the opening of a second location in Franklin. The Oh Baby team is looking forward to expanding its amazing services throughout the Middle Tennessee area. Oh Baby Ultrasound + Boutique proudly offer 3D and 4D Ultrasounds, gender reveals, early blood tests and so much more! OhBabyTN.com | Franklin Location: 1010 Murfreesboro Road #146

Visit Franklin Launches New History Pass Ahead Of 225th Anniversary

Ahead of the 225th anniversary of the founding of both the city of Franklin and Williamson County, Visit Franklin has unveiled a new digital trail that visitors and locals alike can enjoy. Named Williamson County’s History Trail, the digital pass guides users across the county and highlights numerous historic locations that have played important parts in crafting the area’s history from the time of its founding through the modern day. Users can download the pass for free at VisitFranklin.com/ digital-passports , or stop by the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin.

Tour Castle Homes’ Middleton House In September

The public is invited to step inside Castle Homes’ gorgeous model home featured in the My Southern Homes Tour of Homes, Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 29, 1-5 p.m. Located in Nashville’s beautiful Middleton community, the stunning English Country home’s open floor plan with timeless, luxury finishes. is perfect for the modern family, The new home blends seamlessly into the exquisite, gated community. Visit 12 Middleton Park Lane to experience this unique architectural gem. MySouthernHomeTV.com

The Refuge Center For Counseling Raises $1.5M for Capital Campaign

The Refuge Center for Counseling, a non-profit counseling and therapy center in Williamson County has recently raised $1.5 million for its ambitious building project off Long Lane in the Berry Farms area. The center currently resides in Forrest Crossing. The permanent home, set to open in November, is finishing up construction and has now raised $9.1 million out of a total project cost of $13.1 million. The center serves over 4,000 kids, teens, adults, and families every year. RefugeCenter.org

Tricia S. Stover BFATM

Dr.

BUILDING THE FUTURE. HONORING THE PAST

Monroe off of Granny White Pike, located in Green Hills / Brentwood

AT BARLOW BUILDERS, AUSTIN PENNINGTON HAS APPLIED LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER TO DEVELOP SOME OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S MOST DESIRABLE HOMES.

Being a good steward of the land is something to which everyone aspires. That’s because we’re all connected directly to it.

But what does being a good steward entail? It’s one thing to champion the cause, but taking tangible steps toward that goal is quite another. It’s a challenge that one Nashville-based builder takes to heart.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Avenue Downs in Thompson's Station

“Middle Tennessee is known for its rural farm setting; more open space means more freedom,” says Austin Pennington, president and CEO of Barlow Builders. “Every time you develop, you have one chance to get it right. History will tell you where to go and how to get there. So, honoring the past allows for a bright future.”

Pennington founded Barlow Builders (Barlow is his middle name and has been in his family for generations) in 2006 while he was still a student at Belmont University.

Pennington is a third-generation developer. His grandfather was an architect,

and his father was a homebuilder. “My grandfather did mostly commercial work, but he taught me what proper architecture should be,” he says. “My father taught me what it means to build something beyond codes, which is the minimal standard.

“Historically, Nashville has been in a race to follow the trend. But we strive to make things better than the way we found it.”

Those characteristics can be found in Barlow-built homes and developments. From land procurement to construction and realty, the Barlow team has been involved with more than 10,000 residential

Monroe off of Granny White Pike, located in Green Hills / Brentwood

"IF YOU BUILD IT NICER, IT SELLS FASTER. THAT’S BEEN OUR STRATEGY FROM DAY ONE.”

lots. However, the company is not in the business of developing and turning over homesites to meet certain quotas.

“We try for lower density,” says Pennington. “More homes are not better; better homes are better.”

That’s a lesson Barlow learned back at Belmont when he purchased a site in Nolensville from his grandfather. “People will drive to price or drive to quality,” he says. “That’s when I realized that you had to build a higher-quality home on the outskirts of town. If you build it nicer, it sells faster. That’s been our strategy from day one.”

Pennington credits his team for its commitment to building the Barlow

brand. “I came on board 14 years ago when Austin developed his first neighborhood in Nolensville,” says managing broker Lorraine Mineo. “It was a great product. I saw that he was going to have a lot of neighborhoods that would grow and that a small company could become a larger one.”

Mineo says that the finishes are major differentiators in Barlow homes. From countertops to flooring and high-end treatments, Barlow homes are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail. “A lot of comments that we receive from buyers are that Barlow homes ‘feel better,’” she says.

Says CFO Bryan Solomon: “The floor plans enhance the livability of the home.

Every space has a purpose; everything is functional.”

Barlow has four major neighborhoods in various stages of development: Avenue Downs in Thompson’s Station, Reese in Franklin, Telluride in Brentwood, and Monroe in Green Hills.

Avenue Downs is off Lewisburg Pike and Columbia Pike and only five minutes to I-840. The majority of homesites back up to open spaces, and a walking trail will lead to Thompson’s Station elementary and middle schools.

Located off Del Rio Pike, Reese is five minutes from downtown Franklin with easy access to Mack Hatcher Parkway. The entry-level price point is $800,000 for townhomes and $1 Million+ for single-family homes.

Barlow has partnered with two other builders on the Monroe development, which is on the corner of Glendale and Granny White Pike. Homes start at $3 million and 5,000 square feet.

In September, Barlow will return to where it all began. Telluride is a development that straddles Brentwood and Nolensville.

BarlowBuilders.com

Avenue Downs in Thompson's Station

Avenue Downs in Thompson's Station

THREADS OF CHANGE

ARTICLE BY KATHLEEN DAVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When walking around Williamson County, it wouldn’t be unusual if you bumped into a famous influencer, popular musician, renowned artist, or prominent businessperson. We live in a community bursting with influential people - some wellknown, some lesser-known, but all of them making giant

The Inspiring Journey of Doris McMillan

“I prioritize time.”

impacts on our city. One of these influencers, Doris McMillan, has been residing in Franklin for most of her life, and her accomplishments are jaw-dropping.

Doris, who now works at New Hope Academy as the Director of Admissions, has had quite a life, although according to her, it ”is no big deal.” After taking vocational classes, her career began as an industrial seamstress in Detroit constructing car seats in luxury vehicles. As life progressed, she found herself living in Williamson County, and opened Seams by Doris —a hidden gift lying beneath her fingertips.

One day, a young woman came into Doris’ shop and asked her to fix a few of her “boss’s” garments. Doris did so, and soon after the woman returned asking if she could come to her boss’s home because she “may need her to sew things on a more regular basis.” Little did Doris know, she was walking into the house of Naomi Judd, and a brand-new beginning to her career.

Doris says, “Sewing for Naomi required a great deal of time and effort because she traveled frequently with book tours, humanitarian speaking engagements, along with stage performances.” She loved the creative freedom she was able to get with Naomi and had a long-standing friendship with the musician.“When you’re with a creative being, they get you,” says Doris. “Naomi really was a designer by heart. She was good, and she taught me a lot of what I know.”

Doris worked with Naomi for over two decades. She never traveled with the artist, allowing her to remain at home with her husband and their three children and be an active part of their lives—something Doris values to this day.

By word of mouth -- and lots of hard work --, Doris’ career flourished. She has wardrobe credits for Hallmark Channel movies, and the Oprah Winfrey show. Doris has also sewn for Beyonce,

Lady Gaga, Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Tanya Tucker, Keb’Mo, New Edition, Tyler Perry, Lainey Wilson, Barry Manilow (one of her personal favorites), Scott Hamilton and Taylor Swift. These days, Doris is called by Bridgestone Arena to help backstage with the wardrobes of artists who visit Nashville.

Doris is humble to her core —a peaceful woman who recognizes her abilities and wants to give back to her community. Some of her accolades include being named “Williamson County Trailblazer,” establishing the African American Heritage Society’s Black Tie Affair, and serving on the boards of Mercy Children’s Clinic, African American Heritage Society, Franklin Tomorrow, Haiti Hospital Foundation, Inner City Coalition, 4H of Williamson County, the Williamson County Library, City of Franklin River Walks and Parks, National Federation of Colored Women, Franklin Transit Authority, Williamson County African American Veterans Foundation, and many others. Her most recent accomplishment is being appointed by Governor Bill Lee to the Tennessee Historic Commission.

Doris claims she is not a busy woman, but her schedule implies otherwise. Spending her weekdays working at New Hope, and the entire weekend sewing, it seems there may be more hours in the day for Doris than the rest of us. “I prioritize time,” she says. “I stitch some early mornings for inspiration. It’s not stressful.”  Often rising as early as 2 a.m, Doris will sew when her imagination comes calling, and she loves every minute of it.

With the incredible life that she has led, Doris is most proud of being a wife and a mother, and being able to be a part of a city she loves. She claims to have no plans for the future, but if you look Doris McMillan up in a year, it is nearly certain that her resume will have grown.

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.

Expir es 9/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

getting swept out to sea LEADS TO A NEW CAREER

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BENNHOFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Left: Azores | Right: Trent with his wife Harriet

Sometimes the worst day ever leads to something better than we imagined. Trent Wallace agrees when he explains, “I flipped my kayak and it led to a new career.”

Trent grew up in Florence, Alabama and earned his PharmD at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy. He moved to Franklin in 1998 and works as a pharmacist at Williamson Medical Center. He first started taking pictures with a $100 Sony pointand-shoot camera he bought at Target. His colleague, Sam, liked the pictures and encouraged Trent to invest in a professional camera, but Trent didn’t want to spend the money. He was a single dad at the time and his two young kids were his priority. “It never occurred to me that I could become a professional photographer,” he says.

In 2013, Trent traveled to Turks & Caicos to soak up sun and photograph the glassy blue water. A local at an outdoor restaurant shared a story about a sunken airplane off the island that people paddled out to explore. Trent was intrigued. How cool would it be to photograph airplane wreckage? He asked to rent a kayak from the restaurant’s owner but the owner refused, citing the dangerous current that would surely sweep Trent out to sea. Trent persisted. The next day, the owner said the current was still too strong, but after Trent pleaded with him,

he relented, with a stern warning that it was a bad idea. Trent set off in the kayak with just a paddle and his Sony stowed in a Ziploc bag.

It didn’t take long for him to realize the restaurant owner was right. The current was powerful and the kayak quickly zoomed to the wreckage site. The water was choppy but he fought the current and took his camera out of the bag. He snapped a photo of the wreckage just before a wave flipped his boat, drenching the camera and sending his paddle off in another direction. Somehow he managed to retrieve the paddle, camera and kayak, and fight with all his might to paddle back to shore, where he collapsed on the sand in front of the restaurant owner. “I was so upset,” he says. “My camera was ruined. I shouldn’t have gone out, and I thought it was the worst day ever.”

Later, he discovered the camera’s SIM card was viable so he downloaded his vacation pictures. “I showed them to Sam and he said, ‘If you’ll finally buy yourself a decent camera I’ll show you how to use it, because you’re really good at this.’” Trent credits Sam, who has since passed away, as his inspiration. After he learned how to use the camera, he was hooked.

Trent took pictures with a Nikon 810 around Tennessee and while traveling, and people took notice. Boyle Investment Company asked to buy some of the photos and

Top: New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge

hired Trent to photograph their commercial real estate developments, which led to starting an official LLC, Trenton Lee Photography.

He currently works a seven-on seven-off pharmacy schedule that allows for plenty of travel. His kids are more independent at 17 and 15, and his wife, Harriet, owner of Agape Functional Wellness, often accompanies him on shoots. Many mornings you’ll find Trent setting up his tripod before sunrise to get the perfect shot.

For his iconic photo of Main Street featured on the downtown Franklin banners, he needed clear weather, a glowing sunrise, and no cars on the street, “which never happens in Franklin.” He rose early on several mornings to set up, and Harriet suggested he lie on the street to get a better angle. She stood over him watching for cars to ensure he didn’t get run over. It took several days and attempts but he finally captured a stunning photograph of our town for all to enjoy.

His detailed panoramic photo of Nashville’s Lower Broadway is actually three pictures stitched together. “I stood in the intersection with 24 seconds between light changes to set up my tripod and get the images. I hoped nobody would cross in front of me, which happened over

and over again. It took hundreds of attempts and nearly two hours but I finally got what I wanted.” The result is a view of Nashville from the Ryman all the way to Rippy’s Honky Tonk, with the Batman building looming in the background.

Trent takes headshots, commissions, and will do corporate photos, but his favorite style is landscape photography. “There’s beauty all around the world, and despite the negativity we sometimes face, I can find something positive to photograph and share with people.”

He recently returned from a trip to the Azores, where he and Harriet hiked to the top of a mountain and came upon a breathtaking sight. “Not many people will get to visit the Azores and I want them to see what we saw. I love to find beauty, capture it and have others experience it.” Other favorite destinations include Kauai, New York City and Greece.

Trent’s work is for sale at Painted Tree Boutiques, The Good Cup, Franklin Bakehouse, Five Points Market and on his website, TrentonLeePhotography.com. “That day in the kayak was a rough one but I’m thankful for it. It made me stop and pivot,” he says. “If we want to get stronger we have to go through tough stuff, but trials are what lead to pure joy.”  @trentonleephotography

THE EPITOME OF LUXURY

A

Stylish Home That’s Beautiful Inside And Out

ARTICLE

BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Entering the beautifully landscaped, gated community of Windstone in Brentwood is like driving into a private park. Nestled in a serene and charming valley, it’s also conveniently located near Green Hills and Franklin.

Within the gates, luxurious homes abound, including the nearly 10,000-square-foot estate at 821 Windstone Boulevard, which has six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths. It’s tailored to please even the most discriminating buyer who demands the best in life.

“It’s a really warm and inviting home,” says Realtor® Lisa Culp Taylor of the LCT Team in Franklin. “You walk straight into a beautiful living room that overlooks the pool and outdoor living area. You can then open the sliding doors off the living room and step into a spectacular screened-in covered porch that features a wood-burning fireplace. It’s very much indoor-outdoor living.”

The gourmet kitchen, with its incredible center island, also features a built-in banquette. “It’s open to the family room, which has a beautiful fireplace, shiplap, and beams,” she says. “The primary bedroom suite is secluded and includes a large sitting area, two walk-in closets, and a luxurious spa bathroom.” Four other bedrooms are en suites as well, providing family and guests the privacy they desire.

A truly expansive game room with a wet bar and sitting area is a great space for entertaining a crowd or simply relaxing and enjoying some alone time. “The resort-style pool is to die for,” says Lisa. “It has diving platforms, waterfalls, little grottos under the waterfalls, and a huge tanning ledge. It’s great for entertaining a large group.”

Lisa and her team of 11 agents are experts at handling the purchase and sale of this type of luxury home. “We’re now with

Onward Real Estate, which was just founded this year by Bob Parks. He was the owner of Parks Realty for 49 years, and I worked with him for 21 years, so I decided to stay with Bob.

“We were the number one team with Parks Realty for several years, and we are now the number one medium-sized team in Tennessee and the 14th medium-sized team in the nation.”

Like Lisa, some of her agents were born and raised in Brentwood, which allows them to guide buyers—especially those coming from out of state—to the best areas and homes for their needs. Others are newer to the area, which helps them understand how challenging it can be to move to an entirely new community.

“Being a native of the area, I've seen a lot of changes over the years with the market,” says Lisa. “I understand how to market luxury homes and what people might be looking for. One of my greatest strengths is being a good listener. It’s important to listen to what people are looking for and not just try to direct them. I let them direct me on what they’re looking for in a home because everyone’s needs are different.”

To learn more about this incredible house or others on the market, visit LCTTeam.com .

“THIS COMMUNITY HAS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST ENTRIES IN THE AREA. IT’S BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED WITH GATES THAT ARE SET BACK OFF THE MAIN ROAD. IT’S JUST KIND OF NESTLED THERE IN A VALLEY.”

Village Series From the $600s Crescent Homes

Retreat Series $600s - $700s Celebration Homes & Paran Homes

Sanctuary Series $700s - $800s Brightland Homes & Celebration Homes

Estate Series $700s - $1+Millon Davidson Homes, DeFatta Custom Homes, Four Corners of TN, Jackson Brothers Construction, Jackson Construction & Willow Branch Homes

- Tour 4 furnished models - Resort-Style Amenities including adult and kiddie pools, clubhouse, playground, dog park, 1/2 court basketball

- Excellent schools including Blackman Middle & Blackman High - Fabulous Location Near I-840, I-24, Shopping, Medical & Dining

ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

GYM FASHION AND FUNCTIONALITY

When you’re looking to hit the gym, what you wear can play a big role in your mindset and performance. Orangetheory Spring Hill Studio Manager Katrina Huckerby, who as a dancer, comes from a world of both

“MY

what’s in right now. “I see the younger generations wearing the leggings and sports bras or t-shirts and shorts with the ankle socks and sneakers. That seems to be a younger thing. But as we get older, you want to feel more

BEST RECOMMENDATION

IS JUST TO WEAR WHAT YOU ARE  COMFORTABLE WITH.”

fashion and peak athleticism knows this well. The lifelong dancer moved to Nashville a decade ago to join the Nashville ballet, but after an injury halted her career, she fell in love with the intensity of Orangetheory workouts. She began attending classes at the Franklin studio before working there and eventually going on to become the studio manager of Orangetheory Spring Hill.

In addition to her dance background, Huckerby once had a dance clothing company. She loves all things style and fashion when it comes to gym gear; however, she also knows that comfort and functionality are of utmost importance when selecting good workout attire.

“As far as trendy goes, everyone loves the monochromatic look, where you wear one color,” she explains about

comfortable in what you're wearing, so the whole t-shirts and shorts situation is typical gym wear,” she says.

“My best recommendation is just to wear what you are comfortable with. A lot of people come in thinking, ‘I have to wear the leggings. I've got to wear the cute little tank tops.’ But if you're more comfortable wearing your gym shorts that are a looser fit and a t-shirt, go for it!”

She does recommend that if you’re focusing on form when lifting weights and want to be sure that you are moving with precision, form fitting clothing can be beneficial. “I personally prefer the more tighter-fitting clothing just because I can see my form and that's what I'm working on,” she says.

Fabric is also a big component of a comfortable gym outfit. Orangetheory carries its own line of Orangetheory

branded apparel including co-branded clothing items by Nike, Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, and Vuori. These items are available both on the website and in-studio in a variety of colors. “Anything at ShopOrangetheory.com or in-studio is going to be a quality gym-wear item,” she says. “Our clothing products range from cotton tees to spandex blends, which offer varying sweat-wicking properties and different levels of comfort. Ideally, you wear what fits you and what you feel comfortable in.”

Huckerby also suggests hang drying gym clothing to help maintain the shape and extend the life of your gym wear.

In addition to the clothes you wear in the gym, Huckerby stresses that your footwear is just as important. She suggests going to a footwear store to get custom-fitted for whatever type of exercise you’re focusing on, whether that be running, weightlifting, etc.

“We want you to wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive,” she says. "If you're a runner or want to become a runner, or if you are a power-walker, you want to wear a running shoe that has enough foam cushion and provides support for your feet and ankles. And you want to wear cute shoes, right!? If you love your shoes and they feel good, you're on the right track. If your focus is strength training, you're likely taking our Strength50 classes, so you'll want

Orangetheory branded apparel with Lululemon

Katrina Huckerby

“ANYTHING

a shoe that has less foam cushion, shoes that give you more stability and support so you can focus on improving your form while lifting."

When it comes to gym courtesy, Huckerby encourages gym-goers to prioritize good hygiene and wear clean clothes not only for their own performance but out of respect for those in the class as well. She also advises to not wear anything that is overly distracting to other gym-goers. "If it’s uncomfortable for you to wear and causes you to constantly be pulling at your clothing, it can be distracting to those around you, and we want every person in the studio to feel comfortable in their skin while getting out of their comfort zone in the workout." Orangetheory.com

Williamson County’s Top Real Estate Team

Leveraging real estate resources with a creative and tenacious spirit, the LCT Team of Onward Real Estate are experts in delivering a synergy of success for each client with long-time REALTOR® Lisa Culp Taylor as team leader. We are ready to help you buy or sell a home in the Franklin, Brentwood, or Nashville areas - and we have the experience and knowledge to make the whole process easier for you. View listings at LCTTeam.com.

NURTURING NASHVILLE’S creative talent

The

Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Is Inspiring The City’s Next Generation Of Fashion Influencers

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA WINGARD, ATLANTA

At its core, Nashville is a creative community. Creatives are the source of the city’s energy. They are its beacon to the rest of the world.

That creative spirit now extends to the fashion industry. Over the last quarter century, Nashville has taken a position alongside the world’s leading fashion centers. From design and manufacturing, to corporate and retail and from trade shows to education, if it’s happening in fashion, it’s happening in Nashville. “Everyone wants a piece of the Nashville fabric,” says Marcia Masulla, a communications strategist, brand builder and the co-founder and managing director of Nashville Fashion Week. “The key is to balance all this growth by offering viable resources and opportunities for Nashville’s talent pool of designers, stylists, retailers, models, hair and makeup artists, and more. We need to continue to nurture the fashion community and economy that is homegrown and in our own backyard.”

Masulla grew up in St. Louis where she remembers “being a precocious little girl” who started sketching and styling her own dolls and requested a subscription to Vogue when she was eight years old. She studied Fashion History and Business at Parsons School of Design – The New School in New York City. Since then, she’s been a

Marcia Masulla/Photo by Fizzah Raza

stylist, fashion writer, organized closets, owned her own namesake boutique, managed a vintage/upcycled store, produced fashion shows and consulted and produced events for fashion brands.

She moved to Nashville in 2008 where she found the local fashion community to be warm and welcoming. She became involved, made connections and eventually pioneered Nashville Fashion Week (NFW), along with Connie Cathcart-Richardson and Mclaine Richardson.

NFW debuted in 2011 with a city-wide celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion and retail community and its vast array of creative talent. Perhaps as a way of reciprocating for the way she was embraced by the local fashion community, Masulla and the volunteer-led organization introduced the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund (NFFF). As part of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), the NFFF is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee.

The annual award is a financial grant intended for experiential professional development opportunities. Applications are accepted each year with the recipient selected “by a committee of the Community Foundation board, based on pre-established criteria inspired by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA)/ VOGUE Fashion Fund to advance the career of select local talent,” says Masulla.

“Applicants must first meet the criteria of having Middle Tennessee ties and then submit an outline of their brand and plan of how they intend to utilize the funds. With the NFS team being so connected to the community, we chose to have a panel of judges selected by the (CFMT) review the entries and select the recipient each year.” Masulla notes that, to avoid conflicts, NFFF members are not privy to the identities of those who serve on the selection committee as it is managed by the CFMT.

In July, Clarksville native and TSU graduate Rhea Daniels became the 12th Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient. Daniels is an entrepreneur who has worked for Nike in Portland, Oregon. Currently, she’s the founder and creative director for Papierdoll Factory, an online accessories boutique dedicated to blending avant-garde resort wear with cultural consciousness.

Daniels is from a military family and she plans to use her grant to take a class where she can learn how to obtain government contracts that will enable her to place her products in stores on military bases across the globe.

Rhea Daniels Photo by Hannah Graham, Atlanta

“I think this award is a catapult to the stratosphere,” says Daniels. “It’s giving me an opportunity to propel my brand forward and introducing me to people who can make that happen. Anthony Bourdain traveled the world and talked about food and the culture and the people behind it. Papierdoll does the same thing through creativity and fashion. Accessories are important to me because it’s how you make an outfit your own. I can tell you the story behind the accessory. When you can tell someone how an item is dyed and why they use that fabric, it sparks interest in other cultures. It’s a conversation starter and a way to bring people together.”

Daniels’ relationship with Nashville Fashion Week goes back several years. “We first met Rhea when she applied to be a vendor at one of our outdoor marketplaces,” says Masulla. “I can still recall her infectious energy and professional acumen when she showed up. I just had to scoop up one of her clutches for my personal closet. Over time, Rhea kept in touch and made the leap to apply for the NFFF. I’m so thrilled that she did. She is the epitome of all the good things that anyone would want to cheer. She’s a hardworking self-starter who is both kind and intelligent. She also happens to have a keen eye for both style and business opportunities.”

NashvilleFashionWeek.com PapierDollFactory.com

Photo by Darryl G. Humphrey II, Atlanta

Reinventing The Runway

CELEBRATING EVERY PERSON’S

UNIQUE

BEAUTY AND STRENGTH

Photo by Searcy Studios

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA MADRID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Photo by Sonder Images

Alicia Searcy is on a mission to help everyone, regardless of age, race, gender-identity, size, sexual-orientation or physical ability, look and feel amazing. No, she is not a stylist or a designer. She is the founder of a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advocate for inclusion and promote body positivity and self-esteem through fashion.

Alicia is walker and wheelchair dependent due to cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and posture. She was born in 1961, a time when families often put children with disabilities into institutions. Her parents, however, sent her to regular school. “I never really felt good about myself,” she says. “For a long time, you could say I was an anti-fashion statement.” She was not concerned about what she wore.

She noticed people did not pay attention to her. “I think most of them thought because I was in a wheelchair, I had no intellectual faculties,” Alicia says. In 2010, Nashville experienced a severe flood that ruined most of her clothes. In response, she decided to take a different approach to her wardrobe, opting to buy nicer apparel and dress more stylishly whenever she went out. To her surprise, people began taking notice.

Alicia then started the first-ever disabled fashion blog and used it as a platform to talk about finding herself through fashion. Over time, she met Krystle Ramos, the owner of Pura Vida Vintage, and the two often discussed how nice it would be if everybody could be seen and validated in their clothes. But it wasn’t until David Bowie’s death in 2016, that she sprang into

action to pursue her dream. “I realized that if David Bowie could die, so could I, so I had better hurry,” she says. She held her first fashion show that same year using local designers and non-traditional models. The following year, the nonprofit “Fashion is for Every Body,” was born, and its fashion show has become a staple of the Nashville fashion calendar on the Saturday after Labor Day ever since.

The show not only highlights the importance of inclusion but also showcases local designers, many of whom had not previously worked with diverse sizes and abilities. As designers must ensure models can dress independently in their creations, they are provided with an Adaptive Resource Guide, developed in collaboration with Vanderbilt University. This guide offers tools and techniques for adapting designs to meet various needs, such as using magnetic clasps instead of buttons to accommodate someone with limited dexterity.

Leading Fashion is for Every Body has been a validating experience for Alicia, who is training someone to succeed her as director. She finds joy in seeing the friendships formed, as well as the increase in self-esteem among the models. As she prepares to hang up her hat, Alicia offers this advice: “The world is a diverse place so the more we step out of our bubble and pay attention to people who are not like us, the more we will learn.” She reminds us of the importance of connection and how you can do it while looking good. FashionIsForEverybody.com

“The world is a diverse place so the more we step out of our bubble, and pay attention to people who are not like us, the more we will learn.”

“I realized that if David Bowie could die, so could I, so I had better hurry.”

Photo by Sonder Images

Photo by Searcy Studios

GUIDING YOU HOME

Now You Can Be Styled By Sonika

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL SATI/@MISOSATI AND JESSICA K SMITH/@JESSICAKATHERINEPHOTO

““Because I have been in the influencer space for so long, I got to know my audience and what they would want, what they previously shopped on my page, things like that. It’s a place where you can find affordable, yet trendy pieces.”

Sonika Surati started her lifestyle blog while working in the medical field. Once she welcomed her first daughter, her passion grew into a fashion-focused Instagram account where her 56,000 followers watched with intrigue as she shared her shopping finds and styled outfits.

But Sonika had a goal to bring her brand beyond Instagram, and in early 2024, she launched her online boutique, Harper’s Den.

“Because I have been in the influencer space for so long, I got to know my audience and what they would want, what they previously shopped on my page, things like that,” Sonika shares. “It’s a place where you can find affordable, yet trendy pieces.”

Sonika Surati

Sonika Surati is an influencer and boutique owner whose passion for fashion began at a young age–dating back to styling and accessorizing her outfits for grade school. Sonika is originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi, attended college at Ole Miss, and has lived in the Middle Tennessee area for 14 years. She loves Franklin’s slow-paced lifestyle, its friendly residents, excellent education, and the family-friendly nature that makes it a perfect place to raise her three children.

Everything in the store is under $100, and is a reflection of Sonika’s personal style her followers have grown to love. And the name of the boutique itself is an homage to each of her three children.

“Harper’s Den is inspired by my own personal style, but it’s a lot of everyday pieces for the trendy everyday girl or the mom on-the-go,” Sonika says. “But there are also casual and casual dressy outfits, and lots of pieces that you can mix and match.” While Harper's Den ships nationally, the brand is owned and operated in Franklin and offers free pickup for the local community.

Of course, Sonika still operates her personal Instagram account where she shares Harper’s Den pieces in addition to other finds she’s seeing in stores and online. Plus she shares styling tips and outfit ideas.

@StyledbySonika @ShopHarpersDen

FRANKLIN’S FALL FASHION EXPERT

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFESTYLE BY LEBLANC/ SHANNON LEBLANC

As sure as the sun will rise, fashion trends will always change. One season’s must-have item might be obsolete the next, only to rise back to the top a decade later. Keeping up with trends can be a daunting task, but one local boutique is helping alleviate any style-induced stressors with a passionate owner, a team of professional stylists, and ever-evolving clothing racks.

Andrea Hanna started her professional career as a comedy writer in Los Angeles before joining StitchFix and Nordstrom as a fashion stylist. When her husband’s company moved their family

to Franklin, Andrea channeled her passion for fashion into her own storefront. The challenge? Doors opened in February 2020, one month before the world shut down.

“It was a tiny little store. It was a great way to cut my teeth and figure out if I even wanted to do it,” Andrea shares. “I loved it! I did that for three years and developed a client base. It was more of a destination rather than somewhere you would wander in, but my goal was to have something in a shopping center where I could get some foot traffic.”

An opportunity for Andrea to move and re-brand her business into a Berry Farms storefront eventually opened, and she took it. Society Franklin celebrated one year in its new home in spring 2024, and the team continues to evolve styles and offerings based on what customers are most interested in.

“The way I shop as a consumer is the same way I style my clients and my customers,” Andrea says. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look fantastic, but I also know the feeling of wanting to walk into a beautiful store and see beautiful things.”

Andrea Hanna

Many who wander into Society Franklin may be daydreaming the “what-ifs” of a designer-filled closet, but a flip of a price tag would reveal the stunning, on-trend, and high-quality pieces lining racks are actually at an affordable price point.

“When I search for brands, I am looking for quality and comfort at the right price point. I love listening to my customers, my employees, and getting new ideas,” Andrea adds. “I like being a bit of an evolving store.”

Still, finding affordable, quality fashion is only half the battle, because even with a closet full of basics and beautiful pieces, it’s a skill to piece items together in a way that’s flattering and on-trend. Society Franklin sets itself apart by hiring professional stylists to work in-store so customers have access to knowledgeable staff that can help piece a perfect outfit together.

“When you come here, you shop like you would anywhere, but you also get free styling advice,” Andrea says. “They aren’t bombarding you, but if you want it, they’ll give you great advice.”

This merges Society Franklin’s origin story with the bustling storefront it is now–the “styling studio” approach Andrea started out with is now incorporated into her boutique. While the team can certainly help customers piece together a look with items exclusively in-store, Andrea welcomes shoppers to bring in pieces bought elsewhere if any tips are needed.

“We all have that one friend who knows the trends and how to wear everything the right way. Well, consider Society that friend. We give you honest and tangible advice that you can take with you,” Andrea says. As an

added bonus, Society Franklin’s star employee, Mabel, is a nine-month-old border terrier who loves to participate in styling sessions.

So what might you find on shelves this season? The fall forecast calls for classy and elegant looks, from tailored trousers to layered knits. More conservative styles like full skirts and clean, finished jeans are on-trend. Distressed denim is out.

“I always tell people to keep your jeans, just fold them and put them in storage because usually all the trends come back,” Andrea shares.

As for prints, three bold patterns are making a return this fall: large, oversized leopard print, stripes, and checkerboard (which is sure to delight Vols fans). Plus, Andrea anticipates a rise in quilted jackets in antiquated prints (see, those trends always come back around), which can look great paired simply with a basic t-shirt and jeans.

When it comes to trends, remember you don’t have to go full-force to keep up. A few curated pieces paired with closet staples can make enough of a splash to feel like a wardrobe refresh.

“My customer is me,” Andrea says.”I’m 46, I still want to look cute and on trend, but I don’t want to feel like I’m dressing too young or too old. It feels like this forgotten age where you don’t know what to wear, you just want to look chic and cute. I think most of my customers are the same as me and that makes me an asset. That’s my philosophy in a nutshell.”

Each of these trends, plus a collection of stylist-selected, evergreen pieces, are available to shop in-store, which is located next to Biscuit Love in Berry Farms, and online at SocietyFranklin.com

Patch to Porch Delivery & Design

MEGAN MORONEYIS O K YA

THE AM I OKAY? SINGER GETS REAL ON HER SOPHOMORE ALBUM

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CECE DAWSON

“My style is very feminine and over the top. It’s girly and sparkly.”

Megan Moroney has been catapulted to country music "It" girl status with the release of her second album, Am I Okay? in July.  It's been the fifth biggest country debut of 2024 and the year's third biggest debut from a female country artist. In fact, Moroney told Wall Street Journal reporter Neil Shah that "New listeners are learning that country music isn't just 'trucks, beer and girls'."

"Tennessee Orange" from her debut album, Lucky, was a top 30 hit on the Hot 100, and started the buzz about the emo cowgirl. And what exactly is it about Am I Okay? that has listeners and even the

press and media singing the 26-year-old's praises? Moroney says, "You definitely get to know me better as an artist and a songwriter. Lucky was a safe album. It was a great album to get to know me as an artist. But the songs on Am I Okay? are more personal. There are more topics of my life covered that are more vulnerable and honest. There's love and heartbreak and friendship and grief. It's just life and things that I've gone through, and I find a way to write about it."

And songwriting is Moroney's favorite part of the job. "I'm always writing songs.

“I’m always writing songs. Whether it’s on the bus, or at home, or if I’m supposed to be having a day off, I love to get with my co-writers and just write.”

Whether it's on the bus, or at home, or if I'm supposed to be having a day off, I love to get with my co-writers and just write. I am just inspired by real life experiences," she says.

"I think there were one or two songs I wasn't sure I could put on the album because they were so raw," she adds. "My producer {Sugarland's Kristian Bush} said to me, 'I think you're making that decision based off of fear and I don't like that'. Once he said that, I was like 'Screw it, we're putting these songs on the album' because whether they are right or wrong, that's how that situation made me feel. Songwriters may not always tell the story exactly how it went, but more so how it made us feel."

No doubt Moroney is feeling pretty okay. She's been called a "country keeper" by Variety, "demonstrated a natural ability for songwriting" by U.S. News & World Report and "honest and witty" by The New York Times, to name just a few "It was very cool to see some of the big press outlets speak highly of the album," she says. It feels good. And while I obviously very much appreciate it, I try not to focus on that stuff too much. I try not to put too much weight on other reviews. As a creator, art is subjective and to keep sane, you just have to believe in your art and put it out there. I make music so my fans can enjoy it. As long as my fans are happy, we're good."

In addition to all of the accolades, she just wrapped up a summer tour with Kenny Chesney, adding, "It's been the most fun tour. I've learned so much from Kenny as a performer and from his crew - they have touring down to a science. There are no mess ups. They have everything worked out perfectly. I grew up listening to Kenny Chesney and now Kenny is a friend and mentor to me and gives me advice. His whole crew and team are all amazing."

Moroney's style has taken on a life its own with her fans. "My style is very feminine and over the top," she says. It's girly and sparkly. I always have the same white boots on. Those are kinda my staple. And I usually have big hair. I love being over the top on stage."

'On stage' being the keywords. "My everyday style is more relaxed. I say songwriter Megan and stage Megan are the complete opposite. Songwriter Megan has on a camo set, hair in a bun and no makeup."

Inspired by fashionistas Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves (circa 2014), Moroney says, "My songs have sass and attitude, so when you're dressed feminine and girly, it always makes it more fun to sing. I took a few notes from Kacey Musgraves'  Same Trailer Different Park album. When I went to see that tour and I saw how girly she was dressed, she could say some of those sassy things without it coming off as rude. And I love Dolly Parton and how over the top her outfits are."

Even Moroney's hair gets lots of attention. There are tutorials on Tik Tok from fans on how to get her hair look. "The younger me would straighten the crap out of my curls," she says. It took me growing up to appreciate it more. I feel like myself with my natural curl. And it's way easier to get ready."

The music industry is glad to have former accounting major Megan Moroney. She says, "I always loved music but it wasn't something I thought you could do as a career. My mom was an accountant so it made sense to me. Then I had the opportunity to open for Chase Rice and the only condition was that I wrote my own song. So when I wrote that first song for the show, I thought that was quite easy and therapeutic." And the rest is history.

MeganMoroney.com

HOW ARTISAN CUSTOM CLOSETS IS MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

Empowering The Community Around Us

ARTICLE BY JAYNA PENNINGTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The unexpected twists and turns in life can often be challenging. However, they can also open doors for growth and positive change. How we respond to these challenges can significantly influence not only our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. Embracing these moments and finding ways to use them to shed some light and lead to inspiring and meaningful outcomes are essential tools for life.

CONTINUED >

Artisan Custom Closets, a renowned southern closet design company, has a compelling backstory marked by an unexpected life event that shaped its core values and vision. Design, organization, and visuality not only inspired the uniqueness of Artisan Custom Closets, the story behind the company created its core that carries on today. We talked with Christina Johnson, Director of Marketing, to give us a little insight.

HOW DOES THE PERSONAL BACKGROUND OF THE FOUNDER SHAPE THE COMPANY TODAY?

Lisa Carlquist, the founder of Artisan, started the company when an unexpected life change of her husband's passing created an immediate need to support herself and her daughter. Already a well-established closet designer, Lisa saw an opportunity and took it, combining forces with her business partner to launch what became the Artisan Custom Closets we know today. It's truly inspiring to see what she accomplished and what she grew this company into before handing it off to Georgia Oak Partners and the current executive team who runs Artisan. As a female, I think it's amazing! She was a full-time mom and a full-time CEO and still managed to grow this largely successful business.

I love the history of this company and the legacy Lisa created. Now it's entrusted to us to carry it on.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF CLOSET DESIGNING FOR PEOPLE?

The reward that comes with what we do is yes, now you have a beautiful space, and we certainly hear that from the majority of our customers, but at the end of the day I think there is one bit of feedback we often receive that really hits home. You don’t realize how much stress a lack of organization creates in your day-to-day life until you fix it. Suddenly, that stress is gone and mornings are easier and you think to yourself 'Wow, why didn’t I do this before?' It is a stress that most of us live with because a lot of times we just default to whatever is in the house or condo when we buy it and we just continue to muddle through it. To have our clients come back to us days, months, even years later, in some cases, and thank us so deeply for our work and how it improved their lives – it’s amazing to witness. We love to create beauty in our clients' homes, but we love creating peace for them even more.

HOW DOES YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON LIVES?

My personal favorite is when we do projects for kids. We had someone we worked with at the beginning of this year who has a son who is on the autism spectrum, and wanted to do something for him to help him be comfortable with the day-to-day of life. She took his bedroom closet and worked with one of our designers to create a fun, unique space where he had tons of storage for all of the things that mattered to him – his books, his stuffed animals, his clothes, and so much more. The best part, however, was that we were able to craft a custom “hidey nook” for him as part of his closet. When he gets stressed, he likes to hide, and this gave him his own space to do so and also her peace of mind because she would know where he was in those moments. His nook was so cozy. We added lighting in the area for him to read with, and she added lots of pillows and his favorite stuffed animals, and the end result was an amazing little space. She shared a video of us doing a ‘reveal’ with him. He loved his closet and immediately started investigating all of the shelves and drawers and, of course, his nook. It’s so fun to watch kids recognize ‘organization’ and respond to it just like us adults do! The client still keeps in touch with us to let us know he remains obsessed with his closet. She even sends us pictures of him in his space! It’s neat to see how we can affect people’s lives instantly.

ArtisanCustomClosets.com

Discover hand-picked home interiors, including on-trend furniture, wall art, home decor, lighting, and seasonal decorations In-house design services are available Visit us in Historic Franklin, just a few blocks from downtown’s Public Square zulaandmachome.com | 615 790 8908 | 301 Lewisburg Ave, Franklin, TN 37064

www.home-aidmoving.com (615) 482-4796 | V @homeaidmoving

Doing Something Totally Different

IT’S

TIME FOR THIS MOM TO FOCUS ON HER NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE

In 2005, Lindsay Ferrier was busy raising children in the suburbs of Nashville and experiencing all the joys and challenges that motherhood could bring. After working in television news for a number of years, she also wanted to continue to share stories with others. This time, they would be her own stories.

“I always wanted to be a writer, and had heard about these online diaries,” she says. “I thought this would be a great way to write under a pseudonym, hopefully have an audience, and find out if I was any good at it.”

Six months after starting her blog, Suburban Turmoil , Lindsay had a decent sized readership and decided to send a link to Nashville Scene. “I really wanted to write a column based on my blog. The editor called me within 30 minutes of getting the email.” She was hired and everything just took off from there. Her column was eventually transferred to the City Paper, which really expanded her audience.

Her blog and columns focused on the demands of motherhood with a humorous spin. “I wrote about things that weren't funny at the time, but later became funny in my memory,” says Lindsay. “While these everyday things may have seemed mundane, people could relate to them, and I turned them into entertainment and helped others laugh about these situations too.”

She also started a fashion and beauty blog just for fun as a companion to Suburban Turmoil. “I ended up selling that blog to Cafe Mom, which was the number one mom's website at the time, and then writing it for them.”

Lindsay was also given the opportunity to do television again, including covering the 2012 presidential election for CNN, and also traveled the world.

Today, her children are grown and she’s living in Nashville, so she’s transitioning Suburban Turmoil into a new blog called Something Totally Different, to correspond with her new chapter in life. “Rather than the whole negative empty nest thing, this is going to be about how we get to think about ourselves again for a change.” SomethingTotallyDifferent.com

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Meredith Campbell

Enhancing Beauty And Inspiring Confidence

TREATMENTS THAT NURTURE THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL

A licensed esthetician for over five years, 27-yearold Nashville native Meredith Campbell has always had a passion for making other people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. “I always loved doing my mom's and friend's makeup and just pampering everyone I loved,” she says.

After working for and interviewing with other salons over the years, Meredith found that she wasn’t able to provide the exact type of services and results she wanted for her clientele. So in April of this year, she opened Confidence By Mere in Franklin's Grassland neighborhood. “I want to provide my clients with this sweet spot between a luxury day spa and a med spa,” she says. “I want both the results and relaxation because I feel like self-care is so much larger than just skin care. I want to nurture someone's soul and for them to feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally when they leave my salon suite.”

The suite itself imbues calmness and relaxation. “Clients don't have to go through a front desk person; it's all run through me. I have a beautiful pale blue suite with white accents and little crystals hanging in the corners.”

Meredith offers a wide range of services for all skin types, with many being requested again and again. “My Dermaplane Refresh Facial is a favorite because of the exfoliation and immediate results people love,” she says. “But it also has the longterm effects of cell turnover, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles.”

The CO2 Lift is another client favorite. “It's this beautiful mask that’s left on for 45 minutes while I’m giving a nice scalp, hand, arm, and foot massage. The mask helps regenerate the skin and I like to think of it as a hyperbaric chamber for your face. It helps rush oxygen-rich blood up to the surface of the skin and is going to plump, hydrate, brighten, tighten, and lift skin.”

The Aging Gracefully Facial promotes aging as beautifully as possible. “I don’t like to use the term ‘anti-aging’ because there should be nothing negative about it,” says Meredith. “What I use during that facial is a line called Yonka from Paris and it's all about bringing the skin back into balance. It uses aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, facial techniques and reflexology. It's really just a whole ball of self-care.”

She also likes to incorporate Gua Sha. “This is an ancient Chinese technique with little jade stones in different shapes,” says Meredith. “These little stones are used for lymphatic drainage of the skin, and it's almost like a contouring tool that also helps with fine lines, wrinkles and, of course, that puffiness in the face. It helps with regenerating the cells, so it's actually good for people with acne, and really great for helping those who have saggy jowls or feel like their necks are starting to droop.”

While some people come in with an idea of the treatment they want, others aren’t sure of what they need. “As soon as they get onto my table, I'm going to talk about what skin products they’re using and

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

their long and short term goals,” she says. She will decline to provide a service that is not suitable for a client's skin, even if it's requested. “This is where having a licensed esthetician, and someone with years of experience dealing with different skin types, different age groups, and different goals, is very important,” says Meredith. She explains that while you learn the basics of skin care in esthetician school, the real magic comes from taking that knowledge and combining it with ongoing learning and training. “I'm always actively learning new techniques and taking courses.”

Her main goal is, and always will be, to instill confidence in all of her clients and even those she just comes into contact with. “Especially because of social media, I feel like so many women have confidence issues. But people are seeing what celebrities are doing to look so young and fantastic at such advanced ages, and I feel like they are now realizing that these treatments are not just for celebrities. Everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin, and I feel that in the past few years, skincare has really become a forefront of the whole self-care movement with really focusing on mental health, physical health, and just really taking the time for yourself.”

Meredith and her fiancé, DuSean Sayles, (they’re getting married in October) live by Belmont University and have two fur babies - a dog named Mani, and a little fluffy orange cat named Pierre. “We're big foodies, and we enjoy the food scene here,” she says. “New restaurants pop up all the time and we like to try new things. We're pretty adventurous eaters, so we really love trying unique tasting menus. We love our craft beers too, so we like going to breweries. You can usually catch us at our neighborhood Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint. That is pretty much our stomping ground.”

“What I do is definitely all about spreading positivity,” Meredith says. ConfidenceByMere.com

How Ya Them Apples? Like

Despite September’s unpredictable sort-of-summer, sort-of fall weather, one thing that’s certain is the arrival of the first fall apple harvest. Fruit-bearing trees have reached their peak after the long summer blooming season. While we may have to wait to wear sweaters and cute boots with a pumpkin spice latte held fashionably in hand, crispy fall apples are ready for the picking now. Visit a local orchard and grab a bushel ready to bake into apple pies or toss into salads. Whip up a batch of these warm Snickerdoodle Caramel Apple Cookie Skillets that’ll have you drooling and dreaming of those crisp fall days just around the corner.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUDY

BEAUDIN

SNICKERDOODLE CARAMEL APPLE COOKIE SKILLETS

Apple Filling:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium Honey Crisp apples, peeled and diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cookies:

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Cinnamon Sugar

• Caramel Sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350º.

2. Spray eight 5” skillets with cooking spray.

3. Combine filling ingredients in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender crisp.

4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter, sugars, and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add egg and yolk.

5. Combine next 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Add to batter with apples.

6. Spread ½ cup batter into each skillet. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place on two rimmed baking sheets.

7. Bake 25-30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through baking time, until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted shows moist crumbs.

8. Cool. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Photography Provided By: Bethany Sams Photography

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

for success THESE REALTORS DRESS

Franklin resident Erin Krueger leads a very successful all-female real estate team. In her downtime, she and her husband love to travel, especially to Europe. When it comes to style, she says that “nothing looks better on a woman than being confident and comfortable in her own skin. Style is different for everyone; it’s more about speaking to who you are.”

How would you define your overall style? Has that changed greatly over the years?

My overall style is comfortable yet classic. While it has evolved over the years, the changes reflect my growing appreciation for quality and capsule pieces that can be used for years.

“Nothing looks better on a woman than being confident and comfortable in her own skin.”

When relaxing at home, what do you prefer to wear? Why?

Jeans and a t-shirt or athleisure - comfort is always key.

When working, what types of outfits do you tend to wear?

I love timeless dresses made from natural fibers like linen, cotton, and silk. A tailored blazer, a great pair of jeans, and a classic white blouse are also my favorite go-to pieces.

For a night out on the town, describe one of your favorite outfits, including shoes and accessories.

I love wearing a silk dress paired with a great blazer and a designer clutch. If the occasion is more casual, my go-to is a great pair of jeans, a blouse, and heels. For jewelry, I like a more timeless look. I keep it a mix of metals with stackable bracelets, diamond rings, gold hoops or diamond studs. For more formal events, statement earrings are a must.

How do you find out about the latest fashion trends?

Instagram is a great resource for me. I have to admit, I am influenced by influencers, but I do stay away from fast fashion. I stick to elevated pieces I will have for years. I also love the effortless classic looks I see on many European women.

What are some of your favorite places to shop for clothing and accessories?

I love Emerson Grace [Nashville], and I've also found some great pieces at Kirna Zabête [Nashville]. Oak Hall [Nashville] is another favorite of mine. ErinKrueger.com

As a Realtor ®, husband to Emily, owner of golden retriever, Maddie, and soon-to-be boy dad, Blake Johnson of Franklin wears many hats (and other items of clothing.)

How would you define your overall style?

My grandfather, Vernon Golden’s motto was "dress to impress." When working, as much as I'd love to wear suits to showings, it's just not feasible in 100-degree Southern weather, so I prefer business casual.

I'm a full-service agent, so I serve multimillion-dollar buyers and sellers, but I also represent first time homebuyers and those who don't necessarily have a large budget. If we have to find a home an hour or two outside of Nashville, I’ll throw on my cowboy boots. Otherwise, you could see me in loafers, khakis and a nice buttoned up shirt with rolled up sleeves or in a polo with white sneakers. I'm also an avid golfer, so sometimes my golf apparel translates to my work apparel.

When relaxing at home, what do you prefer to wear?

When I get home, I typically change into clothes that aren’t too casual in the event that I need to jet off again, but casual enough to feel comfortable. In the summer, I really love breathable white or blue linen that embodies a casual, comfortable feel, but that’s still a little upscale. In cooler weather, I love a collared shirt under a sweater with jeans and a boot of some kind or maybe loafers.

What do you wear for a night out on the town?

Again, I take this from my grandfather - always dress it up with a watch. I do have an Apple watch that I use for utility but if I'm dressing up, I have a handful of watches that have either been passed down to me or that I've purchased myself.

What are some of your favorite local places to shop for clothing ?

For shoes, I like to shop at Citizen in downtown Franklin. Probably 50 percent of my wardrobe is from Untuck It in Green Hills, and I also shop a lot at Peter Millar in Brentwood.

BlakeJohnson.co

“My grandfather’s motto was ‘dress to impress.’”

Photo by Deb Scally

Photo by Deb Scally

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MUSIC INDUSTRY

LEGEND TONY BROWN REFLECTS ON TIME WITH ELVIS, REBA AND MORE

ARTICLE BY SARAH SKATES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON LOWRIE

Famed record producer Tony Brown added the Academy of Country Music Icon award to his already full trophy cabinet recently. Prior to the exclusive ceremony held August 21 at the Ryman Auditorium, Brown spoke to Franklin Lifestyle about the honor and memories from his storied career, which include playing with Elvis Presley, recording Reba McEntire’s iconic “Fancy” and longtime work with George Strait.

In fact, Brown and Strait recently reunited for the artist’s upcoming album, Cowboys And Dreamers, their 20th project together. In order to escape the hustle and bustle of Music Row, they retreated to The Castle studio in Franklin. “It was the perfect vibe for this record for him to come back to town,” says Brown, who has produced 37 of Strait’s 60 number one hits. “We always recorded in Nashville, never in Texas, and at some point we started cutting at Jimmy Buffett’s studio in Key West, Shrimp Boat Sound. When

I heard I was getting this award, it felt like the first time I had a number one record, or the first time I had a big hit with George,” he continues. “It’s a feeling that never gets old.”

After a successful career as a touring musician and label executive, Brown found himself in the producer chair. “I’ve had about 100 number one records, and “Fancy” is probably the most famous song I ever produced,” he says, adding that it was on the first album he produced for Reba. The first album he produced for Strait was the landmark Pure Country. Around the same time, Brown worked with Patty Loveless, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle. He also signed Vince Gill and produced “When I Call Your Name.”

“Things started snowballing,” he says. “I was in the right place at the right time. There was a point where everyone thought I had a magic wand, where if I cut your record, you’d have a hit. I used to have five of the top 10 songs. To get this award makes me feel

relevant again.” Brown received the Icon award alongside another of his famous signings, Trisha Yearwood. “She was undeniable,” he recalls. “To this day I think she is one of the best female country singers in the business.”

Brown offered her a record deal after seeing her perform at Douglas Corner, where she sang “She’s In Love With The Boy” and “The Thunder Rolls,” but the latter had already been promised to Garth Brooks. Her first single, “She’s In Love With The Boy” went on to number one. Brown produced her Grammy-winning recording of “How Do I Live.”

Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brown performed in a group with his siblings on the road with their father, a traveling evangelist. Around age 13, it was discovered that he could play piano by ear, and he pursued formal training in Texas. “My dream was to play in a big southern gospel group, and my hero was J.D. Sumner, the world’s lowest bass singer.” That dream came true when he joined Sumner’s band. It was through Sumner that Brown met Elvis, who was also a fan.

In the early ‘70s, Brown spent time playing with the Oak Ridge Boys, before being tapped to work for Elvis. “I joined a southern gospel group called Voice. Our job was to fly to Beverly Hills or Palm Springs or Graceland, and sing for Elvis. We would travel and hang out with him for a week. He would get up about 8 o’clock at night and sing gospel songs until 3 or 4 in the morning. I knew every song because I was raised on gospel, so it was perfect for me. Then eventually he put us on tour as the opener.”

On tour, Brown studied Elvis’ piano player in the TCB band, and when he left, Brown got the job. He was with Elvis until the star’s passing. “I played his last show, June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We were about to leave for the next tour on August 16 and we were at the private Nashville airport. The Colonel sent his guy and told us the tour was off. On the way home, I heard on the radio that Elvis had been found dead. That’s how I found out I lost my gig.”

Brown’s intro to country music came next, playing with Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, Rodney Crowell’s The Cherry Bombs and with Rosanne Cash. Eventually it led to his record label career and time as a hit producer.

During the last decade-plus, Brown has been honored to produce crossover artists coming to Nashville, including Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee and Cyndi Lauper’s Detour. Brown also released an autobiographical photography book titled Elvis, Strait, to Jesus

“I have been the luckiest guy in all of country music to work with the people I’ve worked with,” he says. “I don’t take this award lightly and I’m so honored.” TonyBrownEnterprises.com

The Aesthetic Parlour is a full service medical spa located in historic downtown Franklin, specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine.

We offer:

PRP/PRF | Dermal Filler, (Restylane, Juvederm, Versa) Neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau) | PDO Thread Lift Microneedling | Chemical Peels | HydrafacialMD Dermaplane | Medical Grade Skincare

CROATIA

ARTICLE BY DAWN ECK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWN AND MICHAEL ECK

JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC

Croatia is rich in cultural history and natural beauty, with appeal for visitors of every interest. If you love Italy and Greece, but do not love the crowds, Croatia is the place for you.

SPLIT AND THE DALMATIAN COAST

The heart of Split is the city’s Old Town. Diocletian’s Palace, completed around AD 305, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the main attraction of Old Town. The palace contains a maze of hotels, shops, museums, and restaurants within its walls. Book a tour to learn the remarkable history of this ancient palace, but also take time to explore on your own. Getting lost within the palace walls or happening upon a candlelit concert add to the fun of exploring Old Town.

Split’s central location provides the opportunity for various day trips. Just beyond the palace walls, visitors can join boat tours of the nearby islands. Take the short ride to Brac or Hvar (known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife) or take an all-day tour to include more islands and the area’s famous Blue Cave.

A short drive down the coast, you will find the small town of Omis in the Cetina Valley. Pine trees line the small roadside beaches, which offer beautiful mountain views. More adventurous visitors can experience whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Cetina River.

ISTRIA AND KVARNER

Lovely Istria checks all boxes including ancient hilltop towns and gorgeous coastlines. From its architecture to cuisine, it is evident that this region was formerly part of Italy. Set aside several days to fully explore and enjoy Istria. In Pula, Istria’s largest town, history buffs will enjoy touring the Roman amphitheater, built in the first century AD.

Rovinj

A drive through farmland and country roads will bring you to Motovun, a medieval hill town in Istria’s interior region. Take a short bus ride or walk to the top of this walled city to explore restaurants, shops, and an interesting museum describing the town’s history. Motovun is also the birthplace of famed race car driver Mario Andretti.

Rovinj, located on Istria’s western coast, is known as one of Croatia's prettiest cities. Its most iconic landmark is the Church of St. Euphemia, which sits atop the city’s winding cobblestone streets. The church’s beautiful bell tower overlooks the sea. Visitors can enjoy a meal, shopping, and sea views along the way up. Rovinj is a perfect home base for day tours on the water, either on the Adriatic or nearby Lim Ford. Culinary tours include in-season truffle tastings and winery tours. This area also is well-known for its  olive oils.

Opatija is on the northeast side of the Istrian peninsula but considered part of the Kvarner region. This town rose in popularity during the 1800s as a health and wellness destination for wealthy visitors across Europe. Opatija’s hotels reflect the historic grandeur and transport visitors back in time. Start your morning with a dip in the aqua-colored Adriatic Sea, or take a stroll along the Lungomare, a 7 ½ mile coastal path connecting several seaside towns. Mount Učka is nearby, and hikers can climb to the top for views throughout Croatia and beyond.

Fans of the PBS series Hotel Portofino will recognize that several scenes from this series are filmed in the Istria and Kvarner regions. Travel to Italy either by ferry to Venice, or by car to Trieste is also possible from Istria.

NATURE

Croatia’s incredible coastlines often take center stage, but national parks in the country’s interior also highlight its unique natural beauty.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the country’s first national park and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sixteen upper and lower lakes connect above and below ground to create over 90 waterfalls within the park. Wooden boardwalks wind around the lakes  to provide excellent views of waterfalls. As one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, consider booking your visit in advance.

Krka National Park is smaller, but also contains beautiful lakes and waterfalls. This park is located near Sibenik and is an easy day trip from most anywhere in the Northern Dalmatia region.

MUCH MORE

Croatia offers these and other destinations to explore and enjoy. Consider booking guided tours but save time for savoring a glass of Croatian wine, strolling through local farmer’s markets, enjoying local festivals, or finding unexpected treasures. Happy travels!

Market

Rovinj

Split

“MORE

ADVENTUROUS  VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE WHITEWATER RAFTING OR KAYAKING ON THE

CETINA RIVER.”

Omis

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FACES OF FRANKLIN: MEET LOCAL SCREENWRITER HOWIE KLAUSNER

Finding Purpose in Film

ARTICLE BY KAREN CREASON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“

“I tell bright, happy, overcoming, big stories. I’m a PG-13 guy.”

Sitting with Franklin resident Howie Klausner is like meeting your new best friend. A scriptwriter, producer, director, and filmmaker, he is as laid back as his Nashville roots. The self-described “encourager, hopeful, and optimistic guy” just released his newest screenplay, Reagan , starring Dennis Quaid. However, his start in the industry was challenging. Moving to California to attend film school, with hopes of becoming an actor and writer, Howie became discouraged. He experienced a few walk-on opportunities and wrote 12 screenplays and yet nothing significant happened. Fast forward a few years: exasperated, Howie said, “That’s it, I quit! I get the message from the universe.” He and his wife, Heather, “the two brokest artists in Southern California,” decided to travel to Europe before Howie started his new job - teaching at the Orange County Correctional Institute. Right before boarding his flight, Howie’s friend Ken Kaufman convinced him to review an outline for a script. “It wasn’t very good but it just kind of hit me. By the time I arrived in London, I had the outline for what would become Space Cowboys . Ken and I co-wrote the screenplay at Bongo Java in Nashville.”

Despite being told not to, Howie asked to shadow actor, producer, and director Clint Eastwood throughout filming. “I just showed up each day and after a while, he started giving me little master-apprentice nuggets. I thought I knew how to make a motion picture but the year and a half I spent with Clint Eastwood is where I really learned.”

Howie has continued to write, direct, and produce additional films including Soul Surfer,

The Last Ride , The Grace Card , The Identical , and The Secret Handshake (which was filmed in Franklin). Howie chuckles, “It sounds so much more glamorous than it actually is.” Space Cowboys also made having a family a reality and, despite the fear of “career suicide,” in 2004, the Klausners returned to Tennessee to raise their family.

Clint Eastwood’s sage advice, “Do things that mean something for you,” resonated with Howie, and he soon turned his attention to stories and characters. Speaking of his newest movie, Reagan , Howie states, “Real life in America right now is a trailer for this movie. It is not a Republican movie - or even a political movie.” Exploring Reagan’s childhood, his romance and relationship with Nancy, and his Presidency, Howie continues, “It is about a guy finding a purpose in life. Everyone has a story, suffered heartbreak, and failed. There is always darkness in great stories. It is about overcoming. Telling stories and my love of characters – this is why I got into movies.”

Several upcoming projects include a love story starring a special needs family set against the world of professional golf to be filmed in Nashville, a movie based on Peter the Apostle to be shot in Morocco next year, and his final screenwriting and bucket list project, Handel’s Messiah . He is also writing a book covering lessons learned from his time with Clint Eastwood.

With the release of Reagan , Howie states “I’ve had a good run [writing] but I am now focusing on producing. I feel like I am just getting started!”

Reagan is playing across the country and locally at AMC DINE-IN Thoroughbred 20.

Homesite 19:

1606

7,486 SQUARE FEET

Homesite 20:

7,859

Homesite 21:

7,668 SQUARE FEET

5 BEDROOMS, 6/1 BATHS $4,720,000

hacks HAIR

Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long

Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.

ARTICLE

BY

ABBI SULASKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY

HUFFER

pull through braid with space buns

Part hair down the center. Create pull-through braids on each side of the head. Tie elastic at the end of the braids to create a ponytail at the nape of the neck. For extra volume in the buns, tease the hair in the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. Secure with hair pins and... Voilà!

Place a bandana on the forehead and tie it in the back. Create as many braids as desired in the back of the head, teasing the ends to avoid using elastics.

bandana braids

fishtail

braids reverse

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!

4 BD | 4 BA | 7059 SQFT OFFERED AT $4,950,000

SEPTEMBER 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2ND

Mercy Franklin Classic Run

Historic Franklin Public Square 6:30 AM

The 10K begins at 6:30 a.m., the 5K at 8:00 a.m., and 1K at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds go towards Mercy Community Healthcare to provide crucial primary and mental health care. MercyTN.org

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Nashville Home Show

Music City Center | 10:00 AM Southern Charm’s Craig Conover, is set to headline this year's Nashville Home Show, a marketplace to shop for home-related products and services, find inspiration for home projects, connect with experts and learn from renowned local and international home professionals. Friday-Sunday. NashvilleFallHomeShow.com

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Chukkers for Charity

Riverview Farm | 2:00 PM

For over 28 years, Chukkers for Charity has become a prestigious family-friendly polo event to support beneficiaries such as Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! ChukkersForCharity.net

SEPTEMBER 7TH Button Ball

The Factory at Franklin | 5:00 PM Davis House’s Annual Button Ball will host a wonderful evening of dining, dancing, and donations. All proceeds go towards the foundation. Tickets are available online. DavisHouseCAC.org

SEPTEMBER 12TH

L27 Winemaker Series Dinner

Westin Nashville L27 Rooftop Lounge 6:00 PM

Elevate your senses 27 floors above the city of Nashville to celebrate the rich terroir of Paso Robles AVA, perfectly paired with a Mediterranean-inspired five-course dinner by Chef Mark Vuckovich. Renowned for its bold Cabernet Sauvignons and elegant Syrahs, uncover the fascinating geological history of the region, where marine deposits dating back 2 million years contribute to its unique character. L27Nashville.com

PICK UP NEW GEAR FOR THE SEASON AT THE TITANS TEAM STORE

Electrify every drive with the BMW iX, i7, i5, and i4. A whole generation of electric vehicles built like no other.

Choose from the comfort of the spacious BMW iX, the impeccable luxury of the BMW i7, the uncompromising power and style of the BMW i5, and the agile handling of the BMW i4.

Each has its own unmatched performance that will give you unwavering confidence at every turn.

That’s what you’d expect from the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.

Convenient

BMW of Nashville

Primary Care

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Need

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Franklin Flea Market

Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park | 9:00 AM

Shop over 500 vendors selling antiques, jewelry, clothes, bath & body, and more on Saturday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $5. StewartPromotions.com

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Westhaven Porchfest

Magli Green in Westhaven Town Center | 7:00 PM

Community and music are celebrated annually at Porchfest. The evening performance will feature Resurrection, a Journey tribute band, along with other local artists throughout the day. WesthavenPorchfest.org

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Sweet Baby James

Williamson County Performing Arts Center | 9:00 PM

Sweet Baby James, the number one James Taylor tribute led by singer-songwriter Bill Griese, will host an evening of songs and stories of JT. Tickets are available online. SweetBabyJamesOfficial.com

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Autumn Craft and Vendor Market

CoolSprings Galleria | 10:00 AM

Come ready for a delightful autumn experience filled with local vendors, sweet treats, and endless gift inspiration.  Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. HometownVendorMarket.com

SEPTEMBER 27TH

Nashville Greek Festival

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 4:00 PM

Experience Greek culture and heritage all weekend long. There will be authentic cuisine, dancing, music, and much more for a completely immersive festival. NashvilleGreekFestival.com

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Pilgrimage Festival

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm 12:00 PM

This two-day music festival is a guaranteed good time with performances featuring headliners such as Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, Noah Kahan, and NeedtoBreathe. PilgrimageFestival.com

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Airport Parking Primer

Your guide to parking at Nashville International Airport

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to BNA, you could be overwhelmed by the parking options. But, with the help of our friends at Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, we’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate on the ground before taking to the skies for your next vacation.

VALET PARKING

Located on the Ground Level across from Terminal 1, Valet Parking amenities include bottled water, baggage assistance to ticketing (upon request) and Smarte Cartes. Upon landing, call for your car as soon as you turn off Airplane Mode. $40 per day.

TERMINAL GARAGES 1 AND 2

Just a short walk from the terminal, the pair of Terminal Garages have 6,526 covered spaces. Each garage features a Park Assist Guidance System, EV charging stations, and tire inflation stations. $30 per day.

TERMINAL LOT A

Closest-to-terminal surface parking lot. Walk to terminal only. No shuttle service. $20 per day.

ECONOMY LOTS B AND C

Complimentary shuttle service to terminal every 10 minutes. Upon return, access the shuttle by following the overhead signs on the Arrival Level. $20 per day.

AIRPORT HOTEL

Got an early flight? Then spend the night at the airport! Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal opened earlier this year with upscale amenities like Aviators Restaurant, a rooftop pool and a cocktail lounge with views of the runways and the downtown skyline. Park in your preferred lot, get a good night’s sleep and walk directly to the terminal the next day!

FlyNashville.com/park-at-bna Hilton.com/en/hotels/bnahhhh-hilton-bna-nashville-airport-terminal