Women Impacting the Community
LIFE + CULTURE
LADIES OF INFLUENCE
HEALTH + WELLNESS
LOVING LIFE THROUGH BEAUTY AND HEALTH
LOCAL SERVICES
A SPA DAY FOR THE LADIES
Celebrating the Ladies in our Lives
“Cause they can see the flame that’s in her eyes, Watch her light up the night.” Alicia Keys, with Jeff Bhasker and Salaam Remi
After a rainy, stormy April, May has finally arrived, along with warmer temperatures and sunny skies. Spring is alive and well all across the 37075, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Throughout the month, daylight time will continue to increase, beckoning us outside to enjoy our favorite activities with family and friends.
May is also the time that we get to show our love to some of the most important people in our lives – our ladies. They are the ones who support us, nurture us and make us the best that we can be.
As usual, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle are devoting our entire May issue to bringing you inspiring stories about the strong women who are making Hendersonville and Sumner County such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play.
To start our celebration of the female spirit, we introduce you to three local ladies of influence who work hard every day to help our community continue to grow and prosper.
Next, we stop in at one of Middle Tennessee’s premier aesthetician clinics to see how its owner and her team are transforming lives through innovative health, beauty and rejuvenation technologies.
Continuing, we pause for a brief break to catch up on some popular women’s books that are sure to motivate and inspire all readers.
Finally, we close out our long day by visiting with the owners of a local spa to find out how we can create a special Mother’s Day experience for our special ladies.
As always, we close by keeping you up to date on many of the exciting community and business activities that help make the City by the Lake such a wonderful city.
Before we get started, Rick and I would like to extend a special shout out to the loves of our lives – our wives, Debbie Murray and Towana Bowles. They inspire us, they challenge us, and they support us as we endeavor to bring you the best magazine in Hendersonville each month. Without them, we would be nothing.
Now, enough talk… let’s get down to celebrating!
See you around town, Hendersonville,
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rick Murray, Debbie Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn
DRINKS
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Teen Librarian Jersey Collins dedicates the new Hendersonville Library Teen Center on Mar. 6. 2: The Hendersonville Library Teen Center was dedicated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Mar. 6. 3: Merrol Hyde Magnet School celebrated being named a Blue Ribbon School on Mar. 17. 4: State Senator Ferrell Haile addresses the crowd at Music City Executive Airport on Mar. 29. 5: Airport board chair Matt Harris dedicates the new midfield apron at Music City Executive Airport. 6: The Grace Place team presented Executive Director Desneige VanCleve with a plaque on Apr. 3. 7: Despite adverse weather, a large crowd attended the Grace Place 10th anniversary celebration.
Photography by Rick Murray
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TriStar Hendersonville Breaks Ground For White House Emergency Room
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new freestanding emergency room in White House. A large crowd of hospital employees and supporters attended the event, which was held at the construction site located at the corner of Raymond Hirsch Parkway and Highway 31W.
Photography by Rick Murray
Vio Med Spa Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Vio Med Spa at its 185 Indian Lake Blvd. Suite A location on Mar. 27.
by
Lynn Bowles
Scan to read more
Hallmark Hyundai Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand reopening celebration for Hallmark Hyundai at its 1198 West Main Street location on Mar. 29.
Photography
by
Lynn Bowles
Scan to read more
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Photography
LADIES Of Influence
LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED
One of the main reasons for Hendersonville and Sumner County’s continuing growth and success is the presence of numerous strong, talented and caring women leaders. Every day, these ladies balance numerous professional and personal responsibilities, yet still find time to give back to the community through their involvement in local organizations such as nonprofits, civic clubs, economic development groups and other volunteer activities. This month, Hendersonville Lifestyle would like to introduce you to three of them.
Julianne Goodwin leads an active life in Sumner County. Along with being the mother of two small boys, she is also the vice president of B.F. Myers Furniture & Mattress, one of the Midstate’s most storied family businesses. She is a graduate of Leadership Goodlettsville, and she now hosts the new classes each year on the program’s economy day. She has also helped raise thousands of dollars for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“My husband, two boys, our dog and I live in Hendersonville. Both Hendersonville and Sumner County have so much to offer for all of life’s stages.”
MOTIVATION
“People who have shopped at our business for generations are now looking to me and my husband to continue the legacy. We work hard every day to make sure that we can continue to bring outstanding customer service and beautiful furniture to everyone who walks through our doors.”
LIFE LESSON
“There’s nothing more important than the way you treat people. The way that you interact with them will have a lasting impact.”
MENTOR
“My dad is my mentor. He has set the highest bar when it comes to what a boss, owner, and so many more titles, should be. I still learn lessons from him every day.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
“I’ve always struggled with trying to do too much. I think I’d tell a younger me that it’s important to just focus on what’s in front of you in that moment.”
JULIANNE Goodwin
VICE PRESIDENT
Julianne Goodwin
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
REGIONAL MANAGER
TARA Tenorio
Tara Tenorio
Tara Tenorio has over 20 years’ experience in community development, and she has spent the last three and a half years in that role with Meta. She currently serves as board chair for the Community Resource Center, as a director for the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce and as a director for Forward Sumner.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“I’ve been a Middle Tennessean since 2002. For me, Sumner County stands out as a community that shows up. Our leaders invest professionally and personally of their time – including serving on boards, going to chamber luncheons, participating in ribbon-cuttings and volunteering at local events. The people of Sumner County truly care about their community.”
MOTIVATION
“I have always been motivated by helping to realize potential, both in myself, and in others.”
LIFE LESSON
“One of my favorite lessons to live by is to be interested, not interesting. As a person who is always excited to help, I’ve learned that oftentimes the most effective
way to contribute is not to jump in with an answer, but rather to lean in with questions. Staying curious, listening first and creating a space where everyone around the table can voice their perspective builds trust.”
MENTOR
“My manager at my first internship, Margie Newman Tsay was one of my first mentors; we met during my time at the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation. She launched that organization from a county-specific program to a statewide initiative through compelling storytelling, strong relationships and a seemingly endless supply of energy. The way she invested in the partners around her made everyone feel like they already possessed everything they needed to take on the task at hand.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
“I’d tell little me that the circle of people along your journey ahead are among the best, brightest and kindest around. When they offer you a hand, take it without hesitation. They’ll let you pay it forward in due time –and you’ll get farther faster not trying to do it all on your own.”
“I struggle with trying to do too much. I’d tell a younger me that it’s important to just focus on what’s in front of you in that moment.”
- Julianne Goodwin
DR. WENDI TOSTENSON
PRESIDENT – HIGHER EDUCATION
Dr. Wendi Tostenson has been involved in higher education leadership for over 15 years. Since assuming the presidency at Volunteer State Community College in July 2024, she has made an immediate impact upon the community. She works closely with local chambers of commerce, and she is a key participant in regional economic development groups, such as Forward Sumner and the Wilson County Economic Development Board. She also works with the Tennessee Board of Regents other partners to strengthen the pathways to success for all students.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“Hendersonville and Sumner County are special because of the people. There is a deep sense of community, collaboration and a shared commitment to growth and opportunity. My husband and I moved here from out of state, and from the moment we arrived, we were embraced with kindness and generosity.”
MOTIVATION
“Seeing students succeed is my greatest motivation. Whether it’s a first-generation college student earning their degree, an adult learner finding a new career path, or a faculty or staff member achieving a professional milestone, those moments remind me why I do what I do. Education changes lives, and I am honored to be part of that journey.”
MENTOR
“I’ve been fortunate to have several incredible mentors, including Dr. Shanna Jackson, president of Nashville State Community College, and Dr. Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Most importantly, my mother, Kaye Popham, has been my lifelong inspiration. She exemplifies strength, kindness and goodness – qualities I strive to uphold every day.”
LIFE LESSON
“The greatest life lesson I’ve learned is that leadership is about listening. True leaders don’t have all the answers – they ask the right questions, listen intentionally and empower others to contribute their ideas and talents. Also, I’ve learned that you should surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, make you think differently and push you to be better.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
“Trust yourself and take more risks. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and evolve.”
Dr. Wendi Tostenson
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Beauty, Health And Loving Life
VITA AESTHETICS OFFERS WORLD CLASS
SKINCARE, WELLNESS AND REJUVENATION
The caring, experienced team at Vita make every spa visit a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
“Love the Life You Live.”
Although short and simple, this sentence contains a powerful sentiment – the concept of loving oneself. After all, life is precious, and we should all enjoy our lives as we go through it.
The sentence is also the motto for Vita Aesthetics, the Midstate’s premier medical aesthetics spa located in Gallatin. Since 2019, Vita has been helping women in the community feel beautiful, confident and empowered through advanced skincare, wellness and rejuvenation techniques.
To find out a bit more about Vita, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with founder and CEO Gina Vanderveldt. Along with being the owner of her company, Gina is also a registered nurse who is certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO START VITA?
“The inspiration for Vita was deeply personal for me. While the initial idea began forming in 2018, it wasn’t until 2019, during my mother’s courageous battle with cancer, that I knew I had to bring my vision to life.
As my mother’s health declined and her self-esteem faltered with the physical effects of treatment, I made it my mission to help her feel beautiful again. I gave her facials and I found her the perfect wigs – small acts of care that brought her comfort and restored her sense of confidence.
Those moments planted the seeds for Vita. ‘Vita,’ meaning ‘life’ in Italian, is a tribute to my mother—the woman who always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Through Vita, I honor my mother’s legacy by helping other women feel as beautiful and strong as my mother always was to me.”
ARTICLE AND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY RICK MURRAY
HOW DID YOU SELECT YOUR LOCATION?
“Vita is proudly located in Gallatin, Tennessee, my home since 2008, and the heart of my community. Choosing Gallatin was intentional; I wanted to build something meaningful where I could give back by empowering the women in my own community. I also wanted women in Sumner County to have a premier location for aesthetics and wellness right in their backyard.”
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY VITA?
“At Vita, we offer a wide range of personalized aesthetic and wellness services. From cutting-edge skin treatments to holistic care, every service is customized to enhance natural beauty, restore confidence, and promote overall well-being. Education plays a big role too – clients are guided through every step so they can make informed decisions about their skin health.”
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR SERVICES?
“Our most loved services are those that bring visible, transformative results while making our clients feel pampered and understood. Though specifics vary based on individual needs, tailored skincare treatments and rejuvenating facials are especially popular, with each designed to match inner wellness with outer radiance. We offer facial treatments, laser and injectable services, weight loss and hormone replacement therapy.”
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEDICAL SPA AS OPPOSED TO A NON-MEDICAL SPA?
“At Vita, client safety and optimal results are top priorities. As an experienced nurse practitioner, I ensure that every treatment is grounded in sound clinical knowledge.”
Owner and Nurse Practitioner Gina Vanderveldt ensures that every treatment is grounded in sound clinical knowledge.
“Vita is more than a medical spa – it’s a sanctuary of self-love and transformation . What sets us apart is our story, our heart and our commitment to empowering clients.”
“Knowledge is power when it comes to skincare. At Vita, we educate clients about their skin, the products they use and the treatments that suit their unique needs. Consistency, hydration, sun protection and professional guidance all play vital roles.”
Vita employs the latest technologies and skincare techniques.
At Vita, every treatment is built around individual client needs.
WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTHIER SKIN?
“Knowledge is power when it comes to skincare. At Vita, we educate clients about their skin, the products they use and the treatments that suit their unique needs. Consistency, hydration, sun protection and professional guidance all play vital roles. We believe in empowering clients to take care of their skin with intention and love.”
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES VITA FROM OTHER PRACTICES?
“Vita is more than a medical spa – it’s a sanctuary of self-love and transformation. What sets us apart is our story, our heart and our deep commitment to empowering each client. Every treatment is infused with compassion, tailored expertise and a genuine desire to help people feel their best.
Remember, our motto is ‘Love the Life You Live,’ and we truly mean it. This isn’t just about looking good on the outside. It’s about rediscovering confidence, healing from within and embracing your natural beauty with pride. Every client who walks through our doors becomes part of our story, and and we’re honored to walk beside them.”
Vita Aesthetics
1501 Hunt Club Blvd., Gallatin, TN 37066
615.989.1780
VitaSkinTN.com
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 5/31/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
A SPA DAY FOR THE LADIES
Each May, we celebrate Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor the many moms and other women in our lives who have given so much for us. We all go out of our way to show our appreciation for the love and support they have shown us over the years.
Many people choose to celebrate Mother’s Day with special brunches or dinners, while others offer gifts such as flowers and jewelry. While the gifts and dinners are always appreciated, many women want something different – they want a day of pampering and relaxation. While there are many options available to help relieve the stress of busy lifestyles, one of the best is scheduling a personal spa day.
To learn more about spa day options, we visited with local mother and daughter entrepreneurs, Karen Mitchell and Sarah Grace Pasco, owners of Salt Med Spa Hendersonville.
WHAT MAKES A SPA DAY AT SALT MED SPA SO SPECIAL?
“At Salt Med Spa, all of our associates are equipped to listen to client needs and to help them plan their dream spa days. Our goal is to help people escape the stress of everyday life and indulge in pure relaxation at our luxurious spa. From the moment they step through
our doors, they are welcomed into a serene oasis designed to calm their minds, rejuvenate their bodies and uplift their spirits. Whether our clients are seeking a soothing massage, a revitalizing facial treatment or a full day of pampering, our skilled therapists are here to provide a personalized experience that leaves everyone feeling renewed and radiant.”
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR SPA SERVICES AND PACKAGES?
“Our two most popular services are body massages and Hydrafacials with dermaplane. Popular packages include the Couples Retreat ($230 - 60-minute couples massage, 30-minute couples sauna and two salt room sessions) and the Day of Peace ($230 – 60-minute massage, 60-minute custom facial, 30-minute sauna and a salt room session).
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DOES A PERSON HAVE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR A SPA DAY?
“Scheduling spa sessions depends upon the days of the week. For weekday services, most of our clients can get in within a couple of days. However, for weekends, we typically need more notice.”
WHAT
DO YOU
RECOMMEND FOR A PERSONALIZED MOTHER’S DAY SPA PACKAGE?
“We strongly recommend the Couples Retreat and the Day of Peace. Either one would be a great choice for a mother/daughter day out, and we can customize the options to match individual preferences. In addition, a relaxing afternoon of sitting in the salt room with mom is also a fantastic way to have some
CONTINUED >
Mother and daughter entrepreneurs Karen Mitchell and Sarah Grace Pasco enjoy a moment of relaxation in the Salt Med Spa halotherapy room.
quality time. After all, nothing is better than spending time with mom for Mother’s Day!”
FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT DECIDE ON SERVICES OR PACKAGES, DO YOU OFFER GIFT CARDS?
“Yes, we offer gift cards. In fact, they represent some of our most popular purchases. They provide the convenience of prepaying
“A RELAXING AFTERNOON OF SITTING IN THE SALT ROOM WITH MOM IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO HAVE SOME QUALITY TIME. AFTER ALL, NOTHING IS BETTER THAN SPENDING TIME WITH MOM FOR MOTHER’S DAY!”
for services, while allowing recipients the flexibility of choosing the date, time and types of services that they desire. Along with the gift cards, we also offer a variety of small gift shop items to go along with our spa services and packages.”
ARE YOU RUNNING ANY MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS?
“Yes, we will have several specials, including discounted gift cards ($200 cards for $180, $300 cards for $275 and $500 cards for $460) and our Mangosteen Mama Facials (including Dermaplane) will be available for $130.”
Salt Med Spa Hendersonville
393 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.824.7258
SaltMedSpa.com/hendersonville/
Sarah Grace Pasco and Karen Mitchell pose in one of Salt Med Spa's comfortable massage rooms.
