Murfreesboro, TN May 2024

GLOWING AND GROWING:

MARTHA-MARIE EDWARDS

CHILDHOOD

PASSION COME TO LIFE

BEAUTY

A LEGACY OF LOVE AND LOCKS: BOMBSHELLS HAIR STUDIO

LOCAL SERVICES

A CONVERSATION WITH MURFREESBORO’S LEADING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

ROAD TO THE GRAMMYS STARTS AT MTSU

Degrees in Recording Industry

World-class facilities

GRAMMY®–winning faculty and alumni

One of Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools since 2013

Entirely online Music Business degree option

Graduate programs: M.B.A. in Music Business and M.F.A. in Recording Arts and Technologies

MayLadies' Issue

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make it richer and more beautiful. Our grandmothers, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends, and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

My daughter, Lydia, inspires me daily. Her strength and energy have been apparent from the day she was born. At only four years old she teaches me constantly about what matters most and sometimes that is simply a great snuggle. At other times it’s with her artistic mind that finds so much joy in creating new and beautiful drawings and crafts. She will be a woman that leads, and I am thrilled to watch her grow.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Murfreesboro’s women business leaders.

They are movers and shakers, builders, and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

Sincerely,

AMANDA OAKS, PUBLISHER

@BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Amanda Oaks | amanda.oaks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matilyn Jennings | matilyn.jennings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matilyn Jennings, DeAnn Hays, Kristin Isabell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

They Call Us Wild, Twila's Photography, Feiten Photography, Patricia Drach Photography, Sue Berry-Simply Social, Murfreesboro City Lifestyle

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only. Expir es 5/31/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

Women Entrepreneurs: Fueling

Vibrant Community

1-7: Monkee’s of Murfreesboro celebrates their grand opening ribbon cutting with the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce.

Photography by Murfreesboro City Lifestyle

Happy Anniversary to Lena Welty at Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro

Lena Welty is celebrating her 1st anniversary on May 15th as Lead Customer Service Representative for Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro. Lena is an instrumental team member of Mr. Handyman of Murfreesboro. This is shown in her knowledge of the work being done by the field service team and extraordinary customer service skills. Empathy, concern, and care are apparent when Lena connects with each client as she guides them through the process for an optimal outcome!

Scan to read more

Bombshells Hair Studio Honored for Philanthropy with A Wig's Story

Michelle Williamson, Olivia Hale, & Tilina Hill opened a Wig’s Story, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides free wigs and hair services to those experiencing hair loss due to the effects of cancer. With its new home located inside Bombshells Hair Studio, A Wig's Story has been able to help triple the number of women as the previous wig bank. A Wig's Story was chosen as a 2024 Salon Today 200 Honoree in Philanthropy! https://www.salontoday.com/1090131/2024-salon-today-200-philanthropy-andretail-and-merchandising-1

Scan to read more

Suddenly Simple Professional OrganizingHappy 6th Anniversary!

Suddenly Simple Professional Organizing celebrated its 6th anniversary on April 4th. Happy Anniversary!

Scan to read more

Photography by Lena Welty

Photography by Bombshells Hair Studio

Photography by Feiten Photography

Want to be featured?

Wag It Better Grows to Nolensville

Wag It Better will open their second location this June in Nolensville! Their boutique will have everything your dog needs from training treats to clothes and collars! The new location will offer an exciting new service- Puppy Socials, a supervised puppy playtime for young pups and owners. They will also offer a self-service dog wash: you wash and they clean up!

Visit their new location at 7116 Nolensville Road Suite 106 at Shoppes at Haley

Scan to read more

The Learning ExperienceCenters Of Excellence Award

The Learning Experience at Murfreesboro is now enrolling for their summer camp program- Summer of Happiness. They also received the Center of Excellence Award for franchise standards three years in a row and continue to be a 3-star center!

Scan to read more

My 4 Dogs Hosts Free Microchip Clinic

My 4 Dogs Academy & Spa will be hosting a Free Microchip Clinic on a first come first serve basis on Monday May 6th, 2024. You can arrive with your dog or cat during the hours of 10:00am-3:00pm and the first 200 chips will be free! For more information you can reach out to the team at My 4 Dogs Academy & Spa.  https://www.my4dogs.net/

Scan to read more

Photography by Wag It Better Dog Training

Photography by The Learning Experience at Murfreesboro

Photography by My 4 Dogs Academy & Spa

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: FUELING MURFREESBORO’S VIBRANT COMMUNITY

THE STORIES OF INSPIRATION AND SUCCESS BEHIND THE WOMEN OF MURFREESBORO’S LEADING SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESSES

Small businesses are what make our community in Murfreesboro continue to grow and thrive. In Tennessee, about 43% of small businesses are owned by women. We gathered a panel of local female entrepreneurs to ask them three questions about their small businesses in Murfreesboro:

1) How did you get your start? 2) What do you love most about serving the Murfreesboro community? and 3) How has being a woman in business shaped you and/or your family?

“I want the women here to feel like our friends, and to leave our store feeling confident and beautiful.”

- Stephanie Brackins

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

I discovered Monkee’s when I lived in Mississippi and I just loved shopping there. My husband David and I had been looking for a business to start, and I have always had a passion for fashion. Monkee’s is the perfect business for me to do something that I love.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

Murfreesboro has been so welcoming to us and in return, I want to provide the women of Murfreesboro with a place to have a special shopping experience. I want the women here to feel like our friends, and to leave our store feeling confident and beautiful.

HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS SHAPED YOU AND/OR YOUR FAMILY?

I worked for many years in the corporate world and retail. I was successful, but I felt limited in my ability to express myself and show people who I was. Having my own business gives me the freedom to create an environment for me and other women to enjoy. It is a labor of love, and my family and friends have been so supportive all of the way through this journey.

Stephanie Brackins

Stephanie and David Brackins: Monkee's of Murfreesboro

Tanja Whitman

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

I lost both of my parents as a young adult - neither one put much focus on their health. When my father passed away in 2021, I decided I needed to focus more on my health so I could be there for my family. When the opportunity to help others achieve this goal by opening a Pilates studio presented itself, I jumped at it.

HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS SHAPED YOU AND/OR YOUR FAMILY?

Like many others in 2020, I was looking for a career change to spend more quality time with my growing family. I wanted to be an example for them to show anything is possible with hard work. I have the flexibility now to make sure I can prioritize them just as much as my career.

Jennifer White

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

I have a close relationship with Beasley Animal Clinic and have taken an interest in working with foster dogs. I’ve had multiple foster pups come in for a spa day so they can look their absolute best and get adopted sooner. Overall, I love the feeling of helping others.

HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS SHAPED YOU AND/OR YOUR FAMILY?

Owning My 4 Dogs and being a nurse has shown my daughter that she can do whatever she wants in life. I’ve taught her to never be afraid to go after what she wants, and she has become a very independent young woman and planning on going into the medical field. Overall, I just want to say, “Build something you can be proud of!”

Tanja Whitman: Club Pilates of Murfreesboro

Jennifer White: My 4 Dogs Academy & Spa

“I love the people and my joy comes from helping them fall in love with their homes!”

- Leigh Achenbach

Leigh Achenbach

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

When I discovered professional organizing, I suddenly felt like I had been training and preparing for this career my entire life without even knowing it. I’ve always functioned better in a decluttered, well-organized space. When I put my Entrepreneurship degree, my organizing skills, and my desire to help others simplify their lives together, Suddenly Simple Organizing was born!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

Murfreesboro is where I was born and raised – and where I made my husband promise to bring me back when he finished his time with the Air Force in 2018. I grew up with parents who played important roles in our community, and I am honored to also serve the people of Murfreesboro. As much as it has grown, this is still the small town I grew up in. I love the people and my joy comes from helping them fall in love with their homes!

HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS SHAPED YOU AND/ OR YOUR FAMILY?

I am a problem-solver, and like most women, a helper. Being able to use my talents to not only help others in our community, but to be an important part of making sure my family is provided for has been so fulfilling to me.

“I want the dog and owner to be happy and train in a positive way where it is fun for everyone!”

- Heather Moore

Heather Moore

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

I brought home this really cute but BAD yellow lab puppy. She is what sparked my interest in dog training. I took a class and wanted to learn how to help others with their dogs. I worked with Susan Marett, owner of Purely Positive Dog Training in Charleston, SC, for about 13 years until we moved to Murfreesboro. I volunteered at local shelters and realized the need for positive trainers. Wag It Better was born about 11 years ago so I could begin fulfilling that need for my local community.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

I love helping people understand their dogs. Whether it’s a puppy that needs some encouragement to get a good start or owners struggling with a behavior problem. I want the dog and owner to be happy and train in a positive way where it is fun for everyone! A trained dog gets to go to more places, enjoy more family events, and can be a great companion.

HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN IN BUSINESS SHAPED YOU AND/ OR YOUR FAMILY?

I really enjoy owning my own business. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals through working for Wag It Better and watching people learn new skills that can lead to embracing a new career for themselves.

Heather Moore: Wag It Better Family Dog Training and Boutique

Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here. Or ice skate here. or attend a concert here. Now, you can live here!

For more information, visit our website or send us an email to schedule a showroom visit and virtual walkthrough! AT

Where you can live your best life. visit www.atriumatfountains.com email live@atriumatfountains.com

Atrium at Fountains luxury condominiums that are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains at Gateway.

Glow From Within

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN ISABELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE BERRY - SIMPLY SOCIAL

MEDICAL HOLISTIC SKINCARE AND FACIAL FITNESS

TRANSFORMATION AT PURE GLOW REFINERY

“Understanding your needs is how Pure Glow customizes a skincare regimen specifically for you.” said Martha-Marie.

““Our goal is to give you the results you desire with the relaxation you deserve.”

- Martha-Marie Edwards

If you were to ask her mother when Pure Glow Skin Refinery started, she’d say when MarthaMarie was only four years old giving her dolls a spa day. Following graduation from esthetic school in Nashville, Martha-Marie worked at the top spas in Nashville. Also, while living abroad she studied how different cultures approached skincare. In 2014, she had the opportunity to take over for an esthetician who was ready to retire. MarthaMarie, a Murfreesboro native, knew this was where she wanted to be, so she started Pure Glow Skin Refinery with just her own two hands. “It was the most terrifying and best decision I ever made,” said Martha-Marie.

Pure Glow Skin Refinery's approach to esthetics is truly unique. They practice medical holistic skincare, which means they closely connect the appearance of your face with the state of your body internally. Clients often come to Pure Glow Skin Refinery with a skin issue and think that the skin is the problem itself. However, it's often a symptom of an underlying issue for which they must target the internal source to improve the appearance of the skin.

“Results Meets Relaxation” - that’s Pure Glow Refinery’s motto. “I always tell new clients ‘This is me and you getting to know each other,’” said Martha-Marie. “Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all - it’s very personalized. Our goal is to give you the results you desire with the relaxation you deserve. You truly can have both.”

Pure Glow Skin Refinery

Pure Glow Skin Refinery stands out with their facial fitness offerings. They are the first in Tennessee to receive training in the Buccal Sculpting Facelift, a facial massage that works out all 42 muscles of the face and helps to realign the skeletal structure of the face. This approach creates a facelift effect. It’s combining their approach with these techniques that allows them to achieve truly authentic transformation.

Martha-Marie was the first in TN to receive training in the Buccal sculpting technique by Yakov Gershkovich

ARTICLE BY DEANN HAYS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MICHELLE CONCEISON NAMED CHAIR OF MTSU’S RECORDING INDUSTRY

LOVE OF MUSIC

Michelle Conceison

Michelle Conceison is an artist manager and business owner. She's had artists sell out world tours while teaching how to promote concerts to the future of the music industry. She's also had artists have top albums and radio singles while teaching her students how

“WHERE

seat to what students are doing in and out of the classroom.

"We have the best possible students. At other places I've taught, I've experienced students who dreamt about being in the music industry, and our students are already in it. If you look at

THERE IS MUSIC, MTSU IS THERE,”

to manage artists. But above all those things, she's always been an educator at heart. Conceison was named chair of Middle Tennessee State University's Recording Industry Department earlier this semester.

"I came from a family of educators. My dad spent almost four decades teaching in the public school system in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My sister just retired from teaching high school. We all teach; we're a family of service careers," said Conceison, who has taught at MTSU since 2018 and owns her own marketing and artist management company, Mmgt.

"I'm teaching the things I love most. My dream has always been music."

One of Conceison's favorite things about her role at MTSU is working closely with other faculty members in the College of Media and Entertainment and having a front-row

our alums, they're leading in the industry. It's no wonder you can find multiple MTSU alums at any music industry event you attend — whether on stage or behind the scenes. Where there is music, MTSU is there," Conceison said.

Two of those students are Carly Smith and Kelly Grenvik, who graduate from MTSU's Recording Arts and Technologies MFA program in May.

"I have had so many amazing and truly life-changing experiences during my time in the MFA program," Smith said. "The professors here are some of the top instructors in the country, and they encourage you to pursue your passions and interests. My favorite experience and opportunity is the collaboration between students. This is such a great learning opportunity for the real-life experiences we will see once we graduate.”

Smith and Grenvik, who are both certified in Dolby Atmos music mixing, are in the process of opening up a production studio that focuses on immersive audio production, mixing and consultations.

"We want to help artists and labels capitalize on using new technology as a tool to further creativity and inspire a new school of thought for music production," explained Grenvik, adding they also want to provide a space for women in the industry to "have their voices and art heard and supported."

MTSU's Department of Recording Industry began in 1973 with just two professors and one studio. Today, the department has grown to more than two dozen professors, 1,400 students, several recording studios, multiple labs and a songwriting center

"Going to school at MTSU was easily the best decision I have ever made. Not only did I meet incredible people, but the university empowered me to have confidence in my skill sets and myself as a young professional. All schools offer education, but MTSU offers education and a network of people who will do whatever they can to help you succeed. I will always be grateful for my time here," Grenvik said.

Carly Smith

Kelly Grenvik

A licensed Drop-In Child Care Facility with 2 locations in Middle Tennessee

(Murfreesboro & Mount Juliet)

by the

M-TH: 8AM-10PM | F&S: 8AM-Midnight | Sun: Noon-9PM

MeTime will waive your registration fee if you bring in this ad!

BETHANY WARRICK

Bombshells: A Beauty Legacy

Providing stylists of Murfreesboro with a home away from home

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWILA’S PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START WITH BOMBSHELLS?

I wanted to create a safe place for stylists to cultivate their creativity. I wanted to provide professional and livable wages in a competitive industry where people love coming to work, feel safe and nurtured. We emphasize teamwork and community support by giving to meaningful charities and planning group education events. And most of all, I wanted a legacy for my family.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SERVING THE MURFREESBORO COMMUNITY?

I love serving the community of Murfreesboro because I have lived here my entire life. I have loved the growth and amazing people I have met along the way, so I want to keep supporting our small-big town in the best ways that Bombshells can.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE LEGACY YOU HAVE CREATED?

I want to change the way people think about hairdressers and show our team that we aren’t in competition with each other. We’re a family unit, supporting each other in whatever capacity we can. Bombshells is ultimately a legacy for my daughter and granddaughter. Every day I just praise God for the chance to do what I love and for loving the support of my family.

Bethany Warrick and Michelle Williamson

2024 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

C a t e r i n g

Lunch Boxes

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 29TH - JUNE 28TH

Walk My Dog Challenge

Wag It Better and Family Pet Health challenge you to walk your dog and log your miles from April 29th to June 28th. This is a free event with weekly prizes for participating in social media challenges! Register here: https:// familypethealth.com/walkmydog

MAY 3RD

Lunch on the Plaza

Murfreesboro Civic Plaza | 11:00 AM

Make plans to enjoy lunch on the Plaza every Friday in May from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. (Lunch on the Plaza will be canceled if there is stormy weather.) Once you purchase your lunch, there will be tables set up to sit around and enjoy your food or you can take back to your office.

MAY 7TH

Estates & Wills: You can’t take it with you

First Community Mortgage | 10:00 AM

Complementary CE class covering “Estates & Wills: You can’t take it with you” with First Community Mortgage located at 262 Robert Rose Pkwy, Murfreesboro.

2nd Annual Mother's Day Market

Mid TN Expo Center | 10:00 AM

Mother’s Day Market features 80+ vendors door prizes local photographer offering free pictures per mother/child(ren) or fur baby food vendors & more. All indoors rain or shine!

Murfreesboro Home Expo

Embassy Suites By Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro | 2:00 PM

Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof. The Home Show is the spot to find all local remodeling experts. The Murfreesboro Home Show, hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. Friday May 17th- Sunday May 19th.

MAY 24TH

Honey Bee Vintage, Home & Gifts- Cocktails & Ribbon Cutting

Honey Bee Vintage, Home, & Gifts (Honey Bee Antique Market) | 6:00 PM

Honey Bee Vintage, Home, & Gifts. Join for a cocktail hour preview party at 6:00 p.m. on May 24th and a Ribbon Cutting at 10:30 a.m. on May 25th. https://www. honeybeeantiquemarket.com/

Pure Glow Skin Refinery gives you the results you desire with the relaxation you deserve. We are a medical holistic spa specializing in age-reversal, acne, hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin by utilizing unique techniques and treatments such as the buccal sculpting facelift, micro-current, non-invasive laser treatments, microneedling, nano pen, facial fitness, and face mapping. Understanding the skin from the inside out is what creates authentic and lasting facial transformation.

DIY VANILLA ORANGE SUGAR SCRUB

Create your own DIY sugar scrub for a perfect gift for a special person in your life.

To make one 8 ounce mason jar of vanilla orange sugar scrub, you need:

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil

• 3/4 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 10 drops of orange essential oil

Soften the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds. Next add the vanilla extract and the orange essential oil. Then, stir in the sugar, a little at a time. Print off a fun label or attach a ribbon to the jar, and your gift is ready. Enjoy!