TAYLOR HICKS
ON AMERICAN IDOL AS 'BORO'S JORDAN MCCULLOUGH RISES TO TOP
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At MMC pediatrics, it is more than a check-up. It’s about catching something early, working together, and changing the course of a child’s future. Scan the QR code to read one family’s story of collaboration, trust, and a moment that made all the difference. Your child’s health is our mission.
Shannon Moran, MD, Jeremiah Thomas, and Amanda Gammel, DO
Cadence Academy Preschool, Murfreesboro
Our Promise: To provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a place as nurturing as home.
Cadence Academy Preschool is a private Christian preschool in Murfreesboro providing a high-quality, fun, Faith-Based learning environment for all children to develop and grow. We offer programs focused on values, for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning here at Cadence. If you are looking for the best preschool in Murfreesboro, look no further!
Center Director, Catherine Clinton-Edmond
Assistant Director, Araminta Turner
Welcome To Our Annual Gents Edition
The importance of fathers is tremendous, and comes into focus especially during each June. Fathers make countless differences in their homes and family. However, how much impact a father decides to make as a dad is entirely up to each one. Notably, a father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
While reflecting on fatherhood and male figure heads this month, here are just a few of the ways men can build up their homes:
• Men's underlying strength can be inspiring.
• A dad’s words can be fueling.
June
PUBLISHER
• Hugs at the just-right times can be deeply comforting.
• Smiles can instill joy and confidence.
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive.
• A dad’s or colleague's guidance can be life-changing and foundational.
• A father’s correction can be life-saving.
• Adventures with male friends or relatives can be exciting and memorable. We encourage you to let your father, as well as father figures in your life, know how much they matter to you. And if you're a dad, let us be the first to say, thank you. You're invaluable to the people who know and need you, as well as the community around you.
Additionally, to all men in the Murfreesboro region, we salute you in this annual Gents edition.
GREGORY, PUBLISHER
[Jon on location with country music singer and songwriter Riley Green at Riley’s Duck Blind, a “hunting lodge meets country dive bar” haven, music and food venue in Midtown.]
Jon Gregory | jon.gregory@citylifestyle.com
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3:5-6
BUILDING CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE
inside the issue
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Country Artist Mark Mackay Continues Breakout Year, New Music, Tours
The new single “I Am Love” was released by fan favorite Mark Mackay as a soul-stirring, mid-tempo track that moves beyond romantic clichés to embrace a universal message of shared humanity. His signature guitar-driven country sound from the Nashville area is front and center, celebrating happiness, joy and unity. He's also touring with Uncle Kracker, Joe Nchols and Gary Allan. Mark is recognized by Music Connection as one of the Top 100 Live Music Artists.
Two 10th-Grade Webb
Students
From Murfreesboro Head To World Stage
Photography by Iris Leonardo
From June 20-24, violinist Gabrielle Dooley and cellist Juan'Daniel Arellano will represent The Webb School Strings Orchestra abroad while participating in the 2026 Honors Performance Series at the Royal Festival Hall in London. This elite high school music program, via the Honors Performance Series, annually recognizes outstanding student-musicians from around the globe. Juan'Daniel and Gabrielle's time in London will include several days of rehearsals, cultural experiences and sightseeing before their culminating performance. Congratulations!
SaddleUp! Equine Therapy Nonprofit Breaks Ground For Expanding Services
As Saddle Up! celebrated 35 years of life-changing impact, the organization's representatives broke ground to expand equine therapies to meet growing needs of children and young adults with disabilities plus their families across Middle Tennessee. This transformative project will create additional therapy space, including a sensory room, equine-assisted learning classroom, therapy gym and centralized volunteer space to support 300 weekly volunteers who are essential to caring for the herd and delivering therapeutic programs. Email info@saddleupnashville.org.
Photography by Brenda Black
Of The ‘Soul Patrol’ Returns To TV’s Stage To Perform With 2026 American Idol Contestants
Taylor Hicks’ American Idol 20-Year Reunion
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA LYNN DUGGER
Leader
One "American Idol" standout champion parlayed what he learned in Murfreesboro in his early 20s through Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Recording Industry program into a successful show business platform for the past two decades.
From Taylor Hicks' newly released single, "The Mirror," to his personally polished mirrored harmonica, Taylor once again led his Soul Patrol fanbase into bliss while marking the 20th anniversary reunion of his title as Season 5 winner of ABC's American Idol reality singing competition during the show's May 4 airing.
"As an entertainer, you don't get many times like that, where you're not completely on the hook, and it's easy to be in the moment, totally enjoying it all. Back then, it was all about what I needed to do to get to the winner's circle," Taylor says of his recent special evening and glide down memory lane. "The bones of the show were the same and familiar, but the aesthetics, such as lighting, playing instruments, set changes and production, have really evolved."
He says he pulled an old trick from 20 years ago by again spending a lot of time in the bathroom during the filming period because it's the most humidified room in the building. "They probably thought they lost me a few times, or that maybe I needed Pepto-Bismol, and forgot that's a way of me avoiding drying out my voice," he quips.
"There's absolutely no question that Idol is 'the' platform for me, with about 50 million viewers a week and 200 million worldwide during my season. And there was a beautiful array of talent," Taylor reflects. "I was blessed to go back for the reunion, visit the stage, see the contestants and catch up with the judges."
“I don’t release a lot of music, so when I do, it means a lot to me.” ~Taylor Hicks, Season 5 winner of American Idol, bluesy-country-soul singer/ musician and restaurant co-owner.
STARTING WITH BLUE-EYED SOUL
Taylor's passion and devotion to music mainly started with a harmonica he purchased for $2 at a flea market when he was 16 years old. While teaching himself to play the blues harp by matching pitches to sounds around him, such as air conditioners and truck tires, he discovered he had perfect pitch. He was 18 when he wrote his first song, "In Your Time," and he taught himself to play electric guitar and the church organ when he was 19.
Taylor graduated from Hoover High School in 1995 where he played varsity baseball, soccer and basketball, then pursued a major in business and journalism at Auburn University.
As a country-funky singer and favorite performer of the Soul Patrollers, Taylor, now 49, also is still sometimes referred to as the Silver Fox, and says his hair actually started turning gray when he was 14. Instead of succumbing to pressure through the Idol time period to dye his hair, Taylor embraced the nickname as part of his entertainer persona.
LOOKING BACK AT TAYLOR'S AMERICAN IDOL SEASON
American Idol's fifth season of the singing reality competition began on Jan. 17, 2006. That year, Ryan Seacrest returned as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell returned as judges. It reportedly remains the highest-rated
season in the show's run so far. On May 30, 2006, Taylor was named American Idol, as chosen by viewers, with Katharine McPhee the runner-up.
Taylor had auditioned for the TV show devoted to searching for vocal superstars in Las Vegas, where he'd been a hopeful nightclub singer. At the audition, he sang "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. Although Simon voted "no," Randy and Paula voted "yes," sending him to the next round.
With his triumph at age 29, he became the oldest contestant to win American Idol. He also was the first male contestant to win the competition without ever being in the bottom two or three.
“What a great blessing that my name was called in that instance (of winning). I thank God every day for that. I felt like I won the national championship, like a proud Alabamian," he says.
Befittingly, "Do I Make You Proud" was released as Taylor's first single post-show.
He's also the first Idol winner to secure a long-term residency at a Las Vegas casino. And, May 12 is still "Taylor Hicks Day" in Birmingham each year.
TAYLOR'S LIFE NOW
Taylor currently lives in the Nashville area (Germantown), with many of his live shows performed in the area. However,
he also spends a lot of time in Alabama, which is where he's originally from, and co-owns the restaurant, SAW's Juke Joint in Birmingham. It was opened during 2012 in partnership with Mike Wilson and Doug Smith. The restaurant is a barbecue and live music venue known for its Southern dishes such as pork, smoked wings, fried green tomato BLTs and white sauce.
"My favorite menu items at SAW's are the sweet tea fried chicken sandwich with pickles and white sauce or the pork n' greens over cheese grits with onion rings and red sauce," he reveals.
He also travels for tours, films and TV opportunities. In fact, he even performed on Broadway in 2008 and on national tour in 2009 in Grease playing Teen Angel, the role originated by Alan Paul.
As often as he can, Taylor adores driving his open-air 1951 Mercury Eight fondly named Alfea. This classic, roadhouse relic previously was owned by American guitarist and music producer Charlie Sexton.
Taylor made his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 16, 2023, and just performed there again this year on April 14 and May 22.
Taylor's new song, The Mirror, which he confirms is a bit of a love revenge song, was recorded in Memphis at Sam Phillips Recording Studio. He says guitarist Jamie McLean is on the track, reminding him of an Eric Clapton vibe. It was co-written with fellow Alabama native Adam Hood.
As a dedicated advocate for his home state's musical heritage, Taylor has served on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame board of directors since 2019. He's hosted induction ceremonies and performed at the group's events, too. "As a prideful Alabamian, I want to help preserve the state's wide array collection of musical art," he adds.
"When I first started in music, I knew I had to tackle the 10,000 hours required before catching a break, but it was a calling for me. So, I hope to continue touching people's lives through music and making them feel happy," he says. "My music borrows from the best of all the Southern world, which culturally speaking, is an epicenter. Alabama is the heart of Dixie and that heart lives deep within me."
“I’ve been in and out of Nashville for 20 years.
I’m really thankful to be part of its entertainment fabric and the Music City scene.”
-Martha-Marie Edwards
Owner of Pure Glow Skin Refinery
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Suffuses TV’s American Idol MURFREESBORO NATIVE
Jordan McCullough Rises With Musical Power And Grace In National Singing Competition
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Elliott Yamin and Jordan McCullough perform on American Idol Class of 2006 Reunion / Idol X DWTS. Photo credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
Boro's own Jordan McCullough / Photo credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
"American Idol" fans adored a Murfreesbororesiding contestant who has loved watching the reality singing competition show since he was a kid: 27-year-old Jordan McCullough. Graced by being a Platinum Ticket Winner through a vote by his fellow contestants during the first-ever Ohana Round on the 24th season of the ABC show, Jordan typically is a worship director at Zeal Church in Nashville.
As of May 4, Jordan was voted by viewers into the show's top three spots, enabling a hometown parade and concert at Siegel Indoor Soccer Complex.
For the finale on May 11, Jordan sang a trio with Daniel Stallworth and one of his personal singing heroes, Tori Kelly. "I always say, if I could be like any artist when the show is over, it'd be Tori Kelly. She's so highly respected for her faith."
“In church is where I got my (singing) start. I didn’t know this was a possibility outside of the choir stand," he shares, indicating he started singing when he was 4 years old.
Alicia Keys served as guest mentor and performer on the finale.
Jordan was one of 127 contestants to receive Golden Tickets for advancing to the Hollywood Week stage (this time held in Nashville as a "Music City Takeover"). Contestants were chosen from initial auditions to compete for a spot in the Top 30, while thousands auditioned virtually and in-person earlier in the season.
In April on the show, Jordan blasted a gospel-infused take on Queen’s “Somebody to Love" tune, which cemented his spot in the show's top nine rankings, based on public voting. After that performance, he was awarded a one-on-one mentoring session with American Idol alumna, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Idol judge Lionel Richie described Jordan's "Somebody" performance as a “drop the mic moment.”
Jordan admitted he'd heard the song for the first time only the day before he selected it. “I wanted to find myself in rock-n-roll,” he says. “I feel like me, as a worship leader, and predominantly singing gospel, you don’t always see that in rock-n-roll.”
Idol judge Carrie Underwood lauded him: "You just proved anybody can rock.”
Making it to the top three. / Photo credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
Jordan's Hometown Concert in Murfreesboro / Courtesy of Jordan McCullough
Celebrity mentors Pat Benatar and her husband, Neil Giraldo, heaped praise on Jordan during early practice rounds, encouraging him to command the music stage like having connective, emotional moments during church services. And he certainly did.
He quickly became backed by many in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennesse. Connie Neville Harle posted online midway through the contest: "Jordan, you already won American Idol in my book. Go murfreesboro. U represent us, so awesome."
Donut Country in Murfreesboro even dedicated a chocolate cream-filled doughnut named The Jordan McCream. Store owner Kristy Davis says they made about 200 special Jordan doughnuts for two days' distribution, and sold out of them pronto! Among songs Jordan performed on American Idol Season 24:
• "Footprints in the Sand" (Leona Lewis); Top 5 Performance
• "A Song For You" (Donny Hathaway); Duet with Elliott Yamin
• “I Can't Make You Love Me" (Bonnie Raitt/George Michael)
• "Always Be My Baby" (Mariah Carey)
• "Colors of the Wind" (Disney's Pocahontas/Judy Kuhn)
• "Tim McGraw" (Taylor Swift)
• "Grandma's Hands" (Bill Withers); Ohana Round
After Jordan's hometown parade and concert May 6, he stated: "Thank you Murfreesboro! I feel the love, I receive your support and I’m forever grateful for you."
JORDAN MCCULLOUGH
Jordan McCullough was said to have taken “American Idol to church” several times. His version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” during the Top 7 California-themed episode received high praise from judges, with Carrie Underwood noting she could “hear the Holy Spirit” and Jennifer Hudson, as the guest mentor, throwing her (signature gesture) shoes in appreciation.
The Jordan McCream creation by Donut Country in Murfreesboro.
Jordan's unstoppable momentum. / Photo credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
Murfreesboro Hometown Parade for Jordan McCullough. He was presented key to city and May 6 declared Jordan McCullough Day. / Photo by Jon Gregory
EMPOWERING VETERANS WITH KNOWLEDGE, RESOURCES FOR HOME CARE ASSISTANCE
Amada Senior Care Nashville local specialists say they're used to going beyond care services by also providing expert senior housing advisory services and financial counseling. "This is all part of our mission to enrich seniors’ lives and to help make care more affordable," says Kevin Fehr, CSA, president and CEO for the group in Murfreesboro.
One of those extra services is taking the time to represent military veterans as an advocate for accessing and activating their LongTerm Care Insurance benefits, and to help them identify available Veterans Administration benefits for veterans. "Too often, veterans and their spouses or families are unaware of eligibility for financial assistance from the government through the VA," states Kevin.
He says VA benefits can be used to help veteran seniors gain more financial flexibility and choices in their potential placements and care plans. Options include getting to live in the senior living community of their choice; receiving more in-home care services; having healthcare benefits that are paid monthly with no repayment required; and receiving home care benefits that are paid directly by the U.S. Treasury on a taxfree basis.
Two local veterans share their experiences with Murfreesboro City Lifestyle readers regarding how Amada Senior Home Care services enhances their lives.
AMA DA SENIOR CARE PROFESSIONALS ARE PROUD TO BE CAREGIVING PROVIDERS
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON GREGORY
Taylor Franklin and Dequavion, aka 'D'
MICHAEL “DAVEY” YANDLE, U.S. AIR
FORCE VETERAN
"Shannon is an all-about girl. If someone could mold her, they'd make a mint. I couldn't ask for anybody better," says Davey of his dedicated Amada caregiver for the last three years.
Shannon handles laundry, cleaning, cooking meals periodically and assists with Davey's motor scooter on errands for this 75-year-old former hydraulic mechanic who lost much of his hearing while working on jet aircraft. Now having challenges with balance, leg buckling, falling and tremors, extroverted Davey says partnering with Shannon "has been paradise."
Shannon agrees, indicating their relationship is rooted in hope and faith, which natually encourages believers to love others. About the only topic off-the-table with these two friends is politics.
Davey says because he doesn't like to give orders, he appreciates being able to provide Amada with a list of items he needs, such as cleaning supplies, so "Shannon can come in like a whirlwind and get everything done."
TAYLOR FRANKLIN, U.S. MARINES
VETERAN AND FORMER POLICE OFFICER
When Taylor did his homework and then interviewed agencies that provide home assistance aides, he says the mindset and goals of Amada lined up with the way he is.
OLIVIA MCAFEE, AMADA SENIOR CARE MURFREESBORO RECRUITING
MANAGER/SCHEDULING ASSISTANT, SAYS THE COMPANY’S VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE TAILORED SPECIFICALLY FOR SENIORS. “WE UNDERSTAND THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SACRIFICES MADE BY OUR BRAVE VETERANS. OUR PROFESSIONAL CARE TEAM ENSURES VETERANS RECEIVE THE SUPPORT AND CARE THEY DESERVE DURING THEIR GOLDEN YEARS.”
"I saw Amada took care of its employees, which meant they would take good care of me," he adds.
Taylor, 53, recovered from a stroke in 2017, but was paralyzed from the chest down in a life-altering security incident on Interstate 24 the day before Thanksgiving 2021. He says his dedicated, 27-year-old caregiver, Dequavion, aka 'D,' assists him with maneuvering within his two-story house, stretching muscles, going to the gym to work out and food preparation. "D is a learner, quick and willing to learn. He's a good spirit and understands what's important in life. We're a great match."
He adds, "D is what's called in men's ministry the blessed F.A.T.: Faithful.Available.Trainable. He makes things happen."
Taylor served as a Metro Police Department police officer from January through December 2016. Prior to that, he was a court officer for the Metropolitan Government in Nashville from October 2003 to January 2016. He earned his business administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He's in the process of lining up a surgery to relieve his pain and lead exposure from the bullet inside him.
Complimentary consultations for veterans care needs can be requested with Amada specialists.
AmadaNashville.com
Michael "Davey" Yandle and Shannon
by
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON GREGORY
Tire World Professionals In Murfreesboro Handle Vehicular Repair And Wheel Needs Of Customers Throughout Middle Tennessee
Honest, Reliable
Auto Services
Earning and developing customer relationships based on trust is the underpinning of Tire World, Inc., asserts owner and Murfreesboro native Jason Wrather. As one of the last family-owned, longstanding tire-based businesses in Rutherford County with a 40 year-plus reputation, the entity was started by Jason's father, Bruce Wrather, in 1983.
"I worked in the tire shop during high school. Then went to college and got a bachelor's degree in exercise science at University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and worked at Blount Memorial Hospital before returning to take over the shop when my father retired in 2019," recalls Jason.
Photo
Artem Podrez
Two Tire World shops are located in Murfreesboro: 1211 Memorial Blvd., and 1406 NW Broad St. Two other Tire World shops, also operated by Jason, are in Smyrna and Lavergne.
"We take pride in offering the best deals on name-brand tires, such as Michelin, Continental, General, Firestone, Milestar and Goodyear. But, besides providing tires, our team is glad to also deliver high-quality auto repair services," Jason assures.
From regularly scheduled maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to various repairs, such as engine light diagnostics, tune-ups, wheel alignments, suspensions and brake repairs, he says the Tire World team of experienced mechanics ensures that auto repair services are done right.
"Many of our mechanics came from working at dealerships, so are familiar with handling different car or truck models. They're also ASEcertified (Automotive Service Excellence), which is the industry standard for mechanics, requiring two years of on-the-job training, or one-year training plus education, and passing rigorous tests," states Jason.
Regular tire rotations help to evenly distribute tire wear, extending the life of tires and improving vehicles' performance. Taking care of tires is critical for vehicle safety, too, Jason reminds, as worn tread directly causes longer braking distances and a higher risk of hydroplaning or blowouts. He says many drivers don't realize allwheel drive vehicles require all four tires to have matching brand, size and tread depth to prevent severe drivetrain strain.
"Our local customers keep coming back because we tell them about only what their vehicles truly need," promises Jason.
Tire World shop at 1406 NW Broad St./ Photo by Jon Gregory
Tire World shop at 1211 Memorial Blvd. / Photo by Jon Gregory
CHAMPIONING YOUTH AND TURF:
TWO MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION MEN SUPPORT COMMUNITY WITH GUSTO
ERSKINE "EC” COLLINS, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE BY LYNN CALDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION
COORDINATOR AT PATTERSON PARK COMMUNITY CENTER Being involved with kids and making a difference is not new to “EC." With more than 25 years of experience working with youth and social service agencies, he's found a perfect fit in his position at Patterson Park, 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Watching him lead events and activities with such enthusiasm and engage with the community confirms just that.
Shane Lamb, superintendent
“I work really hard at creating a culture of purpose over power,” explains EC. “I want this environment to be one that's welcoming, encouraging and that the kids feel like is always helping them move forward in life.”
EC and the staff at Patterson are instrumental in providing new opportunities for the youth through after-school programs, summer enrichment and community field trips. They work on developing certain skill sets, such as leadership, sports, art and even cooking and meal planning. His job also includes getting to be an integral part of special events like the Backto-School event, Barfield Bash, Earth Day and more. One thing staffers are really proud of is their new E-Sports Arena room. “Everyone has worked together to make this room an awesome experience for all that use it, and the kids truly enjoy it," says EC.
When EC is not at work, he enjoys teaching Sunday school and being a drone pilot. He likes to add music to the videos he shoots with his drone and hopes to have his own YouTube channel one day.
SHANE LAMB, SUPERINTENDENT OF ATHLETIC MAINTENANCE
Shane Lamb has a long history with recreation services in the City of Murfreesboro. He started in 1998 as a turf manager with the Old Fort Golf Course for several years and then returned in 2015 to supervise athletic maintenance; his area includes an impressive 20-plus soccer fields and 19 baseball fields.
When asked what the best part of his job is, Shane answers without hesitation, “Growing grass.”
Shane shares how incredible it has been to watch such immense growth in the development of turf and in the department's volume and traffic, as well as how the team improves and renovates the athletic fields.
“Richard Siegel Soccer Complex has become a regional and national destination for soccer, and we've hosted some amazing events on a national level, but we also still provide recreational opportunities for the residents of our community,” says Shane.
His day-to-day duties include everything from being on the tractor spreading fertilizer, helping out on a mower and repairing irrigation leaks to communicating about scheduling and planning for big events.
Shane also notes that Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation program offers some exceptional programming outside of seasonal athletics, such as Miracle League and Special Olympics. "I think those programs are just awesome, and I’m so thankful I get to be a part of it.”
When not working, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. They stay busy with church and their kids’ activities, but he adds that he plans to get back out on the golf course one of these days.
Erskine "EC” Collins, youth development coordinator
Erskine "EC” Collins
Shane Lamb
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
