Music City, TN September 2023

Kris Wylder: Finding Sense of Home Style

ARTS + CULTURE

MURALS BY LOBA

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

STYLE + BEAUTY

CUSTOM HATS

Style Is Way To Say Who You Are Without Speaking

We hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here locally to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on Earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

PLEASE NOTE: During press time, we learned that guest speaker Lea Thompson may not be able to join the Conversations With Prime Women event on Oct. 8. However, please see page 30 for other expert speakers and more details about this inspiring, special gathering.

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kaufman | j.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Chandler Hardy

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tracy Allison, Ansley Rushing, Laura Godwin, Mary Williams/Fomo Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER @MUSICCITYCITYLIFESTYLE

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @musiccitycitylifestyle

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Friends In Low Places & Honky Tonk Bar Coming Soon?

At press time, country music superstar Garth Brooks was set to soon open a three-story entertainment center/ bar at 411 Broadway, former site of the Nashville Sporting Club and Paradise Park. The 40,000-plus square foot property was purchased by Garth in December 2021 via 411, LLC. He says, “The goal is a classic honky-tonk that welcomes all, encourages love and kindness while playing the greatest music in the world in the home of Country Music!”

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MusicCity

Three Tennessee Women Made Forbes' List Of Richest, Self-Made Women

Three Tennessee women made Forbes' 2023 list of America's Richest Self-Made Women: Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Cordia Harrington. Taylor tied at No. 34 with a net worth of $740 million. While Dolly ($440 million) has fans as a singer/actress, her main source of wealth reportedly is her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood. Cordia, nicknamed "the Bun Lady," founded The Bakery Cos. in 1996, which boasts $100 million-plus in revenue, plus she owned three McDonald's franchises.

Opryland To Debut New ICE! Based On Polar Express

ICE!, the annual holiday tradition at Gaylord Hotels, returns to Gaylord Opryland Resort Nov. 10 through Jan. 1, 2024. Using 1,000-plus tons of ice, the resort will debut a brand-new ICE! theme, “The Polar Express," based upon the  Warner Bros. holiday film, as part of the resort’s 40th annual A Country Christmas event. The tale will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China.

Scan to read more.

CHILD HOMELESSNESS IS HERE.

For the almost 10,000 kids in Middle Tennessee who experience homelessness, life is full of challenges.

Soles4Souls works with our school and community partners to deliver new shoes to kids who need them most.

For a donation of just $20, you can provide a new pair of athletic shoes to a child in need.

Photography Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland

CANEY HUMMON

DAYDREAMS

SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 28, 2023

OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 5-8PM

Photo Location With Pizzazz

The Paper House Exudes Creative Energy

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACY ALLISON

Whatever mood or look desired for a photography or videography project, one of the rooms at The Paper House is bound to meet the needs. This charming, mid-century East Nashville ranch home off Mitchell Road is full of gorgeous wallpaper, eclectic decor and bright colors, honoring the vibrant palettes of the 1950s.

Homeowner and business hostess Tracy Allison is often lauded for her design prowess in that the place 'seriously looks straight out of a Pinterest board' with props, including pillows, furniture, books, plants, lamps, vintage TVs or radios, and through windows to an adjoining suite, even a live, black and white feline named Tux, short for

Tuxedo Allison Paws. As a former neighborhood stray, Tux now from afar oversees quality control.

There's a good reason the ambiance is viewed as authentic. Much of the furniture and props are actual antiques passed down from Tracy's grandparents.

After Tracy moved to Nashville from New York about eight years ago, she purchased the house in 2017, which was built in the 1950s and has always served as a residence. "My initial thought was to turn certain portions of it into an Airbnb. So, it needed some updates. But when I stripped the first room down to the studs so I could wallpaper, I learned whoever built it decades ago wasn't concerned about keeping everything level," she recalls.

Tracy Allison /

Photo by Ansley Rushing

As a burgeoning DIYer, Tracy remembers trying to cover the inch gaps with wallpaper, which quickly fell down. So, she studied online sources, earnestly devouring renovation-specific tips, and realized remaking the house might be an ongoing journey.

Stemming from working with Penske Media Corporation/PMC Media ( Rolling Stone and Billboard ), Tracy's background was in handling concert photography and editing images. "I had gotten out of photography, however, even selling my Nikon. But then a few people (in Nashville) asked me to do some portraits, and I thought I could hang some smaller pieces of wallpaper as background, or set design. That led to needing to change the color of the wainscot, which led to other updates," she says.

By October 2020, the art department with which she worked disbanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, The Paper House was launched to the public during April 2021, aptly named after all of Tracy's learning curve with wallpaper. "There was a time when I walked out of SherwinWilliams that they said, 'See you tomorrow,'" she reveals.

"The concept took off surprisingly well, and guests seem to have fun, inspiring experiences here," she says.

Approximately 1,400 square feet of space is available across six different, themed rooms with bountiful natural light. Photographers who have anchored from the location state every room has a unique, vintage, one-of-a-kind feel that inspires.

Project teams also state the house is so tastefully furnished, they're able to get such a variety of images in just one shoot.

Since opening, Tracy says CMT filmed a clip of Maren Morris at the house, and several older couples have used the house in heart-warming ways to revisit their historic memories. "I've also been finding out recently how many people are getting married here during their sessions, with just an officiant, photographer and a few witnesses."

Out of respecting guests' privacy, Tracy remains on the property during the sessions but doesn't hover over them. "Sometimes, I do find interesting props left behind, such as fake hundred-dollar bills," she quips.

Located near Shelby Park, hours of operation for The Paper House are Mondays through Sundays 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fee is $110-$150 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum. Tracy, who actually lives at the residence, invested in ample sound proofing to ensure that scheduled sessions can be conducted correctly from a sound quality perspective.

Furthermore, Tracy herself became motivated by the location and reinvested in a new Sony camera. Both Rolling Stone and Billboard since have hired her to do photo sessions there.

Notably, Peerspace named the House the fourth best production space in Nashville for their 2022 Open Door Awards.

Will Tracy keep evolving the beloved Paper House? "Well, if I find the right wallpaper...," she admits with a smile.

914.410.7707

Avvay.com or Peerspace.com

[search Nashville/Paper House]

This beautiful home in East Nashville leaves quite the impression, with gorgeous furnishings, various vintage looks, unique decor and a bright, warm vibe throughout it.

Tux

Sorry, That Wall Was Boring

MURALS BY LOBA

UP THE MUSIC CITY AND BEYOND

LIVENS

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Rachyl LaGrone, self-professed artist, mom and adventurer, likes traveling, meeting new people, red wine, and creating one-of-a-kind murals.

She quips, "I was born and raised in Denver where I earned my B.S. in design. After that, I spent a year traveling through Europe, Africa, and Mexico, like a hippie. When I landed in LA, I worked as an artist for TOMS shoes and Brandy Melville."

After relocating to Nashville, she started taking custom orders. Today, she's happily painting murals nationwide while specializing in creating and installing unique and professional murals for homes and commercial spaces.

She explains that she named her business 'Murals by Loba' because she grew up going to a small fishing town in Mexico.

"My grandad was an explorer for Shell Oil, and he had a place there. As a young girl, I learned how to speak Spanish, play soccer, drink tequila and cook, in Mexico," she recalls. "Fast forward to Nashville, I’m 28 and pregnant. My son's dad was reading a book about Eddie Van Halen and his son, Wolfgang. We both loved the name, so we named our son that. It worked because my son is part German, part Native American and part musician. Loba means wolf in Spanish, and without my son, Wolf, I’d never have started my business."

Rachyl says she began painting murals full time after making art most of her life and hustling it professionally on the side for 13 years.

"My dad is an artist and an architect. He used to give me and my three older siblings drawing lessons when we were kids. My brother and I both received a degree in industrial design and then I went on to work for many different people all over the country as an artist, such as Anthropologie," she adds.

This artist has published a children's book and painted hundreds of dogs and babies for clients. "But I could not figure out how to pay all my bills with art. So, I gave up and went to law school. One semester of law school gave me the mindset and confidence to finally make art full time," she says.

"I figured 'if I can do this, I can do anything.' So I dropped out and started my business. Now I have my dream job."

In celebration of Lowe's 100th birthday during 2021, the company partnered with artists across the country to create 100 murals to represent the uniqueness of their communities. Representing Nashville was Rachyl, who spoke about passing on her passion for painting to her son.

RACHYL'S NASHVILLE-AREA PUBLIC MURALS ARE:

• Exterior wall for Caliber Coffee Co. (Donelson)

• Exterior wall for First Bank Amphitheatre (Franklin)

• Exterior wall for FWD clothing co. and Embers restaurant (12 Avenue South)

• Exterior wall for Plaza Mariachi (by the Zoo)

• Patio wall for co-op Frosè and eatery (Hillsboro village)

• Interior walls for Cledis Burger (off Elm Hill Pike)

• Exterior wall for Nicoletto’s pasta (Donelson)

• Exterior wall for Pure Barre West Nashville (Sylvan Park)

• Interior wall for Waverly Belmont library (12 Avenue South)

This fall, she announces she'll be painting the exterior for Room In The Inn, 8 Avenue South.

Instagram: @muralsbyloba MuralsByLoba.com

Hats Off To Nashville's Custom Hatters

Sanders Hat Company Craftswomen Provide Handmade Hats, Hands-On Classes

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Nicole Sanders was working in TV and film when she discovered there was a specific job as a milliner, otherwise known as a hatter. Her curiosity led her to researching and buying all the hat-making equipment she could locate. After training with hat makers, she now produces handmade hats in Nashville that are 100% custom with high-quality beaver, coypu and rabbit felts.

"Whether super bedazzled or delicately refined, we construct hats to match everyone's personal preferences," assures Nicole, founder of Sanders Hat Company.

Meredith Sanders, SHC general manager and co-owner of the Sanders' new business offering, M.A.D.E Nashville (Milliner Atelier Design Experience), helps clients unleash their creativity and immerse themselves into the art of hat development through unique, design parties just launched during July. "We provide hands-on experiences where small groups can create and leave with one-of-a-kind hats, all within our private converted music studio [formerly operated by producer Matthew Rollins] in the heart of Nashville," she adds. "We're the only hatter in Nashville in an exclusive, private space."

The hat classes range from 1.5 to 3 hours each. Meredith says the gatherings are perfect for birthdays,

bachelorette/bachelor parties, corporate team building, milestone celebrations or those fun nights out. "Our hats are unisex, so the classes are great for both guys and girls," she adds.

Both of these artisans are Nashville natives who lived in Italy for a training period so they could provide unforgettable hat design adventures to fellow Nashvillians as well as visitors.

The custom hats can be accessorized with add-ons that make them even more customized, such as family heirlooms, unique trims, embellishments, personalized monograms or feathers. Those items can be sewn on or tied on to enable future flexibility to match accompanying outfits.

"I love feeling the energy in the room when someone puts on their custom hat for the first time. Having the opportunity to be creative and take the time to make a different hat every time is what makes me the most happy," affirms Nicole.

The Sanders' hat studio is near the Sylvan Park neighborhood, conveniently 15 minutes from Broadway Street.

615.266.6672

SandersHatCompany.com

LEARN MORE: Nicole Sanders is a one-woman hatter in Nashville who takes great pride in making high-quality bespoke hats. She truly believes hat making is a fine art, and likes to follow traditional fundamentals but with personal touches. Meredith Sanders joins Nicole in a never-ending love of hats, and spearheads new hat-making classes for their business M.A.D.E Nashville (Milliner Atelier Design Experience).

Photo byLaura Godw in

The Sanders have popular palm leaf/straw hats for the autumn customization as well as fall decorations.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

With 39 partners in 21 countries, our network of artisan enterprises supporting women’s dignity and economic freedom allows our local movement to rise to a global level.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Abbey Cone

David Morris

Lathan Warlick WITH

Finding 'Home' In Nashville

Discusses Finding Sense Of Home Wherever One Lands

Kris Wylder grew up on a farm in Wakefield, Virginia, a quiet town in Southeastern Virginia.

“It's a place where you waved at cars that drove by, knew everyone, and genuinely cared about what was going on within the community. You randomly stopped by friends' homes and baked extra pies for neighbors, that kind of place. People driving by would call our home phone because one of our cows was wandering in the street,” says Kris, with a laugh.

After graduating from college, Kris moved to New York City, where she spent the next 10 years. “To say it was culture shock would be putting it lightly, but I loved every moment of living there. That city taught me so much, and I'll be forever grateful for the experience.

I was working in television at the time, and everything was fast paced. I had moments where I would escape the city and go back to the farm to feel a sense of peace. If you’ve ever experienced a farm at dusk, being in the barn with the animals, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.”

From New York, Kris then went to Los Angeles, somewhere else that was a far cry from the Southern life she had grown up living. “I enjoyed LA but I missed the charm of being in a Southern city. I knew that if I was to have a child someday, I’d want them to grow up in a version of what I did. Friendliness, a sense of home, the ability to go out to the country to get a sense of peace. That was so important to me.”

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE AS TOLD TO MUSIC CITY CITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY WILLIAMS/FOMO PHOTOGRAPHY

Kris Wylder

Five years ago, Kris landed in Nashville. Physically and literally. “The Nashville airport was the friendliest airport I'd ever been in; it didn’t feel real. I spent a few months coming in and out of town house hunting, going back and forth on the decision to move, and finally bought. It was the best decision I've ever made. To have my daughter here and feel this sense of community, it was a version of being home on the farm. Although it has changed greatly in the five years I’ve been here, it’s still the charming Southern city I initially fell in love with. It has quickly become home. I bake pies for neighbors, I say y’all again, the neighborhood kids stop by to feed my front yard chickens in Green Hills, it’s a big small town.”

Kris is a luxury real estate agent who has her hand in several projects. In fact, when asked what she does for work, she laughed. “I’m not sure how to answer that question, real estate is what I do full time. I’m an agent at Corcoran Reverie where I run a team, I couldn't function without my girls Abbie Walls and Elise Stein. I’m working on selling a TV show and I’ve started a charitable women’s group called Love Wylder. We have monthly meetings where I connect women with charitable groups within the community. It's been the most incredible thing to experience.”

“Most importantly, more important than work, I’m a mom to the most wonderful little girl, Graham. It’s hard at times to balance motherhood and working full time, but I hope to show her women are superheroes in all we do on a daily basis. It’s imperative to me that she knows her mom's roots of farm life, small towns, talking to people, and most importantly, even if you don’t return to where you grew up, you’ll be able to find your sense of home in the right place," she says.

"Nashville is that place for us."

Styling: Showroom Nashville

Hair Styling: Slay Bae Beauty Co Green Hills

Haircut/Color: Caleb Cowan

STRIDE Fitness is a total body HIIT workout with three dynamic class formats and a leveling system that allows every client to work out at their own speed

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

ARTICLE BY CHANDLER HARDY

THREE ARTISTS PAVING THEIR UNIQUE PATHS IN NASHVILLE

Grace Bowers

Grace is from California, but has lived in Nashville for almost two years. “Being surrounded by music and a musical community every day greatly motivates me to create.”

She says Leslie West, Marc Bolan, Jimi Hendrix and Santana are players she looks up to when it comes to guitar. “They all have something unique and different about their sound and technique, and I really admire the authenticity of it.”

Grace says she finds inspiration all around her every day in the Music City. “I find that living in Nashville makes it very easy to find inspiration from many forms. Seek it out, and you’ll find it.”

Her favorite guitar is a 1961 Gibson SG. “I play it on almost everything; it’s got such a unique sound, and I just feel really connected to the guitar. I have plenty of other guitars that I really like but I always find myself going back to the SG.”

Grace Bowers & Friends recently raised more than $21,000, and counting, in support of Covenant Heals and MusiCares in recognition of the Covenant School Family. They’re grateful to the sold-out crowd that showed up for the July 10 benefit show at The Basement East in Nashville, as well as everyone who generously donated to the accompanying fundraiser on GoFundMe (donations still being accepted).

Ashley Walls

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR WORK?

“I’m from Marietta to Georgia. I was in-between the city and country growing up. I call myself a concrete cowgirl because I got to experience both going to Atlanta and going mudding with my country friends.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

“I call it elevated Western wear. I like to pair high and low items. So, it’ll be like a rodeo jacket that’s bedazzled out with some western jeans and then some Gucci tennis shoes. I blend a bunch of different things. Cowgirl aesthetic but elevated with like one little designer item.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU HAVE PERFORMED AND WHY?

“It was at Ole Smokey, and it was right after COVID. It was the first show people could go outside. It felt really cool cause everyone was so excited to be there and thankful to hear live music, and I was thankful I could be on stage and get to play. It was so magical.”

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR WORK?

“I’m from Providence, Rhode Island. Which is a tougher town weather-wise. Tough winters, a lot of strong work ethic. That’s what Providence is about. And for me, I pour that into my work. I feel like it’s that relentless work ethic that I get that from home.”

FROM WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WORK?

“I try to pull from real life as much as possible. It gives a unique tone if it is really your experience. Honestly observing, too, walking around Brooklyn, or sitting in Washington Square Park, or sitting on a plane and just kind of observing life.”

WHERE HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PERFORM?

“Hotel Café in L A. When I lived in L.A., I would always hear about the Hotel Café, and it seemed like this impossible place to play. Then it turned into my home away from home as I played there, and I feel like nothing is impossible now.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

“I pull from the grungy thing or street wear. My girlfriend has helped me discover not dressing so grunge. We bought this vintage Stetson cowboy hat, that we share custody of, that has become a staple for me.”

Johnny Gates

"You have to go for it. I love to play where I feel like the standards are high."

~Johnny Gates