Design Matters
Investing In Self
In my beginning stages of Music City | City Lifestyle, it was pedal to the metal of finding the right partners and creating the best stories and content for our readers. This, of course, is always priority, but I had no idea the relationships and stories that would affect me personally and professionally.
When anyone thinks of this month’s theme of investment, I’m sure finances and planning for a secure future comes to mind. But I would like to share with our readers this month how investing in myself and in our community has impacted my personal life. I am so fortunate that my dayto-day is sitting down with individuals to hear their life story, and how their drive and passion has lead them to where they are today. These are the stories that I carry with me everyday, come home and share with my friends and family, and influence me to live my life better and run my business better.
My first encounter with Addy Biggers, real estate guru, is a conversation that I share with many entrepreneurs and has allowed me to set my own parameters. I remember vividly how she described what lead her to real estate- she wanted a luxurious lifestyle. Not the luxury of money or nice things, but the luxury to say no! She desired the ability to show up for her family on any given week day, to be able to turn down business that might not align with her own standards, and to decline engagements and assignments that were not best fit for her. This is the investment advice I needed! To invest my time and efforts into things that will be lasting, and in return I have been able to show up so much better for my family and for my clients.
Natalia Cooper, owner of The Bunny Hive Nashville, is someone that I admire immensely! Mom, wife, business owner, and someone who is just genuine in all that she does. After I first met Natalia, I recall hearing a podcast conversation she was apart of. I will probably butcher her words, but she was speaking about having and doing it all, but not all at the same time. She explained of investing 100% of yourself into one thing at a time, and to not spread yourself too thin. This has absolutely allowed me be present in what I’m committing to in that moment, and do it to the best of my ability.
So now, go read these amazing stories of the individuals in this issue who took a step of faith in investing in their own selves to better their communities! Being inspired by others is the first step of any good investment.
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Morgan Raum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sheri Angeles, Morgan Raum, Joana Vargas
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The 6th annual Renaissance Women’s Summit brought 200 women entrepreneurs to Vanderbilt University in Nashville for a day of education, empowerment, and community. With the theme "Unleash Your Revival," attendees focused on purpose, growth, and long-term success. Founded by Sydney Dozier, CEO of Renaissance Marketing Group, the summit has become a key event for women in business. The 2025 lineup featured top speakers like Morgan DeBaun, Lori Harder, and Mignon Francois, sharing insights and strategies. Held each February, the summit fosters a thriving community of women entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.therenaissancewomenssummit.com.
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Stress-Free Summer Childcare with Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency
Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency brings top-tier babysitting and nanny services to Nashville, perfect for busy families balancing Music City’s vibrant lifestyle, offering reliable babysitting, part-time, and full-time nanny services. Need summer childcare? Their expert nannies ensure a seamless season of adventure and care. Whether for date nights or daily support, Twinkle Toes offers peace of mind with fully screened, CPR-certified caregivers. Learn more at twinkletoesnanny.com/nashville
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Tastify | A Private, Chef-Driven Dining Experience
Tastify creates private, chef-driven dinner parties with a level of hospitality no restaurant can match. An experience designed with intention, where every detail is personal. From a menu crafted around your tastes to service that anticipates your needs, Tastify brings warmth, care, and connection to the table. True hospitality isn’t effortless—it’s deeply personal and what better place to enjoy a memorable dinner than your own home? Book your own private dining experience at tastifyfood.com .
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Hands On Learning at Templeton Academy
Templeton Academy is not your typical school; they blend Project-Based Learning, social-emotional development through Core Advisory, and the vibrant city of Nashville as their classroom. Students work on hands-on projects, build emotional resilience, and engage with the community around them to solve real-world problems. It’s a unique approach that prepares students to think critically, collaborate, and lead. Experience education that breaks the mold. Inquire & apply today for the ‘25-26 school year at templetonacademy.org.
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Want
be featured?
Honoring National Infertility Awareness Week at Tennessee Fertility Institute
This April 20-26, 2025 marks National Infertility Awareness Week — a time to empower, educate, and support those facing infertility. At Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI), we’re here to help – no matter where you are on your journey. By raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and sharing stories, we can build a more compassionate community for all who dream of starting or growing their families. Find out more at tnfertility.com
Stephanie Sabbe Debuts Interiors of a Storyteller
On March 25, 2025, Nashville-based interior designer Stephanie Sabbe’s debut book, Interiors of a Storyteller, will be released. The book is part memoir and part coffee table book. In it, Stephanie weaves together tales of her colorful childhood and the challenges that shaped her journey as a mother, daughter, wife and sister, with nine projects she designed along the way.
Interiors of a Storyteller is available for order wherever books are sold, including Amazon and HeirloomArtifacts.com.
Let’s Chat With Kaitlyn Bristowe!
KAITLYN BRISTOWE TALKS NEW PODCAST REBRAND AND LIFE IN NASHVILLE.
YOUR PODCAST, OFF THE VINE , HAS MADE WAVES! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE A PODCAST AND IN WHAT WAYS HAS IT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
When I was younger, I wanted my own radio show, so I started in the podcast industry eight years ago and never looked back! I love candid conversations - especially these days, when we can put down our phones and have a genuine connection for forty-five minutes. I think it makes listeners feel like they are hanging out with their best friends. My Off The Vine community is everything to me.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR REBRAND PLANS FOR THE PODCAST! WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE NEW SET-UP?
I feel like my listeners have grown with me in every wayspiritually, personally, and professionally. Who I am as a person, my conversations, and my guests have evolved, and I felt the space needed to level up, too! I want people to walk into the space and feel invited, relaxed, and comfortable.
A special thanks to Leigh Taylor Public Relations who facilitated this project for my new, elevated Off the Vine studio space!
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHERI ANGELES & MORGAN RAUM
WARDROBE
HMUA:
STYLIST: LEIGH TAYLOR RICHARDSON; LEIGH TAYLOR PUBLIC RELATIONS
TARRYN FELDMAN
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THE NEW OFF THE VINE IN THREE WORDS, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
Elevated, authentic, and safe. In any chapter of my life, I hope to continue to grow, evolve, and elevate. Authenticity is all I crave in this world. I want to inspire listeners to always feel empowered and live authentically. Safety is an important one for me; I want my community to feel like they are family, and I love for my conversations with guests to feel safe. In a world full of clickbait - and I understand that’s part of the job - I want them to leave feeling like our conversation filled their cup. If it has, then I've done my job.
WHAT IS IT LIKE BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN SOCIAL MEDIA?
It’s been a JOURNEY. I will never forget coming off of The Bachelor in 2015 and getting offered money to post on Instagram. I went from living paycheck to paycheck to getting asked to promote a waistband trainer for a lot of money - I think I screamed when I saw the dollar amount. I immediately agreed, even though I was lying to my audience about how I used it every day. My friend called me immediately and said, ‘I don’t care how much they paid you… delete that post.’ She talked me through building the longevity of a brand and how saying no to one-off things that didn’t align with me would bring on bigger, better opportunities. It was hard to say no to the money, but she was right - I wanted my audience to trust me. I worked really hard to form meaningful partnerships, and I have now worked with some of my favorite brands. I think it’s the best business advice I could give to someone: align yourself with your purpose, develop a mission statement, and three pillars you want to be known for.
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“Authenticity is all I crave in this world. I want to inspire listeners to always feel empowered and live authentically. I want my community to feel like they are family.”
“[I've learned about] building the longevity of a brand and how saying no to one-off things that didn’t align with me. The best business advice I could give to someone is to align yourself with your purpose, develop a mission statement, and three pillars you want to be known for.”
YOUR WINE, SPADE AND SPARROWS, CONTINUES TO MAKE A NAME FOR ITSELF NATIONWIDE - CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WATCH IT CONTINUE TO GROW AND THRIVE?
I am SO proud of that wine label. I worked in the restaurant industry for ten years; I learned so much about wine, wine pairing, grapes, and regions. After coming off the show and building a wine-centric podcast, having my own label felt like a natural progression. It means everything to have my wine and wine club members. We have wine Zooms every three months where I will have celebrity guests come on to answer questions, play games, and just HANG. I know I'm biased, but it really is the BEST wine! Whether you’re a sommelier or a first-timer, it’s all low sugar, perfectly balanced, and pairs well with anything you want to pair it with.
DETAIL YOUR UP-AND-COMING COLLABORATION WITH LTPR.
Well, Leigh Taylor Richardson and LTPR have brilliant marketing ideas. It started with, ‘let’s partner with Get Into the Limelight self tanner’ then switched to ‘let's ride around to local influencers houses in a pink limo, with guys from Thunder From Down Under, carrying big pink fridges, stocked with wine and self tanner.’ It is such a fun way to meet up with people face to face with a fun package for them. When you make it fun, people are more inclined to share… and I'm always seeking ways to get the word on my wine!
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TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO MUSIC CITY. WHAT LED YOU TO NASHVILLE?
Well, I want to tell you it was my love for music, which was part of it, but really it was because I got engaged to a guy on my season of The Bachelorette, and he lived here. I had never been and I moved here without looking back. Now, I find myself in writing sessions, taking voice lessons, and releasing music VERY seldomly. But I do love it; it’s such a great city full of wonderful people. It really does feel like home.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO CONTINUE TO BE BUILDING ROOTS IN NASHVILLE?
I could not be happier about this new home. I had lived a lot of life in my last house, and this change came at the perfect time. Two public breakups in one house is a lot. Ha! So, it was a new chapter in my life with my two dogs and felt like the reset I needed - a new chapter, new energy. I love it so much. Hosting is my favorite thing; hosting my podcast, hosting dinner parties, backyard happy hours… my doors are always open to friends and family when they visit. It’s my sanctuary.
Listen to Kaitlyn’s chart-topping podcast, Off The Vine, on all streaming platforms and follow along @kaitlynbristowe and @offthevinepodcast.
“I could not be happier about this new home. [It] felt like the reset I needed- a new chapter, new energy.”
THE ART OF A SMILE
Introducing Brooks & Templeton, Nashville’s newest orthodontic practice!
Dr. Britta Brooks and Dr. Elizabeth Templeton are the dream team behind Nashville’s newest orthodontic practice, Brooks & Templeton Orthodontics!
Joining forces, the duo have now opened their doors and are excited to treat new patients. With a commitment to cultivating personalized, unique treatments and compassionate patient care, their goal is to create vibrant smiles and abundant confidence in each patient they treat.
Dr. Brooks is a Middle Tennessee native who solidified her dreams of becoming an orthodontist after her experience with aligners and jaw surgery as a young adult. She shares that she “wanted to be able to make others feel as amazing as [she] did after treatment.” After receiving her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, she attended dental school at The University of Tennessee and first met Templeton during their
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANA VARGAS
residency program at Louisiana State University, New Orleans.
Dr. Templeton grew up just outside of Atlanta and decided she wanted to go into orthodontics during her dental career at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Sharing that she was a shy child before going through orthodontic treatment, the Georgia native was thrilled to lay roots in Nashville and officially open her very own practice.
“There is a two-female orthodontic practice in New Orleans, and one of the orthodontists is a faculty member at the dental school,” Templeton shares. “She jokingly told Britta that we should go into practice together. One day, I was like, ‘what if we did open a practice together?’ And the rest is history!”
Brooks & Templeton’s office is located in Berry Hill off Thompson Lane. With bright, vibrant
decor, their goal is to create a welcoming environment that also represents their personalities - and if you look closely, you’ll see a nod to the two cities that brought them together! Offering clear aligners, braces, and retainers for patients of all ages, their treatment areas are semi-private with glass dividers in between chairs and plenty of space to bring back your kids, friends or partner. In addition, they are completely digital, so you will not find any messy, goopy impressions like you may have experienced at your dentist in the past. Containing the latest and greatest technology, they are able to make your experience as seamless as possible!
Brooks & Templeton have invested years of training to become board certified orthodontics as well as hours and hours to prepare and plan the grand opening of their practice. While it was
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a hard decision to walk away from the security of their full-time corporate jobs, they knew that every hour of studying, every networking event, and every year in practice has been an investment in contributing to making them the best possible orthodontists to their patients.
The female doctors want to remind the Nashville community that it is important to value health and wellness in all areas, especially for our teeth! Rather than jumping into veneers, Brooks & Templeton promotes finding the root of the problem and avoiding potential issues down the road. In addition, their office offers interest-free financing to make sure everyone can afford a more vibrant, confident smile.
“Investing in yourself always pays off and leads to infinite returns! You never regret improving your health and self-confidence,” Templeton shares. “We aim to cultivate an environment where people of all ages feel comfortable and trust us to enhance their smiles. We both hope to make as much of a difference in other people’s lives as our orthodontists did for us.”
“There is nothing more rewarding than finally seeing all the investments and sacrifices you’ve made along the way develop into your dream career,” Brooks adds. “It took a lot of educational and emotional investment to get through school and then ultimately to start a practice, but the investment was all worth it.”
Brooks & Templeton would love to get to know you and connect with any dental, or non dental, related questions! For more information or to book a consultation, visit their website nashvilleorthodontists.com
The Bunn their schedule including me
THE SKIN FAIRY NASHVILLE
SHELLY
O’NEAL OF SO WELLNESS TALKS THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN YOUR OWN HEALTH AND WELLNESS.
Investing In
Your Well-Being
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA CARDEN
With thirty-five years of experience in the mental health, wellness, and healthcare industry, Shelly O’Neal is considered an expert at her craft. Born and raised in southern Illinois, she became a therapist and provided counseling before ultimately starting her own health care company. Thriving in watching her clients take control back over their lives, O’Neal began working with companies to do training and wellness activities for their employees actively working on prioritizing their mental health. After many years as a healthcare professional and entrepreneur, she wanted to shift her focus back to coaching and prevention to help normalize wellness. After encouragement from others, she made the leap and SO Wellness was born!
SO Wellness’ mission is to help organizations by designing personalized wellness programs to improve employee performance, attendance, and retention. One of their main goals is to help individuals and organizations function at their highest level using the Four Pillars of Wellness - Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, and Financial. Splitting her time between Nashville and her farm in Kentucky, O’Neal strives to instill healthy habits in all she comes across.
“I noticed as a therapist that people would come into my office and someone would maybe have their financial health in pretty good shape, but not physically or mentally… I noticed the most successful people had all four of those areas well covered,” O’Neal shares, of the inspiration behind the Four Pillars of Wellness at SO Wellness.
Forming healthy, consistent habits are vital; O’Neal noticed patients who formed healthy habits in each category were often putting themselves in the best place mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. By actively practicing a new habit, you can train your brain to instill it as a new part of your routine.
“Learning to regulate your emotions,” O’Neal shares, speaking on habits she has seen work well for patients and clients. “We can’t control what’s happened to us, or what’s going to… we can only control how we think about it and how we view it.”
For the emotional pillar, learning how to deal with difficult situations is an important factor in life. Whether it be speaking to a professional or following apps for tips, investing in ourselves is important! While physical wellness may seem more obvious, SO Wellness encourages clients to practice daily habits of health; this doesn’t have to be spending hours in the gym, but just making a habit of moving your body. People who move their bodies tend to live longer and age better. Spiritual health is what O’Neal describes as a “spiritual practice”, it is
less about religion and more about enhancing our spirituality with nature and finding purpose in the everyday. Finances can be stressful, so implementing positive patterns to make it even a bit less overwhelming is something that O’Neal encourages. For example, spending one night each week overlooking finances can save an abundance of stress later on. Whether she is working with an individual, a group, or a company, O’Neal instills these four pillars with her clients while also coaching individuals and developing wellness programs for companies.
SO Wellness has an array of services to choose from; performance coaching for artists, musicians, and athletes, to corporate wellness, pre-employment for companies, and leadership development programs. O’Neal primarily serves the entertainment, health care, financial, legal, agriculture, medical, and marine industries.
“The whole purpose of investing in those four areas is for you to be designing your life versus letting life happen to you,” she explains. “There are a lot of things we can’t prevent, but if we are on a path where we are designing what we want to show up in our life, life is less about surviving… you don’t want to have a life that you’ve just survived.”
Built off of practicality, SO Wellness acknowledges that investing in yourself does not have to be expensive or complicated; they advocate for instilling microhabits into your daily routine, starting small and simple, and eventually building off of that.
“I say three wins a day: a physical win, which could be walking for twenty minutes that day, a spiritual win, maybe doing a devotional or writing in a gratitude journal, and a mental win, which could be practicing with your emotions like you would while working out,” she shares.
For more information, visit shellyonealwellness.com or keep up on socials @shellyonealwellness.
Listed exclusively by: Tyler & Jackie Henson Henson Team of Keller Williams
Around Town
NASHVILLE COMEDY FESTIVAL
April 3-13
Nashville Comedy Festival showcases some of the funniest comedians in the world. This year will feature performances from Kill Tony, Nikki Glaser, Wanda Sykes, Jared Freid, and so many more. Purchase tickets at nashcomedyfest.com .
SEEDING STARTING 101 WORKSHOP
April 5 | 1:00 PM
Bloomsbury Farms
Experience an intimate workshop with garden expert Bailey Van Tassel for a hands-on approach to seed starting! Learn how to successfully sew your veggie seeds all year! Reserve your spot at bloomsburyfarms.com
April 03 05 11
KANE BROWN AT BRIDGESTONE ARENA
April 11 | 7:00 PM Bridgestone Arena
Experience Kane Brown live in Music City! With special guests Scotty McCreery and Dasha.
12
NASHVILLE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
April 12 | 9:30 AM
This family-friendly celebration of Japanese culture takes place every spring with vendors, performances, and activities. This free event welcomes people of all ages and dogs!
14
CECE WINANS AT RYMAN AUDITORIUM
April 14 | 7:30 PM
Ryman Auditorium
Cece Winans’ More Than This Tour is one of the most comprehensive tours of her entire career! Purchase tickets at ryman.com
19
NASHVILLE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
April 19
Centennial Park
This family-friendly event allows you to explore interactive exhibits, meet local growers and makers, and enjoy the music & food of Nashville!
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MUSIC CITY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
April 24 - 27 | 6:00 PM
Centennial Park Great Lawn Celebrate Nashville’s cuisine and culture all weekend long! Join for culinary delights from local restaurants, a chef competition, vendor market, sips from top wine & spirit brands, and more! Purchase tickets at musiccityfoodandwinefest.com
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ST. JUDE ROCK ’N’ ROLL MARATHON
April 26-27
Prepare to be immersed in music culture from the expo to the finish line! Run for an amazing cause and experience a legendary tour of Music City along the way. Register at runrocknroll.com.
Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms
BUTCHER & MARKET BUTCHER & MARKET
DELI - PRODUCE - PASTURE-RAISED MEAT - FLOUR
DELI - PRODUCE - PASTURE-RAISED MEAT - FLOUR
ABOUT US ABOUT US
At Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms, we’re committed to providing high-quality, feel-good products. Our pasture-raised, non-GMO meat is never treated with antibiotics, and we uphold strict animal welfare and regenerative farming practices. As a family-owned business, when you visit our market, you'll meet the people behind our products. By supporting us, you support local farmers and join our community.
