Shawn Johnson East — Public Speaker; New York Times Best Selling Author; Nike Trainer; Athlete
If you had a totally wide-open day, how would you spend it? Breakfast in bed with my husband [NFL player Andrew East] and dog, Nash. Trail run or hike around Nashville. Lunch at The Food Co. for the best Friday salad. Game of Thrones marathon. End the day with a great bubble bath.
Name an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of. Convincing my best friend to marry me!
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville? Whenever my parents come to town for games, I like taking them to Kayne Prime to get an amazing steak. For nights out, I really like Saint Anejo and Acme. But honestly, what I’m most excited about is going to Topgolf—I look forward to it being built by next year.
Savannah Chrisley — Student; Entrepreneur; TV Personality
Who has been the greatest influence in your life and why? My dad. He’s taught me so much when it comes to business, life—everything. As hard as he is on [me and my siblings], I know he cares about us, and that’s the best feeling. No matter how badly we screw up, we know our dad is going to be there to defend us. Even if it’s something he doesn’t like, he’s going to love us through it. He’s had a huge role in all of our lives. I feel like we’re growing together, too: He’s learning to give a little bit, and I’m learning to respect his opinion, even if I don’t agree with it.
Jessie James Decker — Country Music Singer; Beauty/Fashion Entrepreneur
What is your definition of a beautiful person? Great bone structure... Just kidding! Confidence. If you walk into a place exuding confidence, it can make you the most attractive person in the room.
Is there a skill or activity that you want to take up/learn? One that you have mastered? I am constantly finding out about new things that I would like to get into. Kite surfing is a big one that I’ve always wanted to take on, but I’m afraid I would love it so much that I would never do anything else. I can’t say that I have ever mastered anything. Part of what makes most things fun is getting better and improving upon them.
Describe yourself in four words or less. I like breaking the rules.
Name two or three grooming products that you cannot live without. If you have a secret for looking your best, do tell! I have a pair of kitchen shears that I cut my hair with over the toilet. Does that count?
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? I’m a talented seamstress. While I don’t sew as much anymore, I had a wonderful small business making dolls. Annually, I enjoyed a large gathering at our home in Chicago, where I’d host a holiday open house to sell and display each uniquely crafted doll. I still have a few!
Name one organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work, and tell us why it’s important to you. There are two organizations that I value because I am fond of their mission and their approach to making a difference. 1). The Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. At their annual luncheon, I witness amazing girls, strong women, and thoughtful speakers who support the mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. I can’t talk about the importance of girls without talking about the importance of women. 2). The Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, who is dedicated to providing funding to organizations serving the needs of girls and women.
What is your definition of a beautiful person? A beautiful person has a sincere and contagious smile, and is comfortable laughing at themselves. Learning to not judge others and have empathy for everyone’s life circumstances is beauty unlike any other.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? I was voted by People magazine as the Celebrity Look-a-like of the Year. For Ryan Gosling, I think. Nevermind… I was dreaming. It was Seth Meyers (no offense Seth).
Is there a skill or activity that you want to take up/learn? I want to learn calligraphy and flower arranging! After seeing the beautiful creations our florist created for our wedding, I try to recreate them with Trader Joe’s flowers. I've quickly figured out that's a talent I could use more help with.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life and why/how? My husband. I had never experienced such selfless love and generosity until I met him. He has made me open up more and redirected my life in a positive direction.
Is there an accomplishment that you are particularly proud to share? I recently got married to the love of my life, Joe Breezy (radio host on i106.7), and then one week later we took the leap and moved to Nashville for our dream jobs. Even though it was a lot of change at once, it was so worth it. We love it here. We couldn’t be happier!
What activity brings you the most joy? I love going to schools to talk to the kids about the weather. After all, that’s how I got interested in weather, myself. It’s really rewarding when that one kid says you inspired me to pursue math and science. That makes my job truly rewarding.
If you had a totally wide-open day with no obligations, how would you spend it? You’ll never see me sitting on a couch watching TV. It drives a lot of people nuts, actually, that know me well. I’m always just showing up to my buddies’ houses saying, “Hey, let’s do something! x93 I’m always running around, whether it’s being outdoors or playing sports. I’d be heading to a golf course and then I’d have a barbecue after it all. I love having barbecues, having friends over and having some good food, maybe putting a fire together in the backyard and relaxing.
Is there an accomplishment that you are particularly proud to share? There are a lot of things having to do with hockey that I’m proud of. My little brother was drafted to the NHL in the first round to the Washington Capitals. I think that’s one of the proudest moments of my life, going through that experience with him.
What activity brings you the most joy? Other than playing music, I love to cook! I find it very therapeutic. It's how I wind down after a stressful day. Whether it's cooking a meal for myself or throwing a dinner party for friends, I get really excited about fresh, wholesome ingredients and making delicious, healthy meals from scratch. I call myself the #banjochef on Instagram - @ashcambanjo.
Where do you like to shop in town (clothing, home goods, etc.)? I jokingly tell my friends that I could never live in a town that doesn't have a Nordstrom! But I love to go to the little boutiques around town. Two of my favorites are MODA in 12 South and H. Audrey in Green Hills.
Tyler Kemp — Property and Casualty Insurance Agent; Model
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville? I love driving the Natchez Trace in the fall, or walking the trails at Radnor Lake. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a good burger from Burger Up, or a whiskey drink and pasta at Rolf & Daughters.
Name one organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and tell us why it’s important to you. Hope Smiles is a non-profit that provides dental care here locally and also internationally in Haiti, China, and Uganda for people who either cannot afford or do not have access to dental care. It’s important to me because my dad started Hope Smiles almost 10 years ago after practicing in Nashville for over 20 years. I have seen first-hand from serving here in Nashville and also abroad in China the many lives and people that have been changed from this organization’s work and service.
Tell us about your regimen for looking and feeling great. Daily exercise, lots of water, plenty of sleep and solitude is my go-to regimen when I have overdone. A good laugh with close friends and family is the best cure for anything.
If you had a totally wide-open day with no obligations, how would you spend it? A morning bike ride to a wonderful breakfast joint with my family. An afternoon nap followed by a campfire dinner on the beach.
Bailey Melanson — Regional Marketing Director, Lincoln Property Company
Tell us about your regimen for looking and feeling great. I love tacos and pizza, so working out is a large part of my regimen. Pure Barre Brentwood, Pilates Garage, and Barry’s Bootcamp are probably my favorite places to get my body moving and to work up a good sweat. Another important part of my routine is making sure my hair is on point, which is why I see Melanie Padula at Local Honey for my color and cut. She has my perfect shade of golden blonde down pat, rocks a mean round brush blow out, and always makes me laugh in the process.
Name one organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work, and tell us why it’s important to you. I just recently got involved with Best Buddies , thanks to a colleague of mine. I had been longing to give back and get involved with a charitable cause, and fortunately for me, the opportunity with Best Buddies presented itself. I’m really excited to embark on this new venture and can’t wait to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life and why/how? My wife is all class, grace, and beauty. There is nothing she can’t do. It’s incredibly humbling and good for the soul to be around someone like that for 10+ years.
Senzela Atmar — Digital Forensics Specialist, LogicForce
Name one organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work, and tell us why it’s important to you. I founded People of Afghanistan to bridge the gap between different cultures. Our mission is to utilize social media platforms to communicate the common humanity through portraits, videos, and stories. I’ve had the privilege to employ a team of talented photographers in Afghanistan to curate the content. We are in the midst of our first project, shipping donated clothing items from generous donors right here in Nashville to remote villages in need.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? While escaping the war-torn country of Afghanistan, my family lived in a refugee camp until we were fortunate enough to win a visa lottery to move to America in 1997!
What is your definition of a beautiful person? Somebody that puts others first. Somebody that has this uncanny ability to make you laugh. They don’t take themselves too seriously. Somebody that tries to be better than they were the day before—and every day.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville? You’ve always got to go to Robert’s Western World. I love the Hermitage Café for late nights after you’ve been hanging out, drinking, having a good time. There’s a place called Old School Café out in White’s Creek that’s farm to table—my wife actually cooks out of the kitchen there. It’s a phenomenal spot. If I had to say my favorite place to go hang out in Nashville and just be chill, I’m a good old fashioned Edley’s BBQ kind of guy. My buddy owns it, so we’ll go out there and just hang out.
Tameka Winston — Department Chair and Professor of Communications, Tennessee State University
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? When I moved to Nashville right after college, I didn’t have a job, family, or any connections in the area. I’ve been here for 15 years, and I’m glad that I stepped out on faith.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life and why/how? My grandmother has been the greatest influence in my life. She’s truly the strongest, kindest, and most humble person I’ve ever met. I miss her dearly, and I strive each day to make her proud.
Mary Catherine Kinney — Publicist, Sony Music Nashville
Where do you like to shop in town (clothing, home goods, etc.)? If White's Mercantile carries it, I'm pining for it. I've begged the team to start a frequent shopper program.
Name 2 to 3 grooming products that you cannot live without. If you have a secret for looking your best, do tell! For my curls, I live by the routine of It's A 10 keratin spray, DevaCurl cremé and hairspray – give me all the hairspray. Bigger is better with curls.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life and why/how? My Mom. She is kind, humble and servant-hearted to her very core.
Describe yourself in four words or less. Grateful, loyal, compassionate, mischievous.
What activity brings you the most joy? I love standing near or floating in the ocean—or any body of water, for that matter. Lately, I’ve found great serenity with fishing. A joyful day of peace looks like grabbing my buddy and my fishing pole to head to our favorite lake to drop a few lines in the water. Every care in the world seems to float away.
Erin Krueger Harris — Realtor, The Erin Krueger Team of Benchmark Realty
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville? The Yellow Porch in Berry Hill is an oldie but goodie. I love Cork and Cow in downtown Franklin, and I also love the 12 South area—I can’t resist Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? I love to paint with acrylics. I have a few paintings that I have created hanging in my house. I find it humorous that I have had guests compliment my work then they notice my initials in the art and are surprised.
Is there an accomplishment that you are particularly proud to share? I'm the only college graduate out of five brothers, and I played basketball in college and also in Europe.
Trace Ayala — Creative Director for Justin Timberlake
Is there a skill or activity that you want to take up/learn? My buddies are going to give me hell for this one, but I’d love to take up yoga!
What activity brings you the most joy? Anything involving the outdoors. Whether I’m horseback riding, hunting, fishing, or out on the tractor all day, it just clears my head!
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life and why/how? There are several people who have influenced my life along the way, but I’d have to say there’s one that stands out: my best friend and boss, Justin Timberlake. He’s taught me that there doesn't have to be limits on what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it!
Johnna Watson — Entrepreneur; Developer; Partner at Pinnacle/Benefits, Inc.; Volunteer
Is there an accomplishment that you are particularly proud to share? My son, Alexander, is 21 and a junior at Belmont University. He is my greatest pride and the delight of my soul.
What is your definition of a beautiful person? My Grandmother always said, “Pretty is as pretty does. x93 There is a lot of truth to those words. I believe true beauty is not in physical appearance, but is found in the heart and soul of a person. True beauty is found in the compassion, kindness, and patience of how an individual treats other people.
