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Robby Klein.
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Robby Klein.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live. This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Conor Clemmons
Age: 42
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Occupation: Country Artist/ Owner of Up Up And Away Nash
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
When I was young I wanted to be a pediatrician and actually into my sophomore year of high school was in a program for kids who wanted to go into the medical field.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Although my life and career have afforded me several moments of self pride, I would have to say that Launching “Up Up and Away Nash” during the 2020 pandemic with the focus of finding the celebration and making it great for the East Nashville neighborhood and surrounding areas has forever changed my life and the life of my family.
How would friends describe you in three words?
Energetic, passionate and driven.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
Most would say that I’m somewhat of a “jack of all trades”, who observes, absorbs and then executes. Having grown up with a literal chef as a mother who easily provided food as a love language, I just watched her growing up and maybe that paired with it being in my blood can THROW DOWN in the kitchen! I love to cook.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
My Mother Jai Clemmons hands down been the biggest influence in my life. She navigated being a single mother to three kids with no help or assistance all while chasing her dreams and never giving up. She taught me how to stand on my own two feet, set goals, work hard, persist through struggle, celebrate with humility, help others, use my platform and how to see that where I am is still better than so many others… so find something to rejoice about and forget about complaining! She is the reason I am who I am today and the reason I get to do what I do.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
Last year I started a Christmas event in Columbia, TN called “Christmas At The Farm." It is a one night event open and free to the entire community with food trucks, pictures with Santa, Hot CoCo an s’mores that’s topped off with a performance featuring some special Nashville artists. It now will happen annually at Muletown Farm and all of the donations go to a nominated family in need that holiday season. I love the holidays and last year we were able to bless a local family with a big check to assist in their Mothers battle with Cancer.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
I am a huge Frothy Monkey East fan for morning meetings, Mitchells Deli is a no brainer for my afternoons on the fly, Oku, Sixty Vines, and Cafe Rose’ for a nice sit down situation and ya know sometimes you just have to take it back to where it all started for me in 2013 when I first arrived in Nashville and have a night out with too much fun and the best bar team in town at Tin Roof Demonbrueun.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out (salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.)
There’s not much to say other than I get it from my momma lol! My “routine” is pretty basic but I will say staying consistent is key. Ive been on the same shower/ post shower regimen for fifteen years. Finding a good in shower face wash paired with a face cleanser and moisturizer with an spf from them same brand for past shower everyday will provide results. I also am a huge believer in a great haircut is the foundation to any outfit, so I maintain a standing appointment with Luis who owns Black Wolf Barbershop in Madison every two weeks.
Describe your perfect day.
Some of my favorite days are the ones when Ive invited friends over to my home for a dinner hang. I love the process of prepping food, setting up and hosting for others. There’s nothing like seeing others enjoy a provided experience with laughter and conversation and the facilitation of new friendships and opportunities. Paying life forward and seeing the joy it can provide is easily one of my favorite things.
What is your definition of beauty—as it pertains to yourself and/or others?
Beauty for me is simply the ability to express, provide and or provoke joy and happiness. There’s nothing more beautiful than a smile because you know there’s something good behind it.