Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Nashville. We talked with 15 of the city's most influential women to hear their success stories and gain words of advice for aspiring women in business.
Plus, meet the 15 women at a mix and mingle reception on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m. Throughout the evening we will be doing live Q & A sessions with each woman. Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres from the newly opened Conrad Nashville along with wine from Biltmore Winery and cocktails from Green River Distilling Co. Beverages from a full bar will also be available for purchase.
To purchase a ticket, click here.
15 Words of Advice:
Beth Sachan - Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Goo Goo
I know it’s said often but find your passion and it will lead you there. While I do truly enjoy the role of sales, marketing, and public relations, I can’t imagine that I would have the excitement for my job that I wake up to every day if I didn’t truly love the brand and product I represent. My passion for many years has been food, so I’m very thankful that I was able to marry a personal love of mine to my professional life.
Christi Beth Adams - Owner, Fleet Feet
When I was struggling to find my career path, a mentor told me that it was more important to find a great company than it was to find the perfect position. Great companies recognize talent and will help you find your way into the right role. The industry I work in is filled with incredible people, plus I find so much joy and purpose in what I do. I believe people should love what they do. Find the things that set your soul on fire or break your heart and lean into that work.
Courtney Ross - Senior Manager, Community Engagement for Amazon Public Policy
I feel fortunate to have been surrounded by strong, driven, and visionary women in my personal and professional life. I try to pay this forward with my colleagues and friends and most importantly my 10-year-old daughter. She is fierce and I hope some of that comes from my example. My advice to young women is to have patience. You won’t find success and fulfillment immediately; it is a process, and the journey is the best part.
Cris Lacy - Co-President, Warner Music Nashville
The most important person for you to know in this town is yourself. The networking, the connections—they will all come. This business requires that you be unshakable in what you believe, what decisions you make, and what actions you take. That won’t happen if you’re a stranger to yourself.
Hunter Claire Rogers - Head of Membership and Communications, Soho House Nashville
Never meet a stranger; remember that relationships are important and hard work is tantamount; and try to see the creative potential in everyone you meet. Nashville is in reality a small town so don’t be scared to reach out to ask someone for a coffee or advice, but come prepared for those conversations and please, never use the phrase “pick your brain.”
Jen Watkins - Owner, Nashville Smile Bar
There is no right path to take to have a successful career. Learn as much as you can about the things that interest you. If you have an idea for a business, do your research, play into your strengths, utilize your network of people, and come up with a plan.
Jess Thompson - Co-Owner, getFIT615
It doesn’t matter your race, size, gender, sexual orientation, or ability, fitness is for everybody. Learn from other great studio owners, but more importantly, learn about bodies. That starts with learning the nuances of your own body. We’re not here to punish ourselves to “health” but to live full lives with balance. We need more fitness folks like that out there.
Karen Johnson - Register of Deeds for Davidson County
Regardless of what you aspire to, I would advise any young woman to know herself. Own your gifts, stand strong on your blessings, and look beyond the word “no.” For the young women who are interested in public service, get involved with what matters in your neighborhood and our city. Volunteer to help a political candidate you believe in, sign up to be an intern in a government office, and know no bounds when it comes to getting the best education available. Do all that, and you will turn around and realize that your first public office is just one election away.
Kelly Sutton - Media Personality and Host
Find a mentor who is doing what you want to do and reach out to her. Surround yourself with amazing people and write down the names of the people you meet. You never know who will be hiring in the future. I would also tell anyone who is interested in country music to find as many internships as you can: CMA, ACM, NSAI, and others are all here to help you get connected.
Kirbee Miller - Founder of KiNiMi Kitchen & Kirbee + Co.
My recommendations for young women aspiring to be a relationship-centered entrepreneur is to invest in experiences that help you to discover more about your true self. Journal, take yourself on a day-date to discover new things, or enjoy your favorite things. This may feel a bit counterintuitive when we are talking about “career development,” yet I have found that enduring and real connections have developed in my life when I took the time to understand what I really desired, what I am good at, and what truly lights me up. On the path to designing a life that supports those aims, I have met the type of people that are aligned. Oftentimes people, especially women live as shadows of themselves striving to fulfill an “idea” of who they “should” be and are often met with unfulfilling relationships and pursuits. It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be ourselves. Sadly, many people do not discover who they are outside of the roles they have been assigned.
Libby Callaway - Principal and CEO, The Callaway
Do whatever you can to get experience in the field you want to work in. If you can’t find a paid entry level job, volunteer to do it for free. Find other ways to show what you can do. Stage a gallery show, volunteer to organize a conference, start a website to showcase your writing. Build up your social media to show off your skills. Work your ass off. And when you do get thrown a bone, don’t blow it: Show up on time, work late, and, again, work hard. Be dependable and kind. Play fair. Write thank you notes; they will set you apart. And when all of this pays off and you finally get your dream job, work just as hard while you pay it forward. The good you put into the world always comes back to you tenfold.
Nicolle Galyon - Songwriter
My advice would be don’t try to have a career like mine. Mine doesn’t look like anybody else’s and neither should yours.
Perri duGard Owens - Founder, President & CEO, duGard Communications
Develop relationships first and continue to nurture and network those continually. I didn’t start my business right out of school. I didn’t aspire to be an entrepreneur. I gained expertise and experience to be seen as an expert. Life experiences helped to inform my ability to serve others through dGC.
Raven Hernandez - Founder and CEO, Earth Rides
Get the degree because you want it, not because you think you need letters at the end of your name to validate your abilities. Own every room you walk into. Meet as many people as you can. And at the end of the day, give yourself grace. When you have doubt let it come, but be grounded in the belief in yourself.
Star Maye - Chef Partner, Anzie Blue
Simply, go for it. You deserve to find your happy place. For the women who aspire to be an executive chef, I would tell them that becoming a chef is the most important job that you can pursue. Every person must eat to survive, and I’m honored when my guests choose my food to provide them with nutrients and love.