AUSTIN LORD/GATHER PORTRAIT STUDIO
Kelly Sutton
Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Music City. Now they’re taking a break from their busy schedules to share their success stories with us.
THE DAILY HUSTLE
I talk about all the things that make Nashville and country music magical. I started my own company, Firefly Media, and I host radio, TV, and podcast shows all about country music. Currently I am a co-host on Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly Podcast; I host Country Heat in DJ mode on Amazon Music; I have a weekend syndicated radio show called Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton; I’m the co-host of Coffee Country and Cody on WSM and Circle TV; and I was just added as the first full-time WSM female staff host of The Grand Ole Opry.
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
I was a pretty shy kid when I was younger, but when I got on stage around the age of 8 or 9, I knew I wanted to do something in front of an audience. I was 16 when I visited WAVE in Louisville, Kentucky, and that’s when it clicked. I wanted to be a TV anchor. After that epiphany, I went to college for broadcast journalism, and I started my career at WTHR in Indianapolis.
THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Success to me is feeling like I am fulfilled and excited every day. I never dread a day of work. Ever.
WORK PERKS
I love telling stories. When I get to talk to a country superstar and they open up to me because they trust me, I am honored. Telling the stories that make us all human and connected is what I love to do! Watching the country music community grow and welcome new artists is also a huge bonus.
THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION
I could never do what I do anywhere else. When I came to Nashville in 2001, I was a TV news anchor starting a new show with country legend Ralph Emery. Little did I know, the show would change my life. I soon fell in love with the city and the music I was raised on. News gave way to entertainment reporting, and I started covering the new faces of Nashville like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Jason Aldean. We’ve all grown up together now and I am so thrilled I’ve been here for it all. Nashville is the best city in the world, and it will forever be my home.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
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.
Meet Kelly Sutton and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 300 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!