DALE MCDONALD
There’s no shortage of success stories in Nashville, and many of those stories belong to the incredible women who are paving their own path and opening doors for generations to come.
Whether they’re building an idea from the ground up, crunching numbers, or working to make a difference in the lives of others, these are the trailblazing women of Music City — and their stories are sure to inspire you.
Brooke Allison Founder of Hot Yoga of East Nashville, Scout’s Barbershop, Lolu Wellness Studio, and Deep Roots Whole Women Nonprofit
CHALLENGES FACED
The usual — no money, no experience, no way to get funding or support. When I was scrounging up the money to build my first yoga studio, it was just after the 2008 financial crisis, so banks weren’t giving out business loans to nobodies. I sold everything I could and moved across the country, I maxed out credit cards, I took money from my 401K, and I worked two jobs to get the doors open. It was wild, scary, and totally energizing! Failure was not an option with that much on the line.
DEFINING SUCCESS
Success, for me, is creating spaces where others can heal, grow, and reconnect with their true self. It’s when my work ripples out in ways I can’t necessarily see at first, but is reflected further down the road. Building meaningful communities, pushing our physical and emotional limits with great courage, and staying rooted in faith and service. Financial freedom is nice, but anytime I have extra cash, I invest it right back into these spaces, businesses, and toward building my nonprofit, Deep Roots Whole Women, which helps women survivors of trafficking and addiction heal and reclaim their lives through mindful movement, life skills education, whole-body nutrition, adventure, and exploration. We partner with Thistle Farms, Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, and other organizations to bring yoga, education, wellness practices, and retreats to the women they serve.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Stay connected to your why and let it be the foundation of your work and daily focus. Embrace hard work with humility. Don’t expect anyone to do it for you, but ask for help when you need it. Stay grounded even as you grow and lead. Serve others first. Use Tim Ferriss’s 80/20 Rule: Spend your time and energy on those who give 80 percent to your business and don’t get distracted by the 20 percent who may have the loudest voices. Surround yourself with good friends and find a supportive community by doing the things you love to do. Build a self-reflection practice like meditation, journaling, prayer, or deep breathing to slow down and remember to be here now. Otherwise, you may forget to enjoy the journey!