Tabitha Turner
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.
Vannesia Darby Owner, MOXIE Nashville; Digital Marketing Director, Shondaland
DAY IN THE LIFE
At MOXIE Nashville, I consult with brands and companies on how to elevate their digital messaging, content strategies, and social media. At Shondaland, I lead the social media marketing strategy and collaborate with my team to develop campaigns that drive growth, engagement, and content consumption across our platforms.
CHALLENGES FACED
Early in my career, I didn’t understand the politics and nuances that come with navigating large companies. It seemed as if approval processes were hindrances to my creativity. I thought I could avoid that by running my own business, but as my business grew, I began to see why those structures existed. Now that I’ve returned to corporate life, one of the biggest shifts is learning how to share information more intentionally. When you run your own agency, you’re used to making quick decisions. Corporate spaces require more collaboration and communication, which I had to adjust to.
DEFINING SUCCESS
I lean on Dr. Maya Angelou’s words: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Awards and accolades are beautiful and humbling, and I am grateful for recognition. Equally important, if I don’t like where I am, I give myself permission to pivot. Having the freedom and flexibility to pivot when I desire is what success means to me. Ultimately, I’m just aiming to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’s the highest success I could hope for.