MOST POWERFUL WOMEN, FALL FASHION, L'ETÉ DU VIN AND MORE
Designed by architect Kevin Coffey and built by Alan Looney of Castle Contractors, this custom home is a combination of Tuscan architecture and the casual comfort of a coastal home. Located in the estate section of Hillsboro Road on an incredible sprawling 2 acres site. 6500 SF with expansion space under roof.
6120 HILLSBORO ROAD
$4,295,000
Exceptional Brownstone located on Nashville’s iconic West End Ave in the gated neighborhood of West End Close. 4000 SF, 4BR, 4.5 BA, with elevator to all levels, including a spacious roo op terrace with stunning views of Green Hills and West End Perfect as a primary home or a "lock and leave” second home.
103 WEST END CLOSE
$1,595,000
MOST BEAUTIFUL GUESTS ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GUESTS ARE OFTEN THE MOST DANGEROUS OFTEN THE MOST DANGEROUS AND THEY’VE ALL CHECKED IN AT THE OVERLOOK HOTEL. AND THEY’VE ALL CHECKED IN AT THE OVERLOOK HOTEL.
The Nashville Wine Auction l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party elevates the weekend
The 46th annual l’Eté du Vin raises the bar — and millions — to fight cancer
Quite the
A Tennessee Waltz Patrons Party brings together friends for an important cause
Kelleigh Bannen in a Zimmermann Hypnotic caped maxi dress from Gus Mayer and Colson Horton in a Zimmermann Hypnotic bow mini dress from Gus Mayer, photographed by Tausha Dickinson on location at Cheekwood during the Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE exhibit.
Seize the Day
When service meets style in the Volunteer State
NASHVILLE DOESN’T JUST run on music — it runs on people who make things happen. The ones who step up, dig in and give back. From boardrooms to backyards, from gala ballrooms to grassroots campaigns, they’re rewriting what it means to serve in the Volunteer State — and they’re doing it with heart, style and purpose.
In this issue, we celebrate 10 remarkable Nashvillians whose generosity, drive and vision have earned them a place in our annual Model Behavior feature. We also honor another extraordinary group — the Most Powerful Women, as profiled by Nicolle Praino, Julianne Akers and Hannah Herner for our sister publication Nashville Post. These leaders are reshaping industries, opening doors for others and proving what’s possible when talent meets dedication.
On the style front, we unveil the season’s most compelling looks in our Fall Fashion feature, spotlighting the elegant boutiques that make Nashville a destination for discerning shoppers. April Lockhart, a fierce advocate for disability representation, brings her “limb difference” to the forefront of fashion — and in an intimate conversation with Whitney Clay, she shares why her mission is more important than ever.
For readers who covet couture, the name Bal Harbour needs no introduction. The legendary Miami shopping hub is taking its luxury on the road, bringing a curated pop-up experience to Nashville this September.
And, of course, no summer would be complete without the parties that make the season sparkle — the sophisticated l’Eté du Vin, the cuisine-forward Nourish Nashville and the elegant A Tennessee Waltz Patrons Party.
Every gathering, every act of service and every bold idea moves Nashville forward. This is a city that thrives when its people seize the day — and in these pages, you’ll meet the leaders who make every moment count.
BY JANET KURTZ
Janet moved to Nashville 27 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler
Editorial
founding editor
Herbert Fox Jr.
editor-in-chief
Janet Kurtz
contributing editors
Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman
associate editor
Madeleine Bradford
social correspondent
Gloria Houghland
contributors
Julianne Akers, Beth Alexander, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, D. Patrick Rodgers, Nancy Vienneau
Art
art director
Christie Passarello
senior photographer
Eric England
staff photographer
Angelina Castillo
contributing photographers
Tausha Dickinson, Michael Scott Evans, Peyton Hoge, Jack Landess, Hamilton
Matthew Masters, Alan Poizner
graphic designers
Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck
Lola's European Cafe debuts in Midtown with house-made gelato
AS GUESTS ENTER the newly opened Lola’s European Cafe, housed in an unassuming white-brick building in Midtown, they’ll find a master class in eclectic design. The foyer floor is done in black-and-white penny tile with a cursive "L" in the center. A large arrangement of dried wildflowers on a marble-top table sits next to vintage windowpanes and charcoal gray wainscoting. A whimsical white scooter stands in the corner.
On a recent Monday afternoon, a line formed to the right of the entryway as customers queued to sample the many flavors of what may be the eatery’s main draw — its house-made gelato. Rotating flavors include orange creamsicle, bourbon vanilla, coconut, Dubai chocolate, tiramisu, raspberry chocolate, strawberry, and Cap’n Crunch. Espresso drinks — featuring a custom blend that 8th & Roast created especially for Lola’s — tempt the palate. And Little Gourmand supplies an array of delectable pastries. For a light bite, there are also turkey-and-brie and Italian tuna sandwiches, flatbreads (including glutenfree options), caviar with potato chips, and a kale Caesar salad.
Now that the cafe has obtained its liquor license, it’s open from 7 a.m. until midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Nighttime offers the perfect backdrop for an introduction to Lola’s signature martini.
“Once people find out about our frozen martinis — those gelato martinis — everybody will be coming in for dessert,” says Joe Rice, who co-owns Lola’s with Scott Mizrahi, founder of the original Lola’s (named after his mother) in Asbury Park, N.J. The two New Jersey natives are longtime friends.
Joe, who relocated to Nashville 10 years ago with his family, has always dreamed of owning a bar or restaurant. He finally decided to take the plunge, opening both Lola’s at 1616 Broadway and nearby cocktail bar The Asbury with Scott. Scott travels to Nashville every couple of months to visit the businesses.
Lola’s — which is 2,200 square feet, seating 83 inside and 35 on the patio — shares its 1940s building with One Garage, a membership-based coworking and event space, aptly named for its former incarnation as a tire shop and car dealership. Joe calls One Garage a place for “enthusiasts” — fans of wine, fine art, motorcycles, cars and more. And they recently hosted a “Lunges and Lattes” Pilates class on their patio. The space is designed to make guests feel at home — oversized leather sofas, throw rugs and textured pillows suggest staying a while. Everything is also designed to be movable, depending on the occasion.
BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Joe and his son, Joseph Rice Jr., who comes up with many of the rotating flavors, spent hours learning the craft of gelato-making. The pair trained under Italian-born Gianluigi Dellaccio, founder of Dolci Gelati.
And Joe’s daughter, interior designer Taylor Rice, oversaw the design of the restaurant. “I love anything European — French, Italian, you know, just bringing in that Old World feel,” she says. “I wanted it to feel really collected … It was a little dream project of mine, coming in and putting it together in a way that I thought Nashville was missing.”
HIGH-LOW DESIGN
When you walk in the restaurant, Killarney handmade antique brass chandeliers immediately draw the eye. The lighting fixtures, which came from Ireland, are suspended from exposed dark-wood ceiling beams, creating a stunning focal point in the space.
In keeping with the “collected” theme, Joe drove four hours to Kentucky to purchase two church pews for $100. Tweaked, painted and distressed, they work perfectly as banquettes amid the original concrete floors and exposed brick. General manager Josh Gri n “mixed stains and paint” to distress the plaster on the walls and repurpose furniture, achieving a “perfectly imperfect” look.
AL FRESCO
Another highlight of Lola’s is a covered patio with checkerboard concrete floors, wood tables and an assortment of metal chairs with o -white canvas cushions. “Everybody loves outside,” says Joe. “I love to go to bars and sit outside.”
Even on a hot summer day, many of the tables are reliably taken. Joe and Scott plan to open the patio nearly year-round, using heaters in the winter to keep things cozy.
Color and Common Sense
McLean Barbieri, Annali Interiors
WHEN ANNALI INTERIORS owner McLean Barbieri started dreaming up designs for her own house, she squeezed a bunch of yellow mustard onto a piece of fabric to see how the material would stand up to children’s condiment spills. “Mustard was killing everything in our house,” the mom of three remembers of those rugged chicken-nugget years of parenting. After 24 hours, she wiped the mustard clean off the swatch and welcomed the resilient upholstery into her home. “I believe in outdoor fabric indoors,” she says. “It’s so functional.”
That playful combination of color and common sense infuses McLean’s work at Annali, the firm co-founded in 1972 by her mother, Lillias Johnston, and Nanci Barksdale. (Annali is a portmanteau of their and third founder Anne Clay’s first names.)
After majoring in art history and English at the University of Colorado and studying design architecture at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, McLean joined her mother at Annali in 2010, and purchased the company in 2015.
McLean describes her style as “eclectic and client-led,” explaining that she tries to understand how a client uses a space to make it work best for the people who inhabit it. And if a beloved grandmother’s antique wooden trunk, for example, must be incorporated, McLean can marry a contemporary and colorful aesthetic with more nostalgic vintage pieces to create the quirky, personal look of a house that has been collected over time.
“There’s nothing you can’t work with, as long as it holds meaning to the client,” she says.
A formal living room she wasn’t allowed to enter as a child, where beach towels on the floors protected the rugs, trained McLean’s design eye to focus on livability. “My working with families is a reaction to that,” she says. “I want to figure out how you can use all the spaces and have them be beautiful and not feel like your children are going to ruin them.” McLean has been known to stresstest a client’s fabric selections, to see if she can damage the materials, before committing them to a life with kids and pets.
But kid-friendly doesn’t mean childish. McLean’s whimsical layering of color, pattern and style — and so much dazzling wallpaper — has defined sophisticated spaces such as Chad Robbins’ plastic surgery office, various medical and legal offices, and The Germantown Inn boutique hotel, which McLean wrapped in dramatic fabrics and papers by local design firms Electra Eggleston Fine Textiles and New Hat Projects.
Still, residential designs are her favorite, says McLean, whose career began in museums and galleries — including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe — before she realized she wanted to engage with people more than with objects.
At Annali, McLean takes on large-scale wholehouse updates, but also works over many years with clients who want to tackle their houses one room at a time. “There’s a lot to be said for living in spaces and seeing how you want to function in them,” McLean says of the room-by-room strategy, which can continue over a decade. “For me, it’s great to become part of the fabric of someone’s home, to see their kids grow up.” Especially when they can’t stain cushions with their mustard.
This Great Smoky Mountains resort provides respite without being rustic
WHEN I CHECKED IN at The Swag, an attentive staff member handed me a menu asking me to choose my lunch order for the next day. Lunches are served to-go — the idea being I could eat it in an Adirondack chair, looking at the Great Smoky Mountains. Or take it with me on a hike. (The resort shares a mile-long border with the national park.) Or I could take it to the pool, or eat it in front of the fireplace in my room, or enjoy it and the views in the dining room. There are 250 acres to explore, after all.
Not only did I have my choice of where and what to eat, but also how to carry it: in a brown paper bag (large with handles, not like a school lunch bag), in a backpack, or in a wicker picnic basket with a hinged top. While it wasn’t the practical choice — a backpack would have been wiser on the trails — it had been a long time since I’d skipped through a meadow swinging a picnic basket of sandwiches, fruit, homemade granola bars and beverages. So, picnic basket it was. Everything at The Swag felt like the freedom and joy of that picnic basket lunch — like running barefoot through the grass.
The Swag, named for the shape of the valley where the resort sits, was purchased by Dan and Deener Matthews in 1971. Eventually, they turned their private getaway into an inn. In 2018, the Matthews family sold The Swag to Annie and David Colquitt, who first stayed at the resort on their honeymoon. The Colquitts have maintained the history that made them fall in love with the place, while adding a spa, an outdoor dining porch, more cabins and a wine cellar. These upgrades allowed The Swag to join luxury hospitality group Relais & Châteaux in 2020.
The attention to detail by the Colquitts and their staff is beyond compare. When I arrived, my Polaroid photo was taken and placed in an album in the main lodge. There, I could peruse photos from past years. Repeat visitors note the albums feel like family photo books, and they find snapshots of multiple generations. First-timers to the resort get to pick a wooden walking stick with a Swag hiking medallion for the year. Repeat visitors bring their sticks back and amass a collection of medallions. It’s easy to see why folks book their return trips before they leave.
WHAT’S NEARBY
THE SWAG IS a 20-minute drive to downtown Waynesville, N.C., which is the gateway town to the Smokies on the North Carolina side. Waynesville is charming, with streets of boutique shops, great restaurants and a terrific used bookstore. (At Wall Street Books, they even have extra reading glasses you are welcome to use if you forgot yours.)
Waynesville is a worthy vacation destination, and, like all of Western North Carolina, wants to spread the message that it’s open for business post-Hurricane Helene. But The Swag is so lovely, restful and insulated from the real world that I went to Waynesville after The Swag — rather than miss a minute at the resort.
WHAT TO DO
JUST AS THE SWAG staff offers a menu of dishes to eat, they give you a menu of activities to choose from. At least for a few hours, your activity should be “do nothing but sit in an Adirondack chair, look at the mountains and surrounding wildflowers, and read a book.” Other options include guided hikes (from all-day excursions to short jaunts), yoga classes and trips to the spa.
You can take a chauffeured tour — in one of the resort’s eco-friendly Volvos — across the mountain, past the Cataloochee Ski Area, to Cataloochee Ranch, The Swag’s family-focused sister property. Cataloochee Ranch is not all-inclusive and doesn’t have the same jewel-box feel as The Swag, but it is delightful.
Back at The Swag, I took an eco-printing class using gathered wildflowers and felt like I was in an ad for the Smoky Mountains. At night, there may be live music, art experiences or lectures offered by one of the resort’s experts in residence.
THE BASICS
What: The Swag Where: Waynesville, N.C.
Distance from Nashville: 272 miles
Why it stands out: At 5,000 feet, The Swag is now the highest-elevation Relais & Châteaux property. As such, it offers a rarified mountain experience, providing fresh air, scenic views, national park access and superlative service.
WHERE TO EAT
THE SWAG IS an all-inclusive resort. But not like the all-inclusives you’ve been to in Mexico or the Caribbean. This is food you want to eat, made with ingredients from the surrounding mountains and crafted by executive chef Jake Schmidt. You pick your lunches and dinners the day before, and you order breakfast from a traditional menu. The menus change daily — leaving me briefly disappointed when I quickly developed favorites, but then found something I loved even more.
There are afternoon snacks, s’mores supplies, and old-timey coolers filled with nonalcoholic drinks and homemade ice cream. The minibar in your room also has drinks and healthy snacks, including The Swag Bar, a homemade peanut butter-and-chocolate energy bar.
You can also be shuttled to Cataloochee Ranch for lunch and dinner. The sister resort’s meals are not included at The Swag, but offer a more traditional bar-and-restaurant environment with even more stellar mountain views.
HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
I DARE YOU NOT. I slept blissful, deep sleeps in Davy’s Room in the Chestnut Lodge — under soft sheets, with my choice of any weighted blanket, and control over air conditioning, heat and my in-room fireplace, which I could light myself or have someone light for me.
The rooms might have a rustic aesthetic, but they are anything but. The bathroom floors are heated on a timer, and towels are laid out on a heated rack. The resort has its own line of skincare products, also used in the spa, that smell like the pine trees outside. Turndown service prepared my room for sleep by closing the shades and adjusting the lights.
No two rooms are exactly alike. Some, like mine, are not ADAaccessible. And some have outdoor copper tubs. There are stand-alone cabins and rooms in the main Swag House, too. Plus, there are no TVs, so there’s no danger of nighttime distractions.
BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE SWAG
SEIZING THE MOMENT:
MODEL BEH VIO
2025
Nashville is a city of doers — a place where residents wake up each morning ready to conquer the day ahead. This year’s class of Model Behavior honorees embodies that spirit, exemplifying the phrase “carpe diem,” or “seize the day.” With every venture they pursue, these women pour themselves fully into the organizations and causes they represent. Their impact reflects countless hours spent strengthening Nashville’s nonprofits and improving the city as a whole.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens' Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE floral exhibit — on view for just 10 days — makes a fitting backdrop for these women and their collective can-do attitude. Thousands of blooms bring each sculpture to life through determination and collaboration, o ering a fleeting but powerful reminder of how beauty and purpose can blossom for even the briefest of moments.
Editor: Janet Kurtz
Associate Editor: Madeleine Bradford
Art Director: Christie Passarello
Photographer: Tausha Dickinson
Photo Assistant: Anthony Romano
Stylist: Bruce Pittman
Stylist Assistants: Eldar Gorak, Linnea Tweedy
Hair & Makeup Artists: Madison Dennis, Nichole Holloway-Smithson, Kaylin Kollek | MHD Beauty, Aignes Rogan | Posh Salon & Glam Studio
Location: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
KELLEIGH BANNEN and COLSON HORTON
Preservation Society of Nashville
Preservation Society of Nashville is proof that, with the help of united creative forces, maintaining the old is just as vital as originating the new. Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton harnessed their inventive prowesses in 2022 when launching the organization, which has since protected Nashville’s distinct identity.
“The Preservation Society of Nashville would not exist without the vision, heart and determination of our founders, Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton,” says executive director David Greider. “Their deep love for Nashville — its neighborhoods, its stories and its soul — paired with a sharp understanding of what’s at stake — gave rise to something truly transformative.”
The duo’s love for preservation began early, with Colson’s childhood home greatly informing her taste. “My parents lived in a historic home built in the mid-1840s,” she says. “It shaped my admiration for craftsmanship, the longevity of well-built homes and the way that something with a life before you can make you feel.”
Both women sharpen their eye for art every day in their careers, with Colson spending over 15 years in prop styling, set design and art direction, and Kelleigh pursuing songwriting and interviewing country artists for The Kelleigh Bannen Show and Today’s Country on Apple Music. These individual skill sets directly correlate to their philanthropic efforts.
“The vulnerability of Nashville’s historic places is what drew us to this work,” says Kelleigh. “Nashville’s neighborhoods, unique stories and, ultimately, the quality of life here is what’s at stake. As Nashville continues to rapidly grow, our town needs advocates for its historic places.”
When first dreaming up the organization in 2020, the co-founders found mentors in the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s expert team. “Any start-up is tough,” says Colton. “It takes a lot of energy and mental fortitude, paired with drive and a can-do attitude. This organization has taught me the importance of bringing in the right people at the beginning.”
As Colson and Kelleigh look to the future, they intend to preempt problems while focusing on conservation, as both practices go hand in hand. “Preservation work is far more successful when it’s not simply reacting to a current crisis. Like, ‘This building just sold, and it’s about to get torn down,’ ” says Kelleigh. “It’s much harder to enter the conversation at that late hour and save a building. My hope is that, as we continue to grow in our influence in the community, we can be part of the conversation much earlier.”
Dress: Zimmermann Hypnotic bow mini dress (Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Interlocking CC logo T-strap pumps (Chanel)
Earrings: Vintage Chanel gold drop earrings (personal collection) Ring: Cartier diamond ring (personal collection)
Florist: Rose Hill Flowers
A NNE BETHUNE
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
For over a century, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has bolstered the local community by advocating for and supporting those in need. But this vital work wouldn’t be possible without dedicated team members — like Roxianne Bethune, who first brought her compassionate, inspiring perspective to the organization in 2019.
“Roxianne Bethune embodies everything the YWCA stands for — leadership, equity and empowerment,” says Sharon Roberson, president and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “Her unwavering dedication to uplifting others truly sets her apart.”
Founded in 1898, YWCA is one of the oldest and largest nonprofits dedicated to promoting gender and racial equality in the region. Its early efforts reached Nashville’s segregated communities, and the organization played an active role in the city’s integration in 1964. The YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center has also provided emergency shelter and trauma-informed services for women and children since 2000.
These wide-spanning efforts to improve living conditions across Middle Tennessee initially piqued Roxianne’s interest in the organization, where she now serves on the board of directors. “I was drawn to the YWCA because of its clear and long-standing commitment to racial justice and women’s empowerment,” says Roxianne. “The organization does not just talk about equity — it takes action, offering real support, education and advocacy for communities that need it most.”
Roxianne, the founder and owner of Alliance Synergy Group, combines the leadership and team-building skills she’s gained professionally with her strong Southern roots and warm personality to raise awareness about the causes she’s devoted to. She previously co-chaired the beloved Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser and will resume the role this year. “While I love a good event or fundraiser, it is the transformative outcomes — the lives changed, the voices uplifted, the spaces made safer and more inclusive — that keep me connected and inspired,” she says.
While passionate about her volunteer efforts, Roxianne hopes that, one day, organizations like YWCA won’t need to exist. “I want to see even more women, children and families breaking cycles of violence and poverty, finding healing and thriving because of YWCA’s programs,” she says.
But until that moment comes, she’s prepared to work diligently and continue inspiring compassion and change — throughout Nashville and beyond. “To me, Model Behavior is about showing up with integrity, empowering others, and using your voice and position to lift as you climb,” she says.
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
Top: WINGATE white tank (Gus Mayer)
Coat: WINGATE Cleo fuchsia jacket (Gus Mayer)
Pants: WINGATE Pamela palazzo pants (Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Hot Chick slingback pumps (Christian Louboutin)
Earrings: Lillian earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
For more than a decade, Anne Cain has been a driving force behind the Tennessee State Museum’s mission to preserve, interpret and share the stories of Tennesseans, past and present. Through her volunteer work, creative energy and tireless dedication to events and fundraising, Anne has elevated the museum’s visibility and deepened its community impact.
Anne’s journey with the museum began through a personal connection, when her friend Nancy Russell introduced her to the organization’s work. And what started as curiosity soon became a calling. A seventhgeneration member of the Joy’s Flowers family, Anne has always had a flair for beauty, storytelling and hospitality — qualities that make her a natural fit for the museum’s most significant fundraising and community events. Over the years, she has created floral arrangements, chaired galas and brought her signature touch to moments that matter.
Among her most cherished contributions was co-chairing the Sparkle and Twang event with her son, Austin Pennington. The duo was the first mother-son team to take on such a role, marking a significant family milestone in support of the museum. Anne and Austin later co-chaired A Tennessee Waltz, the museum’s premier fundraiser. Their partnership not only raised crucial funds for the organization, but also brought new energy and supporters into the museum’s circle.
Anne brings more than talent to her volunteer role — she brings vision. Her passion for community engagement, education and the arts is matched by her attention to detail and collaborative spirit. “I function in chaos and finish with flair,” she says with a smile, sharing a philosophy that has guided her through countless hours of service and large-scale planning.
What makes Anne’s involvement so impactful is her understanding that history is more than artifacts — it’s identity. “Supporting the Tennessee State Museum has given me a front row seat to the preservation of our state’s identity,” she says. “It’s not just about looking back. It’s about giving future generations the tools to understand who we are and where we come from.”
Anne hopes the museum will continue expanding its reach, especially to young people, through programs like Traveling Trunks. As she sees it, the museum isn’t just a cultural institution — it’s a home for all Tennesseans, and she’s honored to help keep the doors open for generations to come.
BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
Dress: Oscar de la Renta abstract butterfly cotton poplin dress (Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Valentino Garavani black bow wedges (personal collection)
Necklace: Elizabeth Locke Montecatini link necklace (Neiman Marcus)
Bracelets: Elizabeth Locke hammered link Fat Bee clasp bracelet (Neiman Marcus), silver and diamond bangles (personal collection)
Ring: Elizabeth Locke gold Queen Bee ring (Neiman Marcus)
Florist: FLWR Shop
A NGIE HESTE R COOK
“Kindness and empathy are never overrated,” says Angie Hester Cook, co-founder and executive director of the Wonderful Life Foundation, which provides financial support to families fighting pediatric cancer.
Angie is more than empathetic to families struggling with childhood disease. She and husband Robbie Cook, the entrepreneurial team behind Hester & Cook design group, experienced the anguish themselves when their 2-year-old son was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Their son is now a thriving 21-year-old, and the Wonderful Life Foundation, which emerged from the Cooks’ experience, has been helping families in similar crises for 18 years.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it is a trauma. It is emotionally, physically and financially devastating,” Angie says, adding that one parent must often quit their job in order to manage treatment and care of their child. “This adds an immense amount of pressure to an already traumatic situation. We witnessed so many families struggling financially. We wanted to serve these families in some way.”
Today, the Wonderful Life Foundation works closely with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to provide grants to families in pediatric health crises, helping cover expenses related to transportation, rent, mortgage, utilities and other financial demands. “We are very focused on taking financial pressure off these families,” Angie says. “We want them to breathe a bit easier.”
In addition to community fundraisers — including a holiday screening of the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life at the historic Franklin Theatre — the Cooks direct a portion of proceeds from Hester & Cook stationery and paper product sales to the Wonderful Life Foundation.
Eventually, Angie hopes to operate a Wonderful Life home that supplements the work of organizations such as Ronald McDonald House.
“It is such an honor to be able to serve these families and take some pressure off of their already stressful situation,” Angie says. “I stand in a grateful place, and I am truly honored to serve families through the Wonderful Life Foundation.”
Earrings: Chalcedony and tanzanite halo earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Ring: Blossom Motif purple sapphire rings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: Studio Izrada
DENISE CUMMINS
Centennial Park Conservancy and Jobs for America's Graduates Tennessee
Whether she’s rallying support for the preservation of a beloved park or standing in front of a room full of high school students, Denise Cummins brings warmth, purpose and a deeply personal commitment to every cause she touches. A recently retired realtor with over 30 years of experience, Denise is now channeling her boundless energy into service — to such an extent that two nonprofits independently nominated her for our Model Behavior recognition.
Denise’s journey as a volunteer is both broad and deep. With the Centennial Park Conservancy, she has served as a board member, executive committee member, development committee member, and chair of the 2022 gala auction. She is also a founding member of the Centennial Circle, a giving society that secures the park’s future.
Her love of the space runs deep. “The park brings families together, provides greenspace for those who may not have it, and offers free cultural and educational programming that makes our city richer,” she says. Denise's connection to Centennial Park began in childhood and remains strong. “If we want Centennial Park to thrive, it takes all of us,” she adds.
Meanwhile, Denise’s impact is equally powerful at Jobs for America’s Graduates Tennessee, where she serves on the board and executive committee and volunteers as a guest speaker at local high schools. Introduced to the organization by longtime friend, JAG Tennessee president and CEO John Dwyer, Denise was immediately drawn to the nonprofit’s mission to help at-risk youth achieve professional and academic success. “Meeting these students set me on fire to help,” she says. “I understand their struggles, because I lived them. I know what it’s like to grow up without consistent parental involvement or support in school.”
Denise is especially passionate about JAG Tennessee's emphasis on career readiness. The organization equips students for success through a combination of classroom curricula, mentorship and life-changing experiences, such as college visits and leadership trips — many of which are a first for participating students.
“Denise is a godsend to JAG Tennessee,” John says. “Her openness about her own humble beginnings has allowed students to realize they, too, can succeed. Her generosity and board engagement are among the key reasons we’re able to reach more students across the state.”
Whether she’s advocating for a greener, more vibrant city or helping students believe in their potential, Denise Cummins brings heart and hustle in equal measure. Nashville is better for it.
BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
Dress: Rachel Gilbert Clara midi dress (Kirna Zabête)
Ring: Gurhan Muse kyanite diamond ring (King Jewelers)
Florist: T Villager Designs, LL Floral
RA E HI R SCH
Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee
When Rae Hirsch rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, she says she likes to do so in a “quiet manner” — completing the behind-thescenes tasks that propel the crucial missions she supports. But the impact of her contributions is anything but quiet. As a cochair of Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee’s Comprehensive Campaign, Rae leads with dignity, fosters the organization’s compassionate environment and helps break down barriers to care.
The staff at Gilda’s Club provides custom support for those impacted by cancer, free of charge. As a cancer survivor herself, Rae understands the importance of responding to challenges in a kind environment — one where everyone feels special. “The minute you step through the red door at Gilda’s Club, you feel like it’s home — a comfortable sanctuary of hope, where you feel the warmth, happiness, support, educational guidance and compassion from those who work there,” says Rae.
By vocation, Rae is a devoted volunteer. When she and her husband, Bruce Hirsch, moved from Birmingham, Ala., to Nashville in 1980, Rae dove into community service work and never stopped. Over the years, she’s served on multiple boards, including at Congregation Ohabai Sholom and Jewish Family Service, and acted as president of the National Council of Jewish Women in Nashville.
Rae has co-chaired and served on the executive committee for several Gilda’s Club Red Door Bash fundraisers, deepening her skills as a leader and a connector. “This organization has helped me be an even more compassionate person than I already was, and has taught me to better understand that cancer has no boundaries, no matter [your] socioeconomic background,” says Rae. “We are all a community here to help each other.”
As Gilda’s Club expands its community of members, Rae intends to bring positive change and provide more critical support to people in need. “My hope is for Gilda’s Club to continue serving even more people in our community,” she says. Her dream? “A newly built home, where we can increase accessibility, have outdoor activities for members and their families, and be able to expand our services in a supportive and relaxed environment for many years to come,” says Rae.
Watch: Baume Mercier diamond and silver watch (personal collection)
Ring: Diamond ring (personal collection)
Florist: Rose Lane Floral Design
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In Nashville's world of philanthropy, few names are as synonymous with passionate arts advocacy as Vicki Horne. A devoted community volunteer since 1990, Vicki was nominated for this year’s Model Behavior honor by not one, not two, but three of Nashville’s premier cultural institutions: the Nashville Symphony, Nashville Repertory Theatre, and Nashville Ballet.
With a background steeped in the arts — her father, a Minister of Music, instilled in her the value of creativity, culture and community — Vicki has spent more than three decades championing the performing arts in Middle Tennessee. “The arts help me think beyond myself and my world,” she says. “They inspire me daily with their creativity and excellence.”
Vicki’s resume of service is remarkable. For the Nashville Symphony, she has served on the board, executive board, and as chair of both the Annual Fund and the renowned Symphony Ball and Symphony Fashion Show. For the Nashville Repertory Theatre, she’s not only a past president and executive board member, but the visionary behind the Broadway Brunch fundraiser — and the theater’s renaming from Tennessee Rep to Nashville Rep. She is also an Ovation Award recipient and has chaired events like Rep on the River. At the Nashville Ballet, she is a board member and has served as both chair and honorary chair of the Ballet Ball.
Vicki’s advocacy is deeply personal. “The arts bring joy to a community,” she says. “They are inclusive and connect us. The world needs that now more than ever.” Whether raising funds, rallying support or attending performances, Vicki embodies her role as a patron of the arts. “I try as hard as I can to support them with my time, talents and resources,” she says. “These organizations enrich my life, and I hope I remain worthy of their greatness.”
When she’s not working behind the scenes, Vicki’s favorite pastime is simply being in the audience at the symphony, the Rep or the ballet. Add to that a passion for wine, travel and time spent with family and friends, and you’ll find someone who lives life fully, with deep gratitude and purpose. She is known for her oft-used social media caption, “always something going on " — and for Vicki, that statement couldn’t be any more true. Her hope for the future? “That these organizations not only survive but thrive,” she says. “The arts aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity.”
BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
Dress: Oscar de la Renta laser-cut appliquéd taffeta dress (Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo Bing embellished mesh heels (personal collection)
Earrings: Sky blue topaz and diamond earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Necklace: Egg clasp pearl strand (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
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JENNIFE R PARKE R
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County
Preserving the past while helping shape the future drives Jennifer Parker’s philanthropic work with The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Since her first days of volunteering at Franklin’s charming festivals on the town square 20 years ago, Jennifer has evolved into a stalwart leader of the nonprofit’s mission to preserve, promote and advocate for historic places, stories and culture.
“Too many communities forgo the commitment to preservation, and the stories of these places and spaces get lost,” says Jennifer, who grew up in Arkansas, studied theater in New York and originally moved to Nashville for its music industry.
Jennifer’s own story in Franklin began 25 years ago when she moved south from Nashville. She and husband Jamey Parker married at the historic downtown Franklin First United Methodist Church, and they are raising their daughter to know and appreciate the rich culture of her historic hometown.
After a career in marketing and consulting, Jennifer is now a founding partner of Mahjong & Magnolias — a lifestyle brand that celebrates the art of hosting through a curated collection of table decor, mahjong accessories and fashion.
In 2012, Jennifer and Jamey co-chaired the Heritage Ball. Jennifer has served two terms as a board member and one term as chair of the advisory board of the Franklin Theatre, which the foundation owns and operates. She is beginning a new three-year term on the board, working closely with CEO Bari Beasley to promote historic preservation, education and advocacy. That work includes sharing resources with the Preservation Society of Nashville, which launched in 2022 to champion Nashville’s stories, neighborhoods and architecture.
“My hope is, 100 years from now, that The Heritage Foundation will be going strong with many volunteers who are passionate about preservation,” Jennifer says. “I truly believe that communities across this country can learn from what we have accomplished here in Franklin and greater Williamson County.”
BY CARRINGTON FOX
Dress: Oscar de la Renta orchid sleeve split neck dress (Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Rue slingback pumps (Kate Spade)
Earrings: White topaz mixed-shape blossom earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Necklace: Diamond link yellow gold necklace with diamond-halo engraved quartz pendant (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: T Villager Designs
DEBY PITTS
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
As an avid gardener and community leader, Deby Pitts felt an immediate connection with Cheekwood Estate & Gardens when she first visited with her husband, Keith Pitts, and their children. After moving to Nashville in August 1992, Deby and her young family often stopped by the estate to take in its natural beauty and magnificent art.
“Cheekwood is a local and national treasure filled with stories, local lore, art, gardens and tradition,” she says. After years of visiting, Deby and Keith began to attend the Swan Ball in the early 2000s. In 2008, Deby deepened her involvement with the estate by joining the board.
Cheekwood is known as one of the great examples of American Country Place Era estates. Throughout the year, the historic site hosts art exhibitions, tours, concerts, and special events, including cultural celebrations like Holi, Black Arts Bash, Otsukimi (moon viewing), and Día de los Muertos. Cheekwood also welcomes more than 13,000 schoolchildren to its grounds annually — at no cost.
While leadership, diversity, legacy and, of course, strategic planning are all central to Deby’s work at Cheekwood, she says this “focus on serving our entire community” is an especially important part of the job.
Known for her passion for gardening, Deby also serves as president of the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee, an organization that operates out of and benefits Cheekwood, further strengthening her connection with the estate. HSMT helped establish Cheekwood in the 1960s when the Cheek family gifted the estate to the people of Nashville. Over the years, Deby has worked tirelessly to support both organizations — not only as a board member, but also as a committee chair and avid volunteer.
“Deby’s commitment to Cheekwood is unwavering, and her passion for the institution is evident in everything she does,” says Jane MacLeod, Cheekwood's president and CEO. “Her impressive generosity and gifts of time and talent have made a lasting impact on the institution, helping to shape Cheekwood’s future for years to come.”
BY JANET KURTZ
Dress: Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman floral silk-linen fit-and-flare midi dress (Gus Mayer)
Necklace: Gold and aquamarine necklace (personal collection)
Bracelet: Elizabeth Locke gold and gemstone cuff (King Jewelers)
Florist: FIORELLA Nashville
BROOKE TRUSLEY
United Way of Greater Nashville
Leadership with purpose and compassion. That’s what Brooke Trusley brings to her philanthropic work, according to Erica Mitchell, CEO and president of United Way of Greater Nashville, where Brooke has been a volunteer for more than 20 years.
Brooke first engaged with UWGN as a donor, alongside her husband, Josh Trusley. The couple was drawn to the organization’s mission to unite the community and mobilize resources so that every child, individual and family could thrive. Over time, Brooke and Josh increased their contributions to such an extent that they became part of the organization's Tocqueville Alpha Chapter, which recognizes donors who give $10,000 or more to the cause.
“Something I am proud of in our community — and something most people don’t know — is that Nashville is the birthplace of the Tocqueville Society,” Brooke says. Founded in 1984, with Nashville as the first chapter, the Tocqueville Society nods to Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations of civic engagement and generosity during his travels in North America. There are now 400 chapters of the Tocqueville Society worldwide.
In 2023 and 2024, Brooke and Josh co-chaired the Tocqueville Society’s annual campaigns, raising more than $5 million for United Way each year.
Servant leadership is a family affair for the Trusleys, who volunteer together as a team. And now Brooke’s twin daughters are two of the four founding co-chairs of the Teens of Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter.
“To grow into the leadership role of cochairing Tocqueville Society — and watch the impact we make together for the community we call home and love — is a partnership for which I will be forever grateful,” Brooke says. “My hope for the future of United Way of Greater Nashville is that the next generation continues to have the passion for servant leadership and will continue to work alongside United Way of Greater Nashville in the betterment of this community we love.”
BY CARRINGTON FOX
Dress: Oscar de la Renta peony guipure lace
(Gus Mayer)
Shoes: Me Dolly silver mules (Christian Louboutin)
Earrings: Green amethyst and mother of pearl earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Diamond Cellar diamond ring (personal collection)
Florist: Knestrick By Design
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EVERY SEPTEMBER AT Nfocus, we reveal our annual class of Model Behavior honorees. These are women in the community who give their time, talent and treasure in support of organizations who work hard to lift up others. In the same spirit of community, our sister publication Nashville Post spotlights women in the community who exemplify leadership and set the standard for future generations.
Nfocus and Nashville Post honor each year’s Most Powerful Women at an annual luncheon and panel discussion, where they share stories of growth and success that helped them achieve their goals and live their dreams — this year, on Aug. 27 at City Winery. Below, we highlight 2025’s Most Powerful Women: Johari Matthews, Erica Mitchell, Laura Ritchie and Carrie Stokes..
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO, ERIC ENGLAND
Johari Matthews
Vice president and executive director, ONE Community and Tennessee Titans Foundation
AS A NASHVILLE native with nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership under her belt, Johari Matthews has a deep understanding of the local philanthropic community.
Since 2023, she has served as vice president and executive director of ONE Community and the Tennessee Titans Foundation. Johari oversees community engagement within the Titans Foundation and helped establish ONE Community, an initiative that uses partnerships and programs to strengthen underserved and marginalized communities in Middle Tennessee.
For Johari, the intersection of sports and philanthropy is a powerful thing. “It blends the passion of fans with the influence of the platform to move the needle on issues that matter,” she says. “Ultimately, we are striving to be the bridge between generational fandom and generational change. We’re here because of football, but what keeps us rooted is our love for our fans and the communities we get to serve.”
Johari previously worked as the executive director of the Northwest YMCA. She currently serves on several local boards and committees, including the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, PENCIL and Nashville Public Radio.
These endeavors have reinforced her belief that philanthropic work takes collaboration and understanding of the community.
“Philanthropy is most powerful when it honors that lived experience and centers equity in both decision-making and resource distribution,” she says. “The work has taught me to lead with empathy; approach everything from a lens of high impact, low ego; and never underestimate the ripple effect of showing up consistently and authentically.”
BY JULIANNE AKERS
Erica Mitchell
President and CEO, United Way of Greater Nashville
ERICA MITCHELL IS the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville — one of the region’s largest nonprofits. She took on the role at the start of 2025 but has spent much of her career in nonprofit and advocacy work, dedicating the last 14 years to UWGN before taking the helm of the organization.
“I’m drawn to causes that create long-term impact — especially those that break cycles of poverty and improve access to education, health and financial stability,” Erica says. “That’s why I give to my organization, United Way of Greater Nashville: I see the impact every day. We’re tackling root causes and bringing people together to create lasting change.”
In a way, UWGN is the nonprofit’s nonprofit. With help from its corporate partners, UWGN provides funding to more than 100 organizations in nine Middle Tennessee counties. These include bigger nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross, as well as local grassroots organizations, such as The Arc, The Contributor, Conexión Américas and The Nashville Food Project. No sector or need goes untouched. Anyone who needs services can call 211, a hotline United Way manages to connect people to the resources they need.
The organization’s goal is to give people a chance to thrive, no matter the circumstances they’re born into.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned through philanthropy is that real change doesn’t happen in silos,” Erica says. “It takes listening deeply, collaborating boldly, and staying committed for the long haul.”
BY HANNAH HERNER
West Nashville Penthouse Living at its Best
FROM VISION TO REALITY
How Myers Flooring is crafting luxury underfoot in Nashville
In a city that thrives on creativity and craftsmanship, Myers Flooring has carved out a niche as Nashville’s premier destination for highend, bespoke flooring solutions.
Nestled in the heart of the city’s design district, this family-owned business o ers far more than a showroom. Myers delivers a unique experience — one defined by personal service, inspired design and craftsmanship that transforms floors into works of art.
“At Myers, you’re not just pointing to a product on a shelf,” says Doug Peeples, general manager of the Nashville location. “Our consultants walk alongside you from the moment you step through the door. We o er fashion for your floor that suits your vision, style and budget — all the way through to expert installation.”
Known throughout the Southeast as the region’s largest wool carpeting retailer, Myers has built lasting relationships with some of Nashville’s most notable interior designers. Their work graces luxury homes across the city, from newly constructed estates to fullscale renovations and impeccably staged properties. Whether it’s a historic Belle Meade home or a sleek downtown loft, every project reflects the unique Myers hallmark: uncompromising attention to detail. But the expansive showroom is only part of the story.
“I have worked on so many custom projects with Myers throughout the years — including a few unusual projects outside of residential such as yachts, houseboats, country clubs, medical o ces and more,” says Dana Goodman, owner of DG Interiors. “They always work diligently with me to source the products and they understand the complexity that each unique project demands.”
Myers operates a state-of-the-art workroom that expands their capabilities and craftsmanship. The facility includes specialized equipment — most notably an expansive air table — that allows the team to fabricate custom rugs, hall runners and staircase runners on site. Using any carpet roll or showroom sample, they create made-to-order pieces that fit exact size specifications and reflect each client’s unique style.
“The reason we enjoy working with Myers is because they make it easy,” says Jason Bradshaw of Bradshaw’s Interiors. “Audra, our sales representative, has worked with us for more than 20 years. She’s e cient, accommodating and a true professional. Myers’s serging, service and product lines are first rate, and their install team always goes above and beyond.”
With personalized service, a hands-on approach and in-house customization, Myers remains a cornerstone of the Nashville’s design community — a place where vision meets expertise and every detail is designed to impress.
To experience the Myers di erence for yourself, visit their Nashville showroom in Berry Hill, or explore their o erings online at myersflooringofnashville.com.
Laura Ritchey
President and CEO, GEODIS
GEODIS’ JUST-MINTED president and CEO, Laura Ritchey, may be new to her latest role, but she has a deep history both in leadership and philanthropy. Before GEODIS, she led another logistics company, Radial, for more than three years, and she has served in C-suite roles for much of her career.
Laura looks for charitable causes that create opportunities for people, including in employment. She strives to embody this mission in her role at GEODIS and as a board member of Goodwill Industries’ Manasota chapter in Florida.
“Its mission of ‘changing lives through the power of work’ resonates with me for two main reasons,” Laura says. “First, the organization is about building confidence in people by enabling them to provide for themselves and their families. And second, Goodwill itself is essentially a retailer and a supply chain, which, of course, aligns with what I do professionally. It offers employment to people of all skill levels and provides the opportunity to develop and advance into leadership roles.”
Laura says she sees giving back as its own kind of “sustainability mindset” and believes we’re all responsible for doing good in our communities.
“We should be taking care of our planet because we impact our planet. The same goes for our communities,” she says. “Because we impact them, we should be doing what we can to make them better for current and future generations. It’s all connected, and it’s an important part of how we should all operate, both personally and professionally.”
BY HANNAH HERNER
Carrie Stokes
CEO and president, Barge Design Solutions
CARRIE STOKES NOW runs the company she started interning for in 1996. She became CEO of Barge Design Solutions in March, after working as chief of staff for more than a year and serving on the board for 10 years.
Carrie says the company continually invested in her growth since the early days of her career, making her feel truly prepared to step into her new role. Now that she leads the engineering and architecture firm, she wants to make sure she promotes that same commitment to development. “What I love about our firm is that we really do develop internal talent, and we want to promote from within,” Carrie says.
Early on, Carrie knew she wanted to be an engineer, but she wasn’t sure what her path could look like. When she started at Barge, becoming CEO wasn’t even something she imagined.
But she took on a number of powerful roles in both the company and the community. Carrie is the membership chair for AEC Power Women, she leads Barge’s engagement with Advancing Women in Nashville, and she’s a recent alum of Leadership Nashville. She has also served as vice chair on the Metro Nashville Stormwater Management Commission and has twice been on the board for the Junior League of Nashville.
In her presentation to the board to become CEO, Carrie shared her appreciation for the way Barge develops talent and her desire to keep it going for the next generation. “That’s what energizes me,” she says. “To make sure that the experience that I had, and the reason I stayed, and the opportunities I got — that [it] continues and that we grow so we have those opportunities.”
BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
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DRESS
Kurtz
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EARRINGS
RING
DRESS
Oscar de la Renta espresso metallic lamé cocktail dress (Gus Mayer)
SHOES
Saint Laurent Lee slingback pumps
Ginkgo drop earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
Smoky quartz and citrine ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
April Lockhart turns her limb di erence into her greatest strength
DRESSED IN A PLUM-COLORED vintage Versace jacket paired with wide-leg Madewell jeans and bare feet, disability awareness advocate and content creator April Lockhart warmly welcomes me into her light and airy Nashville home. Just beyond the entryway, assorted outfits hang on a rolling rack — tools of the trade for a lifestyle, beauty and fashion expert.
April uses her platform not only to share style, travel and home decorating tips, but also to help normalize disabilities. With an innate fashion sense and serious cred in the beauty industry, April — who was born with amniotic band syndrome, resulting in what she calls a “limb difference” — has found a wide audience, both within the disability community and beyond it.
As of this writing, April’s upbeat videos have gotten 5.6 million likes on TikTok and garnered over 300,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She has partnered with more than 200 brands, including Urban Outfitters, Veronica Beard, Madewell, Walmart and Wayfair, and she helped Anthropologie promote its adaptive clothing line. To top it all off, this year, April was featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for her work in social media.
D IVE TO OVE COME
APRIL, A NEW JERSEY native, developed an inner drive early on — evidenced by her becoming the youngest cheer captain at her high school and learning to proficiently play guitar with a prosthetic.
“I feel like being born with a limb difference or any kind of disability immediately makes you a little bit more resilient,” says April. “You are working so much harder to do anything from a really young age, which now I look at as one of the best characteristics that I could have developed — resilience and hard work, always having to overcome.”
She moved to Nashville in high school to live with her dad, a songwriter, and pursue music. At 18, after a semester at Belmont University, the casting directors for the ABC musical reality TV show Rising Star reached out. By then, April already had another goal in her sights — attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
“[The show] started at the beginning of summer,” says April, explaining that she’d planned to start school in the fall, when the show would already be over. “So I was like, if nothing else, this will be a really fun summer camp that I can look back on, and we’ll see where it goes. I made it to the top eight, which was pretty cool.”
OWNING
HE R STO RY — A ND HE R STYLE
AFTER GRADUATING FROM FIT in 2017, April worked in marketing and social media at cosmetic companies Caudalie and ILIA. While at ILIA, she also began building her own brand.
“I finally started getting some of my first collaborations, and I thought it was the coolest thing,” says April. “The first was like $500 [from Urban Outfitters]. I thought it was the best thing ever. I got a box of free clothes plus $500. I was like, it can’t get better.”
But April says she was “still very much hiding” when it came to her disability.
“I genuinely don’t think people who followed me had any idea that I had one hand,” she says. “Maybe once a year I would mention it somehow. So how, all of a sudden, do you unveil this?”
The answer came in the form of a social media series April introduced in 2022 called “Normalizing Disabled Fashun Girlies,” which connected her with others in the disabled community.
“Dear April…” came next, with followers sharing their stories. April also began hearing from followers outside the disability community. One mother wrote to say she showed the videos to her young daughter to explain limb differences in a positive way.
By the spring of 2023, April was making four times her salary as a content creator, so she left her job to branch out on her own. Later that year, she walked for Victoria’s Secret at the Runway of Dreams fashion show during New York Fashion Week, where the lingerie company launched its adaptive line.
EXPA NDING HE R INFLUENCE
NOW WITH AN agent and a fulltime assistant, April is busy working on new ideas. She has also started to host more in-person events connecting people in the disabled community.
During our recent interview, April pulled up roughs for her newest project called “Disabled&.” “Think ‘Disabled & Artistic’ or 'Disabled & Athletic,’” she explained, pointing a perfectly manicured red fingernail at her computer screen. The plan is to host inperson events, like dinners and retreats, and share diary-like entries written by her and other community members on Substack — once again, in an effort to destigmatize disabilities.
She sees a book in her future — and maybe even a reality show. April says it could be a sort of Love on the Spectrum-meets-What Not to Wear, featuring fashion, beauty, dating and confidence-building tips.
“If you had asked me even three years ago, would I change being born with one hand or having a limb difference, I probably would have said yes,” says April. “Life would be a lot easier.”
Now? She wouldn’t change a thing. “My biggest insecurity has now become the cornerstone to my life and the cornerstone to my purpose,” she says. “And I think I’m just cracking the surface.”
BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY JESSICA STEDDOM AND HANNAH HOWARD
From Mimi to Music City
Bal Harbour pops up in Nashville
THE F SHION TOU
NASHVILLE IS THE eighth city the pop-up has visited. “We decided not to go, I would say, the easy way — which would have just been to rent a space and put some merchandise in it,” says Bertrand. Instead, they really wanted to “bring the taste of Bal Harbor Shops to these new locations.”
NASHVILLIANS WILL SOON be able to visit Miami Beach’s famed Bal Harbour Shops without ever packing a suitcase or booking a flight.
The fabled outdoor mall will bring its multifaceted pop-up to WedgewoodHouston Sept. 12–Nov. 9. A tropical setting featuring palm trees, koi ponds, fountains and vibrant greenery will be home to luxury retail shops, as well as a signature restaurant, The Whitman.
“Our ambition is to engage with the new customer, offering them the best of what we can offer in Bal Harbour, but in the condensed version,” says Bertrand Auclaire, vice president of Omnichannel Retail & Consumers. “And indeed, we don’t want to create this relationship only for the eight weeks we’ll be in the market, but it’s a real long-term relationship we want to build.” Personal shoppers will be onsite to meet and engage with customers and will be available to assist long after November.
The 17,000-square-foot pop-up at 500 Hagan St. — crafted from 30 custom shipping containers by architecture and design firm LOT-EK — will include covered walkways, a retractable canopy, and fans for Nashville’s still-warm-inSeptember weather.
There will be approximately 40 special events throughout the two-month period, says Bertrand. But there are three you should look out for: one marking the opening, another midway, and another at the close of the eight weeks. Highlights might include live music, on-site sketch artists, wine tastings, and even workout classes. The popup is slated to be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m.
DINING WITH STYLE
THE SIGNATURE DINING experience — The Whitman — is named after Stanley Whitman, who founded the Bal Harbour Shops in 1965. The pop-up restaurant seats 150. It will be open for lunch and dinner weekdays, for brunch on weekends, and one day a week for afternoon tea.
Menu offerings include an heirloom tomato and burrata salad, honey and lime Brussels sprouts, and a baby gem Caesar. Featured entrées include 1855 beef short rib — chili-glazed with crispy garlic — a smash cheeseburger, and fried whole snapper.
For the finale, the Whitman team has created a decadent sticky toffee pudding, Dubai chocolate tart, and cheesecake — Key lime, of course. Reservations can be made by phone or online through OpenTable.
BRANDS IN THE BAL HARBOUR SHOPS ACCESS POP-UP TOUR
INCLUDE:
Tiffany & Co.
Balmain
Valentino
Johanna Ortiz
Etro
Isabel Marant
Golden Goose
Monnalisa
Wolford
Cremieux
Assouline
Dsquared2
SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE
THROUGH INVOLVING THEMSELVES with communities they visit and working with local partners, pop-up organizers contribute a portion of their proceeds to nonprofits important to that city. In West Palm Beach, it was Hope for Depression Research Foundation; in Greenville, S.C., it was hurricane recovery; in Charleston, S.C., it was food banks; and in Asheville, N.C., it was hurricane recovery and Habitat for Humanity. As of this writing, a Nashville charity has not yet been selected. Although the pop-up doesn’t typically visit a city more than once, it might come back for a “micro pop-up trunk show” that lasts a day or two. “That’s our mission that we want to continue to reinforce,” says Bertrand. “We are not coming only for two months and then we close. We [want to] continue the relationship, even if we won’t come back with the entire pop-up.”
BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
Dily Bred
Nourish Nashville emphasizes the power and community of food
For 14 years, The Nashville Food Project has brought communities together over a collective passion for cooking nourishing food and alleviating hunger throughout the city. On a warm Thursday night, lively attendees filled Marathon Music Works to enjoy Nourish Nashville and raise crucial funds to fight local food insecurity.
Nourish Nashville has taken place annually since the nonprofit’s inception in 2011, and its impact has become increasingly vital. Last year, one in 10 Nashvillians experienced food insecurity, according to Metro Social Services, and The Nashville Food Project suggests that more than 40 percent of the city’s food goes to waste.
The organization doesn’t merely increase access to food — it promotes clean, well-balanced nutrition. This work is made possible through community gardens and nonprofit partnerships that provide meals for key initiatives, like after-school and job-training programs, English as a second language classes and emergency shelters.
This year, Nourish Nashville’s format transitioned from serving light bites to a full-fledged six-course dinner, which, per tradition, continued to showcase the craftsmanship of local chefs. The lineup included all stars such as Colby Rasavong of Bad Idea, Sean Wen and Adam Lathan of Curry Boys BBQ, Amy Watson and Clinton Spruill of Saap Saap, Emma and Chris Biard of S.S. Gai, Ana Aguilar and Josh Cook of Tantísimo, and Lauren Agudo and Mason Hereford of Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse. (If your mouth isn’t watering by now, it should be.)
Co-chairs Katherine Hartle and Claire Pruitt filled the evening with mission-focused event programming that complemented the delightful courses — and their respective wine pairings. Anne Martin earned the Golden Skillet Award for her attentive community service, and videos of the featured chefs visiting The Nashville Food Project’s community gardens played throughout dinner.
As waiters brought out each exquisite course, friends, old and new, got to chatting — the sign of an evening well spent.
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Brandi Bruns, Becca Fuqua Kendall Brown, Adam Sansiveri, Will and Jacquie Smith
CJ Sentell, Charlie Crumbo, Emma Filosa, Katie Crumbo, Dale Mitchell
Angie Sessoms, Kristy Offitt, Tiara Armstrong, Hanes Motsinger
Anne Martin, Grace Awh
Chris Chamberlain, Mike Woods, Matt Morrissey
Kate Ezell, Eleanor Ezell
CJ Novello
Grciously Provided
The Nashville Wine Auction l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party elevates the weekend
During the summer season, many Nashvillians escape to the beach or mountains for a respite from the heat. Yet each year, the Nashville Wine Auction draws the social set back to town for a weekend-long marathon of wine — l’Eté du Vin. Now in its 46th year, the event gathers oenophiles to raise funds to fight cancer. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $42 million to fuel cancer research in Middle Tennessee and support vital services, such as Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee and Hope Lodge, which offer free or low-cost programs and lodging to people with cancer.
On a beautiful summer night, supporters of the Nashville Wine Auction gathered at the Four Seasons Nashville Hotel for the l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party. The black-tie evening began with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, including tuna nigiri and foie gras mousse. The decadent bites teased the palate, inviting guests to anticipate the epicurean delights — crafted by executive chef Derek Simcik and banquet chef Patrick Hodge — that awaited them at dinner.
The menu began with a citrus-cured salmon paired with a 2023 Tench Estate sauvignon blanc and a 2020 Château Pape Clément blanc. A seared scallop dish followed, paired with two stunning chardonnays: a 2021 Moone-Tsai Paige Cuvee chardonnay and a 2018 Domaine Henri Boillot premier cru Puligny Montrachet.
The dinner continued with a wild mushroom gnocchi and finished with a lamb loin — paired beautifully with a series of cabernet sauvignons and Bordeaux blends. The pasta tasted even richer next to 2019 Napa Valley cabernets from Namo Wines and Dalecio Family Wines, and a 2009 Château Léoville Barton. And thoughtful pairings — a 2022 Zakin Estate cabernet sauvignon, a 2021 Flint Knoll cabernet sauvignon, and a 2014 Domaine de Chevalier — brought out the savory flavors in the lamb, making it taste even more dynamic.
The patrons party — an elevated evening before the main auction — is a way to collectively thank the vintners who make Nashville Wine Auction events possible and recognize anyone who has shown deep commitment to the organization.
Once guests found their seats, event chair Denise Cummins welcomed them and thanked them for their continued support. She also recognized guests of honor Cherie and Philippe Melka of Melka Estates.
To close the evening, Robert Lipman delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late father, reflecting on the impact he made and the lives he touched. He then presented the Norman M. Lipman Award to longtime Nashville Wine Auction supporters Cynthia and Elliot Himmelfarb for their unwavering support — from donating exquisite wines to hosting lavish events to bidding generously at the annual auction.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Jan Naifeh, chair Denise Cummins, Rahel Klapheke, Ann Roberts
Jay Jones and Rob Turner Elliot and Cynthia Himmelfarb
Brannan and Amy Atkinson
Loren Chumley, Natalia and John Sanzo, Gabriela Lira
David Morgan and Janice Elliott Morgan
Mark and Holly Whaley, Fritz Hatton
Deby and Keith Pitts, Vicki and Rick Horne
Marc Goldstone, Nancy Allen
Steve Taylor, Robert Lipman
Belinda Berry, Thomas Barrett
Planner/Designer:
Planner/Designer:
Planner/Designer:
DRAPING, DÉCOR & DESIGN
Planner/Designer:
Planner/Designer:
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AmosEvents Photographer: Kathy Thomas Photography
Artichoke Drape and Valance
Colors in Sheer and Solid Fabric Olive Green Satin Custom Backdrop
Hollie Koostra Photographer: Elizabeth Nord
Infinity Hospitality Group Mekennah Ward with Onward Photography
AmosEvents Photographer: Kathy Thomas Photography
EBJ & Company Photographer: Courtney Davidson Photography
The Social Office Photographer: Mary Rosenbaum Photography
Blue Silk Drape and Empress Chandelier
Gold Shantung Silk Drape with Accent Ceiling
Custom Printed Billows with Blush Drape
Tost to Impct
The 46th annual l’Eté du Vin raises the bar — and millions — to fight cancer
s guests arrived at the Nashville Wine Auction’s 46th annual l’Eté du Vin, choruses of “Cheers!” and “Salud!” erupted from one of the many tasting tables outside and inside the JW Marriott ballroom. Each year, the weekend-long celebration reaches its pinnacle with the Saturday night auction. Guests parade in with bottles of wine to share, and an electric energy fills the room as all eagerly anticipate which lots will sell to which lucky bidder. Between trips to browse the impressive silent auction, revelers stop by tasting tables helmed by charming vintners to enjoy a sip or two of their wine.
Throughout the reception, co-chairs Lisa Maki and David Osborn and Kristen and Brian Junghans mingled with guests and winemakers, graciously introducing visiting vintners to local oenophiles. Guests gathered at installations, including the Nfocus Portrait Studio to capture a quick photo, and the Champagne and Diamonds table to enter to win a Diamond Cellar necklace and enjoy a glass of 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne.
As veteran l’Eté guests know, once the auction opens, the bidding can be fast and furious — and this evening was no different. Bid paddles flashed in the air, claiming lots of rare wines, private dinners and exclusive trips at a faster and faster pace. Auctioneer Fritz Hatton kept the action moving, even as surprise lots debuted on the stage. The top auction item — an intimate dinner with collectors Leslie and Jimmy John Liautaud, featuring 1959 Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1989 Pétrus, and Domaine de la RomanéeConti, paired with Southern cuisine by chef Sean Brock — went for the top bid of $125,000.
For 46 years, the Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Eté du Vin has worked tirelessly to raise funds to fight cancer in Middle Tennessee. To date, l’Eté du Vin has raised more than $43 million for local cancer-fighting organizations, helping countless community members experiencing the disease.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS
Jan Naifeh, Jenna and Ryan Muller
Co-chairs Brian and Kristen Junghans, Cherie and Philippe Melka, co-chairs Lisa Maki and David Osborn
Jonas Sjögren and Gabriela Lira
Roseann Rogers and Aashish Shah
Scott Peterson and Loren Chumley
Greg Ham, Kate Ham-Ackley, Holly and Mark Whaley
Rob Turner and Jay Jones
Will and Heather Barnett, Shari and Red Martin
Barbara Browning and David Kazmerowski
Chris and Maria Carnahan Brannan and Amy Atkinson
Dominique Gobbell, Jeff Fowler
August Malouf, Keith Mangum, Abby Carlton
Lisa LeBlanc, Gary Rzucidlo
Deby Pitts, Cynthia Himmelfarb
Hank Helton, Christie Wilson
Bill and Sharon Piper
Marc Goldstone, Nancy Allen
Katherine Stephenson, Paul Kuhn
Vicki Horne, Denise Cummins, Carol Arrowood, Christie Wilson
Alisha Ballard, Neffie Roxas
Carrie Kitko, Joan and Scott Borinstein
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 26
Musicians Corner Fall Series
SEPTEMBER 27
Kidsville Family Festival
OCTOBER 10-12
OCTOBER 4 Tennessee Craft Fair
OCTOBER 18
Dog Day Festival
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Kellie & Will Robinson
Quite the Stte
A Tennessee Waltz Patrons Party brings together friends for an important cause
s guests arrived at The Hermitage Hotel for the annual A Tennessee Waltz Patrons Party, the mood was effervescent. Friends visiting with one another made navigating the lobby both tricky and delightful. Servers, well-versed in negotiating a busy room, offered trays of delectable hors d’oeuvres while guests sipped Champagne and perused the silent auction table. Luckily, co-chairs Katie and Chip Saltsman planned extra time for the reception, allowing for plenty of mingling and shopping.
A Tennessee Waltz and adjacent events, like the patrons party, raise funds to support the Tennessee State Museum’s community outreach and education initiatives. Programs — like on-site and virtual classes and field trips — aid in closing education gaps by teaching students across the state about the history of Tennessee.
Crucially, the museum is also the recorder of this history, cataloging records and artifacts that date back to before the state was founded. The curatorial team works quietly behind the scenes, ensuring that artifacts — like those recovered after the Dec. 25, 2020 bombing on Second Avenue in Nashville — are carefully preserved.
After the patrons party reception, guests headed into the ballroom for dinner, where they indulged in a hearty summer harvest salad with a sherry vinaigrette, followed by a tender braised beef short rib. A dessert of lemon meringue tart closed the meal, as guests continued to visit with new and old friends and built excitement for the main event.
BY JANET KURTZ
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Marty Luffman, Joe Anderson
Tre and Dawn Hargett, Deanna and Jack Johnson
Anle and Ming Wang, Liz Sillay
David Mills, Nancy Russell, Alisa Haushalter
Ann Gilbert, Morel Enoch
Ryan Baird, Haley Durocher
Molly Haynes, Jennifer Turner, Leah Melber
Co-chairs Katie and Chip Saltsman
Spencer Bowers, Theresa White
Jared Adam Mabry
Elizabeth Lauren Reuther Marries
ELIZABETH LAUREN REUTHER and Jared Adam Mabry met in July 2022 while working at HCA Healthcare. The timing was fateful, as Jared had just moved back to Nashville from London. After an introduction from a friend, Lauren and Jared’s love story began — later culminating in a cinematic proposal. “We were horseback riding in Missoula, Montana, on Dec. 2, 2023,” says Lauren. “While stopping to let our horses rest and admiring all the snow coming down, Jared got down on one knee.”
When the couple’s much-awaited day finally arrived on Dec. 7, 2024, Nashville’s Diamond Creek Farms offered a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony and reception. Stunning florals from LMA Designs featured lush white hydrangeas and roses, draping orchids, fluffy baby’s breath, and hints of dark greenery. When her father accompanied her down the aisle to familiar lyrics, “Tale as old as time,“ Lauren carried
a tight bouquet of white roses, garden roses and white ranunculus, with gray brunia berries and gray dusty miller tucked throughout.
Lauren wowed attendees with her first look: a Rita Vinieris gown, pink Loeffler Randall shoes, diamond studs and her grandmother’s diamond watch. For her reception look, she embraced a fun twist on classic bridal attire, donning a charmeuse A-line dress by Watters Designs, a glittering diamond necklace from King Jewelers, and showstopping sequin platforms by Christian Louboutin. Complementing his bride’s attire, Jared wore a Richards Bespoke tuxedo, Crockett & Jones dress shoes, and a Tom Ford bow tie.
With Viva La Strings accompanying the ceremony and The Downtown Band creating a lively reception atmosphere, music played an integral role in the couple’s special day, which was meticulously planned by Jay Joyner. Their romantic first dance — featuring
Kacey Musgraves’ tender rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” — set the tone for heartfelt family waltzes and the cutting of the couple’s simple, threetier almond cake by Ivey Cake.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by G Catering. But as the night progressed, the bride and groom playfully satiated late-night appetites with trays of Taco Bell and Krystal. Those in attendance reveled in a candlelit glow before wishing off the happy couple. The duo made their stylish exit to 1 Hotel Nashville in a classic navy Bentley, in anticipation of their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos — and the joy-filled days ahead.
Parents of the bride and groom are Sheila Lambos Reuther and Arthur Miller Reuther Jr. of Nashville, and Lila Terri Mabry and Kevin Randall Mabry of Asheville, N.C. The couple currently resides in Nolensville, Tenn.
