Issuu

M AY 2 02 1

The Ladies Issue

W E LLN E S S AI M EE M AYO " TAL K I N G T O T H E SK Y" LI F E + C U LTU R E WO M EN EM P OWERI N G WO M EN I NSPI R AT I O NAL LO CAL F EM AL E B USI N ES S OWN ERS HOME + DESIGN D ESI G N I NSPI R AT I O N WI T H O P J EN K I NS

For nearly 60 years, Middle Tennessee has trusted us with their orthopaedic care. From sports medicine to joint replacements to pediatric orthopaedics and more. We know that pain-free health means getting back to the life only you can live. We’re here for you and your loved ones now and in the years to come.

O r t h o paedi cs

EN IN BELLE MEA W OP DE

To Sc hed u l e Yo u r Ap p o i n tme n t Today

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Jennifer Downs | bellemeade@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Ladies THE FEMALE LEADERS OF NASHVILLE! Business women, moms, daughters and wives. We’re celebrating you this month and sharing stories of the difference you all make in our community. We are so proud of the women here in Nashville, and we want you to know that no matter your age or occupation, you are a unique and crucial part of who we are as a whole.

Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@lifestylepubs.com COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul Stanley, Sue Baldani, Jennifer Kaufman, Julie Brown Patton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ali Miller, Ashtin Paige, James Williams

We wouldn’t be the same without you, so spoil yourself this month and enjoy the celebrations. In this issue, you can read about your fellow Nashville women and maybe even make a new connection. If you’re interested in someone’s story, try reaching out on social media to learn even more! You never know what new opportunities and partnerships could come from it. Happy May, ladies. Thank you for all you do.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Jennifer Kaufman, Managing Editor

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Aimee Mayo Location: Cheekwood Estates Clothing Provided by: The Showroom PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALI MILLER 6

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

Proverbs 3:5-6 Belle Meade Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Belle Meade area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Belle Meade Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 24 Aimee Mayo Bares Her Soul In ‘Talking to the Sky’ Through a compelling and heartwrenching memoir, the award-winning songwriter of “Amazed” recounts the trials of her oppressive childhood.

31 Unforgettable Home Décor Distinctive Furniture And Design Company Delivers Customized, Quality Home Accessories And Services

36 Gift Guide For Mother's day

24 31

40 Maggie Sanger Local Nashville Artist

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Open House

Local Limelight

Renovate & Refine

36 Inspired By 40 Artist’s Palette 46 Local’s Choice

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AROUND TOWN

IN A NEW LIGHT: AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISM 1870-1940 EXHIBIT Cheekwood Estate & Gardens has an interesting art exhibit available now through July 4. A sweeping survey of American Impressionism embracing precursor, contemporary and subsequent movements, "In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940" features more than 130 paintings by artists including Childe Hassam, George Inness, Thomas Moran, John Sloan, Ernest Lawson, Daniel Garber and Guy Carleton Wiggins. The works included are a reflection of the changing mindset of America from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. The exhibition concentrates on regional artists’ colonies established across the United States. It explores the ways in which local artists interpreted America’s rural, maritime and urban spaces and portrayed daily life using the Impressionist devices of capturing the moment with brisk brushstrokes, a vibrant palette and atmospheric effects.

A Vision to Matchwith Cultivate a Fresh Perspective Your 2021 Style Whole Home Organization

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We make decluttering your life simple and staying

Two Belle Meade police officers retired: Officer Dee Howell and Sgt. Jon Carter. After almost 25 years of dedicated service, colleagues indicate that Officer Dee Howell was a productive and hard-working officer who always went the extra mile to assist the residents and her fellow officers. Dee recently was given the Officer of the Month Award after locating a house fire one night, waking the resident and

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Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

safety. Dee says she's is looking forward grandchildren, gardening and improving her oil painting skills. Sgt. Jon Carter spent just shy of 15 years with the Belle Meade Police before accepting a new position outside of law enforcement. He says he's excited about the change in career and is already planning his next Disney trip with his family.

OPEN HOUSE

Photo Courtesy of Solomon Davis Builder: Hidden Valley Homes

POOLSIDE VIBES TURNING BACKYARDS INTO OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES WITH WATERMARK POOLS 12

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

ARTICLE PAUL STANLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES WILLIAMS

Photo by James Williams

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF QUICK AND EASY BACKYARD POOL CONSTRUCTION. Today’s pools are only part of elegant and well-designed outdoor living spaces. Many outdoor pool projects today rival even the best indoor family living areas. Watermark Pools’ Chad Christenson, grew up in and around the construction industry. He worked for his uncle before starting his own company in Florida in 2006. Eight years later, in 2014, Chad relocated to Middle Tennessee to continue building innovative outdoor spaces. The market for quality swimming pools is unusually high. Practically every new home today in and around Williamson County includes some type of pool with one or more outdoor

Photo Courtesy of Solomon Davis Builder: Hidden Valley Homes

amenities. The type of pool varies by neighborhood and home type. Townhomes or homes with limited backyard space may install smaller units such as lap pools. Larger suburban homes

Photo by James Williams

with additional acreage might include a custom-designed pool. Land setbacks, soil conditions, and building codes can impact the type and length of pool construction. Potential pool owners could also consult their Home Owner Association (HOA) bylaws for any stipulations on outdoor construction requirements. “Because there is more demand for pools, people want an outdoor living space as opposed to just a pool,” says Chad. “After we meet with the homeowner and understand their budget and design requirements, we survey the lot to make sure the available space can accommodate the pool and any amenities. A lot has to happen before we begin to dig.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Photo Courtesy of Solomon Davis Builder: Hidden Valley Homes

Photo by James Williams

Many companies offer to construct pools, but accord-

The pool construction season in Middle Tennessee

ing to Chad, first-time pool owners need to thoroughly

runs from early March to late October. Chad recommends

understand exactly what type of pool they are getting

that future pool owners research the types of pools and

and the builder’s expertise. The average pool size is

gain at least a basic understanding of the construction

approximately 20-by-40 feet.

process. Other tips include:

“Not all pool companies are created equally,” Chad explains. “As a former luxury home builder, I’m experienced with all

+ Do your homework on the types of pool systems available in your area.

aspects of the building process. It’s essential that owners

+ Talk to the owner of the company and verify their exper-

understand the total cost of building and maintaining such a

tise in pool construction.

significant investment. For example, access to the backyard

+ Contract prior customers to gauge construction quality

during the construction process, the type of materials used,

and follow-up service.

and the construction process’s length are all important.

+ Understand the pool construction process.

The cost of most Watermark pools projects ranges from $150,000 to $350,000. Gunite pools are the best

“We’ve been in the outdoor construction business for

type for Middle Tennessee homes. UV and Ozone pools

many years, so we’re in a great position to educate home-

are popular, with fewer homeowners choosing chlorine

owners on the total cost of pool ownership,” says Chad.

and salt-water water systems.

“Not only do we handle all aspects of the process, but we

Besides the pool, popular options include outdoor cooking areas, bars, different seating types and lighting.

also offer the services to properly maintain and protect your investment for years to come.”

“Pools and nice outdoor living spaces are one of the best

ways to increase the value of your home,” says Chad. “The

chad@watermarkpools.com

pool is only a portion of the overall project.”

850.698.1318

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

Look Great At Any Age

I have Dr Griff in to thank for helping me feel like a strong, conifdent woman once again. I truly feel like my best I’ve ever been.

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*Excludes holidays and subject to availability; club credit for promotional purposes only. Real estate and other amenities are owned by Oconee Land Development Company LLC and/or other subsidiaries and affiliates of MetLife, Inc. (collectively, "OLDC" or “Sponsor”) and by unrelated third parties. Reynolds Lake Ocone an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy OLDC-owned real estate in Reynolds Lake Oconee by residents of HI, ID, OR, or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. As to such states, any offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy applies only to Resale Properties. Access and rights to recreational amenities may be s

For OLDC properties, obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. WA statement is available from OLDC upon request. OLDC properties have been registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen at 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, New York. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. FILE NO. H14-0001. Notice to New York Residents: The developer of Reynolds Lake Oconee and its principals are not incorporated with the developer/offeror’s knowledge. No such offering, or purchase or sale of real estate by or to residents of the state of New York, shall take place until all registration and filing requirements under the Martin Act and the Attorn

ee Properties, LLC ("RLOP") is the exclusive listing agent for OLDC-owned properties in Reynolds Lake Oconee. RLOP also represents buyers and sellers of properties in Reynolds Lake Oconee which OLDC does not own ("Resale Properties"). OLDC is not involved in the marketing or sale of Resale Properties. This is not intended to be subject to fees, membership dues, or other limitations. Information provided is believed accurate as of the date printed but may be subject to change from time to time. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is a private commercial enterprise and use of the facilities is subject to the applicable fees and policies of the operator.

ARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR DISQUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. An offering statement has been filed with the Iowa Real Estate Commission and a copy of such , Massachusetts 02118-6100 and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection at 1700 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. Certain OLDC properties are registered with the Department of Law of the State of d in, located in, or resident in the state of New York. No offering is being made in or directed to any person or entity in the state of New York or to New York residents by or on behalf of the developer/offeror or anyone acting ney General’s regulations are complied with, a written exemption is obtained pursuant to an application is granted pursuant to and in accordance with Cooperative Policy Statements #1 or #7, or a “No-Action” request is granted.

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

WOMEN BEHIND THE ADVERTISING

ASHLEY BROOKE JAMES & ELIZABETH MOORE

FOUNDERS OF TRILUNA WELLNESS "Do you struggle to balance working out, eating “right,” and finding time for mindfulness? Are you always in pursuit of greener juices? Do you blame yourself for not feeling 'well enough?' That's by design. Traditional wellness profits off of our insecurities and directly benefits from its own impossible standards. At TRILUNA we are creating a version of wellness that is sustainable, realistic, and inclusive, with wellness practices that are grounded in bio-individuality and community care. We couldn't find the version of wellness that we needed, so we built it."

THE OWNER OF BEAUTIFULLY BRONZED TN, NASHVILLE'S PREMIER MOBILE SPRAY TANNING COMPANY I have 15 years of spray tanning experience and decided to start my company 7 years ago. As a Nashville native it has been so fun watching business grow in my

ARTICLE JENNIFER KAUFMAN

hometown. The support of a community like this one is everything, and I am so honored to have such amazing clientele! With Nashville growing as fast as it is, it has introduced me to so many new clients while also bringing me back around to people I haven't seen since childhood.

OUT OF ALL THE LISTS WE COULD MAKE RIGHT NOW, THIS ONE FEELS THE MOST EXCITING.

CHELSEA PEARSON

Maybe because it’s a sign of what’s to come in the business world. Women aren’t just getting promoted to the top of big businesses, but they’re creating their own – and we couldn’t be prouder to have these women right here in Nashville. Small businesses are a major part of the American economy, and women appear to run them better than ever. Small businesses fuel job growth, generate taxes and make up a large percentage of American businesses overall. 18

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

ELIZABETH PERKINS

MINDY BLEDSOE

“Mindy Bledsoe is the owner of Tailored Living of Nashville. She has been designing custom home storage for over 17 years. Tailored Living designs, sells, and installs custom closets, home offices, pantries, and mudrooms…virtually all things home storage. Mindy’s team of experts can also help with total Garage

“I came to Nashville from Richmond, VA in 1994 and

Makeovers, including garage flooring, making them

started working at Bennett in 1995. I worked my way

your local Whole Home Organization Company!”

up to manager and learned a lot in the process. Buying the business in 2018 was a natural next step. Owning a business is hard work, but the rewards are worth it, and

it sets a great example for my son.” -Elizabeth Perkins Owner, Bennett Galleries Nashville

Dr. Ellen Jacobson, a board-certified dermatologist, is the founder of SkinMD. Her interest in medicine began after volunteering in Latin America providing basic healthcare. While in medical school, she diagnosed a family member with a malignant melanoma, leading her to specialize in dermatology. She is involved in the community and served on the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability.

DR. ELLEN JACOBSON

JENNIFER TURBERFIELD Jennifer Turberfield specializes in residential real estate

CONTINUED >

and loves nothing more than listing and selling the incredible homes of Nashville, Davidson and Williamson County. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting stately homes, reading books and magazines about homes, watching home TV shows and exploring the area with her family…while pointing out homes she has sold. CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED) MIRIAM HALL

HALL ORTHODONTICS Dr Miriam Hall is owner of Hall Orthodontics. Located in

KELSEY FINGER

the Belle Meade area, Hall Orthodontics is a a boutique

PATCH

style practice offering the latest state of the art tech-

Dolly once said “If you don’t like the road you’re walk-

nology. Dr. Hall customizes each individual treatment

ing, pave another one.”. Starting a business during a

plan and specializes in esthetic orthodontics, offering

global pandemic was never part of my grand plan but I

Invisalign, lingual braces and ceramic braces. Dr. Hall also

feel honored to be included amongst women business

offers botox and treatment for TMJ. As a mother of four

owners in Nashville. And am incredibly grateful to all

children, she focuses on the genuine care and comfort

who paved the way so I could pave my own.

of her patients while building lasting relationships. Hall Orthodontics is armed with an all star team to make your

orthodontic treatment a fun and memorable experience!

PARKES AND LAMB INTERIORS Parkes and Lamb Interiors is a boutique interior design firm founded by friends Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb based in Nashville, Tennessee. Parkes and Lambs Interiors distinct aesthetic creates interiors that are timeless and refined yet effortlessly personal. Through their unique design approach, they develop a comprehensive plan suited to each individual project resulting in beautiful, comfortable interiors that reflect their clients' tastes, interests and lifestyles. BLAIR PARKES & SUSAN LAMB

AMANDA GENTRY LAW OFFICE OF AMANDA J. GENTRY, PLLC Born and raised in Nashville, I committed to the practice of law to protect my family, my friends, and my community. A fierce defender of protecting your constitutional rights, I strive to serve people in a compassionate, honest, straight-forward way. A woman trial attorney is a rarity, and I wear that badge proudly and with honor. 20

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

JESSICA WILKERSON

DAMONE SOUNTHONEVICHIT

LEAD DESIGNER AND OPERATOR

OWNER OF LUXI LASH

OF OP JENKINS FURNITURE & DESIGN

It is a true honor to be a woman owned business empow-

OPJ is a 112 year old family business from Knoxville, TN

ering other women to see the beauty in themselves.

with a long standing reputation of high quality furnishings.

Women today are taking on so much more than they ever

Jessica brought the well established brand to Franklin

have. So when they step into our Luxie Lash Lounge, we

with an emphasis on interior design, custom furniture,

are there to support them and give them the boost they

and antiques. "Our goal is to make the design process

need to step into their power and own the day. Being a

easy and enjoyable" Jessica says, "there is nothing more

woman-owned business means being a part of this tribe

rewarding for me than happy clients who are excited to

of superwomen bringing each other up. What a gift!

live in the spaces we create." Jessica and her husband

Drew are Williamson Co residents and she says they love being part of this tight knit, welcoming community. "OPJ is all about family and community so having Williamson Co welcome us, support the store, and tell their neighbors what my team is capable of creating is such a blessing."

GASLAMP OWNER AND ANTIQUES COLLECTOR Lauren Bugg operates the largest antique store in Nashville. They have more than 300 booths, they feature Nashville’s broadest array of décor genres, including Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, Mid-century Modern, Primitive and more. LAUREN BUGG

KRISTEN GEYSER THE SHOWROOM Kristen Geyser is the owner of a unique women's boutique making high fashion attainable by offering one of a kind designer pieces to buy or rent. A small busi-

nesses like, The Showroom, allows you to always have just the right thing for any event; wedding, party, ball, prom without breaking the bank. The Showroom also includes accessories. CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

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A i m e e M a yo Bares Her Soul In ‘ Ta l k i n g t o t h e S k y’ ARTICLE PAUL STANLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY ALI MILLER

AIMEE CLOTHING BY: THE SHOWROOM HAIR AND MAKEUP BY: BETSY BRIGGS CATHCART 24

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

WHEN NASHVILLE SONGWRITER AIMEE MAYO

THROUGH A COMPELLING AND HEARTWRENCHING MEMOIR, THE AWARD-WINNING SONGWRITER OF “AMAZED” RECOUNTS THE TRIALS OF HER OPPRESSIVE CHILDHOOD.

SURVEYS HER LIFE, YOU MIGHT THINK THAT SHE’S AMAZED BY ALL OF HER SUCCESS. After all, she’s written hit songs for superstars such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Mark Wills, Sara Evans, Lonestar, and many others. The only thing she’s genuinely amazed by is that she’s alive and loved. Few people that encounter the bubbly country girl with the thick Alabama accent would think she’s one

Talking to the Sky: A Memoir of Living My Best Life

of Music City’s best lyric craftsmen. After all, pulling

in a S--t Show is an engaging capsule of Aimee’s roll-

people’s emotions off their sleeves with three chords

er-coaster life. The manuscript took 15 years and thou-

and the truth is hard.

sands of soul-searching hours to complete.

In 1990, at the formidable age of 19, Aimee tried to take her own life. She still carries the scars to prove it.

“Writing this book is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” says Aimee, in a southern drawl.

Eleven years earlier, on Christmas Eve in 1979, her ram-

Like the masterful songs she creates, her captivating

bunctious, dare-devil father almost succeeded when he

memoir peels back multiple layers of emotional scars.

fired a bullet into his chest. The event sent the small-

Today, the permanent marks serve as a blueprint for

town girl into a decade-long downward spiral. Like

overcoming obstacles instead of surrendering to them.

father, like daughter, both survived. People sometimes talk about growing up in unstable home environments. Aimee would have taken “unstable”

Writing about her most profound experiences and thoughts for the world to know has allowed most scars to heal. Forgiveness handled everything else.

hell. Mental illness, neglect, and substance abuse are

SWEET HOME IN ALABAMA

some of the situations that dominated her childhood.

Growing up in Gadsden, Alabama, Aimee’s life and

When you throw in a physically abusive first marriage,

memoir may be described as a southern version of

being raped as a teenager, and a few other crappy out-

J.D. Vance’s bestseller, Hillbilly Elegy. The difference is

comes, living anywhere close to normal is a pipe dream.

Aimee’s story is rawer, revealing internal flaws that in many cases might drive a permanent wedge between blood kin if discussed outside the family. “My mom and stepdad found out that it was me that burned our house down. That was a secret I had been keeping since the eleventh grade. It really was an accident, I promise,” says Aimee with an expression that moved from terror to laughter in a split second. Aimee’s father, Danny Mayo, was a rebel-rousing songwriter. He didn’t play a musical instrument, but somehow created compelling lyrics between mostly unsuccessful gambling binges, girlfriends, and successful business ventures. One of her best childhood stories is when her dad purchased two of Elvis Presley’s cars a couple of years after the entertainer’s death. He rented them to various auto dealerships to entice weekend crowds. Often he took Aimee along to take a few lucky folks for a ride in the King’s custom Cadillac station wagon. Those were a few of the “good” days.

CONTINUED >

M AYO

any day. Most of her days could be described as a living

CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

AIMEE MAYO BARES HER SOUL IN ‘TALKING TO THE SKY’ (CONTINUED)

A SONGWRITER IS BORN Her dad gave Aimee an unexpected gift when they saw the movie, The Buddy Holly Story. Aimee decided that very day to become a songwriter. On the way home, she told her dad about her future aspiration. She even came up with a song title, “If Only I Could Hold You Now, I Would Never Let You Go.” Using the first part of the title, her dad finished the song, adding it as the B-side of a 45 record he recorded in a Nashville studio. More importantly, his daughter’s name appeared on the songwriting credits. Aimee Mayo was officially a songwriter. The next several years would provide a plethora of material. The joy of co-writing with her dad didn’t last too long. After a karaoke-style recording session at a Nashville venue, Aimee fumbled a few lines. Her dad informed his little girl that she was tone-deaf and shouldn’t sing in public. His comments cut further into Aimee’s emotional wounds. After her parents divorced, Aimee’s mom quickly married an abusive man that poured more salt into those wounds between whippings and bone-cutting comments. The physical and emotional pain was nothing new because previous generations throughout her fractured family tree endured the same. Aimee’s small bedroom became a refugee. “I felt like a hamster on a wheel. Running, but going nowhere.” AIMEE’S “RICK” OBSESSION With her dad bouncing in and out of her life, Aimee needed an outlet. She wasn’t engaged in school activities, and dreaded hearing other girls chat about weekend sleepovers and talking to boys. Her home life bordered on horrible. Aimee desperately searched for an outlet and found one in a guy named Rick. Rick was 23 years older, tall, with chiseled features and long black hair. Aimee promised herself — and later Rick — the two would marry and live happily ever after. There was only one problem. Rick Springfield, the 1980s rock star, was already married to another woman. To make matters worse, he didn’t know the 12-year-old, small-town Alabama girl existed. Nonetheless, Aimee maneuvered a way to physically touch the superstar as he exited the stage one night. She was lucky to even be in his presence. Hours earlier, concert security guards kicked the young girl to the curb when she was caught backstage. No tongue lashing or whipping could remove the fact that Aimee got Rick’s sweat on her hands and clothing. Heartbroken that she may never marry her teen idol, Aimee’s licked her wounds yet again. Years later, Aimee co-wrote a song with her former heartthrob.

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

For a long while, she treasured a Starbucks coffee cup with “Rick” written in black marker that he left at her home. Aimee finally threw it away when it molded over. MOVING FROM BAD TO WORSE Everyone has an occasional bad day. Aimee occasionally had a good day. The day she tried to kill herself was another bad one. Laying on the bathroom floor, both wrists bleeding from self-inflicted wounds and surrounded by paramedics, all Aimee could do was tell her mom how sorry she was. Life had worn her down; so much so that nothing mattered anymore. Hours earlier, Aimee yelled at the sky like a madwoman, cursing God and asking him why and how. Life couldn’t get much worse until it did. Aimee slowly recovered from her physical wounds. She loaded up an old car her dad bought her with most of her worldly possessions. A few hours later, all she saved was her cat, Curtis. The car caught fire 80-miles outside of Nashville and burned everything else. She moved in with her dad, yet his life consisted of a

Hear That Song,” and “This One’s For The Girls.” Some of

revolving door of girlfriends and songwriting buddies. Once

Aimee’s other song credits include, “Who You’d Be Today

again, Aimee needed a fresh start and thought she found it

by Kenny Chesney, “Three Chords and the Truth” with Sara

when a singer-songwriter meandered into Brown’s Diner,

Evans, “My Best Friend,” by Tim McGraw, as well as her

where she worked as a waitress.

first top-ten hit, “Places I’ve Never Been,” by Mark Wills.

Months later, they married in a quick ceremony in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The honeymoon didn’t last long.

TALKING TO THE SKY

Although they co-wrote several songs together, the cou-

Today, Aimee Mayo’s life resembles more of a dream-

ple’s home life became unbearable, Aimee left again in

come-true than the highway to hell. She and Chris have

search of her dream and true love.

four children.

THE INTERSECTION OF TRUTH AND THREE CHORDS

notch to her writing belt with the publication of her memoir.

The award-winning songwriter can now add another Three years after moving to Nashville, Aimee found her first success after signing a songwriting deal with AMR.

“I think my story is perfect for a movie,” Aimee says during a recent Southern Americana podcast interview.

What began as the excitement of a new band cutting one

Recording artists, such as Tim McGraw and Kenny

of her songs soon turned to disappointment. Vowing to

Chesney, offer praise for her book. Bart Herbison, exec-

achieve her goal, Aimee kept writing.

utive director of the Nashville Songwriters Association

Not long afterward, she met the man that would change

International, summed up Aimee’s recent project best.

her life at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe. Aimee

“It’s the most honest book I’ve read. Aimee’s led one of

walked up and introduced herself to Chris Lindsey, a tall

the most interesting lives I’ve ever known and I just finished

and talented songwriter who performed that evening. A

reading the book for the fourth time. Great songwriting is

four-year friendship eventually blossomed into true love.

honesty, and it’s hard to beat when you’re putting it into a

Chris and Aimee married in November of 1999.

book or song. Aimee pulls it off better than anyone I’ve seen.”

Since then, this incredible duo has written such monster hits as “Amazed,” “Let’s Make Love,” “Every Time I

Both the print and audio versions of Talking to the Sky are available on Amazon.

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“Now’s a great time to bring the sunshine feeling of outdoors inside, using interior design tech-

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niques and smart selections to mimic nature and

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surround yourself with happy, relaxing and cheer-

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als tailored to any person’s preferences.”

bright, Jessica and the O.P. Jenkins team of pro-

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fessional interior designers guide clients through

gevity, meaning they recommend core

their process of personalizing and customizing

products and solutions that are meant

furniture and accessories.

to last, such as classic sofas and antique

In the visual example that accompanies this

rugs. “We can help identify investment

article, Jessica first selected a mossy/ivy green

pieces that will allow for flexibility and

fabric color scheme to evoke a sense of energy,

future refreshing touches, rather than

renewal and liveliness. Then she targeted

complete replacement,” she adds.

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF O.P. JENKINS

CONTINUED >

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

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ARTIST’S PALETTE EXPERIENCE THE SPACE AROUND YOU IN A WHOLE NEW WAY

ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY ASHTIN PAIGE

an exhibition of artistic shapes NASHVILLE NATIVE MAGGIE SANGER ALWAYS KNEW SHE WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST, AND IN HER FAMILY, ARTISTIC EXPRESSION WAS ENCOURAGED. While studying her craft at Eckerd College in Florida, she spent time working in an art gallery and in a ceramic studio. She has been in the art design world ever since. “When I graduated and moved back to Nashville, I began designing window displays and installations for local boutiques and commercial retail stores,” says Maggie. “Now I also style and stage homes and paint murals and accent walls, so it all has been evolving. The whole point is to really transform the space. “What is it about you that you want to say? That can be anything from super funky to calming, whatever your style is and what you’re trying to convey.” To get started, she encourages homeowners to pull inspiration photos from magazines and/or from online sources. She’ll also collaborate with interior designers or architects to ensure that the artwork will be cohesive with the space.

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

This month, Modfellows Art Gallery in Nashville will be exhibiting some of Maggie’s work in a new solo show called Shapes. The opening reception will be on May 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the show will run through May 29. “When we opened the gallery in Nashville, our plan was to feature art we weren’t seeing around town,” says Richard Modica, who owns Modfellows Art Gallery along with wife Julie. “Upon visiting Maggie’s studio, we were immediately impressed by her execution, scale and style.” “Rich was kind of the first person to encourage me to take my canvas work seriously,” says Maggie. “I’d been focusing on the retail and interior painting and installation side. He is super supportive and really encouraging.” Shapes features large flat-shaped fiberboard cutouts. “I’m exploring a lot of things in this series, such as how we perceive the space around us, how we interact with the space around us, while dealing with perception and truth and reality. These are op art pieces, so it’s in a really playful way. “I think we create our own reality as we move through space and experience it with our own unique lenses, so the cool part is what you perceive is up to you and it can be totally different than how someone else is experiencing the same piece, at the same exact time, in the same exact space. I think that is a really fun thing to create and witness at the show, when people have those light bulb moments, or it’s like yes, this is a flat piece but it looks three dimensional.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

“Everyone has a different reaction to art,” says Rich. “I feel that the unique factor in Maggie’s work is scale, shape, color, and of course, her execution. Hard-edge paintings must be executed flawlessly to work; then the viewer can find refuge in a meditative space of form, color and line.” Shapes, explains Maggie, is an exploration of her first solo show at Modfellows called Forms. “Her first show was a big success and met with lots of enthusiasm and excitement for her work,” says Rich. “We find that her pieces always elicit a positive response from visitors to the gallery. We continually exhibit pieces of her works and they always draw attention. “Normally, we would start an artist in a group show and then work up to a solo exhibit, but with Maggie, her work was so flawlessly executed and the scale demanded the whole gallery space. Plus, she embodies the type of artist we want to include in the Modfellows lineup - someone talented and passionate about their work.” For more information about Shapes, go to Modfellows.com, and to find out more about Maggie or to commission a piece, go to MaggieSanger.com.

Belle Meade Lifestyle | May 2021

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ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

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