Help Turn No into Yes and give kids in need a brighter future by providing a new pair of shoes to children experiencing homelessness this back-to-school season.
Heal what hurts and cultivate habits for ongoing transformation.
Tailored growth experiences for individuals, couples, and families.
TRANSFORMATIVE ADVENTURES
Disconnect to reconnect in guided wilderness therapy.
Dear Nashville Readers,
As the vibrant pulse of Music City echoes through our streets, we're thrilled to bring you the latest edition of Belle Meade Lifestyle, dedicated to celebrating the essence of style in our beloved city. Our STYLE issue is a testament to the rich, diverse tapestry of Nashville’s fashion, culture, and creativity.
This issue we share a heartfelt story about a cherished family tradition: stacking bracelets. These timeless pieces aren’t just accessories; they are symbols of heritage, love, and personal milestones. Learn how these beautiful bracelets have been passed down through generations and get inspired to start your own tradition of meaningful adornment.
We are excited to delve into the art of personal expression through branding photography. Discover how the right visuals can tell your unique story and elevate your personal and professional presence. Our feature explores stunning examples and offers insights into how you can create a memorable image that resonates with your audience.
Our coffee table styling guide will transform your living space into a haven of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, these tips will help you curate a stylish and inviting atmosphere that reflects your personality.
Fashion takes center stage with my friend, Laura Citron. She is a fashion label celebrating maximalist glamour. Just see for yourself. Her bright colors and vibrant style is not meant for a wallflower but for someone looking to be noticed.
And because style extends beyond clothing, we’ve also included a feature on a Belle Meade salon that is making waves in Nashville.
As you explore these pages, we hope you find inspiration to infuse your life with style, tradition, and personal expression. Nashville’s vibrant spirit is reflected in every story, and we’re honored to share these moments of creativity and inspiration with you.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Here’s to embracing your style and celebrating the beauty of every day.
With warmest regards,
JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ed Atlas, Myra McEntire, Sue Baldani
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Angie McPhearson, Caroline Sharpnack, Daniel Miegs, James Isaac Jones, Kristin Sweeting, Reed Brown
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
PICK UP NEW GEAR FOR THE SEASON AT THE TITANS TEAM STORE
Amy Allmand is a professional branding photographer who works with creative professionals to help tell their brand's story through her passion for photography. Branding photography has become increasingly important in the age of websites and Instagram. Amy sat down with Belle Meade Lifestyle and explained the need for and value of branding photography and how her style informs her process.
Amy: Clients usually come to me when they need fresh website or social media content. Often, it's because they've rebranded their business or are launching a new website or product. However, there are other times a business should consider a branding photoshoot. The most successful businesses invest in
Amy Allmand on the power of branding photography and how her timeless style brings brands to life in Nashville
branding photography twice a year, or even quarterly, to keep their visuals current and engaging.
HOW DID YOU RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN NASHVILLE?
Amy: The need for branding photography has always existed in Nashville and everywhere else; we just didn't have a name for it until recently. As a former music industry veteran, I photographed young singer-songwriters to give them promotional images
CONTINUED >
to you?
Amy: My personal style leans towards the classic—I adore Audrey Hepburn and a little black dress. But there's also my music industry side, where I'll often show up to a photo shoot in a rock t-shirt and boyfriend jeans. To me, style is all about being confident in how you present yourself, no matter what you're wearing, selling or shooting. I love the variety of styles my clients bring to my portfolio. Even though they come from different industries and walks of life, their images somehow fit together on my website. This harmony speaks to my editing approach and the way I see my style.
@amyallmandphoto
amyallmandphotography.com
for their music. Back then, I called it lifestyle or commercial photography. Today, it's known as branding photography. As more people recognize the importance of a personal brand, even if they don't own a business, the demand for personal branding photography has grown. Everyone can benefit from a branding session, even just for professional social media platforms like LinkedIn.
YOU CONTINUE TO FIND INSPIRATION IN NASHVILLE - HOW DO YOU GENERATE NEW IDEAS AND KEEP CLIENTS' PHOTO SESSIONS FRESH?
Amy: Nashville is such a creative city that you can find inspiration almost anywhere. When I onboard a client, I send them a comprehensive questionnaire like Branding
101 for their business. Once I get their responses, I dive in, sifting through their answers to find those golden nuggets about their business, their vision, and how they want to be seen by their audience. Then, I embark on an online adventure, hunting for out-of-the-box ideas to ensure every session is as unique as the client.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Amy: My style is timeless and evergreen. I lean towards airy edits, but I make sure the colors look true to life. Since these images are for someone's business, authenticity is key for me. However, if a client has a specific style, I'm flexible. For instance, one of my clients prefers warm, neutral tones for her branding, so I edit her photos to ensure her website and socials look perfectly cohesive.
What started as a family tradition of gifting bangles for special occasions has turned into a thriving business for Ann Williams. "The tradition started with my grandparents, my dad's parents," she says. "He gave my grandmother a gold bangle for every year of marriage, and that trickled down to my dad and his siblings, who all carried that same tradition in their marriages. It was really sweet, and often someone would gift one to a bride on her wedding day and start that tradition for her husband to continue."
Growing up, the stacks of bangles were the background music in Ann's life. "My mom would be stirring soup on the stove or tucking me into bed, and I would hear those bangles clinking together. I have cool memories of all the women in our family wearing layers and layers of gold bangles."
After she married and received her own bangle, she became the family jewelry source person and noticed that the pricing and quality could vary greatly. So, Ann decided to learn how to make them herself. "I was pregnant with my second child and never expected it to turn into a business," she says.
All the men in her family started buying the bangles from her, and the tradition then expanded from just family to friends. "It really grew to be a huge community of women celebrating not just anniversaries, but all kinds of milestones."
CONTINUED >
“Those buying
be a huge
of
not just anniversaries, but all kinds of milestones.”
- Ann Williams
In 2016, Ann founded Yearly Co. out of her garage. Later, she started selling her bangles online and eventually opened her own retail space. Over time, it grew from a little space in a boutique to its own building in Green Hills and a headquarters on Music Row. This fall, the store will move to a new location in Green Hills.
Beyond just bangles, Yearly offers a wide range of jewelry. While keeping up with what's in vogue every season, like chunkier and more silver-toned jewelry this fall, it tries to make designs that are not too trendy so people can wear them both today and for the rest of their lives and also pass them down as family heirlooms that others would be excited to wear.
"We like to think in terms of longevity and what will become a woman's signature," says Ann. "For our bangle stacks, she can take them in any direction, from extremely simple and classic to adding a hammer texture, a twist texture or different-colored stones."
For her and many others, jewelry stirs emotions and enhances memories. "Instead of jewelry being just an accessory to elevate your outfit, I think of it as a core part of your story and a way to tell the parts of your journey that you're proud of or have made you stronger."
Ann is currently on her own journey of strength and perseverance. This past April, at the age of 37, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive breast cancer and is currently
“It's been part of my purpose to remind people that you can be healthy, active and feel great, and cancer does not discriminate.”
In the past, she's had women come into the store who have celebrated their health journeys with bangles and been very vulnerable in sharing their stories. "It was encouraging and inspiring, and it's helped me to feel a purpose in opening up more myself," she says. "It's been part of my purpose to remind people that you can be healthy, active and feel great, and cancer does not discriminate. I want to remind women to be in tune with their bodies, do self-checks and trust their guts."
undergoing treatment. "I recently promoted Elizabeth Geny, a Nashville native, to CEO, and she's doing an amazing job of taking over the company's vision while I'm recovering. We have such wonderful employees and customers, and I'm so grateful for the words of encouragement, prayers and how people want to support me and my business."
Ann is looking forward to the future as a business owner, wife to Pat and mom to 9-year-old Regan and 10-year-old Brennan. "There's hope on the other side. It's a scary, intense process, but I believe that sharing and really believing that I will be okay will help someone else who is going through it."
YearlyCo.com
@AnnBrennanWilliams
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 9/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
Laura Citron's journey into the fashion industry began in her mother's closet. Growing up in Louisiana, Laura was captivated by the bright, bold, and shimmering portal that catapulted her into a world of vintage glamour. "This magical place was packed with '70s lamé jumpsuits and '80s sequined Mardi Gras gowns," she recalls. Inviting friends over for "fashion shows" ignited a passion inside her that she didn't fully realize at the time.
Though always in love with fashion, Laura initially pursued broadcast journalism at LSU. A pivotal moment came when her cousin invited her to Los Angeles, where she landed a position at The Tyra Banks Show. "This is when I first realized that a career in fashion was a possibility," she says. Transferring to FIT in NYC the next semester, Laura's path in fashion truly began.
In New York, Laura explored various roles in the industry, from trend forecasting at WGSN to managing a luxury vintage boutique. After five years, she felt the need for a change and moved to Nashville in 2014, where she opened OPIUMvintage. As sourcing vintage goods became challenging, she began producing limited-edition vintage-inspired pieces, officially launching her line at Nashville Fashion Week in 2018.
Laura's label celebrates maximalist glamour and vintage inspiration. "My goal is to join the past and the present by drawing upon the nostalgia of decades past with a modern lens," she explains. Her influences include 70s designers like Bob Mackie and Halston and female singers like Cher and Tina Turner.
Laura prefers designing clothes that bring her joy rather than following trends. "I try not to follow trends! I design clothes that bring me joy!" she emphasizes. Her designs encourage women to feel unique and glamorous, embodying her mantra: fashion is fantasy.
“The Laura Citron label celebrates maximalist glamour and reimagined vintage inspiration! My goal is to join the past and the present by drawing upon the nostalgia of decades past with a modern lens.” - Laura
FINISHING TOUCHES: EXPERT TIPS FOR STYLISH SPACES WITH MICHELLE KEARNS OF LE STUDIO
After the hard work of a kitchen renovation or selecting large furniture pieces for a living room, it's time for the final finishing touches. This styling completes the space and the feel of the room. Michelle Kearns of Le Studio offered styling tips to help bring the room together and give it a finished look.
WHERE DO YOU START WHEN STYLING A COFFEE TABLE? SHELVES?
WHEN DO YOU KNOW IT'S TIME TO REFRESH YOUR COFFEE TABLE STYLING?
When styling coffee tables or shelves, I usually start with my anchor pieces. A statement bowl, great tray, large vases and pottery are good places to start, and then you can build around those pieces. And, of course, some great coffee table books. There is a good reason why we call them that! They are a great way to ensure that some items are raised, creating varying heights, textures and shapes.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE SHAPE, COLOR AND TEXTURE ON A COFFEE TABLE WITH FUNCTION?
I always incorporate several different shapes, colors and textures. Variety in sizes and shapes is important, but so is texture. A little metal, some wood and glass mixed in with pottery and books is always a little more interesting. I also
like to incorporate some vintage or antique pieces. It's a great way to add a feeling of history to a space so that only some things appear shiny and new.
HOW MANY ELEMENTS SHOULD YOU INCORPORATE INTO SHELF STYLING?
SHOULD YOU COLLECT SHELF ITEMS FIRST, THEN STYLE? OR STYLE AS YOU COLLECT?
When styling shelves, it's okay to have several like items—a collection of pottery in different sizes, shapes and textures, for example. If you're building your collection, start with what you have and add pieces over time. Books are a great filler and can easily fit in with any decor. If you are styling a space that feels more like a library, I reverse that approach. I like as many books as possible and then add a few key objects to add different shapes and textures.
HOW SHOULD THE STYLING OF SHELVES AND TABLES IN A SPACE INCORPORATE THE COLOR/THEME OF THE ROOM AS A WHOLE?
Generally speaking, I feel that your accessories should be cohesive with your furnishings. The colors, style and scale should reflect what you already have going on in the space. On the other hand, styling is a good way to include a few trendier and more colorful pieces, as long as they still speak to your aesthetic. It's so easy to change pillows and vases, so why not have a little fun with it?
"The first question I ask myself when styling a space is, what does this room need the most?" - Michelle Kearns
Caroline loves her dog, Betty, all things Taylor Swift, healthy hair, a good consultation, and hair extensions.
“I want my clients to leave happy with their hair’s look and feel. And I love a good extension transformation for my clients seeking their ‘dream hair’.” - Caroline Come see for yourself and see what Caroline can offer you. ericmarshallsalon.com | (615) 801-3802 4311 Harding Pike Nashville
915 Harpeth Valley Pl Nashville, TN (629) 888-3256 www.NashvilleHealthPro.com
AT BARLOW BUILDERS, AUSTIN PENNINGTON HAS APPLIED LESSONS LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER TO DEVELOP SOME OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S MOST DESIRABLE HOMES.
Being a good steward of the land is something to which everyone aspires. That’s because we’re all connected directly to it.
But what does being a good steward entail? It’s one thing to champion the cause, but taking tangible steps toward that goal is quite another. It’s a challenge that one Nashville-based builder takes to heart.
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Middle Tennessee is known for its rural farm setting; more open space means more freedom,” says Austin Pennington, president and CEO of Barlow Builders. “Every time you develop, you have one chance to get it right. History will tell you where to go and how to get there. So, honoring the past allows for a bright future.”
Pennington founded Barlow Builders (Barlow is his middle name and has been in his family for generations) in 2006 while he was still a student at Belmont University.
Pennington is a third-generation developer. His grandfather was an architect,
and his father was a homebuilder. “My grandfather did mostly commercial work, but he taught me what proper architecture should be,” he says. “My father taught me what it means to build something beyond codes, which is the minimal standard.
“Historically, Nashville has been in a race to follow the trend. But we strive to make things better than the way we found it.”
Those characteristics can be found in Barlow-built homes and developments. From land procurement to construction and realty, the Barlow team has been involved with more than 10,000 residential
"IF YOU BUILD IT NICER, IT SELLS FASTER. THAT’S BEEN OUR STRATEGY FROM DAY ONE.”
lots. However, the company is not in the business of developing and turning over homesites to meet certain quotas.
“We try for lower density,” says Pennington. “More homes are not better; better homes are better.”
That’s a lesson Barlow learned back at Belmont when he purchased a site in Nolensville from his grandfather. “People will drive to price or drive to quality,” he says. “That’s when I realized that you had to build a higher-quality home on the outskirts of town. If you build it nicer, it sells faster. That’s been our strategy from day one.”
Pennington credits his team for its commitment to building the Barlow
brand. “I came on board 14 years ago when Austin developed his first neighborhood in Nolensville,” says managing broker Lorraine Mineo. “It was a great product. I saw that he was going to have a lot of neighborhoods that would grow and that a small company could become a larger one.”
Mineo says that the finishes are major differentiators in Barlow homes. From countertops to flooring and high-end treatments, Barlow homes are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail. “A lot of comments that we receive from buyers are that Barlow homes ‘feel better,’” she says.
Says CFO Bryan Solomon: “The floor plans enhance the livability of the home.
Every space has a purpose; everything is functional.”
Barlow has four major neighborhoods in various stages of development: Avenue Downs in Thompson’s Station, Reese in Franklin, Telluride in Brentwood, and Monroe in Green Hills.
Avenue Downs is off Lewisburg Pike and Columbia Pike and only five minutes to I-840. The majority of homesites back up to open spaces, and a walking trail will lead to Thompson’s Station elementary and middle schools.
Located off Del Rio Pike, Reese is five minutes from downtown Franklin with easy access to Mack Hatcher Parkway. The entry-level price point is $800,000 for townhomes and $1 Million+ for single-family homes.
Barlow has partnered with two other builders on the Monroe development, which is on the corner of Glendale and Granny White Pike. Homes start at $3 million and 5,000 square feet.
In September, Barlow will return to where it all began. Telluride is a development that straddles Brentwood and Nolensville.
BarlowBuilders.com
sample of recently sold properties in and around Belle Meade.
ARTICLE BY MYRA SIMMONS MCENTIRE
Eric Marshall Salon, located in West Meade, is a product-focused, intimate salon that offers cut, color and extension services. When asked about autumn-inspired trends, salon hairstylists generously offered these suggestions for City Lifestyle readers.
Eric Marshall, salon owner, Nashville native, and hairstylist, believes healthy hair is always in style, regardless of the season:
"As we age, our hair can become dry and more sensitive. Our goal as a salon is to give shiny, healthy hair that's ageless. Shine keeps hair youthful.
Summer can wreak havoc on your hair if you are outside, and conditioning treatments can bring it back to life, especially if you're going darker during the fall/winter season. We offer botanical-based instant treatments that are fully customizable to each client. We exclusively carry the Italian brand Davines, which is still family-owned.
We even offer shine-only treatments to clients who want a bit of added shine but are still deciding whether to commit to color. These treatments add conditioning to hair and provide added shine that lasts up to 20 washes.
A tip for finding a new stylist: first, check them out for a blow-dry service. Mention this article at your next appointment and receive a complimentary Tailoring treatment from Davines."
Caroline Shaw, hairstylist, is certified in Bellami beaded weft extensions. Her top client priorities are healthy hair and a good consultation:
"Extensions are a great way to add volume when your hair lacks density.
CONTINUED >
We offer hair from 16" to 24", so whether you want to match your natural length or have Rapunzel hair, there's an option for everyone. Our method is also suitable for clients worried about hair loss from extensions, especially if they've had tape-ins in the past. There are minimal contact points on the natural hair and no adhesive, so removal is painless, and the only hair coming out is natural shed.
CJ Asselin, color Specialist & hairstylist, creates beautiful natural results and is a firm believer that the key to beautiful hair is healthy hair:
"Davines offers high-quality hair care products that target specific needs. My go-to products are
Liquid Spell, Oi All In One Milk leave-in conditioner and Naturaltech Keratin Sealer, aka liquid gold. These products help enhance the blow-out, leaving the look of shiny, healthy hair. Need volume? No problem! I love using Davines Texturizing Dust for instant volume. A few sprinkles at the root, and voila!
"Instant satisfaction with a quick hair treatment is a must. Davines Naturaltech Tailoring line allows me to create a hair cocktail to target my client's specific needs and desired results.
"I am a firm believer that mature hair requires specific haircare products for specific needs. Application and placement of the product is key!"
1. What look are you ultimately trying to achieve?
2. Does your hair need moisture, body, repair, or all of the above?
3. What is the condition of your scalp?
4. Do you cleanse your hair and scalp of product build-up?
5. Is your hair color treated?
Visit Eric Marshall Salon for your autumn refresh! ericmarshallsalon.com @ericmarshallsalon
Electrify every drive with the BMW iX, i7, i5, and i4. A whole generation of electric vehicles built like no other.
Choose from the comfort of the spacious BMW iX, the impeccable luxury of the BMW i7, the uncompromising power and style of the BMW i5, and the agile handling of the BMW i4.
Each has its own unmatched performance that will give you unwavering confidence at every turn.
That’s what you’d expect from the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.
Convenient Locations.
