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After starting off 2026 with a bitter cold ice storm, spring has finally hit its stride as we turn the calendar to May. Everywhere we look, flowers are blooming, trees are green with leaves and the air is filled with the nostalgic aroma of freshly mown grass. As the hours of daylight continue to grow longer, we are all eager to get back outside to begin working on getting our summer bodies in shape and to spend time with family and friends.
May is also the time that we get to show our love to some of the most important people in our lives –our ladies. They are the ones who support us, nurture us and make us the best that we can be.
As usual, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle are devoting our entire May issue to bringing you inspiring stories about the strong women who are making Hendersonville and Sumner County such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play.
To start our celebration of the female spirit, we introduce you to three local ladies who are working hard every day to make our city the best that it can be.
Continuing, we drop in to an annual fundraising event that raises thousands of dollars each year to help students in need continue their education.
Moving on, we visit with a local designer whose creative talents help her clients elevate and promote their own unique brands.
Finally, we close out our May sojourn at a special annual celebration that lauds outstanding female achievement across the 37075.
In closing, we also wish to honor the memory of Debbie Murray, our cherished copy editor and wife of managing editor Rick Murray, who passed away recently. Debbie’s dedication and passion enriched our publication and community in countless ways. Her warmth and talent will be deeply missed.
As we move forward, we are comforted to share that her son Matt will be stepping into her role, continuing the work she loved with his own unique perspective. We are grateful for his commitment, and we are confident that he will uphold the high standards set by Debbie.
Our deepest condolences go out to Rick and his family during this time. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this transition.
Warmest regards,
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Matt Murray | mattmurray63@gmail.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Eileen Minton | eminton@comcast.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rick Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn
3:5-6
her Employee Service Award during the 2026 Hendersonville Parks Wall-of-fame ceremony. 5:
his
his
Volunteer Award during the 2026 Hendersonville
during the 2026
ceremony.
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of its new EMS lounge on Mar. 27. The festive event included a cookout and a ribbon cutting to officially open the new facility. Having an EMS lounge within the ER gives the emergency services teams a place to recharge, complete documentation and stay close so they can get back out quickly to the next call.
Photography by Rick Murray
Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, in partnership with Sumner County Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on Mar. 2 to begin construction on a new school-based clinic at J.W. Wiseman Elementary School in Portland, Tennessee. This innovative initiative is designed to improve access to healthcare for local families and support student success.
“This partnership will be a gamechanger for our students and families,” Superintendent of Sumner County Schools Dr. Scott Langford said.
Scan to read more
Volunteer State Community College recently announced that Dr. Ramona Yarbrough has been named vice president for academic affairs, this year. As the college’s chief academic officer, she oversees all instructional programs, academic divisions, the Learning Commons, Library Services, and distance learning. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, program development, budget management, and ensuring academic quality aligned with the Tennessee Board of Regents and accreditation standards.
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Three Local Ladies Who Exhibit Professionalism and Servant Leadership Daily in the 37075
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
ONSITE OWNER – THE GODDARD SCHOOLS IN HENDERSONVILLE AND GALLATIN
How are you involved in the community?
“I am a member of the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation Board, the Sumner County CASA Board, the Leadership Sumner Class of 2026 and our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. I have been married to my husband David for 22 years, and we have three children, twin boys Kolby and Kooper, and our daughter Kenzie”
What motivates you?
“What motivates me most are the people who depend on me. Knowing that others are relying on me pushes me to show up each day with purpose.”
Who was your mentor?
“My mentor was my graduate school professor, Dr. Bobbie Warash. Her guidance has had a lasting impact on my development as an educator.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
We intentionally chose Hendersonville 20 years ago when relocating from Maryland because it offered everything we were looking for in a place to raise a family. Over the years, the support we’ve received, both personally and as our business has grown, has been incredible.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“The greatest thing I’ve learned is that relationships matter most. At the end of the day, it’s the people in your life – family, friends and the community you build, that truly make everything meaningful.”
"My
How are you involved in the community?
“I am on the boards of the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation and Sumner County Fire Buffs. I am also an ambassador for the Chamber, as well as a volunteer with the Hendersonville Citizen’s Police Academy.”
What motivates you?
“I am motivated by being a great role model for my two adult daughters. When they tell me that they learned something from me, it just warms my heart.”
Who was your mentor?
“My greatest mentor was my first boss in the hospitality industry, Aziz Amiri, whom I met in 2001. He truly believed in me and my abilities, and I learned so much from him. I still speak to him regularly, even though we haven’t worked together since 2006.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“
“I moved to Hendersonville six years ago, and it immediately felt like home. The sense of community and the city’s natural beauty drew me in. I truly love living here.”
favorite quote is ‘kill them with kindness.’ It may not be fancy, but it’s something my mom always told me, and it’s a mindset I’ve carried throughout my
life. It’s a simple reminder that kindness and grace can go a long way, even in difficult situations."
Kara Brumley
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“Throughout my life, I have learned that everyone has challenges, struggles, joys and triumphs. At some point in their lives, people need support, not judgment, and even the smallest victories need to be celebrated. Always stay true to yourself, and don’t let other dictate your path or decisions.”
CONTINUED >
OWNER – BRUSTER’S REAL ICE CREAM AND A REALTOR
REALTOR/FORMER FOUNDER & CO-OWNER RE/MAX CHOICE PROPERTIES
How are you involved in the community?
“I am a currently a member of The Grace Place Women's Alliance and the trustees board of First United Methodist Church. Over the years, I have served on the boards of the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce Foundation, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, Samaritan Center, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, United Way of Sumner County, Jason Foundation, Community Child Care center Hendersonville Woman's club and Union University. Professionally, I served as the past president of the Sumner Board of Realtors, as a member of the Multiple Listing Service board and I was selected as realtor of the year.”
What motivates you?
“I am motivated by helping people with their real estate purchases, especially since it is likely one of the single largest expenditures they will ever make. There is great satisfaction in helping people find the right home where they can live out their dreams.”
Who was your mentor?
“My greatest mentor was my father, the late Robert (Bob) Ellis. He was a respected leader in our community and a significant figure in the real estate industry.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“I have lived in Hendersonville most of my life. It has the charm of a small town where everyone knows each other, yet it's just minutes from downtown Nashville. It's no wonder Hendersonville was recently ranked the number one place to live in Tennessee.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“I like to think that I'm still learning lessons every day. However, my greatest lesson so far is to take each day as it comes and truly live in the moments right in front of me. Throughout my life, I’ve often been told to focus on the present, and I have come to respect that wisdom. Right now, is my favorite time.”
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin
Building a solid educational foundation has long been considered to be one of the best means for getting ahead in the workplace. Instead of having to languish in entry-level dead-end jobs, college and technical school graduates often have better opportunities to pursue successful careers filled with financial security.
However, not everyone who desires to go to college can afford it. The ever-rising burden of required expenses, such as tuition and books, often serves as a deterrent that prevents many prospective students from continuing their educational journeys.
Fortunately, Sumner County is blessed to be the home for many kind and caring people who are eager to help out those in need, including struggling students. One of the best ways that they are able to help is by supporting the annual Women Empowering Education fundraising luncheon sponsored by Volunteer State Community College (Vol State).
Since 2008, donations to Women Empowering Education have funded
scholarship awards totaling over $641,000 to 243 students, enabling them to continue their college studies. These scholarships help students prepare for their future careers without worrying about the financial burden of college fees.
“While we have excellent state college assistance programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, the majority of our students don't qualify for them,” said Vol State Vice President for Advancement and Foundation Executive Director Karen Mitchell. “The Women Empowering Education scholarships make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, and they help them build a path to a more secure future.”
This year’s luncheon was held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Friday, March 26. Over 500 community leaders and friends of the college attended the fundraiser, which featured presentations by Vol State President Dr. Wendi Tostenson, Vol State student and scholarship recipient Kimberly Boles and special guest speaker and comedian Kristen Linder.
"The scholarships make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students."
Karen Mitchell “
“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no and WOW! WOW is the one to aim for.” - Milton Glaser
Throughout history, design has often been a key determinant in the success or failure of new ideas. From advertising campaigns to logos to publication layouts, the look and feel of the final product weighs heavily upon how it is perceived by the target audience.
In today’s era of social media and AI, graphic design has become even more important. Content consumers are awash with information overload, and many of them have developed short attention spans. In order to get them to notice something, the design has to be both catchy and relevant.
Perhaps no one understands this dilemma than local professional designer Eileen Minton, owner of Eileen Minton Design. For over 38 years, she has been helping clients develop professional imagery that helps them stand out in today’s competitive environment. Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with Eileen to learn more about her and the world of graphic design.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE DESIGN BUSINESS?
“I’ve always loved art, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a creative career. I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and I got my start at Aloysius, Butler & Clark in Wilmington, Delaware. Over time, I made my way to Tennessee, and I went out on my own about fifteen years ago.”
WHAT TYPES OF DESIGN WORK DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN FOR YOUR CLIENTS?
“I work with a diverse client base, so no two of my days are ever the same. My projects range from logos and branding to point-of-purchase materials, print and packaging. If something needs to look great, I can help bring it to life.”
HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH UNIQUE DESIGN IDEAS?
“I start by understanding my client’s goals and audience, and then I build ideas from there. I draw inspiration from everyday life, current trends and past experience, and I refine my concepts until they feel both unique and effective.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE THAT YOU USE IN YOUR DESIGN WORK?
“My iMac and Adobe Creative Cloud applications are the primary tools which I use every day. However, tools are just the beginning. Equally important if not more so are my creativity, experience and attention to detail. Those are really the things that bring everything together.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR DESIGN CAREER?
One of my greatest moments was seeing a logo I designed being installed on a high-rise building for a billion-dollar company. I’ve also loved seeing my work come to life through TV commercials and social media campaigns. But honestly, it’s the everyday moments that mean the most to me. For example, when I walk into
"I WOULD TELL MY YOUNGER SELF TO TRUST THE PROCESS AND TO HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE. EVERYTHING WORKS OUT THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO, AND THE CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY HELP SHAPE WHO YOU BECOME."
a space and seeing something I created in the window, on a counter or even on a billboard.”
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
“I think that what I enjoy most is that most days, work doesn’t feel like work. I truly love what I do, and not everyone can say that. I get to take a blank screen and turn it into something impactful, helping clients build their brand and grow their businesses.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR DESIGN CAREER?
“One of the most impactful things I’ve learned is to not take feedback personally but rather use it as an opportunity to improve the work. I truly value collaboration and I believe that every idea can lead to something great.”
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ANY ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“Trust the process and have more confidence.”
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
Buying or selling a business is a big decision—you don’t have to do it alone. From the letter of intent to closing to post-closing adjustments, every step matters and the right legal guidance can make all the di erence.
George Phillips, a business and corporate attorney with the Phillips Ralston Firm helps companies navigate acquisitions from start to nish.
He provides experienced, transaction-focused legal support—without the high costs of large rms. Practical advice. Responsive service. Trusted guidance.
Annual Chamber Event
Celebrates Ladies Who Help Make
Hendersonville Special
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY
BY LYNN BOWLES
Since 2008, the Hendersonville Chamber has hosted the annual Women Impacting the Community Awards luncheon. This annual event recognizes outstanding female business and nonprofit professionals and their achievements.
This year’s celebration was held at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club on Feb. 31,
with nearly 200 women and men in attendance. WSMV Channel 4 Television Anchor Holly Thompson served as the emcee for the event, which featured presentations by Deb Varallo and Desneige Bourret. Throughout the luncheon winners were recognized for their accomplishments in five different categories including education and healthcare.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTI NOBLE
Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best. Cheers to friendship and a glass half full!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry rosé wine, or white wine*
• 1 cup vodka**
• 1 cup sliced or chunked strawberries
• 2 medium limes, sliced into thin wheels, more for garnish
• 2 medium lemons or oranges sliced into thin wheels
• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled
• Raspberries or Blackberries
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a pitcher, add the wine, vodka, strawberries, and citrus fruit slices. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Pour into glasses (over ice, if desired), ensuring each glass gets strawberry and citrus slices, top with sparking water or seltzer.
4. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel, and berries.
5. Enjoy with friends.
*Suggested wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier.
**Add extra flavor by using an infused vodka.
