Mount Juliet, TN May 2026

Cheers to 5 years! A continued legacy through friendship

From the very first moment I met the founders of City Lifestyle, I knew this was more than alignment; it was purpose. A calling to bring something meaningful to Mount Juliet and weave their mission into the heart of the community we love. Mount Juliet City Lifestyle became the 100th publication when we launched in May of 2021. Now, five years later, there are over 250 publications nationwide.

When I wrote the very first issue into existence, a seed was planted not just for generations. A legacy rooted in people, the small businesses, families, and stories that make this community what it is.

When the time came, I knew this would be entrusted to another family deeply rooted in this community, one that truly understood the heart behind the mission. Having known the Newkirks for over eight years, I recognized instantly they were those people. Our connection, built through friendship and a shared passion for music, had already led Elise and I to collaborate over the years, bringing you meaningful stories about artists and the creative spirit behind them. It felt natural, even inevitable, that they would be the ones to carry this forward. As a husband and wife team, Elise and Logan bring both the vision and heart to take this legacy to the next level.

As this season shifts, so does my focus. It’s time for me to step back into my own family’s business in the music industry, something that has always been part of who we are and essentially the reason we moved here from California.

Together, our family, alongside our founding partners and every supporter over the past five years, will never forget what it took to bring this publication to life. We didn’t just create a magazine; we built something that connects people. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and allowing this vision to become a part of your lives.

This isn’t goodbye,

It’s a continuation, and a legacy that will keep growing long after this page is turned.

Forever with love for Mount Juliet,

KIM THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE

May 2026

CO-PUBLISHER

Kim Thomas | kim.thomas@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Elise Newkirk | elise.newkirk@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Logan NewKirk | logan.newkirk@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Elise Newkirk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rhinestone Republic, Kerry Wilson, DanceOne

Media, Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, Sohpia Davison, Elise Newkirk, Cumberland University

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at

Proverbs 3:5-6

ADVANCEMENTS IN BONE AND JOINT CARE

Q&A WITH DR. LUCAS

RICHIE

An orthopaedic surgeon with Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, Dr. Richie is at the forefront of technological and biological advancements that enable more successful surgical outcomes and help patients heal more quickly. He is a leader in the field of bioinductive implant technology, a top user of it in Tennessee, and travels the country educating other surgeons on its use.

Q: WHAT IS THE NEXT BIG ADVANCEMENT IN ORTHOPAEDICS?

Dr. Richie: I personally believe the next frontier of orthopedic surgery is biologic augmentation. Essentially, how do we help the patient’s body to heal better, potentially faster, and stronger? I am a big believer in the body’s biological ability. We can fix everybody the same way mechanically, but if the biology does not cooperate, it’s simply not going to heal.

Q: HAVE YOU USED THIS TECHNIQUE ON OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY?

Dr. Richie: I do biological augmentation on Achilles tendons, triceps, quadriceps, rotator cuffs, patellar tendons, etc. The studies show the tendons actually get thicker! We do anything we can do to help the patient to actually heal.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY?

Dr. Richie: On the technological front, this is evolving rapidly. We commonly utilize robotic-assisted surgery, which gets the patient’s alignment within the nearest 1° or 1 mm of perfect ensuring safety and allows for decreased postoperative pain. For shoulder replacements, I now use preoperative 3-D planning to help ensure appropriate alignment!

Q: DO THESE BIOLOGIC ADVANCES ALLOW FOR FASTER RECOVERY?

Dr. Richie: YES! Specifically, we can talk about the rotator cuff. We’ve been repairing rotator cuffs for decades. But if I would repair every single rotator cuff the same way, we are definitely going to see some that do not heal because everyone’s biology is different. For partial thickness rotator cuff tears, I have been using the Regeneten Bioinductive Implant to allow for healing with sling times as short as 48 hours, instead of six weeks. It is highly recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and FDA-approved for any tendon or ligament. I see a dramatic decrease in the number of failed surgical procedures following the use of products such as this. Harnessing the power of biological augmentation is something that cannot be left out of our current practice standards.

Q: WHAT IS AN EXCITING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCE YOU’VE SEEN?

Dr. Richie: Two weeks ago, I participated in an international orthopedic committee where I trialed a new augmented reality guidance system for ACL reconstruction!

Dr. Lucas Richie specializes in arthroscopic surgery, general orthopaedics, sports medicine, and treats conditions or injuries of ankles, hands, knees, shoulders, and wrists. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Richie, visit tn.hughston.com/richie. Call 615-547-6700 to make an appointment.

Ann Beadle, RN, ACNP

Jonathan Cornelius, MD

William Melton, MD

Kristina Moore, PA-C

Shawn Mountain, DO

Jennifer O’Donnell, MD

Lucas Richie, MD

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Texas Roadhouse April 6. 2-3: Mount Juliet’s Diamond Academy of Dance competes at the Nexstar National Talent Competition March 27-29. 4: La Madeleine Bakery & Cafe celebrates the opening of its Mount Juliet location. 5: La Madeleine Bakery & Cafe celebrates the opening of its Mount Juliet location. 6: Everyone’s Wilson hosts their annual gala on March 17. 7: The Green Hill High School Barbershop Quartet performs at the annual Everyone’s Wilson gala.

SHAPING A PLACE FOR PEACE

business monthly

Havertys Furniture Grand Opening

Join Havertys Furniture for the grand opening of their Mount Juliet location on Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. CT.  Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. (NYSE: HVT and HVT.A), established in 1885, is a full-service home furnishings retailer with 129 showrooms in 17 states in the Southern and Midwestern regions, providing its customers with a wide selection of quality merchandise in middle to upper-middle price ranges. Additional information is available at www.havertys.com

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

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

HER RODEO

Rooted At Home: Kalsey Kulyk’s Life In Music and Motherhood

ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHINSTONE REPUBLIC

When Kalsey Kulyk sings about life, she’s not reaching for something imagined - she’s pulling directly from the life she’s living.

It’s rooted in wide open spaces, shaped by long roads and real stories, and lately grounded in a place she now calls home: Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

“I’ve always just wanted to make music that feels true,” she says. “If people connect to it, that’s everything.”

Fresh off her latest EP, Her Rodeo, Kulyk is stepping into a season that feels both expansive and deeply personal. The project — gritty and honest with her signature Western flair — recently lit up major billboards across Toronto, including placements with Amazon Music and Spotify.

But for Kulyk, success has never been just about the accolades.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re getting to make a good living by doing what you love, with the ones you love by your side, then you’re truly living your dream life.”

Born and raised in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, her music carries the spirit of the West - rugged, reflective, and unmistakably her own, leaning more classic than commercial.

That authenticity didn’t happen overnight. In 2017, she won both the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Artist program and Anthem Entertainment’s “On The Spot” contest on the same day - opening doors to publishing and record deals and setting the foundation for a career that would soon stretch beyond Canada.

Those opportunities brought her to Nashville, where she sharpened her songwriting alongside Liz Rose and CONTINUED >

Phil Barton. The result was her 2019 self-titled debut album, which climbed to No. 2 on the Canadian iTunes Country Chart and earned a CCMA Roots Album of the Year nomination.

Since then, she’s continued to evolve, moving between heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems. Her 2022 single “Big Deal” topped SiriusXM Country, while tracks like “D*mn You Love” and “Ain’t Enough Whiskey” showcase her ability to turn real-life moments into songs that linger.

That evolution reached a new level with 2023’s “Love Me Like an Outlaw,” her highest-performing single to date, climbing to No. 18 on the Canadian Billboard country charts in 2024. The success led to a label deal with Universal Music Canada.

Relocating to the Nashville area - specifically Mount Juliet - wasn’t just a career move. It was a life decision.

“Mount Juliet is truly a place where I feel like we can raise our family and also be able to be close enough to the action that I can do what I love. I can drive into Nashville and write songs in person, but then I can drive back out to Mount Juliet and feel like I’m in a totally different, relaxed spot where I can just focus on my family. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Here, Kulyk has found a rhythm that allows her to build her career while prioritizing her most important role: being a mom.

Motherhood isn’t a footnote - it’s central to her story. And while the industry often celebrates the grind, she’s quietly redefining what that can look like.

“There are definitely chaotic days,” she laughs. “You might be jumping off a call and straight into making lunch or diffusing a meltdown. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“I think becoming a mom changes the way you see everything,” she says. “It makes you braver in some ways, and more intentional in others.”

That intentionality is woven throughout Her Rodeo, a project that feels both like a statement and a snapshot.

“This record is really about taking ownership of your life,” Kulyk explains. “The highs, the hard seasons, the messy middle - it’s all part of it. It’s your rodeo.”

Sonically, the EP leans into her blend of classic country storytelling and Western grit, with songs that feel as at home on a backroad as they do on a festival stage.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re getting to make a good living by doing what you love, with the ones you love by your side, then you’re truly living your dream life.”

Following the success of her Top 30 Canadian radio single “Till I Get To Heaven,” Kulyk continues to build momentum, with festival appearances introducing her to new fans across Canada and the United States.

Still, even as the stages get bigger, her approach remains the same.

“I’ve always just wanted to make music that feels true,” she says. “If people connect to it, that’s everything.”

As 2026 unfolds, Kulyk finds herself in a season focused less on chasing and more on building - on the road, in the industry, and at home.

Mount Juliet has become an ideal backdrop for that growth.

“It’s been really grounding,” she says. “There’s space here to breathe, to write, to be present. That’s been such a gift.”

With Her Rodeo out now and festival season ahead, her trajectory is clear.

But if you ask her, success still comes back to something simple.

“At the end of the day, I just want to keep doing this in a way that feels good - for my family, for my fans, and for myself,” she says.

Kalsey Kulyk isn’t chasing someone else’s version of success. She’s building her own… One song, one season, and one story at a time.

After all, this is her rodeo.

A HAND UP

How Jesus Provisions Ministries is Supporting Neighbors with Dignity, Care, and Essential Resources

ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY WILSON

In a growing community like Mount Juliet, it’s easy to assume everyone is doing just fine.

New neighborhoods are rising, businesses are thriving, and families are building full, busy lives. But behind the scenes, for many, the story looks different - quieter and often unseen.

That’s where Jesus Provisions Ministries steps in.

At its core, the organization provides food, support, and encouragement to both housed and unhoused individuals across the Mount Juliet and greater Nashville area. But what sets it apart isn’t just what it gives - it’s how it gives it.

“We don’t believe in a handout, we believe in a hand up,” founder Kerry Wilson explains. “To us, a hand up means walking alongside people.”

That philosophy was shaped through experience.

In 2009, Wilson’s family faced a difficult season and, for the first time, she had to rely on food pantries.

“It was humbling,” she says. “At times, it felt embarrassing. There were moments I felt seen as ‘less than’ because we could no longer provide the way we once had.”

With support from others, her family eventually found stability again - an experience that now informs how she serves.

Then, in 2019, a single moment shifted everything.

Wilson witnessed an unhoused woman being escorted out of a church because she appeared “suspicious.” After speaking with her, she learned it had been the woman’s last stop before planning to end her life.

“In that moment, it hit me - we are all just one circumstance away,” she says.

That realization became the catalyst.

“We didn’t just want to fill a gap, we wanted to change how people are seen and treated in their hardest moments.”

Jesus Provisions Ministries was built from that conviction - created to ensure no one feels less than because of their circumstances, offering not just food, but hope, encouragement, and a place where people are known and valued.

That mission shows up in simple but meaningful ways, like a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread to help a family through the week, or showing up so someone knows they’re not alone.

Because more often than not, the need goes far beyond food.

While food insecurity remains a significant issue, it’s only part of a larger picture. Rising housing costs, utility bills, and limited access to mental health support are creating a ripple effect across families. One unexpected setback - a medical diagnosis, job loss, or emergency - can quickly spiral into something harder to recover from.

“It’s a snowball effect,” Wilson says. “A $300 electric bill turns into $600 before you know it.”

And the reality might surprise you.

“For the majority of those we serve, it comes down to one life-altering moment,” she explains.

Each week, Jesus Provisions Ministries serves hundreds, but the impact goes far beyond what’s on the plate.

One man recalled standing off to the side during his first visit, unsure if he belonged. Wilson noticed him, walked over, and offered him a meal.

“He told me he hadn’t felt seen in years,” she says.

Another family, struggling during the pandemic, brought a single rose from their garden each time they visited - a small but powerful gesture of gratitude.

These moments define the work: not just meeting needs, but restoring a sense of worth and connection.

One of the biggest misconceptions about food insecurity and homelessness is that it stems from laziness.

“But that’s simply not true,” Wilson says.

Many served are parents, workers, and caregivers navigating circumstances that could happen to anyone.

“They don’t want to be defined by their struggles,” she explains. “They want to know they’re not alone.”

And that’s exactly what this work provides: support rooted in dignity, not pity.

Each week, roughly 200 individuals are served, supported by the local community.

“We are a small but mighty organization,” Wilson says.

For those wondering how to help, the answer is simple: start somewhere. A $35 donation can provide a full food box for a family, and a few hours of volunteering can help prepare and distribute meals.

“You don’t have to do everything,” Wilson says. “You just have to do something.”

Jesus Provisions Ministries founder Kerry

Wilson;

photo courtesy of Kerry Wilson

In a thriving community like Mount Juliet, need isn’t always visible - but it’s real. Jesus Provisions Ministries exists to meet that need with dignity, offering not just food, but connection and encouragement to hundreds each week. Founded by Kerry Wilson after her own season of hardship, the organization is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported. From a simple meal to a listening ear, their work goes beyond assistance - it restores hope. Because often, it’s not just about food. It’s about reminding people they’re not alone.

ARTICLE BY JOEY CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

42ND Phoenix BALL

‘A Gilded Affair:’ Cumberland University’s Annual Charity Event June 6

For four-plus decades, one evening has stood as the pinnacle of elegance and impact in Wilson County. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena will again transform into a beacon of philanthropy as Cumberland University presents the 42nd Annual Phoenix Ball. This year, the university is honored to have John and Traci Pope as the Ball Chairs, who have selected the theme, “A Gilded Affair."

The theme is more than just a nod to glamour; it's a celebration of both a "gilded past" and an "enduring future." For the Popes, serving as this year’s chairs is deeply personal. John Pope (‘96) is a devoted alumnus whose parents, Monty and Pace Pope, served the university with distinction for years, investing their time, talents and compassion into generations of CU students. Their leadership reflects a multigenerational commitment to the university’s success, rooted in the belief of "standing on the shoulders of those who came before us."

Each year, Phoenix Ball gathers alumni, friends, community leaders and devoted supporters in unified commitment to transforming lives through the power of education. “It's impossible to acknowledge the Phoenix Ball without recognizing the visionaries who established it. Early patrons and devoted volunteers understood that investing in Cumberland students is an investment in the future of our local community and beyond. Because of their generosity and leadership, the tradition continues to grow and impact new generations of students,” state the Popes.

From its earliest days, the Phoenix Ball was envisioned as more than a fundraiser.

It was created as a gathering place for those who believe in the missions of Cumberland: to empower students to rise, to discover their purpose and to lead lives of impact. Over 42 years, that vision has grown into a legacy that continues to shape the future of students who call Cumberland home. During the early years of the Ball, funds raised were used for various campus projects, including purchasing library books and carpeting Memorial Hall. In more recent years, the funds have been allocated to support scholarships for deserving students who need support over and above what they can receive from the Pell Grant, the Lottery scholarship, loans or private sources.

Many founding families remain involved in the Ball today, while new generations have stepped forward to carry the torch. That continuity is a testament to the strength of the Cumberland community.

“The spirit of giving is often sparked by a simple act of kindness,” says 98.9 WANT owner, Susie James, whose family has been involved since Cumberland’s first Ball. “The continued support of so many pillars of our community has truly blossomed into lifelong relationships continuing a cycle of investment and gratitude. The ripple effect extends into families, communities and future generations.”

This year, Susie has worked to lead the Ball’s Heritage Committee. Her passion for CU history has helped uncover treasured moments and past photos that highlight previous Phoenix Ball legends.

“Within Cumberland University’s shared belief of rising together to invest together, the Phoenix Ball legacy shines brighter than gold.”

Each ticket purchased, and each sponsorship secured, becomes part of a larger narrative of hope. This year’s sponsors once again demonstrate extraordinary commitment to that narrative. Their generosity makes the evening possible, ensuring every detail reflects excellence worthy of the cause it supports. Corporate partners, local businesses, alumni families and individual benefactors united with a shared understanding: the mission matters

“For my family, supporting Cumberland isn't a transaction; it’s a lifelong relationship. We believe in blooming where you’re planted, and there's no better soil than right here in our community,” says Alexa Moscardelli. “The Phoenix Ball is where this belief comes to life. It’s a homecoming where we share our stories and witness firsthand how our collective investment allows the next generation to rise. We aren't just supporting a school, we’re nurturing the roots of the place we call home.”

As the University's supporters reflect on 42 years of the Phoenix Ball, it's a reminder that this tradition is far from static. It is living, growing and sustained by those willing to invest in something greater than themselves. Every conversation, every toast and every shared laugh carries an undercurrent of gratitude. Gratitude for the students whose lives will be changed. Gratitude for the supporters who make that change possible. Gratitude for a university that has endured for nearly two centuries because a community continues to believe in it.

“John and Traci’s leadership this year reflects that gratitude,” says Cumberland University President, Dr. Paul C. Stumb. “By embracing the theme of 'A Gilded Affair,' they're reminding attendees that the most precious treasures aren't found in décor or attire, but in opportunity created and futures secured. Their dedication joins a distinguished line of Phoenix Ball Chairs whose service has shaped the trajectory of this beloved event. The Ball’s enduring success speaks to the heart of Lebanon, a community that values faith, family and the transformative power of education.”

“For my family, supporting Cumberland isn’t a transaction; it’s a lifelong relationship. We believe in blooming where you’re planted, and there’s no better soil than right here in our community.”

The phoenix symbolizes renewal, resilience and hope. Those qualities define both Cumberland University and the supporters who gather year after year. Together, they ensure students aren't defined by circumstance, but by possibility. Past patrons, those who first imagined the evening, the sponsors who continue to champion it, and to the countless volunteers whose hands and hearts make it flourish are a part of a lasting legacy not only in programs and scholarships, but in the lives of graduates who carry forward the lessons and opportunities they received.

The Phoenix Ball is not merely an event on the calendar. It is a belief, renewed each year, that we all continue to rise together, invest together and believe together in the life-changing power of education. It lives in classrooms where students are challenged and inspired, commencement ceremonies where families celebrate hard-won achievements and in communities strengthened by leaders shaped at Cumberland.

Tickets for “A Gilded Affair” are available online for $475 each. Again this year, the Phoenix Ball will feature unique and interesting items for live and online auctions.

PhoenixBall.com

CHOCOLATE and WINE

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.

Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

TIP 1: MATCH SUGAR WITH SUGAR

When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.

TIP 2: MATCH INTENSITY WITH INTENSITY

If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.

TIP 3: PAIR FLAVORS WITH FLAVORS

Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR

DARK CHOCOLATE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE

Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.

Pairs well with:

Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

Meet Elise

Where Storytelling Meets Community

I’ve called Mount Juliet home since 2011 (it's the town I've lived the longest in), and over the years, it’s become so much more than just the place we live - it’s where we’ve built our life.

It’s where my husband and I are raising our children, where neighbors have become lifelong friends, and where a growing city still somehow manages to feel deeply personal. There’s a rhythm to this community - one rooted in connection, generosity, and pride - and it’s something I’ve cherished from the very beginning.

Mount Juliet is the kind of place where people show up for one another. It’s in the small moments - a familiar face in the dance hallway, a quick conversation in the grocery store (or, in my case, at Homegoods or Target) a community that rallies when it matters most. That sense of belonging is something I’ve never taken for granted - something I never had growing up in the Chicagoland area, and it’s a big part of why this role means so much to me.

That’s what makes stepping into the role of editor for Mount Juliet City Lifestyle such a meaningful full-circle moment.

ARTICLE BY ELISE NEWKIRK | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY LOOKING GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

For the past 15 years, my career has been built around storytelling…Just from behind the scenes. As the founder of Elicity Public Relations, a Nashville-based entertainment and philanthropic publicity agency, I’ve had the opportunity to help artists, organizations, and brands share their stories on a national scale.

What began in 2011 as a passion for supporting independent artists has grown into a firm representing talent across country, Christian, Americana, bluegrass, pop, and comedy, as well as major events and philanthropic initiatives. Along the way, I’ve worked with artists like Ben Rector, Mason Ramsey, Brandon Lake, and Easton Corbin, and partnered with figures and organizations including MLB star Jake Burger (Texas Rangers) and Hop On A Cure - helping bring meaningful stories and missions to a broader audience. Through that work, I’ve been fortunate to help secure coverage across national platforms including Billboard, Rolling Stone,

Forbes , HuffPost , and People, along with features tied to major cultural moments and campaigns. I’ve also supported appearances on shows like LIVE with Kelly & Mark , Good Morning America , TODAY, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and CBS Mornings , helping clients step into national conversations in ways that feel both authentic and impactful.

Those experiences have shaped not only my career, but my perspectivereinforcing that the most powerful stories aren’t just the biggest ones, but the ones that resonate.

But at its core, my work has never just been about headlines.

It’s always been about people.

It’s about the artist chasing a dream, the organization serving others, and the everyday moments that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

And that’s exactly what drew me to this role.

This magazine is an opportunity to turn that same lens toward the place I call home - to highlight the small businesses, families, and individuals who are shaping Mount Juliet in ways both big and small. It’s about capturing the heart of this community and sharing it in a way that feels authentic, uplifting, and lasting.

Because while my career has taken me into studios, green rooms, national media outlets, and onto red carpets, the stories that matter most are often the ones happening right here in our own backyard.

I’m incredibly honored to be part of Mount Juliet City Lifestyle, and even more grateful to help tell the story of a community I love so deeply.

MAY 1ST-2ND

The Great Junk Hunt

The Fairgrounds Nashville - 401 Wingrove Ave., Nashville, Tenn. | 4:00 PM

The Great Junk Hunt is a round up of curated vendors selling their best goods, plus no party is complete without cocktails, music, and aisles of junkin' treasure. Discover vintage, rustic, farmhouse, industrial, re-purposed, handmade and much more.

MAY 8TH-9TH

85th Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival

110 Poplar Street, Portland, Tenn. | 5:00 PM

This year's theme is "Berry Proud to be an American." The festival kicks off on Friday, May 8th with the Strawberry Jam Concert & Fireworks! Enjoy live music, vendors, and fireworks at 8:30pm! Then Saturday, May 9th, enjoy 250+ vendors, multiple music stages, kids' area & magic stage and parade at 4pm to end the day!

MAY 9TH

Wilson County Vendor Market Mother's Day

210 Old LaGuardo Rd. West, Lebanon, TN, United States, Tennessee 37087 | 11:00 AM

Celebrate the special moms in your life with a beautiful day at the Wilson County Vendor Market Mother’s Day Market! Join us for a heartfelt community event filled with local vendors, unique gifts, and the perfect opportunity to shop, stroll, and make memories together. This will be the most curated market of the year for our special moms!

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MAY 16TH

Ferrell Farms Spring Market

Ferrell Farms - 1570 Beckwith Road, Mount Juliet, Tenn. | 9:00 AM

Celebrate Spring at Ferrell Farms! Join us on May 16th - our farm will have items for sale and the market will be open with plenty of fresh, local favorites. Strawberries will be in season along with other delicious spring crops! Our spring market will also feature local vendors, a petting zoo, kids activities, and food. There's something for everyone!

MAY 22ND

Breeden's Orchard Friday Night Market

Breeden's Orchard - 631 Beckwith Road, Mount Juliet, Tenn.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of local shopping, great food, drinks, and fresh air on the farm at Breeden's Orchard! Stroll through vendor booths featuring local makers and small businesses, grab dinner or treats from the market, and settle in with a drink while enjoying the open-air orchard setting.

MAY 28TH-30TH

Music City Rodeo

Bridgestone Arena - 135 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, Tenn. | 6:00 PM

Watch the world's best cowboys and cowgirls compete in authentic PRCA-sanctioned rodeo events at Nashville's first and only PRCA Pro

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction