Murfreesboro, TN September 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC ARTIST JD SHELBURNE STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD

LOCAL SERVICES

STYLING WOMEN IN NEED FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

HOME + DESIGN

CITY TILE & FLOOR SERVES MURFREESBORO FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS

Style Issue

Dear Reader,

Today I want to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Cassidy Polman, Editorial Coordinator, and the newest member of the editorial team here at Murfreesboro City Lifestyle Magazine. I look forward to taking part in connecting with businesses and people throughout our wonderful community to bring you the very best of what Murfreesboro has to offer.

I am proud to say I was born and raised in Tennessee. I have lived in several places throughout our state stretching from Kingsport to Murfreesboro, to Mt. Juliet. I am an MTSU alumna, where I studied English, literature, and language arts. Writing is my passion, and I am delighted to be a part of this incredibly devoted team here at City Lifestyle. Working within this community, in this capacity is something I will cherish forever.

I hope you enjoy this month's Style Issue! We are highlighting local businesses and people that embrace style in different ways including standing out from the crowd as an artist, finding inspiration, and giving back to the community.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Murfreesboro to uplift our spirits, boost our productivity, and ignite our creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Crystal Stephens | crystalstephensphotos@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Courtney Stockton, Staci Bishop, Crystal Stephens, Matthew Hibdon, Lisa Valentine, Rick Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Crystal Stephens Photography, John Goodwin

Photography, Logen Christopher

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Control Your Flow.

We believe that:

• The best care starts with listening, not dismissing

• Good health is about more than just your physical health

• You deserve a practical care plan that puts you on a path wellness

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @borocitylifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Middle Tennessee Electric Completes 100th Home Uplift Renovation

July marks a milestone as Middle Tennesse Electric (MTE), in partnership with TVA EnergyRight, celebrated the 100th Home Uplift energy renovation for qualifying residents. Through Home Uplift, MTE and TVA EnergyRight work with neighbors in need to provide meaningful home energy upgrades at no charge to reduce energy bills and improve air quality and comfort.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Breathe Easy Salt Rooms

Salt Therapy can provide relief from respiratory issues and skin conditions, enhance athletic performances, boost the immune system and improve your overall sense of well-being! breathesalt.com Breathe Easy Salt Rooms is located at 3138 South Church Street, Suite F, Murfreesboro, TN 37127.

Groundbreaking for Short's Crossing by Michael's Homes, LLC

Wednesday, August 2nd. Folks gathered for the groundbreaking for Short's Crossing by Michael's Homes, LLC. Location: Short's Crossing Subdivision, 500 Mathew Miller Drive, Smyrna, TN 37167. mymichaelshomestn.com "Building with Integrity, Fairness, and Honesty."

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Murfreesboro

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local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Everyone loves a closet refresh and stylish scene, so we’ve rounded up some of our picks for the most sophisticated and fashionable destinations that will have you feeling renewed as well as ready for the camera.

Our Picks for The Style Scene

J TAYLOR DESIGNS: Jamie Taylor and her team take your vision from just a dream to your dream home – from start to finish.  310 Uptown Square, Murfreesboro, TN

REFINERY MEDICAL: The ReFinery is a Veteran owned medical and aesthetics practice providing tailored solutions for patients. 1344 Saint Ives Ct, Murfreesboro, TN

TRENDY PIECES: A local treasure, Trendy Pieces has long been one of Murfreesboro's popular boutiques for contemporary women's clothing, shoes, accessories and so much more. 111 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN

MURFREESBORO FLOWER SHOP: Family owned and operated. For the best and freshest flowers in Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Flower Shop has exactly what you’re looking for! 1007 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN

SUGAREE'S BOUTIQUE: Since 2004 Sugaree's has brought to Murfreesboro, TN a curated collection of timeless styles. They enjoy working with independent and local artists. 122 South Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN

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SEPTEMBER 2023 Trendy

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Artistic Expression, Endless Inspiration

MTSU Art Galleries Showcase Creativity and Talent

With campus life back in full swing for this school year, our art galleries are open to display the talents of students, faculty, and alumni. In addition to exhibitions featuring the work of MTSU’s talented community, we also host visiting artists from around the globe. And you can see their beautiful creations for free in the Department of Art & Design’s gallery spaces in MTSU’s Todd Hall.

These venues serve as vital cultural spaces, fostering artistic expression and promoting engagement with our campus community and Middle Tennessee at-large.

Todd Art Gallery, our largest space, features a yearlong exhibition schedule that encompasses various mediums,

such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, and mixed media.

The 210 Gallery is a dedicated space for our students to curate a show and display their creative activity for their peers, faculty, and you. The exhibitions in this gallery rotate out quickly during a semester to give as many students as possible an opportunity to showcase their skills.

The exhibit spaces also give community members a way to give back to our students through sales of student art, and occasionally pieces from the shows on display. Last year, Todd Art Gallery hosted an exhibition of works by the late

“These venues serve as vital cultural spaces, fostering artistic expression and promoting engagement with our campus community and Middle Tennessee at-large.”

MTSU art professor, James S. Gibson. Working with Gibson’s family, the Department of Art and Design created a show of his sculptures and patrons were able to purchase his artwork to support a student scholarship fund.

For the last decade, Todd Art Gallery has featured the creations of local K-12 artists in the Winners’ Circle exhibition each May. This annual event curates works from students in Murfreesboro City Schools, Rutherford County Schools, and local private and home schools.

Each June, Todd Hall is a major hub of the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts (GSFTA). High school students

from across the state refine their craft and get a head start on their collegiate careers in the arts. The finale week of GSFTA features student concerts, theatre and dance productions, a film festival, and of course, an exhibit in Todd Art Gallery.

The current exhibition schedule and information about our academic programs in studio art and graphic design can be found online at mtsu.edu/art. Todd Hall’s art galleries are open MondayFriday from 8:30 am- 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 11 am- 4 pm. Parking is free on weekends, and metered parking is available during weekday hours. For more information about the gallery spaces, you can call (615) 898-5532 or email Eric.Snyder@mtsu.edu.

Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here... Now, you can live here!

Introducing Atrium at Fountains - luxury condominiums that are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains and Gateway Island Park. For more information, visit www.atriumatfountains.com!

STAND OUT STYLE

COUNTRY ARTIST

JD SHELBURNE SHARES ABOUT FASHION, MUSIC, AND STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

For Country artist JD Shelburne, a college internship in Kentucky gave him his first look at the ins and outs of the music industry and he eventually made his way to Nashville to pursue his Country music dreams. Now residing with his wife Amy Jo and three-year-old son Jax in Mount Juliet, Shelburne is passionate about style, not only when it comes to his music, but also with the fashion he wears.  While he’s always been interested in putting his best foot forward with his style, it was when he received his first invite to the Kentucky Derby that he decided to take his fashion game to the next level. The event was in the early days of his career, and he dove into designing his outfit as a way to get noticed at the red-carpet gala.

Shelburne started dreaming up his own designs for a colorful, rhinestone-studded “Nudie” suit, like the kind that has been worn by Country artists throughout the history of the genre. “I had them custom designed for me and I wore one to the first Derby [I attended],” remembers Shelburne. “I literally got interviewed by David Letterman’s intern, I mean I was on every newspaper. And I did that every year and I still do it. It’s kind of become a tradition…” he says of the hand-sewn suits that have been featured in the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. For years he’s dreamed up his own designs and had specialty suits made for him and for the past two years, he’s had custom scarves made by the legendary Western wear designer and tailor Manuel Cuevas.   CONTINUED >

This year, Shelburne wore a white jacket that was inspired by an outfit he’d seen Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts wear and had a rose-embroidered scarf made to match his wife’s pink dress. “We ended up taking the pink dress to Manuel and Manuel made the exact same floral design her dress had on my scarf. It looked so hot, I loved it…It’s a great conversation piece as an artist, people always asking where we get it. I love style for Derby. Derby’s all about style,” he says of his outfits.

The Country artist is also known to wear his red alligator cowboy boots on red carpets and carry his style over to his instruments, including his red Takamine acoustic guitar embellished with a silver cross.

Shelburne has had an exciting year as he has already played close to 100 shows since January. With the recent release of his sixth album Neon Hallelujah on July 18, he’s loved sharing his new music on tour this summer. The 14-song album is his longest album to date and even includes his own rendition of the gospel song “Amazing Grace” with the renowned Country group The Oak Ridge Boys. “[With] this album, I feel like I’ve grown as an artist,” explains Shelburne. “I feel like I’m a better singer. I’ve just got a better style of songs on this record. I’m just really excited for my fans to hear it…”

City Tile & Floor Covering Co.

Quality Tile and Flooring for More Than 65 Years

Style and home décor are often mistaken for superficial pursuits – after all, caring about how things look can seem shallow. However, curating the perfect home is not just an exercise in frivolity, rather, it can be an act of self-care. Interior designer Albert Hadley said it best when he mused, “Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one’s well-being.”

Fortunately for Murfreesboro’s well-being, many local businesses can provide home products and services to do just that. One such stand-out is City Tile &

Floor Covering Co., which has been dedicated to styling Murfreesboro for over sixty-five years.

City Tile specializes in carpet, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, laminates, hardwood, rugs, standard vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles, and more. And if you’ve watched enough fixer-upper shows, you’re well aware of how transformational new flooring and tile can be. Transforming a home with City Tile’s products and services is something that brings owner Andrew Young immense joy. “A home is one of the biggest purchases

a family makes; I love helping clients make their dreams come true by helping every step of the way.”

Perhaps Young enjoys serving the community so much because he’s very much a part of it. He was born and raised locally and is now raising his own family here. And for him, the flooring business is a family affair; he started working in the family flooring business in high school – starting in the warehouse and working his way up. He credits his father as his greatest mentor, saying he, “taught me everything I know.”

The staff, who Young calls, ‘the backbone of the company,’ have become like family too. Many of the installers who currently work with City Tile have worked with them for upwards of twenty years. That kind of longevity in a business partnership speaks to the kind of family environment that Young has fostered.

Young boasts of a talented and hard-working staff. And for good reason. Peruse City Tile’s online reviews and customer testimonials, and you’ll find endless praise for the staff’s excellent customer service, who strive to go above and beyond expectations.

It’s no wonder then, why the business has been around for more than sixty-five years. And you might make the mistake of thinking that a flooring company that’s been around since the nineteen fifties may not have as much of a pulse on the latest trends in interior design. But Young is very aware of modern designs and styles. “Flooring trends that we are currently seeing are in the lighter, more modern tones. A lot of clients are picking subway tiles for their backsplash

and showers. Also, they are understanding the value and durability of laminate flooring, which is extremely popular!”

In addition to offering a wide variety of product options (they have the largest showroom in middle Tennessee), from the mainstays that never go out of style to the hottest new trends, there’s a certain level of expertise that comes with over half a decade in the business. Sure, you could find similar offerings at big box stores, but the knowledge and consultative abilities of City Tile are truly unparalleled.

One client attested to this expert knowledge in his testimonial, describing his experience in working with a restoration company to address some water damage that occurred when a water pipe burst in his ceiling. Though the mitigation company was able to remove the moisture from the flooring, they ran into some roadblocks when they couldn’t answer questions for the insurance agency. The company, utterly baffled, gave up, so the customer went to Young’s team at City Tile and they immediately supplied the much-needed knowledge and expertise to resolve the issue. And his story is just one of many glowing testimonials.

It’s eminently clear that, in its multiple decades of serving Murfreesboro, City Tile is a family business that provides exceptional products, customer service, and expertise. So go ahead and transform your home into the place that inspires you and nourishes your well-being. City Tile, a local legacy, stands at the ready to make your dreams come true. citytile.net

“A home is one of the biggest purchases a family makes; I love helping clients make their dreams come true by helping every step of the way.”

Styled for Her Future

AMELIA’S CLOSET HELPS WOMEN IN NEED DRESS FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY’S JOB MARKET

AMELIA’S CLOSET

Imagine walking into a job interview where your skills and enthusiasm were overshadowed by a poor first impression from ill-fitting and out-of-date clothing. This is the case for many women trying to secure gainful employment following incarceration, addiction recovery, domestic violence, or divorce. Without access to proper workplace attire, pursuing a fresh start is even more challenging. That’s where Amelia’s Closet steps in to help.

Jody Powers founded Amelia’s Closet in 2015 after recognizing this unfulfilled need in the community. Demand was so great, they outgrew the mobile closet immediately. Now operating from their boutique, a personal shopper helps women choose two interview outfits complete with shoes, handbags, and accessories. The service also includes a full makeover from Georgia Career Institute.

Once clients have a job, Amelia’s Closet offers a second fitting to provide a week’s worth of mix-n-match apparel.

Powers says it’s incredible to watch the transformation during an appointment. These underprivileged women leave with a smile and better posture, like a weight has been lifted. The name Amelia means “hope” and that’s exactly what this organization strives to provide. One recipient shared, “You and the ladies made me feel so special and beautiful during a time in my life when I feel so beat down.”

The impact of Amelia’s Closet is largely due to volunteers and donors who provide a beautiful space for women to feel love and support as they embrace the next chapter of their lives. Tickets are also on sale now for Project ReStyle, a benefit fashion show and competition. Learn more at AmeliasCloset.org.

TRANSFORMING OLD STORAGE SPACES INTO NEW LIVING AREAS

Make Over Your Garage With Style

Home improvement is a never-ending process. New designs, improved materials, repurposed space – all these things and more can add style and value to the family home.

Since homebuilding began, there have been several improvement projects which have proven to be particularly popular with homeowners across the country. Closet upgrades, bathroom retrofits and kitchen redesigns top the list, with each improvement known to increase home utility and resale value.

However, despite the wide range of remodeling projects, one area of the home seems to have often been overlooked – the garage. Traditionally, most garages have been relegated to just being places to park vehicles and to store tools and outdoor equipment.

Recently, garages have begun to receive much needed attention from remodelers and homeowners. Spawned in part by the “man cave” and “she shed” trends, the humble vehicle storage area has found a new lease in life. Indeed, today’s garages are increasingly being transformed into extended living areas. While storage remains the dominant use for the space, it is now storage with style.

“Although the trend is a relatively recent phenomenon for many homeowners, we have actually been doing garage remodeling projects since 2000,” says Sandra Sokol, owner of Closets by Design of Nashville, Middle Tennessee’s leader in optimized storage solutions. “We did over 100 turnkey garage projects during 2021, and we will more than double that number this year.”

After spending years viewing garages through the filter of vehicle and tool storage,

many homeowners are unaware of the many different design options available for space transformation.

“Most redesign projects begin with the installation of custom cabinets,” says Sandra. “In our factory in Franklin, we manufacture our own cabinetry, including tall floor units, work benches, upper storage bins and rolling cabinets. By building our own cabinets, we can ensure that they are perfect dimensions for each garage.”

One of Closet by Design’s most popular cabinetry lines is their proprietary Silver II collection.

“The Silver II cabinets and accessories are crafted in black- and silver-colored materials,” says Sandra. “The modern color scheme coupled with special finishes give the Silver II line a sleek, industrial appearance, which is perfect for many customer garages.”

Along with cabinet replacement, Closets by Design also offers other storage upgrades, including their Design Wall coverings, which provide additional hardware and accessories for storing yard, gardening, sport and leisure items. They can also provide custom garage flooring solutions for further enhancing garage appearance and utility.

Homeowners seeking to upgrade their garages are often uncertain as to how to begin their projects. Fortunately, Sandra and her team make the process simple and painless.

“We begin every project by providing an in-home assessment during which we will discuss customer preferences and options,” says Sandra. “Subsequently, we will measure, design and price the project – all during the same appointment.

CONTINUED >

If the client is ready to move forward, we will complete the contracts and assign an installation date at the same time.”

As with all Closets by Design projects, customers are involved from start to finish.

“We want our clients to be fully involved in the design and pricing process,” says Sandra. “We encourage them to pick and choose all options, which enables them to establish their own budgets. All in all, it is a very comfortable and fun process for both our clients and our designers.”

To prepare for the project implementation, homeowners will need to temporarily clean out their garages of any boxes, tubs and other items taking up storage space. These items can be returned to the garage as soon as the cabinet and/or flooring installation is complete, which usually takes just one day.

Depending upon the size and complexity of the project, most projects can go from approval to completion within just a few weeks. Immediately thereafter, homeowners can begin to enjoy the storage and increased home value arising from their upgraded garage.

118 Fort Granger Drive, Franklin, TN 37064 615.261.8700

Nashville.ClosetsByDesign.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Cars for a Cause Benefits Liberty's Station

850 NW BROAD ST, MURFREESBORO, TN 37129 | 8:00AM TO 10:00AM

Car enthusiasts are invited to cruise over to Cars For A Cause At Liberty’s Station. The show is all about bringing awareness to those who are FUELED BY POTENTIAL. What a great way to show off your classic cars, including antiques, muscle cars, exotics, corvettes, mustangs and custom vehicles, to raise funds for Liberty's Station. libertysstationtn.org

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Main Street Murfreesboro- Friday Night Live Concert Series, Ultimate Oldies

1 SOUTH PUBLIC SQUARE, MURFREESBORO, TN 37130 | 6:30 PM

Main Street Murfreesboro throws a musical party on the courthouse square from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. There’s always room in front of the stage to cut a rug or bring a chair and enjoy the music sitting down. Have dinner at one of the locally owned downtown restaurants and do a little shopping around the square before the music begins. mainstreetmurfreesboro.org

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Sugarfoot FALL Arts & Crafts Festival

SUGARFOOT TN 1902 SMITH HALL RD, MURFREESBORO, TN 37130 | 10:00AM-4:00PM

Join Sugarfoot TN for the very 1st Sugarfoot TN Craft Show! They will feature Handmade Vendors Boutiques and other local small businesses both inside and out at the beautiful Sugarfoot wedding venue! sugarfoottn.com

SEPTEMBER 23RD-24TH

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

THE PARK AT HARLINSDALE FARM, 293 FRANKLIN RD, FRANKLIN, TN 37064

The whole family can enjoy two days of festivities and music at Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. Check out this year's amazing lineup of artists and grab your tickets at pilgrimagefestival.com.

OCTOBER 5TH-8TH

The Nashville Oktoberfest

600 JAMES ROBERTSON PKWY, NASHVILLE, TN 37243

Oktoberfest has something for EVERYONE! Delicious German foods from dozens of restaurants & vendors, world-class beer, tons of events, Arts & Crafts vendors, live German music, the Dachshund Derby, and the 2nd largest 5K Race & Run in Tennessee – plus so much more! General Admission is free. Visit thenashvilleoktoberfest.com to learn more.

OCTOBER 22ND

Second Mac Frampton Benefit Concert

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 265 W. THOMPSON LANE, MURFREESBORO TN, 37129 | 2:00 PM Pianist, Mac Frampton, brings his music back to Murfreesboro to benefit We Remember You--a nonprofit supporting caregivers of those with dementia. He plays Broadway, gospel, classical and patriotic music. macframpton.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Murfreesboro

Make a Statement

Style is more than what meets the eye; it’s a vibe that starts from within and shines outward. Crystal, a former cosmetologist, has always been all about beauty. But as time goes on, she’s realizing that real style is more than just outside appearances; it’s about staying healthy and happy!

Take a peek at some of Crystal’s favorite things that perfectly match her style. These aren’t just material possessions; they’re expressions of who she is - a mix of class, well-being, and individuality.

1. Beautycounter Personal Care Products. These products embody luxurious quality, safe ingredients, and efficacy. beautycounter.com/ crystalstephens

2. Burn Boot Camp- Experience the power of fitness within a supportive community. burnbootcamp.com

3. Nuuly- Stay up to date with the latest fashion trends without breaking the bank. Choose from the trendiest pieces that are delivered to your doorstep!  fbuy.me/uDgJZ

4. HeyNuts leggings- These leggings offer a cozy and snug fit, perfect for all-day wear, and they come at a wallet-friendly price of just $28.99. a.co/d/fhSMthz

5. L’avant- The perfect balance between modern home decor and non-toxic cleaning solutions. They have become Crystal’s absolute favorite for cleaners and soaps. rwrd.io/qru4jm1?c

6. Gorgeous high-end quality furniture at warehouse pricing? Meet Sara Sells, a unique once-amonth shopping experience in a curated warehouse where you can shop quality furniture for less. sarasells.com

Crystal Stephens, an accomplished creative in her own right, is the owner of Crystal Stephens Photography where she specializes in luxury portrait and wedding photography. She is a staff photographer for both Mount Juliet City Lifestyle and Murfreesboro City Lifestyle Magazines. Crystal also serves on the media team of New Tribe Church in Mt. Juliet.