At Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, it’s more than just an injury It’s about early answers, trusted teamwork, and helping patients get back to living fully Scan the QR code to read one patient’s story of working together, expert care, and a return to the moments that matter most.
Your health is our mission.
Our Promise: To provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a place as nurturing as home.
Cadence Academy Preschool is a private Christian preschool in Murfreesboro providing a high-quality, fun, Faith-Based learning environment for all children to develop and grow. We offer programs focused on values, for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning here at Cadence. If you are looking for the best preschool in Murfreesboro, look no further!
It’s a privilege to take a moment to reflect on the amazing women in our lives. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.
With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women — biological mothers and mother figures alike— who've made an unforgettable impact on us.
I recently was asked to participate in Nexstar Media’s broadcast production, Remarkable Women, which honored women from across the nation for the roles they played in their local communities. It was an emotional gathering to celebrate these women and a gentle reminder for me just how impactful we can be in our communities and how powerful we are when we seek to lead, inspire and celebrate each other. My mother always encouraged me to be independent and confident; to lead with graceful strength. Those same qualities were reflected in these women, and watching them celebrate that in each other was inspiring.
This month, as we honor additional, remarkable women, please also consider supporting local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Murfreesboro. These women bring so much to the table. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.
Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!
STACIE GREGORY, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @INSTAHANDLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Jon Gregory | jon.gregory@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stacie Gregory | stacie.gregory@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lynn Caldwell/Parks & Recreation
marketing coordinator, Julie Brown Patton, Kali Kasorzyk, Matthew Sousa
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eric Ahlgrim, Madison McKay Photography, Mario Charles, Tatum Swoape, Kim Linville Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
1: The Listening Room celebrated 20th Anniversary with sold-out show at the Historic Ryman Auditorium. 2: MCL Publication Director Stacie Gregory worked Nexstar Media Group’s Remarkable Women national celebration in Nashville. 3: BWWGO (Buffalo Wild Wings Go) opened in Murfreesboro at 2943 S. Rutherford.
HOLLOWAY ACCOUNTING TEAM KEEPS CLIENT FINANCES UP-TO-DATE AND ACCURATE
As one of the leading certified public accountant firms in Rutherford County since 2016, the professional, all-female team at Holloway Accounting Services, LLC states they take pride in providing clients with top-quality accounting services. "We’re not your typical accountants, though; we focus on clients' daily, weekly and monthly financial tasks. Then we work with their tax professionals to ensure their taxes are optimized," assures founder and owner Ashley Holloway, CPA,CGMA, CFE.
This Murfreesboro native earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She's also a certified fraud examiner and chartered global management accountant who's affiliated with the Tennessee Society of Certified Public
Accountants, American Institute of CPAs, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
Ashley serves on the Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital Board of Directors, the Smart Bank Advisory Board in Rutherford County, and is an active member of The Charity Circle of Murfreesboro. She also is past president of the Junior League of Murfreesboro.
The Murfreesboro-headquartered Holloway Accounting firm primarily serves as an outsourced accounting department for small- to mid-size companies. Ashley elaborates, "We work directly with business owners to implement strategies designed to focus on generating revenue, save on expenses and streamline business processes."
This team located at 237 Castlewood Dr., Ste. F, assists in forming new businesses by registering the entity with the appropriate federal, state and local agencies, ensuring all necessary and applicable licenses, permits and tax accounts have been established.
For existing businesses, they offer a variety of services, including bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, payroll, monthly sales tax preparation, internal control manuals, workers' and compensation audits. "We develop personalized plans for clients to help them achieve their financial goals," Ashley says.
As resource network providers, the Holloway Accounting team also can refer clients to trusted business staffs who provide assistance in additional areas such as technology, insurance, banking and employee benefit programs.
"We develop personalized plans for clients to help them achieve their financial goals. This may include monthly meetings to discuss financials and to evaluate for tax advantages, advising on additional revenue opportunities, reviewing expenses for cost savings, analyzing budget to actual performance, and preparing ratio and trend analyses, budgeting and forecasting," says Ashley. "We also offer strategic planning with cash flow management and projections, as well as development of dashboards and performance metrics for measuring and managing operations."
Additionally, the Holloway Accounting team offers a complete range of payroll processing and recording services. They can create new-hire packets and employee handbooks.
Ashley says the team provides software research and support for clients suitable for their business. "We're a QuickBooks online certified ProAdvisor and can assist with configuring and implementing accounting software solutions that fit a company's needs."
She says the team prides themselves on strong communication, as well as being proactive, responsible, dependable and ethical, all while operating each day with integrity.
"We understand business owners are focused on their company's success. That's why we like to think of ourselves as partners to our clients in their pursuit of profit," Ashley states.
615.690.4777
Flourish Dental Care and Wellness founder and owner Rachelle Fleury-Williams, DDS, says she and her colleagues are dedicated to changing the way patients experience dentistry and to address any misconceptions concerning oral discomfort.
"Our practice combines integrative, evidence-based dental care with a warm and calming environment. Whether you're looking to improve your smile, treat dental sleep apnea or finally feel comfortable at the dentist, we’re here to support your journey with modern technology, natural alternatives and personalized attention," explains the practitioner of nearly a dozen years.
"For those who've ever felt anxious about visiting the dentist, we’d love to show you how different it can be. My focus is always on building trust and making patients feel seen, heard and supported."
Upon opening the office during this March in Murfreesboro at 2121 NW Broad St., Ste. E, she says she wanted to create a non-judgmental environment with a comforting bed-andbreakfast vibe. "It's important to concentrate on the quality of appointments and ensuring patients receive important education and details to safeguard their oral and overall health," she adds.
Dr. Fleury-Williams is an active member of the Tennessee Dental Association and the American Dental Association. She's also certified in Invisalign, Dental Sleep Medicine
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIO CHARLES
and ALD Laser Dentistry, and is committed to an integrative, wholebody approach that considers every aspect of her patients’ overall health, including gum health, alignment and overall health. She also serves as an advisory board member and volunteer dentist for Interfaith Dental Clinic, a nonprofit dedicated to serving underserved populations in Davidson and Rutherford Counties.
Flourish clinic's far-ranging services span preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, along with laser therapy, dental implants, crowns, bone grafting, tooth extractions, teeth whitening, dental bonding, Invisalign and periodontal care.
She treats patients aged 3 and older, with some younger children of adult patients welcome to attend appointments as well to sit in their parents' laps as a nurturing way to become familiar with dental visits.
"One's oral health is deeply connected to the rest of the body. Studies show untreated dental issues can contribute to systemic
problems like heart disease, diabetes and inflammation. When your dental care supports total-body health, you help prevent these issues before they start and enjoy benefits that go far beyond your smile," states Dr. Fleury-Williams.
In fact, she says she often explains to uninformed periodontal patients who've been told before seeing her that they simply need "deep cleaning for gum disease" about what's actually happening related to gingivitis, what could happen if it's not treated and what research now indicates about direct links to diabetes, Alzheimer's
and heart disease from three or four major bacteria groups found in human mouths with uncontrolled gum disease.
"Bodies that are tied up fighting oral inflammation can't appropriately control blood pressure and sugar levels, for example," she states.
In addition to getting thorough answers about oral health challenges, patients frequently come to the Flourish practice to secure recommendations for fluoride-free toothpaste, homeopathic products, natural mouth rinses, BPA-free materials and "cleaner" dental supplies.
Patients can receive specialized laser therapy for more rapid healing of gingivitis, too.
As a self-professed guide to treatment options that lead to the best outcomes for dental patients, Dr. Fleury-Williams says patients also participate in discussions about options, and are shown 3D scans and X-rays of their teeth as they both share the quest of discovering the best oral health approaches, based on each patient's dental circumstances, diet, genetics, lifestyles, aesthetic goals, pain levels and overall health.
615.410.4748
FlourishDentalWellness.com
MURFREESBORO CL CHATS WITH TRI STAR
TITLE/ESCROW OWNER SHERI MORGAN
Tri Star Title & Escrow, LLC owner Sheri Morgan says she and her Murfreesboro-based team have delivered what's known as 'The Tri Star Advantage' for comprehensive escrow services, settlements and title insurance since 2005. The team's "worry-free closing process" spans title insurance; settlements guided by objective agents; as well as escrow services for which the team holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer's and seller's instructions. Their performance earned an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau professionals.
"In a city like Murfreesboro, where new subdivisions, developments and land transactions happen every day, having local experts manage title insurance is vital," Sheri states, from their office at 1535 W. Northfield Blvd., Ste. 16.
On a personal level, Sheri shares the impact she hopes to leave on the local community is rooted in how people feel after they’ve interacted with her, "not just what I’ve done for them professionally."
615.425.3350
TriStarTitleAndEscrow.com
WITH TITLE COMPANIES ACTING AS NEUTRAL, THIRD PARTIES IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO ENSURE SELLERS LEGALLY OWN ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES, HOW ESSENTIAL IS IT TO CHECK BACKGROUNDS AND REPUTATIONS OF TITLE COMPANIES BEFORE CHOOSING THEM?
“In our role as a neutral third party, we’re responsible for far more than facilitating paperwork. We are entrusted with verifying legal ownership, identifying and resolving title issues, and safeguarding significant sums of money throughout the closing process. That level of responsibility requires not only technical expertise, but also integrity, operational discipline and a commitment to compliance.
Reputation in this industry is earned over time and reflects how consistently a company delivers on those
responsibilities. A well-established title company will have strong internal controls, experienced staff and proven processes to prevent errors, detect fraud and ensure that every transaction is handled with precision. Conversely, choosing a company without a solid track record can expose buyers and sellers to unnecessary risk from delayed closings to unresolved title defects or even financial loss.
Ultimately, selecting a title company should not be an afterthought. It's a critical decision that directly impacts the security and success of a real estate transaction. Working with a trusted, reputable firm provides peace of mind that the deal will be handled correctly, ethically and with the level of care it deserves.”
IN TODAY'S CLIMATE, WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A PROPERTY TITLE THAT'S "CLEAN?"
“In today’s real estate climate, having a 'clean' property title means more than just confirming a seller’s name is on a deed, it means the property is legally clear, marketable and free of any issues that could challenge ownership now or in the future.
From a title company owner’s perspective, a clean title reflects a thorough and well-documented history of ownership, with no unresolved risks attached to it. In practical terms, it means:
• There are no unpaid obligations tied to the property such as mortgages, tax liens, contractor liens or judgments that could follow the property after closing.
• The title shows a consistent, traceable history of ownership with no gaps, disputes or questionable transfers. Every prior conveyance has been properly recorded and executed.
• There are no pending lawsuits, boundary disputes or competing claims to ownership that could surface after the transaction.
• All documents, deeds, releases and easements have been correctly filed, indexed and reflect the true status of the property.
• Any easements, restrictions or covenants are disclosed and understood, and none materially interfere with the buyer’s intended use of the property.”
“As your locally owned, communitydriven title and escrow team, we handle the paperwork and deadlines so clients can focus on what matters most : settling into their new journey with confidence.”
“Protect property investments with our comprehensive title insurance. We ensure peace of mind and security for transactions by supporting buyers, sellers, agents and lenders with thorough title work, accurate escrow handling and smooth settlements. For 21 years, Tri Star’s delivered secure, reliable, communityrooted closing services.”
YOUR COMPANY MANAGES ESCROW FUNDS, ISSUES TITLE INSURANCE POLICIES AND HANDLES CLOSINGS. HOW LONG DO TITLE SEARCHES TYPICALLY TAKE?
“It depends, but most standard title searches are completed within a few days to about a week.
For a typical residential transaction with a straightforward history, a title search can often be turned around in two to five business days. In many markets, especially with strong digital records and experienced examiners, we can move even faster when needed.”
WHAT CHARITABLE CAUSES OR NONPROFIT INITIATIVES DO YOU OR YOUR STAFF SUPPORT?
• Journeys in Community Living [a nonprofit based in Murfreesboro that supports adults with disabilities in choosing and realizing their visions of where and how they live];
• Special Kids [a nonprofit agency in Murfreesboro that provides pediatric therapy, personalized nursing, compassionate care, hope and healing to children with special health care needs, such as speech therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy, plus a respite day camp for children and young adults with disabilities between the ages of 11 to 25 years old];
“From handling escrow and holding funds to managing title insurance and closing details, we coordinate every moving part with care and precision as experienced settlement agents.”
• Child Advocacy Center [a local social services organization whose staff assists and protects endangered youths, by working with both the Murfreesboro and Smyrna police departments covering Rutherford and Cannon counties];
• First Shot [camps, clinics, lessons and programs to teach kids sports, character development and life skills; Coach Andy Herzer has been helping Rutherford youths learn basketball and practical knowledge through First Shot since 2003. Many people know him as Coach Herzer from the 18 years he spent coaching the Division I basketball team at Middle Tennessee State University and UNC-Asheville].
ANY MANTRAS BY WHICH YOU LIVE?
“Do it right, even when no one is watching” ~as famously noted by C.S. Lewis and J.C. Watts.
"Integrity isn’t situational. The small, unseen decisions are the ones that define your character over time."
OFFICES. SHARED ENERGY. SMARTER WORK. Join our thriving business community while space lasts!
Located in the vibrant Fountains at Gateway community, Studio Suites features turnkey, furnished corporate suites accommodating up to 20 team members and a full complement of luxurious amenities.
With only one Corporate Suite and two Team Offices currently available, Studio presents a unique opportunity to elevate your workspace at Fountains. Designed for modern teams, these suites feature cutting-edge technology, refined finishes, and flexible monthly leasing. Act now while these openings last!
Studio Operator Brooke Trumbower Helps Members Lift, Tone, Burn Calories At Pure Barre Murfreesboro While Being Gentle To Body Joints
Many women seek to build strength and endurance while improving balance and flexibility. One close-knit, community fitness program is designed to do just that.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATUM SWOAPE
“Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and it was a dream of mine to own a PB studio," recalls Pure Barre Murfreesboro franchise owner Brooke Trumbower. As of
2022, she fulfilled her dream by purchasing and operating the local Pure Barre boutique studio at 1970 Medical Center Parkway, Ste. C.
Brooke says their low-impact fitness approach for full-body workouts uses tools such as a barre, weights, exercise balls, resistance tubes and small isometric movements to tone the full body. "We’re consistently working the core, glutes, thighs and arms to build strength and endurance,” she adds. “It’s a challenging, results-driven workout, while also pushing past limits and creating that strong mind-body connection.”
Brooke's been a fitness instructor for two decades, a Pure Barre participant since 2014 and a Pure Barre teacher for nearly four years. She discovered Pure Barre during pregnancy while searching for workouts that would lengthen and tone her muscles while being gentle on her joints. "I love
“We welcome everyone, and offer modifications so all participants are in charge of how intense they want to make classes,” assures Brooke.
teaching all the PB formats because they challenge me as well, and are such amazing workouts for all fitness levels."
Full classes are 50 minutes; all sessions focus on strength, however there's variety in each of the formats.
Classic is the signature barre class set to music and incorporating a full-body barre workout, with high repetitions of small movements aimed to strengthen, tone and improve flexibility.
Empower provides a cardio-centric workout that increases heart rates and metabolism.
Align focuses on balance and flexibility.
Define is a fusion of barre and weightbased strength training to develop muscular strength and power.
Reform is a low-impact, Pilatesinspired workout to build strength and sculpt muscles using resistance bands, sliders and the barre.
This Murfreesboro studio offers hours for each day of the week, to accommodate all schedules, with some starting at 5:30 a.m. and running through 7 p.m. Those new to Pure Barre can schedule a complimentary sample class. This August, Pure Barre Murfreesboro will celebrate its 13th anniversary, while the Pure Barre brand turns 25 this July.
"We welcome everyone, and offer modifications so all participants are in charge of how intense they want to make classes," assures Brooke.
615.203.3129
Purebarre.com/location/Murfreesboro-TN
ARTICLE BY LYNN CALDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION
After working for a historic house museum for 17 years and with a degree in history and education, working at Cannonsburgh Village was an easy transition for Mary Beth and a perfect one for Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
Starting in 2021 as an assistant program coordinator, she's worked hard to bring in special guests for presentations and to create reallife connections that bring history to life. She also opened up the village so its buildings are more accessible to everyone and guests can walk in and fully experience them, especially during popular annual events like Pioneer Days and Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh.
“I never know what the day holds,” laughs Mary Beth. “I could be chasing chickens, handling antiques, researching history or booking entertainment. But most of all, my favorite thing is meeting people from all over the world.”
When Mary Beth isn’t at Cannonsburgh, she’s busy spending time with her husband and two boys. She enjoys doing puzzles and loves Hallmark Christmas movies.
“I've been engaged with recreation and had a special connection with the parks since I was a young child,” recalls Gloria.
Growing up in Murfreesboro, her family always played an active role in parks, from movies at Patterson Park Community Center, parks and playground activities, sports and fashion shows to now being involved in major events such as the Special Olympics, new facility celebrations and even serving as the grand marshal of the 2023 Christmas Parade.
In Gloria's role on the commission, she loves assisting with finding ways to make programs and events accessible to everyone.
She credits the leadership and intellectual vitality of the department's staff for having an incredible understanding and passion for what they're creating, and is proud of how it all sets Murfreesboro apart from other communities.
Gloria says she also feels the new Veterans Park will be a “game changer” for the community, and she can’t hardly wait.
Before retiring, she spent 44 years in education and 33 years of that service with MTSU, including her role as dean of education. This community leader is the definition of what commitment to community looks like.
Running around the 130-acre Richard Siegel Soccer Complex and sometimes managing up to 3,000 athletes in a week is no easy task, but it's one in which Sam absolutely thrives. Her attention to detail shines through, and has served her well in positions starting at the Wilderness Station in 2014, moving to Aquatics and then finally settling down in Athletics in 2022 — after
a brief stint in China and getting her doctorate degree in human performance. The most surprising aspect of her position now is how diversified it is: everything from scheduling rentals, doing field work and running programs like the Special Olympics. Many large events are hosted on-site such as MLS NEXT, National USYS National Championships and the TSSAA State Championships in Boys’ Soccer and Girls’ Flag Football; these events always add an exciting element to the job.
In her free time, Sam loves to play tennis, read fantasy books, watch Disney movies and play with her two dogs, Chalooby and Roz.
“Every day is different. I enjoy that we're entrusted to create and run programs that we want to offer to the community,” shares Sam. “I'm also a Special Olympics coach for cornhole, bocce and cheer, which is one of the very best parts of my job. I really love what I do, and it’s just fun.”
“Skin
-Martha-Marie Edwards
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
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 9TH
Cannonsburgh Village | 10:00 AM
Celebrate creativity and talents of Murfreesboro Art League members in the Village until 4 p.m. Enjoy live art demonstrations, plein art painting, kid’s activities and a variety of vendors. Stop by the Murfreesboro Art League Gallery, stroll through the village, shop with vendors, meet talented member artists and purchase original artwork directly from them. Information: call 615.890.0355 or email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.
MAY 16TH
Downtown Murfreesboro | 9:00 AM
This musical festival is operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group, stemming from imaginations of a handful of toe-tapping music lovers in Middle Tennessee. Bringing bluegrass back to the ‘Boro is the main focus, but bringing the community together for contests, local vendors and local artists is a welcome bonus. Evening show is located upstairs at the Walnut House. Tickets/info: GallagherFest.com.
MAY 30TH
Oaklands Mansion | 6:30 PM
Guests will enjoy a springtime dinner buffet and full bar by Julie’s Bartending Service. Summer cocktails will be hand-crafted by Prichard’s Distillery. The weather may be warm, but the attire will be casual, and the drinks will be cold. The Home Sweet Home Band will perform traditional folk and bluegrass, in addition to some old-time and historical music as well.
