Music City, TN November 2025

Design Matters

Thankful for the Little Things

It’s hard to believe it’s already November! I love the sense of calm that comes between the excitement of October and the hustle of December — as we step into this season of giving, we are often given gentle reminders of how special the smallest of things truly are. Whether it’s the calm — and slight chaos — of having all your family under one roof, the aroma of familiar fall scents floating through the kitchen, or simply the cozy feeling of stepping into your home after a long day, November is all about slowing down to soak in the little moments we may take for granted.  Thanksgiving reminds us the true gift is found in connection. Our family, friends, and neighbors play such a special role in our lives and in this issue, we are excited to shine a light on local businesses that thrive on community. May your hearts be full — and your plates even fuller!

MORGAN RAUM, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @MUSICCITY.CITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Matt Giarratano | matt.giarratano@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Morgan Raum

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Curt Simshauser, Emma Manning

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn how

Proverbs 3:5-6

LOCAL

VINTAGE GOODS

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Nashville showed up in style for the release of the Music City | City Lifestyle September Style Issue, and what a night it was! Hosted at the trendy Nash Injections by Hannah, the event brought together some of the most creative and stylish minds from across the city. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as guests enjoyed hand-crafted drinks from The Fab Tap, mouthwatering tacos by Wacamole, and cheese & snacks by Board & Cheesy. The experience was elevated with a live tattoo station by @mr.wright_tat2. Smiles and snapshots flowed freely at the Nashville Smile Bar photo booth, capturing memories and moments with flair. Adding the perfect soundtrack to the night, Kory Wheeler. From fashion to food, art to music, the celebration was a true reflection of what makes Music City shine- a vibrant community of creatives coming together in style.

8-14: What a fun and inspiring night with interior designer, Kevin Corn, who hosted the Mulligan's Nashville pop-up at Kevin's stunning studio and antique shop. The space was the perfect setting to showcase Mulligans’ heirloom-quality furnishings and accessories. A custom drink menu was served by The Fab Tap, and a beautiful spread by Board & Cheesy. For over 40 years, Mulligans USA has honored early American craftsmanship, with each piece hand-finished in Southern California. Guests had the chance to explore their timeless designs up close, surrounded by Kevin’s curated charm and hospitality- a truly special night for the design community in Nashville.

THE SKIN FAIRY NASHVILLE

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Antiques & Garden Show Returns with “American Elegance”

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, presented by Northern Trust, returns to the Music City Center Jan. 9 – 11 with the theme, “American Elegance,” featuring shopping from 150+ antique and horticultural dealers, garden showcases, the esteemed lecture series, and special events. Show proceeds benefit Cheekwood, a historic estate serving as a public botanical garden, arboretum and museum, and ECON Charities, which partners with local nonprofits that share its mission in strengthening Nashville families. antiquesandgardenshow.com

WHERE NASHVILLE COMES TO SMILE

Welcome to our brand new dental office in the Capitol View area (North Gulch) of Nashville. Modern, state of the art practice focused on building relationships and confidence. We meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.

Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.

Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.

To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout. CONTINUED >

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries

• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.

Prep Meals & Set the Table 2-3 DAYS BEFORE

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks 1 DAY BEFORE

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

Cooper Alan's COUNTRY DEBUT

From Viral Fame to Genuine Storytelling: Cooper Alan on Slowing Down, Growing Up, and Staying Authentic

ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CURT SIMSHAUSER

Cooper Alan’s debut album, Winston-Salem , drops November 7, showcasing his signature mix of heartfelt storytelling and high-energy anthems. With over 13 million followers worldwide and the recent launch of The Cooper Alan Foundation to support mental health initiatives, he continues to cement

his place as one of country music’s most authentic and dynamic voices. We had the opportunity to chat with him one-on-one to find out more about his journey, life, and career!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR UPCOMING DEBUT RECORD! WHAT DO YOU HOPE FANS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS NEW ERA OF MUSIC?

Thanks! We’re really excited to finally be releasing a full album for the fans. I hope they can feel the authenticity of this record. Many of the songs—especially on the Winston side—reflect what I’m going through at this stage of my life. A lot of it centers around becoming a dad later this year, and all the perspective that comes with that. I just hope listeners hear something they can relate to. Some songs are deep, some are real life, and some are straight-up party songs, but they’re all authentically me.

IS THERE A SPECIFIC SONG ON THE ALBUM YOU ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

“Starting To Show ” is definitely my favorite on the album. That song makes me tear up every time I hear it! Going through life with my wife, Hally, is such a blessing. This phase in life has just allowed our bond to grow stronger and deeper than we ever thought it could. She’s going to be an amazing mom and example for our family.

TOURING AND RECORDING CAN BE ALL-CONSUMING. HOW DO YOU CARVE OUT TIME FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES?

It’s all about time management, really. I try to make a habit of putting family first; regardless of what’s going on. I certainly don’t succeed all the time. However, time with Hally—and, going forward, time with our daughter—is non-negotiable in my life. On the road, Hally and I try to spend time together each day; whether it’s going to the gym, watching TV, or experiencing something cool in a new city. You’ve got to make time for all that, or what’s it all worth?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE IN NASHVILLE?

As much as we travel, Hally and I both love simply being at home when we’re in Nashville. Doing things around the house, watching shows, and enjoying good food are what make us happiest

during the week. We make it a priority to spend dedicated time in our faith every day. We also try to see friends as often as we can. Occasionally, if I feel like torturing myself, I’ll play a terrible round of golf.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IS AN EXTRA SPECIAL ONE FOR YOUR FAMILY! HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE?

Our baby girl is due in mid-December, so this holiday season will definitely be different, but so much fun. I can’t think of a better way to spend our favorite time of year than figuring out how to be parents. We’ll be in North Carolina, closer to both of our families, which will be nice.

HOW HAS FATHERHOOD ALREADY CHANGED THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR CAREER AND THE MESSAGES YOU WANT TO SHARE THROUGH YOUR MUSIC?

My creative process usually comes down to either writing something a little out of the box and crazy, writing about what I’m going through, or both. My twenties were filled with a lot of fast-paced, always trying to get to the next level, kind of thinking. Once fatherhood became a reality, and as I get closer to 30,

I’ve found it so important to slow down and savor every moment of the journey. I’ve also grown much stronger in my faith, thanks to Hally, and all of that has pushed my music in a more introspective direction.

WHAT IS ONE LESSON YOU HOPE TO TEACH YOUR DAUGHTER AS SHE GROWS UP WATCHING YOU CHASE YOUR DREAMS?

You definitely have to work your butt off if you’re chasing a dream! You’ve got to learn how valuable it can be to have someone tell you “no.” It drives you to keep improving, and to stay persistent through the tough times. If you believe in yourself, wholeheartedly, nobody can stop you. Above all, I want her to know that at the end of the day, life isn’t about how successful you are, or how successful your career is. It’s about how you walk in your faith and how

you treat people. It’s taken me a while to reach this point, and I’m certainly still not where I want to be. Keeping this mindset at the forefront has been the most freeing thing I’ve ever done in my professional life. It’s also helped me become more creative and efficient in my work.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR IN 2025?

100%—learning that we’re going to be parents! Professionally, we’ve had our best year of touring yet. Just the fact that we’ve been able to live our dream for another year is something I’m so thankful for. I’m beyond grateful to the fans who show up and support us on the road at every show, and for their support and encouragement on this album. It’s been a long, amazing journey to get here, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!

Follow along for more on social media @cooperalanmusic!

APRIL LOCKHART

Style, Confidence and Community—Disabled & Takes Root in Nashville

When April Lockhart packed her bags for Nashville four years ago, she thought it would be a temporary move. “It was a total COVID move—just looking for a change of pace,” she recalls. “I was working remotely in New York City in influencer marketing for a clean makeup brand. We were originally planning to move to the West Coast, but thought, maybe we should try Nashville instead. We got an Airbnb for a month—and we never left. It just felt like home right away.”

It didn’t take long for her to understand why. “It’s been so easy to find friends and community in Nashville. People are genuinely kind and willing to help,” she says. “And since there are so many transplants, everyone sort of shares that same newness—it’s easy to connect.”

Before becoming known for her confident, fashion-forward presence online, April worked behind the scenes in beauty marketing. “I went to school for marketing, and being a content creator was never part of the plan,” she says. “But I’ve always loved sharing on the internet—it’s just how I’ve expressed myself.”

In 2022, April decided to take a leap that would transform everything. After years of posting fashion content while keeping her limb difference off-camera, she began a 30-day outfit challenge called Normalizing Disabled Fashion Girlies. “I pressed post and didn’t look at it for a day,” she remembers. “The next morning, the video had around 30,000 views—and 50,000 the next day. That was the turning point for me.”April's style ranges from preppy with an edge to polished 70s flair. She loves leather, studs and color, and she has woven her love of music and a theme into her wardrobe.

The video opened a door she hadn’t realized was waiting for her. “People started messaging me saying they’d never seen

anyone with a limb difference embrace fashion that way,” she says. “That’s when I understood how powerful it could be just to show up as myself.”

Since that first viral moment, April’s influence has extended far beyond her feed. She’s modeled for major brands like Victoria’s Secret and Anthropologie, appeared in publications such as Vogue and The Cut, and in 2025, was recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Through it all, her mission has remained clear: to create spaces where people with disabilities feel celebrated, seen, and stylish.

That mission now lives through Disabled& , a community she founded this year to connect and empower disabled creatives. “It

“Walking the runway for Victoria’s Secret’s adaptive collection was the first time I’d been surrounded by so many people with disabilities. I walked into a room where everyone looked different, so no one looked at me differently. I left thinking, ‘Wow, this is so fulfilling, and I want more of this.’”

really came from a deep desire for community,” she explains. “For so long, I knew so many people with disabilities online, but I had never been around them in person. I wanted to change that.”

The idea crystallized after she walked in Victoria’s Secret’s adaptive runway show during New York Fashion Week. “You walk into a room where everyone looks different, and no one looks at you differently,” she says. “It was the most fulfilling experience— and I knew I wanted more of that feeling.”

Disabled& was built to capture that sense of belonging and creative energy. Through events, dinners and collaborations, April is redefining what representation looks like—bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries who share a lived experience.

“We’re hosting a Friendsgiving dinner in November, a kids’ event in December, and next spring, our first-ever retreat here in Nashville,” she says. “It’s all about creating moments where people can connect and dream together.”

Each Disabled& gathering centers around conversation, collaboration, and celebration. “It’s a reminder that disability isn’t just an identity—it’s also a source of creativity, style and power,” April says. “The people I meet through Disabled& are some of the most driven and inspiring individuals I’ve ever known.”

Her journey—from sharing fashion posts online to building an international platform for inclusion—has not only reshaped her career but also her confidence. “I’m so much more comfortable in my own skin now, inside and out,” she reflects. “It’s taken time, but I really feel at peace with myself—and excited to keep building spaces where everyone belongs.”

APRIL'S NASHVILLE FAVORITES

When she's not hosting Disabled& events or working on a new video, April Lockhart enjoys exploring Nashville's creative side. "I walk to Osa every day for coffee—it's my little ritual," she says. April also loves Forevermore for coffee and their curated selection of sustainable gifts. For dinner, she loves the cozy charm of Margot Café & Bar and the reminder of her time in New York at the new Pastis location. While Black Shag, Thrift Smart and Southern Thrift are her go-tos for vintage finds.

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AT THE CORE LOVE

The Store Launches 2nd Location to Double Impact and Fight Hunger Across Middle Tennessee

In Middle Tennessee, where food insecurity continues to rise at alarming rates, The Store stands as a beacon of hope, dignity, and resilience. Founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store operates not as a traditional food bank, but as a free grocery store where families can shop for healthy, nutritious food in a dignified environment. Every customer is empowered to choose from a wide range of options, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and specialty items that meet vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs.

The Store’s mission extends far beyond filling shelves. By partnering with local organizations, the nonprofit integrates wrap-around services such as counseling,

ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO

budgeting, and nutrition education to address the root causes of food insecurity. This holistic approach is designed to not only meet immediate needs but to help families build long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Today, however, the need is greater than ever. Food insecurity is at an all-time high, and The Store currently has a waiting list of more than 2,000 families. “When we saw the need, we knew we needed an additional location that is three times the size of the current store,” said Colleen Mayer, CEO of The Store. The new location, set to open in early January 2026, will serve an additional 1,000 families each year.

Construction for the expansion began even before full funding was secured, underscoring the urgency of the mission. So far, $3.3 million has been raised, but $1.7 million is still needed to complete the project. The new location will also require doubling the number of volunteers to meet demand.

To deepen community engagement, The Store hosts monthly Lunch and Learn sessions, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to discover ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, sponsoring initiatives, donating resources, or spreading awareness, every effort helps move the mission forward.

At its heart, The Store is about more than groceries—it is about restoring dignity, nurturing families, and building stronger communities. With the new expansion on the horizon, the nonprofit continues to embody its guiding principle: Love at the Core. By working together, Middle Tennessee can ensure that every neighbor has access not only to food, but to the dignity and hope that come with it.

For more information or to get involved, visit thestore.org  & follow along at @thestore_nashville

We don’t just list homes. We make them impossible to ignore.

Trusted by artists, executives, and the quietly successful.

Luxury Real Estate • Nashville, TN @tylerhenson | Tyler@hensonteam.net

Now Catering!

From our farm to your fork, Smokin Oaks Organic Farms is your one-stop shop for wholesome, delicious food. We’re proud to offer:

• A full-service butcher case stocked with 100% pasture raised meats

• A deli with house-made favorites, perfect for lunch on the go

• Local produce straight from the field

• Pantry goods, specialty items, and more

• Now offering catering!

Whether it’s a family gathering, corporate lunch, or weekend celebration, let us handle the food so you can enjoy the moment.

Come visit us, stock up on the good stuff, and let Smokin Oaks feed your next event. 2116 8th Ave, S. Nashville | (615) 649-8162 smokinoaksorganicfarms.com | Vsmokinoaksorganicfarms

Design with

Welcome to this stately Southern Colonial in Brentwood’s Chenoweth neighborhood.

Restored white oak floors, polished marble, and two fireplaces create warmth and character, while the bright kitchen and adjoining flex space invite gathering. A finished basement expands the living area, and a screened porch offers yearround enjoyment. With community pools, tennis courts, and top Williamson County schools, this residence combines elegance, comfort, and lifestyle.

4 Beds | 3/2 Baths | 6016 SqFt priced at $1,799,000

Addy Biggers Broker | Team Leader