Thompson's Station, TN May 2026

THE WOM EN'S IS SUE

FOOD + BEVERAGE

CASSIE HALLEY AND THE NEXT CHAPTER OF COMPANY DISTILLING

Good Health Begins From Within.

Expert insight. Trusted voices. Conversations that care for our community.

Health Talks: From the Inside Out podcast brings healthcare insight directly to you from the experts who serve our community every day. From orthopaedics and general surgery to breast health, urogynecology and pelvic health to pulmonology and sleep medicine to cardiology and emergency medical services and more — we have an episode for every listener.

HEALTH TALKS: From The Inside OUT

Subscribe today! Health Talks: From the Inside Out is available to listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. You can also watch on Spotify and YouTube. Visit WilliamsonHealth.org/healthtalks or scan the code for more information.

Featured on Episode 16: Listening to your Gut: A Conversation with Gastroenterologist, Elizabeth Lindsey, M.D.

Our guest speaker (left), Elizabeth Lindsey, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist with Williamson Health Medical Group

Our host (right), Michele Simpson, Williamson Health Chief Marketing and Communications O cer

GET A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION

Have a tech check brakes, fluids, belts, battery, and tires.

TEST YOUR AC

No one wants to be stuck in traffic without cold air.

CHECK YOUR TIRES

Look for proper inflation, tread wear, and make sure you have a spare.

UPDATE EMERGENCY KIT

Include water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid kit, phone charger, and basic tools.

TOP OFF FLUIDS

Coolant, oil, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid.

DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR VEHICLE

Too much weight affects braking and fuel economy.

The Ladies Issue

This month, we celebrate women not just for what they do, but for how they show up, for their strength, their intention, and their ability to create beauty in every space they touch.

In this issue, you’ll meet women and brands who embody that spirit in different, but equally powerful ways.

At Sage Hair Company, beauty is more than surface level. It’s about transformation, confidence, and walking out feeling like the most elevated version of yourself. Known for its personalized approach and highlevel artistry, the experience is as meaningful as the result, something clients feel the moment they walk through the door.

At The Look Facial Aesthetics, the philosophy is rooted in intention, enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it. With a focus on personalized skincare and advanced treatments, the goal is simple, helping women feel confident in their own skin at every stage of life.

Company Distilling's new female CEO reminds us that connection is at the heart of everything. Built on the idea of gathering and sharing meaningful moments, the brand was created to bring people together, offering thoughtfully crafted spirits meant to be enjoyed in good company.

What ties all of these together is intention. Whether it’s how we care for ourselves, how we build our businesses, or how we create space for others, the most impactful women lead with purpose.

This issue is a reflection of that. It’s about choosing quality over excess, connection over noise, and confidence over comparison.

Here’s to the women who are building, creating, leading, and redefining what it means to live beautifully, in business, in community, and in everyday life.

Warmly,

ATHENA WEST, PUBLISHER @THOMPSONSSTATIONLIFESTYLE

Thompson’s Station Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:

• Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery

• Frankie's Pizza & Grill

• Local Dr's Offices and businesses around the area

Visit our Instagram

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cassie Halley, Jennifer Kaufman, Stevie Nicole Martinez, Haley Wood

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF

New Spring Hill Community Marks Grand Opening

Community leaders and Spring Hill Chamber members celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Emerson at Commonwealth, a new apartment community by John Maher Builders. Located on Commonwealth Drive, it offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences with modern finishes and amenities such as a fitness center, pool, and outdoor gathering spaces. This pet-friendly community is now leasing and provides easy access to Interstate 65, local employers, shopping, dining, and the growing attractions of Williamson County.

Williamson Health Named to Newsweek’s 2026 World’s Best Hospitals List

Williamson Health announced its flagship facility, Williamson Medical Center, has been named to Newsweek’s 2026 World’s Best Hospitals list for the sixth consecutive year. The global ranking, created with Statista, evaluates hospitals based on expert surveys, patient experience data, quality metrics and patient-reported outcomes. Only 420 U.S. hospitals made the list, including just three in Tennessee. CEO Phil Mazzuca credited the recognition to the team’s commitment to exceptional patient care. WilliamsonHealth.org

PumpkinFest expands

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County announced that the annual PumpkinFest will move to a two-day event format for the first time in its 41-year history.

PumpkinFest has seen steady growth over the last 40-plus years and is now one of Franklin’s most highly attended community events. In 2025, PumpkinFest welcomed more than 135,000 attendees in a single day, prompting the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County to evaluate multiple factors when considering the shift to a two-day format. WilliamsonHeritage.org

IROQUOIS SPRING STEEPLECHASE 85th Anniversary

'RITE OF SPRING' THROUGH AN EQUESTRIAN-ANCHORED, SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY ANNUAL TRADITION

There’s something about the first Saturday in May that feels quintessentially Nashville — wide-brim hats, polished boots and the thunder of hooves rolling across Percy Warner Park.  On May 9, the Iroquois Steeplechase returns for its 85th anniversary, ushering in another unforgettable “Rite of Spring.”

This year, the beloved tradition adds a new layer of energy with the debut of The Big 98 Stage, presented in partnership with iHeartMedia Nashville’s 97.9 The BIG 98.  Set in Centerfield, the live music stage will spotlight Nashvillebased artists throughout the day, blending Music City’s signature sound with one of the South’s most celebrated sporting events.

Of course, the heart of Steeplechase remains the racing itself with six exhilarating races. More than 30,000 spectators are expected to gather, embracing a day that seamlessly weaves sport, style and Southern hospitality.

From the reimagined Magnolia Garden’s all-inclusive elegance to the high-energy Royal 615 Lounge and classic tailgating traditions, there’s a vantage point for every kind of race-day reveler. Families can enjoy a dedicated children’s zone, while fashionistas compete in the always-anticipated Style Contest.  This event features something for everyone.

Beyond the pageantry, the event continues its philanthropic legacy, having contributed more than $11.4 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981.

Gates open at 8 a.m., and with music continuing into the evening, Steeplechase 2026 promises to be as vibrant and community-centered as ever — a Nashville tradition, beautifully evolved.

Cassie Halley and the Next Chapter of Company Distilling

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

ARTICLE PROVIDED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG SLATE MEDIA

There is a moment when a company’s future quietly shifts, not through sweeping reinvention but through thoughtful leadership that builds on what already exists. For Cassie Halley, that moment arrived when she was named CEO of Company Distilling. The appointment marked both a professional milestone and a continuation of a journey that has been anything but predictable. “Being named CEO of Company Distilling is both humbling and energizing. It represents a tremendous amount of trust from our founders and board, and I don’t take that lightly,” Halley said.

Her path to the role was not a traditional one. Halley originally joined the company to oversee marketing and retail operations, eager to learn a new industry and contribute her expertise where it could make an impact. Within months, the company’s board recognized something in Halley’s approach to leadership. Her ability to think strategically about growth, build operational systems and strengthen the brand’s relationship with its communities set her apart. That combination ultimately led to her appointment as CEO. “This role feels less like a destination and more like the next chapter of a journey focused on building something meaningful with great people,” Halley said.

That philosophy aligns closely with the culture of Company Distilling itself. Since its founding, the Tennessee-based craft spirits company has emphasized connection, hospitality and shared experiences. Those ideas are embedded in the company’s guiding philosophy, ‘Spirits Worth Sharing’. Says Halley, “The mission immediately resonated with me because it felt honest. The idea behind ‘Spirits Worth Sharing’ is simple but powerful. Our products should create connection and conversation, not exclusivity or gatekeeping.” In an industry where limited releases and scarcity often dominate the conversation, Company Distilling has chosen a different approach. Its leadership believes whiskey should be opened, poured and enjoyed in the company of others. Halley sees protecting that culture as one of her most important responsibilities as CEO. “My role is to protect that foundation while helping the company grow in thoughtful ways,” she said.

Growth is already underway. As the brand expands its distribution and continues developing immersive distillery destinations, Halley is focused on ensuring that every interaction with the company feels welcoming and intentional. “That means continuing to invest in our communities, our teams, supporting local partnerships, and creating spaces where people genuinely want to spend time together,” she said. For Halley, that sense of hospitality is deeply personal. Her professional background spans marketing, hospitality and executive leadership, experiences that she believes prepared her for the complexity of leading a modern distilling company.

CONTINUED >

“This role feels less like a destination and more like the next chapter of a journey focused on building something meaningful with great people”

“I believe distilleries will increasingly become gathering places, not just production facilities”

Each stage of her career contributed a different perspective. Marketing sharpened her ability to build authentic brands. Hospitality taught her that the smallest details often shape how people experience a place or product. Leadership roles reinforced the importance of operational structure and strong teams. Today, she sees the distilling business as a natural intersection of all three.

That holistic view is especially relevant as the culture surrounding whiskey continues to evolve. Distilleries across the country are becoming destinations, offering visitors the chance to learn about the craft, explore the production process and experience the story behind each bottle. Halley believes those experiences will play an even larger role in the future of the industry. “I believe distilleries will increasingly become gathering places, not just production facilities,” she said. Company Distilling has embraced that philosophy in the design of its locations, creating environments that encourage guests to linger. Visitors might sit in the beer garden, take a guided tour or enjoy a cocktail with friends while learning about the craft behind the spirits.

Even as the company expands, Halley remains focused on honoring the traditions that define Tennessee whiskey. She credits master distiller Jeff Arnett with grounding the company in that heritage while allowing space for innovation. “We’re incredibly fortunate to work with Jeff, whose

experience and craftsmanship bring a deep respect for Tennessee whiskey tradition to everything we do,” Halley said.

Innovation, she believes, often comes through how guests experience the brand rather than changing the spirit itself. “If we stay grounded in quality while continuing to create welcoming, engaging environments, we can honor tradition while still evolving with the next generation of whiskey drinkers,” she said. That balance feels particularly meaningful in Tennessee, a state with a long and influential distilling history. “For a long time, Tennessee whiskey was defined by a few iconic brands,” Halley said. Being part of that movement and evolution carries both pride and responsibility. “Today we’re seeing a growing craft movement that adds new perspectives and creativity to that legacy.”

For Halley, the true measure of success goes far beyond production numbers or distribution growth. Instead, it lies in the moments people share around a bottle of whiskey. “When someone opens a bottle of Company Distilling bourbon, I want it to feel like an invitation, an invitation to slow down, gather with people they care about, and enjoy the moment together,” Halley said. “If our brand becomes part of those small but meaningful moments in people’s lives,” Halley said, “then we’ve succeeded.

CompanyDistilling.com

Where Family Values Meet a Better Automotive Experience

Being a dealership built on family values means not cutting corners. It means personalized videos instead of canned messages. It means honest appraisals instead of games. Most importantly, it means treating every customer the way we’d treat our own family.

The Art of Living Beautifully

There is a quiet kind of luxury that does not announce itself, it simply invites you in, wraps you in warmth, and lingers long after you leave. For Stevie Nicole Martinez, founder of Home Gal Boutique, that feeling is not accidental. It is carefully and thoughtfully created through the objects we live with every day, the textures we touch, the scents that fill a room, and the small details that transform a house into a home.

Home Gal Boutique was born from that philosophy, but more importantly, from a deeply personal journey rooted in memory, intention, and an appreciation for the beauty found in ordinary moments. “Home Gal Boutique really grew out of my own love of creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and a little bit artful in everyday living. I’ve always believed that the things we use daily- whether it’s a butter crock, a wooden bowl, or a tablecloth- should feel special, not just purely functional.”

That belief traces back to her childhood and the influence of her Cuban grandmother, whose home left a lasting impression on how Martinez understands beauty and hospitality. “She had a wonderful way of treating everyday objects with care and appreciation. In her home, something simple- a serving dish, a beautifully made utensil, a vase on the table- was never just an object. It was part of gathering, sharing food, and creating memories with the people you love. Nothing was extravagant, but everything felt intentional— there was warmth, inviting smells coming from the kitchen, and gems that were both useful and lovely.”

It was not about excess or perfection. It was about presence. That philosophy became the foundation for Home Gal Boutique, a space where each item is chosen not only for how it looks, but for how it makes people feel. “That idea stayed with me. I think that the pieces we use in our homes every day can quietly shape the moments we remember.”

Before launching the boutique, Martinez found herself searching for pieces that embodied both beauty and purpose, items that felt meaningful enough to give and special enough to keep. “Before starting the boutique, I’d find myself searching for additions that balanced beauty and usefulness- things that felt thoughtful enough to give as gifts or meaningful enough to enjoy in your own home. Eventually it dawned on me that perhaps the shop I was looking for was the one I was meant to create.” That realization marked a turning point. Home Gal Boutique became more than a retail space, it became a reflection of her lifestyle and values, a curated collection designed to elevate everyday living. A collection of finds chosen not just because they’re charming, but because they help create warm and memorable experiences at home.”

For Martinez, the transformation of a space does not come from grand gestures. It happens in subtle, almost imperceptible ways. “I don’t think it was one moment so much as a series of small realizations over time. I remember nights where something as simple as lighting a candle while cooking dinner, setting out a beautiful wooden cutting board, or draping a pretty linen towel over the oven handle suddenly made the whole kitchen feel calmer and more welcoming.” These small touches, she explains, are what define the difference between a house that simply exists and one that feels alive. “I think the difference between a house that feels ordinary and one that feels inviting really comes down to those subtle touches— soft textures, warm light, natural materials. Once you start noticing how much they shape the feeling of a space, you realize how powerful they are.”

“Before starting the boutique, I’d find myself searching for additions that

balanced beauty and usefulness—things

thoughtful

that felt

enough to give as gifts or meaningful enough to enjoy in your own home.”

That awareness directly informs how she curates each piece for the boutique. Her selections are not driven by trends or fleeting aesthetics, but by how items function within real, everyday life. “My lifestyle definitely influences what I choose for the shop. I’m drawn to things that are refined but also meant to be used- things that become part of everyday rituals rather than something you save for a special occasion. I actually don't even have that place where special occasion items live - I use them in my home regularly because to me, that’s really where the value is.” That philosophy challenges the idea that beauty should be reserved for rare moments. Instead, Martinez believes it should be woven into daily life. “I also love gifting, so when I'm selecting products I really think about whether something would make a thoughtful gift for a friend, a hostess, or someone settling into a new home. The best elements are the ones that feel meaningful both to give and to receive.” The result is a collection that feels timeless, grounded in natural materials, neutral tones, and a sense of effortless elegance. “I curate the boutique the same way I style my own home: thoughtfully, but without fuss.”

Even as trends shift and styles evolve, Martinez remains committed to a sense of timelessness. While she pays attention to seasonal influences, her focus never strays from longevity and meaning. “I pay attention to trends, but I don’t really follow them. Trends are great for inspiration, but timelessness is what makes something worth bringing into your home.” Her advice for those looking to elevate their own spaces reflects the same grounded, intentional approach. “My suggestion is to start small and keep it really simple. You don’t need a complete redesign or to abandon the things that you love to make a home feel more elevated.”

In the end, creating beauty at home is not about perfection or performance. It is about living fully in the spaces we inhabit and appreciating the details that shape our everyday experiences. “A home becomes more elegant not just through what's in it, but through the moments that happen there.” And in those moments, quiet, intentional, and deeply personal, true beauty is found.

HomeGalBoutique.com

ARTICLE PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON VOSS PHOTOGRAPHY

APPOINTMENT MORE than a hair

HOW SAGE HAIR COMPANY BLENDS BEAUTY, WELLNESS, AND RITUAL TO CREATE A RESTORATIVE SALON EXPERIENCE

There are few places in a busy week where people can truly pause, take a breath, and focus on themselves, yet that is precisely the experience the team behind Sage Hair Company set out to create.

In an era when schedules are packed and self-care often slips to the bottom of the list, Sage Hair Company approaches beauty differently. The salon blends elevated hair services with an atmosphere intentionally designed to help clients slow down, relax, and reconnect with themselves. The philosophy guiding that experience is simple but intentional: beauty should nurture both how someone looks and how they feel.

“To us, elevated beauty rooted in wellness means caring for beauty both inside and out,” said Avery Burch, co-owner. “Elevated beauty is about taking the salon experience to the next level through luxury services, exceptional products, and a deeply personalized approach. Wellness is woven into that experience from every angle, from how our guests feel when they are with us to the products and practices we choose behind the chair.”

That philosophy begins the moment a guest walks through the door. Rather than a rushed, transactional appointment, the experience at Sage is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and intentionally unhurried. Every detail, from lighting and music to the pacing of each service, is chosen to create a sense of calm.

“So many of our clients are balancing careers, families, and full lives, and we recognize how rare it is to have a moment that is truly for yourself,” said Michelle Oliver,

co-owner. “We designed Sage to feel like a pause in the middle of that busy rhythm.”

Clients quickly notice the difference. A consultation becomes a thoughtful conversation rather than a checklist. The shampoo bowl becomes a place to unwind rather than simply the next step in the process. The result is an appointment that feels less like an obligation and more like a reset in the middle of the week.

Many of those restorative moments come from the details woven throughout each service. Even a haircut or blowout at Sage includes touches such as scalp massage and aromatherapy, elements that transform routine maintenance into something more meaningful.

“A scalp massage or the scent of aromatherapy might seem like a small detail, but they create a moment where someone can truly relax and disconnect,” said Elizabeth Littell, co-owner. “It transforms a routine service into something that feels restorative.”

The work behind the chair is equally thoughtful. Sage stylists specialize in customized services such as lived-in color, dimensional blonding, and extensions that blend seamlessly with natural hair. “Every client comes in with a unique vision, but also a unique lifestyle,” Burch notes. “During consultations, our stylists take the time to understand not just the look someone wants, but how they live, how often they like to visit the salon, and how they care for their hair at home.” Burch adds, “The most successful hair is not just beautiful the day you leave the salon. It is hair that continues to feel effortless and wearable in the weeks that follow.”

CONTINUED >

That long-term perspective also shapes the products Sage chooses to use. The salon partners with premium brands that align with its wellness-focused philosophy, including Aveda color, which is 97 percent naturally derived, and Oribe, known for its high-quality formulations. “For us, caring for our clients goes beyond the service itself. It is about the long-term health of their hair and being thoughtful about the products we choose to use every day.”

Beyond services and products, the culture inside Sage plays a significant role in shaping the guest experience. The team emphasizes collaboration, education, and genuine connection among stylists. That supportive atmosphere, they believe, naturally extends to clients. “We have created an environment that values kindness, collaboration, and genuine connection,” according to Littell. “Our stylists support one another, share education, and celebrate each other’s successes.” Over time, those connections grow into lasting relationships. Many clients stay with the same stylist for years, creating a sense of trust that goes beyond a single appointment.

While beauty trends can dominate social media and shift quickly from season to season, Sage remains focused on something more enduring. Rather than chasing every new style, the salon prioritizes enhancing what already makes each client unique. “Trends will always come and go, but beautiful hair is timeless,” according to Burch. “We stay educated and inspired by new techniques, but our focus is always on enhancing what already makes each client beautiful.”

Today, that intention continues to guide every aspect of the salon. Guests come for color, cuts, and styling, but they often leave with something more meaningful, a sense of restoration that lingers long after the appointment ends. In a world that rarely slows down, Sage Hair Company offers a rare and welcome pause, where beauty, wellness, and connection come together in one thoughtfully designed experience.

SageHairCompany.com

“The most successful hair is not just beautiful the day you leave the salon. It is hair that continues to feel effortless and wearable in the weeks that follow.”

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

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

EDU TION

COLUMBIA ACADEMY

AESTHETIC WHISPERS

THE LOOK AESTHETICS ON WHY THEY PRACTICE RESTRAINT

There is a version of aesthetic medicine that most people never experience. It doesn't announce itself. It doesn't freeze foreheads or overinflate lips. It doesn't chase the trends cycling through social media every few months. When it's done well, you simply don't notice it. And that, says Haley Wood, is precisely the point.

"Good aesthetic work should whisper, not shout," she says. "The most beautiful results are the ones where someone looks refreshed, healthy, and confident but still completely like themselves."

Haley is the founder of The Look Aesthetics in Franklin, Tennessee, a nationally recognized injector trainer who has personally trained more than 5,000 providers across the country, and a practitioner with 20 years of patient relationships behind her. She is also a voice for a quieter and more rigorous kind of aesthetic medicine, built on restraint, longterm planning, and the conviction that natural results require the most experience, not the least.

THE ART OF SUBTLETY

Ask Haley what subtlety means in her practice and she doesn't hesitate. "It means preserving the person someone already is," she says. "The goal isn't to make someone look different, it's to help them look more like the version of themselves they want the world to see."

That distinction, between changing someone and preserving them, shapes how consultations are structured, how treatment plans are built, and how Haley selects and trains the providers who work under her name.

"After almost twenty years in this industry, I've learned that restraint is often the most important skill a provider can have," she says. "Knowing how to enhance someone's natural features without changing their identity is where the real artistry lies."

The qualities she screens for go beyond clinical technique: kindness, humility, strong judgment, and a genuine commitment to ongoing education. "We have strict protocols, we stay current on the latest education, and we encourage every provider to develop their artistic eye while practicing the safest procedures and techniques possible," she says. "The goal is never to change someone. It's to preserve who they are."

WHY CONSERVATIVE MEANS MORE SKILLED

About 80% of Haley's patients, she estimates, want a conservative, natural approach. They are not looking for dramatic transformation. They want to look healthy, rested, and age-appropriate, which is a considerably more demanding result to produce than the overdone alternative.

"Patients are often looking at me and my staff and thinking: if they look normal, healthy, and age-appropriate, then they're probably the right people for me," Haley says. "That matters more than any trend on social media."

The overcorrected results that have given aesthetic medicine a complicated reputation, the pillow faces, the frozen expressions, the lips that don't match the rest of the face, are often the product of applying a limited toolkit too liberally or prioritizing the transaction over the long-term relationship.

"Sometimes responsibility means telling someone yes, and many times it means telling someone no," Haley says. "If a patient doesn't need something, it's our responsibility to say that. The goal should never be to overdo a result. It should be to create balance, maintain facial harmony, and allow someone to age gracefully over time."

This philosophy shapes the full range of treatments The Look offers because aging is not a surface phenomenon. It happens in layers as bone density shifts, fat pads deflate and migrate, and the skin loses the collagen and elastin that give it structure.

"Toxin is extraordinary," Haley says. "I've built my career on it. But it doesn't address laxity, or skin texture, or the structural changes that come with time. A comprehensive treatment plan looks at the whole picture. That's how patients age beautifully instead of just maintaining one small part of a much larger process."

THE LONG GAME: PLANNING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

The most consistent difference between patients who age gracefully and those who don't, Haley will tell you, isn't genetics or budget. It's planning.

"Aesthetic medicine is rarely a one-time fix," she says. "When patients start earlier in the aging process and make small enhancements over time, those results build into healthy aging and a natural, confident appearance."

At The Look, every patient relationship begins with a conversation about goals, not just the concern they walked in with, but the full picture of what they're working toward and what's coming up in their life.

"The first thing we do is listen," she says. "We ask patients what bothers them most, what events they have coming up, and what their goals are. Many times, a plan takes six to eight months to accomplish, because natural results are often achieved gradually. Education is a big part of that process. Our role is to help align their goals with realistic expectations and a plan that gives them the best long-term outcome."

The environment Haley has built around that conversation is equally intentional.

“NATURAL RESULTS REQUIRE THE MOST EXPERIENCE — AND THE MOST RESTRAINT.”

"It's about how the practice looks, sounds, smells, and feels the moment someone walks in," she says. "We don't want it to feel commercialized or overwhelming. The space is designed to feel peaceful, welcoming, and refined so patients can relax and focus on their care."

A NEW CHAPTER: WELLNESS AND THE WHOLE PATIENT

One of the most significant shifts in health and aesthetics over the past two years has nothing to do with a new device or technique. It is happening as GLP-1 medications become mainstream tools for metabolic health and weight management.

"One of the most exciting areas of growth for us right now is our new wellness program," she says. "This is really an extension of where I see my own personal health, wellness, and beauty journey going."

The program addresses a gap many patients on GLP therapies experience: access to the medication but not to the broader guidance and long-term planning that make a meaningful difference in outcomes.

"Many women start GLP therapies but don't have direction or a long-term plan," Haley explains. "Our program focuses on low-dose GLP therapy combined with education and guidance, so patients can navigate their 40s, 50s, and 60s with a thoughtful approach to metabolic health, strength, and longevity."

Rapid or significant weight loss, particularly after 40, can accelerate facial aging as fat pads deflate and skin adapts more slowly than the body.

"Beauty and wellness are deeply connected," she says. "When we approach them together, patients see results that support both their health and their confidence long term."

NINE YEARS, AND STILL EXCITED

The Look has been part of the Franklin community for nine years. During that time, Haley has watched the aesthetic market grow louder and more crowded. She has chosen a different direction.

"Over the past nine years, The Look has grown because of trust and long-term relationships with patients," she says. "After 20 years in this industry, what still excites me the most is seeing someone walk out the door feeling more confident than when they came in."

Not transformed. Not overhauled. Just themselves, more supported, more rested, and more able to move through the world as the version of themselves they want the world to see. Quietly. The way good work should.

Haley Wood—Owner

“CONFIDENCE GROWS WHEN SOMEONE FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH HOW THEY LOOK. THE GOAL IS ALWAYS TO HELP PATIENTS FEEL LIKE THEMSELVES — JUST REFRESHED AND SUPPORTED ALONG THE WAY.”

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