We chose 5 women, each from a different industry, who are all on the rise! These women have creative minds, big drive, and even bigger hearts behind their craft & work. Inspiration is a commonality in all of their stories, and proves that anything of value starts from somewhere. These faces are who are building Nashville in their communities and beyond!
REILLY TOWNSEND - INTERIOR DESIGNER
I am originally from North Carolina. I lived in New York since graduating college; up until 2021, when my husband and I made the move here to Nashville and I opened my own firm. Over the past decade, I have worked for some of the top firms in the industry and am so lucky to have been able to learn and have such support from them as I ventured off on my own. My store includes a selection of antiques, furniture, lighting, fine art, and accessories that is constantly changing. You'll find everything from 19th-century French enfilades to contemporary Italian stainless-steel sculptures. I have been able to cultivate a sense of style that is both minimalist and maximalist, blending bold colors and patterns with curated simplicity. I hope to bring a fresh perspective to modern interiors, drawing from global influences that are rich in history to create spaces that feel collected, sophisticated, and inviting. The best part of my job is making people's houses homes. I want to walk away from a project having made someone feel excited and happy to go home every day. I'm so proud to be a part of a female-dominated industry! @reillytownsend
ALESHA SEBIE- FOUNDER OF ZION BOTANICAL
I am Alesha Sebie. I moved to Nashville 8 years ago to pursue my master's degree at UTK, with the goal of being a therapist for substance abuse and mental health. After I completed my degree, I worked in the service industry while I figured out how I wanted to begin my career. During the pandemic, I began making my home feel more comfortable, and plants created a warmth that I was desiring. At that time, my friend- Kate Ross- was opening the first Hearts location in East Nashville, and asked me to help fill it with plants. Once opened, guests frequently commented on the plant design and plant health; which lead to the beginning of Zion Botanical! Four years later, I'm so proud to say I have maintenance accounts, installations, consultations, and a studio in Germantown that houses plants for upcoming projects and supplies for installations. I am proud to be a black-owned, women-owned business that requires me to be creative, challenge myself, and think outside the box to fulfill client visions. There is a similarity in building a relationship with a space that creates an energy and warmth which then creates a new aesthetic to a space. @zionbotanical
LAUREN HUNGATE - SONGWRITER
I'm a songwriter originally from Franklin, TN. I started writing in 2019, and primarily write country music. I signed my first publishing deal with Concord/Chromatic Music in 2021 and since then, have had songs recorded by Bailey Zimmerman, Walker Hayes, Carly Pearce, Elle King, and Mackenzie Porter. I truly love what I do. I cannot believe I get paid to write songs in Nashville. It really is the best job in the world. I love walking into a room with nothing and leaving with three minutes of something. You never know what kind of song you're going to write when you walk into a room and every single session has potential to change your life. When it comes to being a woman in the music industry, it is harder; opportunities are scarcer, and you have to prove yourself a little bit more, but I kind of love that! If you find success, you know that you put in the work and were talented enough to earn your spot. I love Nashville’s energy; it feels laid back and exciting at the same time. What a great place to grow up! @lauren_hungate
NATALIA COOPER - FOUNDER OF THE BUNNY HIVE
I am Natalia Cooper, and I have three young children- ages six, four, and seventeen months. I'm a former elementary school teacher. My husband, Seth, and I have called Nashville home since 2011. During the early stages of motherhood, I would see my friends in Atlanta posting pictures of themselves in an inviting space called The Bunny Hive. Upon further inspection (really, stalking), I realized that Nashville needed an environment such as this. In 2021, I reached out to the founders about bringing this unique concept to Nashville families and in June 2024, it will become a reality! As a thriving city bursting with new families, The Bunny Hive will offer a haven for little ones and their grown-ups. They will have the opportunity to attend unique classes, bond with others in similar stages, and hopefully establish some new connections along the way. Located in Hillsboro Village, the space itself is a charming old home perfect for events, such as birthday parties and baby showers. My family and I are eager to present The Bunny Hive Nashville to Music City and can’t wait for lots of memories and magic to be made! @thebunnyhivenashville
EZRA ACTON - OWNER OF RORI J LASHES
I am a twenty-seven-year-old Nashville native. I began my cosmetology career right after graduation, and aspired to be a makeup artist, but quickly found eyelash extensions when they were becoming more popular. Eight years later, not only am I a full-time lash artist, but I am two years into running my studio off of West End! My lashing style differs from a lot of people in the industry. I specialize in textured eyelash extensions; specifically, natural-appearing lash sets that can be transitional between a client who never wears makeup and works out seven days a week, or a client who is constantly on film or stage and in full glam every day. The day before my daughter was born, Rori J Lashes LLC was born. I think what I strive for the most is for women to feel supported by one another, to have compassion and an understanding for each other, and encourage each other to grow creatively and constantly continue to learn. I love working and living on the west side. The community and little Saturday morning farmers markets are one of my favorite parts of this city! @rorijlashes
