Christy Hunter is a woman who wears many hats… literally! From her impeccable style to her success in several endeavors, Christy has mastered the art of combining her passion for creativity and love for her community. Also known as Christy the Connector, the mother of four is a photographer, entrepreneur, content creator, and travel and fashion enthusiast. Growing up in a military family, Christy shares she always thought of Nashville as home since her grandparents lived here. She recalls fond memories of visiting Opryland as a child and taking in the glamour of being in Music City.
Christy has always been a fan of photography. From spending time scrapbooking to patiently waiting to get her film photos developed, she shares that documenting memories has always meant a lot to her. After getting her first professional camera fifteen years ago, she taught herself the ins and outs of photography, ultimately leading to paid shoots. Prior to becoming a photographer, Christy shares that she enjoyed life raising her four children and began a “new era” when entering this creative journey.
“I realized my love had always been for fashion,” Christy shares. “I’ve always been fascinated with editorial and fashion photography… then I realized I could create that, and it could be an outlet for me.” Christy began working with different designers around town, which ultimately built her creative portfolio and led her to shoot New York Fashion Week, weddings, influencers, and more.
“I’ve always been inspired by the 1990s supermodel era, the 1940s Hollywood glam era, and the old Nashville rhinestone cowboy era,” Christy shares, describing her style. I love incorporating pops of color, learning the color palette that works for me, knowing my body shape, and trying things that push me out of my comfort zone.”
With all the tourism in Nashville over the past several years, Christy had a lightbulb idea to create a brand that offered a dual two-in-one photoshoot and city tour that visitors could book to enhance their trip. Naming it PhotoWalk Nashville, Christy curated a personalized experience with an expert photographer and local insider to capture your vacation memories and make selfies a thing of the past. They bring you to their favorite spots in town and guide you through their posing magic – ensuring you’ll have tons of photos to post and share from your trip. Over the years, they have worked with over ten thousand customers, partnered with over twenty local businesses, and been named one of the top Airbnb experiences in Nashville for five years in a row.
In the midst of PhotoWalk, Christy also acquired Go To Nashville, a recommendation page sharing Nashville’s best restaurants, bars, hotels, shows, and events for both locals and tourists in the area. She explains how full circle it has been to share not only the new finds in the city but also the hidden treasures that she went to growing up.
“It fits in as such a natural part of who I am that I can have my personal brand as Christy the Connector as well as PhotoWalk Nashville. I am still very involved as the founder and CEO, but having a great team and letting the company be its own [is great],” Christy shares. “Then there’s Go To Nashville, who lets Nashville be the star… I’m just the supporting actress and get to show off my city!”
As far as some of her personal favorites in Music City, Christy says she loves visiting Cheekwood Botanical Garden, which gives her the European feel in her own backyard. She also loves to sip on the amazing cocktails offered at Mimo Restaurant and Bar, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, before dining at Bad Idea in East Nashville—which she ensures is, in fact, “a good idea.”
While speaking on what it means to have integrated her love for Nashville, photography, and fashion into her career, she explains it has been a dream come true and has given her such fulfillment in connecting others to the places, people, and food she loves.
“With PhotoWalk, I’m able to encourage people and lift them up,” Christy shares. “I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had people come in saying they don’t like themselves in pictures, but by the end, have a new mindset and are looking at themselves and feeling a different way. Knowing we can make an impact is what it’s about to me.”
To book a shoot with Christy - privately or with PhotoWalk Nashville, head over to one of her social media pages or website.
christytheconnector.com
@christytheconnector
@gotonashville
@photowalknashville
“Fashion and photography have always been how I express myself creatively.”