Beverly Blackwell
Dean of Health & Wellness
Girls Preparatory School Coach
A championship coach, Physical Education Department Chair, and Dean of Health & Wellness at Girls Preparatory School, Beverly Blackwell knows what it takes to instill hard work and drive success amongst Chattanooga’s youth. Beverly told us, “Whether it be in strength class or on the track, I try to help students discover how they can become independent learners and utilize skills for a lifetime of fitness and wellness.” Beverly spearheaded a track program that placed fourth at State in 2013 and won back-to-back State Champions in 2014 and 2015. Twice named Tennessee Coach of the Year, Beverly shared that the sweetest of rewards is not in the trophies won but in the relationships and resiliency built. “More than winning championships, what I am most proud of is how both of these girls’ teams worked together, really put forth 100% effort, and supported each other with pride on every level.” A Chattanooga native, Beverly knows firsthand just how special our city is. After leaving home for over ten years, in 2005, she returned to her roots. “Moving away made me realize how much I missed Chattanooga. There is not a better place in my opinion to raise a family.”
Abigale Choi
Founder & CEO, Reyka & Lu Creative
Co-Founder, Nooga Networking
A business mogul with a heart for fostering animals, Abigale Choi founded Reyka & Lu Creative, a full-service marketing firm that helps businesses succeed. “Reyka & Lu Creative has two differentiators that sets us apart from our competitors. We work with a lot of small- to medium-sized businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs because I feel this is the space in which we are needed most. I couldn’t be more passionate about working with people to help make their professional dreams come true. The second thing that sets us apart is the fact that we provide any service under the realm of marketing, advertising, graphic design, and public relations and we do a majority of it in house with our team.” Taking her passion for marketing and supporting business growth one step further, Abigale co-founded Nooga Networking in 2022, providing opportunities for professionals to connect. “With Nooga Networking, I am most proud of the community of business professionals we have formed and how much exponential growth we have had since our first event in April,” Abigale told us. Alongside managing two successful companies, Abigale has a passion for fostering animals through local shelters and remains a proactive advocate for animals. “I can’t say enough good things about Chattanooga. It’s the place where the opportunities are endless, and I’ve built such an incredible community of people here who I love dearly.”
Chanda Chambers
Founder & CEO
Chambers Welding and Fabrication
Established in 2015, Chambers Welding and Fabrication holds the most certifications in their industry with one goal in mind: to be a cornerstone in our community. A full-service welding company, Chambers Welding provides a vast range of services on residential and commercial scales. As a veteran, nurse, and human resource professional, CEO and founder Chanda Chambers took her foundational careers and applied her experience towards the discipline, compassion, and leadership to embark in entrepreneurship. “What is important to me is ‘who we are’ and ‘what we stand for’ as far as quality work. Not just being a woman in this industry, but having the vision and carrying it out is key to how I run my business.” Chanda highlights that the most rewarding aspect of the business has become expanding beyond its niche with the education sector, Metal Makers. “It is so important to be connected to the trade education portion. I want to impact the community in a lasting and positive manner and teach a skill that they can foster if they choose to. I love Chattanooga. I’ve lived all over and my favorite place is here. This community rallies for you and that is why it is so important for me to connect with that.” Chambers Welding continually strives for high quality work and with consistent 5-star ratings, Chambers delivers on its dedication to excellence.
Michelle Gignilliat
Founder & CEO
The Lashery
The Lashery: Where clients become friends. When Michelle Gignilliat opened her chic studio in 2020, she had a clear vision in mind to create a safe space for people to feel their best. With over 16 years of experience in the beauty industry, Michelle is relentlessly dedicated to bringing out the beauty she sees in people. The most rewarding part of it all, she tells us, is “being a part of helping others feel beautiful. I love seeing the joy on my client’s faces when they love the way they look. It’s an indescribable feeling to be able to provide that for someone.” From lash needs to makeup artistry, The Lashery offers an array of services all the while making the clients feel uplifted. The bedrock of her business is in “the interpersonal relationship you form when helping someone feel good about the way they look. It’s an honor that I cherish and celebrate.” Here, clients are valued and relationships are authentic. As a proud local, Michelle beams about Chattanooga. “I have moved away a few times, but have always come home because of the people. Chattanoogans love and support each other with their whole heart.”
P.E. Craven
Author
Realm Leaper
Local author P.E. Craven knows the art of crafting literary timepieces. The release of her first novel, Realm Leaper, portrays a coming-of-age story of two characters finding their own journey in the face of turmoil. “I was having this realization that our identities transform repeatedly as we grow older; it’s not just a theme for teenagers. I'm finding that I love writing stories about people who have to face down reality/destiny and step into their own power,” Craven told us. Craven candidly shared, “Storytelling is a part of my DNA. I never considered writing stories as something I would end up doing, but once I opened that door, the stories just started pouring out.” Concurrent to developing her novels, Paige teaches high school English in Chattanooga and encourages aspiring writers to simply start writing. “Starting is the biggest hurdle. Once you have something on paper, you actually have a roadmap to contemplate,” she notes. About Chattanooga, Craven told us, “I love the scenery. I love the readiness the people here have to pitch in and work together. It's a pretty inspiring place to be!”
Penny Chevalley
Owner
Tipsy Tin
After years of working in the wedding industry, Penny Chevalley wasn’t looking for a new business venture when she was approached in 2020 to purchase a mobile bar. “I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished with Tipsy Tin. The addition of two more mobile bars, the clients and relationships have outweighed any “What did I just do?” moments I’ve had.” From a horse trailer to a vintage ice cream cart, no matter the desired aesthetic, Tipsy Tin adds a unique enhancement to any event. “Garden to glass fresh ingredients have been at the center of our business model. We don’t do grocery store mixers and everything is hand pressed, hand cut or house made within Cottage Law,” Penny told us. A vital heartbeat in the business, Penny relishes in the relationships formed telling us, “Our clients have a strong relationship with me and know that I’m here for them, day or night, chaos or calm.” With her sights set on continued expansion, Chattanooga locals have embraced this flourishing business. “The community and the overwhelming support for small businesses and woman-owned businesses is what keeps me motivated in Chattanooga. I’m forever thankful for this little big city and all it’s given to me, I just hope I’ve given back a little bit of what I’ve received.”
Brandolyn Murphy
Founder
Busy Bee Cleaning Company
For Brandolyn Murphy, the most rewarding aspect of founding Busy Bee Cleaning Company is her customers. “There is, very literally, nothing more satisfying than the pure joy expressed by a customer after we’ve gone in and helped lighten their load a little bit. That is something that is truly priceless for me.” A former educator, Brandolyn’s desire to connect and provide comfort for others is evident in her consistent 5-star ratings. “We’re focused on quality over quantity, and relationships over anonymity. We understand that we are there to make the customer’s life a little more manageable, and we do not take that task lightly.” The company stands on what Brandolyn coins as the Busy Bee 4-Fecta. “With any clean—whether it be standard or deep, regular services or a one-time clean— we guarantee that your home or business will be: Thoughtfully Organized, Thoroughly Cleaned, Smelling Great, and Gifted (We leave a little gift at each clean!).” It is these pillars that have prompted customers to continue opening their homes to Busy Bee since 2002. “Chattanooga is so vibrant, innovative, exciting without being too pretentious. Moreover, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family, which is most important to me at the end of the day.”
Shawanna Kendrick
Founder
The H2O Life
Upon returning from China in 2019, something shifted for Shawanna Kendrick. The sights, the culture, the newish nature of everything that surrounded her, inspired The H2O Life, an outdoor adventure experience for women. Under the H2O acronym, Hiking and Healing Outdoors, Shawanna had a purposeful vision in mind: To connect women and allow nature to nurture. “I have always been a proponent for safe spaces, especially for black women and people of all different types, to connect in a meaningful way that is not orchestrated and is organic. What I want is to encourage everyone to step outside and above everything else just breathe. We have forgotten in life that we still need each other.” With the support of local partnerships, The H2O Life hosts monthly outdoor experiences allowing women to meet, connect and recenter. The mental benefits of being outdoors, whether on a hiking trail, kayaking, or at a fireside chat, have a profound impact on who we are. “Being outdoors has been a very important component to my healing. It has changed my outlook on life. It doesn’t matter what your background, race or your socioeconomic status, Chattanooga has so much to offer for everyone. I really love that about our city and I can’t wait to see just how far we go.”
“I can’t say enough good things about Chattanooga. It’s the place where the opportunities are endless, and I’ve built such an incredible community of people here who I love dearly.”
-Abigale Choi
“What is important to me is ‘who we are’ and ‘what we stand for’ as far as quality work. Not just being a woman in this industry, but having the vision and carrying it out is key to how I run my business.”
-Chanda Chambers
“The community and the overwhelming support for small businesses and woman-owned businesses is what keeps me motivated in Chattanooga. I’m forever thankful for this little big city and all it’s given to me, I just hope I’ve given back a little bit of what I’ve received.”
-Penny Chevalley
