Wendy Navarro
Who are you?
“I am the founder and CEO of Navarro Creative Group, a local creative firm that specializes in website design, social media and digital marketing. We help clients grow their businesses through innovative strategies that establish and promote their brands.”
What are some of your community activities?
“I am the founder of Sumner Women in Business, as well as an active member of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hendersonville Rotary Club. I also have the honor of serving on the boards of Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, the Hendersonville Senior Center and the Salvus Center.”
What motivates you?
“I love seeing people succeed in doing what they love. Doing good for others and helping them achieve their goals motivates me. After all, I who doesn’t love to be a part of someone’s happiness?”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“When my family and I moved to Hendersonville eight years ago, we knew no one. However, we found the community to be very welcoming, and we have made some great friends. I love the fact that Sumner County is thriving and growing in positive and thoughtful ways.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“No matter how busy life becomes, take the time to go places you’ve never been, meet new people and learn new things. Step outside of your comfort zone. Life is full of fascinating and interesting people and places, and they all have stories to tell.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“Don’t allow anyone to dictate your future. Live your life with purpose and intention using the gifts that you have been given. They are yours’s for a reason."
Brenda Payne
Who are you?
“I’ve been fortunate to have led several different career paths in my life, with each one preparing for the next. All of them involved relationship building, managing of people and improving processes. Organizations that I have served include Volunteer State Community College, Sumner Bank & Trust and the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce.”
What are some of your community activities?
“Currently I serve on the boards of Community Life Bridge, Grace Place Ministries, Wilson Bank and Trust Community Council, Sumner County Greenways Committee, Community Church of Hendersonville. I am also an active member and past president of the Hendersonville Rotary Club.”
What motivates you?
“I think it is important for everyone to have someone to love, a place to be every day and a purpose in life. For me, I am blessed with a loving husband, an abiding faith in God and an understanding that the blessings I have been given should be shared with others.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
Hendersonville has been home to me since 1976 when I moved here from Nashville. It has a lovely mix of great recreational facilities, diverse housing options, historic sites and restaurant and retail options. However, the best part of Hendersonville is how people here pitch in to help their neighbors during times of need.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“Be kind to others and look for something positive to do every day.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“Believe in yourself. Self-doubt takes energy away from what you want to accomplish, resulting in procrastination. Dance more, and to learn to play a musical instrument.”
Tanya McPherson
Who are you?
“I am the co-owner and ‘Boss Lady’ of Café 393 on Main, Hendersonville’s favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch destination.”
What are some of your community activities?
“I am an active member of the Junior Service League of Hendersonville and the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently, I am serving on the boards of the Senior Center of Hendersonville and Live, Love, Nashville. I am always looking for opportunities to serve our community.”
What motivates you?
“I find motivation in my children. They are always watching what I do, even when I don’t think they are. I want them to see that helping others is important and that it just feels good to give back and to never expect anything in return. I want them to see that hard work is worth it.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“I love the fact that even though Hendersonville is growing, it still has a small-town feel. There are some amazing people in this town who are passionate about making our town the best that it can be. I love to serve, and every day I work hard to leave our town a little bit better than the day before.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“Make every moment count. Life is like a speeding bullet – as we age, it seems like years go by in the blink of an eye. While we are constantly working, raising families and dealing with responsibilities, it is easy to forget that life is short. Take time to slow down and live life to the fullest.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“Listen to your parents. They have lifetimes of experience and they really do know what they are talking about.”
Hendersonville is blessed with many women who tirelessly give their time and talents to help make the City by the Lake a great place in which to live. This month Hendersonville Lifestyle celebrates three local leaders who are making a difference every day.