On Their Own Terms

Johnna Grace Tate | Homemaker

Having a personal style is so important. You can always go back to your roots. But I’m always willing to experiment and try new trends as they happen. That’s what makes fashion so fun! I love color which is also reflected in my home design. I am not a neutral girl although I appreciate those tones. Give me all the fun color, textures and designs.

I went through a decade slump while having children where I didn’t prioritize my style. My two fashion forward friends are who I always go to for advice, Amanda Jackson and Nicole Watson.

Looking and feeling your best is empowering. Taking the time to look good for you and no one else will change your whole mindset on style and fashion. I love high end pieces but mixing them with affordable ones is definitely the trick. I love shopping my basics and shoes at more affordable prices. I’m also a jewelry girl. In my photos, I’m wearing Paper Annie’s earrings which are so fun and affordable.

I am always looking for a new, fun dress to add to my collection. Also a fun top paired with a basic jean is my go to everyday look so I’m always looking for that, too.

Hannah Hammon | Public Relations Manager, Chattanooga Tourism Company

My style is a true reflection of my confident and adventurous personality, with bold colors and statement pieces that speak volumes. I’m a mood dresser, so each day’s outfit reflects what I’m feeling and loving at that moment. I love experimenting with mixing different styles and influences. Many of my pieces carry personal stories or sentimental value, adding extra joy and making each look uniquely mine.

My approach to creating a fun and stylish look involves investing in standout statement pieces that can be easily paired with trendy, affordable finds. I elevate budget-friendly outfits with high-end accessories like bags and shoes and enjoy experimenting with layering to create a balanced, effortless style. The ultimate secret is to wear what you love with confidence—when you feel beautiful, your look will always shine, no matter the price tag.

As I have grown and evolved, so has my style, aligning more closely with my personality and values. My wardrobe is as loud, energetic, and bright as I am! My love of traveling has exposed me to diverse cultures and their dazzling fashion, continuously sparking fresh inspiration. I’m easily influenced by the latest trends and fashion influencers—after all, we’re all part of a stylish world. And, of course, my mom’s bold and fun fashion choices have a huge impact, adding a splash of her flair to my wardrobe!

Arielle Garcia Hayes | Principal, University High at UTC

My unique sense of style has been shaped by a blend of my Puerto Rican heritage, my upbringing in Atlanta during the '90s, and my parents’ encouragement to be a free spirit. Growing up, I was immersed in the vibrant colors and patterns of Puerto Rican culture, which taught me to appreciate bold and expressive fashion. At the same time, being raised in Atlanta in the '90s exposed me to a dynamic mix of trends and street style, from the grunge movement to hip-hop influences. My parents’ support and the rich cultural backdrop of my upbringing have been pivotal in shaping my fashion choices.

My style is like a joyful celebration of who I am! It’s all about blending fun, vibrant pieces that match my upbeat personality with a touch of sophistication. I love incorporating colors and patterns that make me feel lively and confident. My wardrobe also reflects my commitment to supporting the art of professionalism, in and out of the workplace.

I enjoy pushing professional boundaries while also showcasing my love for a well put together suit, stocking, and heel. Each outfit is a cheerful statement of my personality and showcase of confidence that I want people to not only notice but feel lifted by it somehow as well. I love building confidence in others, whether it’s through a conversation starter piece or through a mentoring conversation on ‘how to dress to impress at work.’

Sarah Brown | Homemaker

Beauty is something I try to give myself everyday, in the form of comfort from my home and self love from my wardrobe. But it’s all so much bigger than clothes, furniture, décor, and the physical representation. Our style here is shown in the way we host as an ever-revolving open door to friends and strangers. It’s in the way we teach our children to be welcoming and loving. I hope to be a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable, listened to, (usually fed) and encouraged to just trust in being exactly who they are.

I grew up in a family of women who made a lot of our own clothes, upholstery, and curtains. They refinished our family’s antique furniture and worked with what little we had. What we did have was creativity and a sense of maintaining the old. I went on to work in the fashion industry for many years, and was humbled to have world-renowned designer mentors that taught me to just have faith in my own unique viewpoint, because that’s the root of true style. Through leaning into that guidance I’ve experienced so much freedom and happiness with my style expression.

Between clothing and home décor I’m mostly focused on any additional special pieces to pass down to my children. My daughter is of the age where she’s obsessed with my closet, and my son loves that everything in our house has a story. When we find something that represents a shared memory together as a family, we’ll go for it and find space.

Favorite Places to Shop

Johnna Grace Tate:

Embellish Collection

K Boutique

Antibes

Alice Blue

Hannah Hammon:

Antibes - Fun and bold pieces that always make a statement

Poor Taste - My go-to for the best vintage t-shirts

Southern Charm - A fantastic selection of casual, yet stylish essentials

Never Fully Dressed - Chic and playful designs

Hale House Boutique - Curated collection of trendy pieces