On a quiet Monday morning, a group of small business owners gathered at the Historic for a photoshoot for this month’s issue. As our guests milled around prior, I couldn’t help the goosebumps that appeared on my arms as I listened to the chatter and watched business owners reconnect and network with one another. Then, as each guest took a seat at the perfectly curated table where a personalized place card with their name rested, I was struck with a thought. In a society driven by competition and exponential growth, regardless of occupation, age, gender ethnicity, social class, or profession, here in Chattanooga, my home, there is room at the table for us all.
There’s room at the table for Erin Minnis, a former full-time interpreter who took a risk, pursued her passions, and launched Wild Magnolia Events & Design. Erin, a one-woman show, with connections to many local “friendors” took our vision to bring together business owners who represent all aspects of Chattanooga and made it a gathering place. Erin’s attention to detail and her eye for design are unmatched. She can take a singular image of inspiration and curate an entire event.
There’s room at the table for: Brandon Ellis, owner of ChatterBox; Natosha Versa, Asata Jones, Yaquia Walker of Biskit NV; Felicia Jackson, founder of CPR Wrap; Kim Thompson, co-owner of Eros Hat Co.; Kristal Hacker and Valarie Batts of Hacker Media; Jocelyn Loza, founder of Hoopla Marketing Now and Latina Professionals of Chattanooga; Andi Hill, co-owner of Red Eyed Rooster Company; Sonia Desai, owner of Clean Your Dirty Face; Sujata Singh, owner of Spice Trail Chattanooga; Starr Card, owner of Milk Boutique; Maria Parra of Taqueria Jalisco Ania; and Josselyn Nielse, owner of North Star Boutique.
As a woman of color with a bi-racial daughter residing in Chattanooga, I have often wondered about the environment in which my child will grow up. Being a part of this shoot, however, I was inspired and uplifted by the diversity that our community leaders represent. While there is so much to love about Chattanooga, perhaps one of its greatest draws is that it is such a diverse city. Diversity of thought, ethnicity, and experience are commonplace here. While we are by no means perfect, it is this diversity that continues to draw people here. As we planned this issue and reflected on what it is we are most thankful for, we were quickly met with all of the people, places, and faces that make Chattanooga the incredible place it is to live and work. Here, no matter who you are or what you believe, there’s room.
There’s room at the table for us all.
While there is so much to love about Chattanooga, perhaps one of its greatest draws is that it is such a diverse city. Diversity of thought, ethnicity, and experience are commonplace here.
As we planned this issue, we were quickly met with all of the people, places, and faces that make Chattanooga the incredible place it is to live and work. There’s room at the table for us all.