"Amazing" knows no description, but its location seems to be Franklin. Walking around town, you could pass by a "for sale" sign, be searching for chic decor for a party or need help at the Williamson County mayor’s office and encounter these inspirational women. Their accomplishments and outlook encourage everyone they meet.
Paula Hinegardner, ABR, CRRS, ASP, Luxury Homes Division, No. 1 Keller Williams Agent in Tennessee 2017
What is the single piece of advice or the conversation you had that shaped how you view and proceed through life?
First and foremost, be true to yourself. You cannot shape who you are in others’ eyes, and you won’t have to if you remain who you are. Being you will allow you to soar with your strengths in a sustainable manner.
In your experience why is Franklin/Middle Tennessee/Williamson County the best place to thrive?
Franklin and Brentwood offer the total package: quality of life. They are a great financial decision, the tax base is low, so it’s a great location for businesses, and there are great schools. You get a small-town feel with big opportunity.
What's a trait you were surprised to learn you needed to be successful?
That it’s OK to fail. The best learning comes from failure; it helps shape you and gives you perspective.
If there was one thing you could snap your fingers and have happen, what would that be?
Allow people to have the tools to cope with any crisis life hands to them. Let people have the tools to make and create solutions, whether it be knowledge or access to resources.
Diane Giddens, Chief of Staff for Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson
What is the single piece of advice or the conversation you had that shaped how you view and proceed through life?
"Take your passion and make it happen” from the Flashdance soundtrack. It really rang true at a young age. If you enjoy work, then it’s not really work.
In your experience, why is Franklin/Middle Tennessee/Williamson County the best place to thrive?
The giving and caring people in the community. There is a large number of not-for-profits in the immediate area, and they would not exist if it weren’t for the generosity of the businesses and individuals here who are so kind with their giving back.
What's a trait you were surprised to learn you needed to be successful?
While there are many, one of the more surprising was that I need to use my motherly intuition quite a bit.
If there was one thing you could snap your fingers and have happen, what would that be?
Above all else, a cure for every type of cancer and Alzheimer’s; however, really it boils down to wanting good health for everyone.
Lauren Rauter, Owner of Rock Paper Scissors
What is the single piece of advice or the conversation you had that shaped how you view and proceed through life?
My grandmother always said, "If you can't change it, then there is no point in worrying about it." I always stop and remind myself of this in my personal or professional life when I’m fretting.
In your experience, why is Franklin/Middle Tennessee/Williamson County the best place to thrive?
We are so blessed to be in this community. We have a bit of everything here. It's a little bit city and a little bit country. What is so amazing about where we live is that everyone is so thankful to be here, and it creates such an amazing sense of community.
What's a trait you were surprised to learn you needed to be successful?
Adaptability. When we opened 16 years ago, the market was a very different place than it is now. We have evolved into a bespoke party goods store and can help you from the beginning to the end of your event’s needs. Clients come in and we design their invitations, help plan tablescapes and decorate the venue. If you would have asked me 16 years ago if I would be hanging off a ladder hanging huge balloon installations, I would have said you were crazy. The market changed, our clients’ needs changed and so have we. I love every minute of it.
If there was one thing you could snap your fingers and have happen, what would that be?
Ten thousand followers on Instagram. Besides the huge achievement, I'm dying to offer my clients a swipe-up feature to shop online.
