Intro,
It's a given that these women are a true example of strength and perseverance and absolutely mirror the community in the efforts they put forth to bring opportunity and support to our community of Mount Juliet. These women and the small businesses that they have implemented in the community are invaluable. Kourtney and I are overwhelmed daily with the amazing women we get to work alongside in the community and are so honored to share them and their individual talents with you. They truly make an impact in so many ways throughout this community.
Michele Friedrichsen | Realtor at Onward Real Estate
With 23 years in real estate, Michele blends connection, creativity, and care to guide clients through one of life’s biggest decisions. She loves the freedom of running her own business and thrives in her many roles—from designer to advisor. Outside of work, you’ll find her traveling, attending races and concerts, or staging beautiful homes.
Katrina Bahr | Owner of NIDO
Katrina is the visionary behind NIDO, Wilson County’s first coworking space with childcare. In just two years, she’s built a vibrant community where parents connect while their kids play. Her favorite part? Watching isolated moms find friendship and support. In her downtime, Katrina enjoys gardening, camping, and creating peaceful moments with loved ones.
Kristina Richie | Owner of Lakeside ISR
Kristina combines her roles as a mom and ISR instructor to teach life-saving swim skills to infants and children. Since launching Lakeside ISR in 2023, she’s focused on water safety and community impact. Her greatest joy is watching kids gain confidence in the water. She loves staying active and boating on Old Hickory Lake with family and friends.
Lindsey Conder | Owner of Lindsey Conder Photography
Lindsey turned a lifelong love for photography into a career that lets her capture joy while being present for her children. Since officially launching in January 2024, she’s embraced the creative freedom of entrepreneurship. She values her flexible lifestyle, new friendships, and meaningful work. A fantasy book lover, she also enjoys outdoor adventures with her daughters.
Dr. Samantha Kelly & Dr. Blerta Seldon | Pearl Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Sam and Dr. Blerta bring compassionate, family-centered care to Mt. Juliet through Pearl Pediatric Dentistry. In two years, they’ve built a practice grounded in trust, fun, and empowerment—especially for young girls dreaming of dental careers. Outside the office, they enjoy travel, floral design, fine wine, and time with family (including office pup, Biscuit!).
Cathy Cardenas | PR & Entertainment Management
With three businesses under her belt, Cathy credits her success to faith and gratitude. For 14 years, she’s led a thriving PR firm while also launching a clothing line and podcast. Her favorite part of entrepreneurship? Owning her time and building what she loves. Cathy unwinds with live music, hiking, volunteering, and the occasional beach trip.
Olivia Russell | Owner of Russell Crafted Cabinetry & Stone
After five years in the industry, Olivia launched her own cabinetry and stone business to bring transparency and transformation to home design. She thrives in a male-dominated field and leads a powerhouse team to craft functional, beautiful spaces. When she’s not on-site, Olivia enjoys gardening and helping manage her family’s cattle farm.
Marquita Filson | Co-owner of Sister’s WhimZy
Marquita has spent nearly 13 years spreading joy through customer service at Sister’s WhimZy. Her favorite part of running the boutique is meeting new people daily and making someone’s day a little brighter. Outside the shop, she loves live country music, horseback riding, and time with her family.
Carmelita Stafford | Co-owner of Sister’s WhimZy
Carmelita co-founded Sister’s WhimZy with her friend Marquita to be closer to home and family. Nearly 13 years later, she still finds fulfillment in community involvement and setting an example for her children. Her greatest joys come from simple moments—spending time with friends and family and being present in her local community.
Nishann LaNata | Owner of Craft Wealth Services
Nishann launched her financial advising business to align work with her values—faith, family, and community. Now six years in, she focuses on values-based planning to help clients live intentionally. She loves choosing clients who inspire her. In her free time, she enjoys porch moments with her family and leading local women’s groups.
Julie Ruesewald | Owner of The Basement Marketplace
For nearly nine years, Julie’s shop has been a community hub, supporting local makers and creating meaningful experiences. The Basement Marketplace offers a space for connection, creativity, and unique finds. Julie treasures seeing friendships bloom in her store. She enjoys traveling, family time, and recharging at the beach.
Katie Jorge & Shauna Bowers | Owners of Glow Wilco
Katie and Shauna created Glow Wilco to offer high-quality aesthetic care in their hometown. Nearly three years in, they’ve built a thriving client-centered space rooted in comfort, confidence, and community. Tennis partners turned business partners, they love connecting with Mt. Juliet locals and spending time with their families outside of work.
Lauren Moss | Owner of Moss’ Flower Shop
When her family’s beloved shop was on the verge of closing, Lauren and her husband stepped in to preserve its 70-year legacy. Moss’ is more than a florist—it’s a cornerstone of Mt. Juliet. Lauren thrives on the challenges and community connections that come with ownership. She enjoys family dinners and cheering on the Vols.
Courtney Wheeler Biggs | VP of Advancement, Cumberland University
Guided by her parents’ principle to leave the world better, Courtney advances Cumberland University’s mission to transform lives through education. Since 2021, she’s helped remove barriers for students through scholarships and community support. For fun, she hikes with her husband and dog, travels, and reads voraciously.
Rachelle Reigard | Owner of Grade A Construction
Rachelle founded Grade A Construction in 2013 to build a business rooted in support, opportunity, and belonging. From humble beginnings, she’s grown the company to over 200 employees and a new office on the horizon. Rachelle finds purpose in nurturing her team and enjoys discovering new places and local eats with her family.
Amanda Oaks | Owner of Walk Your Plans Nashville
Amanda’s business journey began eight years ago with a mission to serve others and be present for her family. She’s passionate about empowering clients personally and professionally, creating relationships built on trust and support. Amanda enjoys quality family time, community collaboration, and cheering on her kids from the sidelines.
Kim Thomas, Publisher and Kourtney McComb, Publication Director. We work monthly to bring you the most interesting stories of Mount Juliet. With our combined talents (Kourtney - Wife, Mother, Dog mom and Actress Kim - Wife, Mother, Dog Mom Publisher and Photographer) We create a force of passion to bring you the best of MJ.