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Female Entrepreneurship

These Brentwood Women Making Waves In Our Community

Of all lists we could make right now, this one feels the most exciting. Maybe because it’s a sign of what’s to come in the business world. Women aren’t just getting promoted to the top of big businesses, but they’re creating their own – and we couldn't be prouder to have these women right here in Brentwood. 

We're happy to introduce some women-owned businesses that stand out, from creative art, to general contracting, hydration and wellness. We hope you enjoy getting to know these entrepreneurial women.  

  1. Lynn Harnen - Spark

I grew up with a full-size kiln in our basement and thought that was 'normal.'  My mom loved doing ceramics and instilled a love for crafting in me at an early age. Fast-forward through 29 years of marriage, two amazing children and working full time in the IT Industry for 20-plus years, I decided to partner with my brother, RJ Chesna, to open an art studio. Opening a business during COVID-19 isn't for the faint of heart, but now more than ever, we can all benefit from a creative outlet and having fun. Life is an experience.

2) Lillyce Harriel - Renew - U360

Being a female entrepreneur is an exercise in resilience...this journey is rough but rewarding. There are two quotes I keep in the forefront of my mind when I start to lose focus:

“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”- Anne Sweeney

“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”- Virginia Rometty

3)  Victoria Davis - LMFT, Renovare Counseling

Empowering people toward healthy relationships, feeling connected, and a sense of well being is such a privilege for me as a therapist. Great external feats are nice, but when someone has the courage to explore their inner self,  feelings and vulnerability to grow and increase their closeness with loved ones, that's truly impressive. We are all relational beings--born to connect deeply, needing to be loved, heard, valued, and “seen” in our lives, and I feel strongly that each and every person deserves to have that. I feel honored that in my work I can help them get it. 

4) Gwen Lara - Exodus Industries

Exodus Industries CEO and Head Designer, Gwen Lara, has designed and constructed hundreds of projects throughout the greater Nashville area and beyond. Her talents as a designer and care for the company’s clients influence every aspect of projects. Gwen’s work ranges from contemporary to traditional including institutional, commercial, high-end residential, costal residential and cabin design.

5) Sara Buchanan – Brentwood Nutrition

From a young age, I've always prioritized fitness and nutrition. Fitness became an even bigger part of my life when Chad, my boyfriend, and I decided to move to Franklin in 2020 and I started the role as a trainer at Burn Boot Camp in Franklin. Soon after, both of us knew we wanted to have a greater impact on how important it is to fuel our bodies with protein and energy through cleaner sources. In March 2021, we opened Brentwood Nutrition, our protein shake and energy tea store. 

6) Kim Engelhardt - The Aesthetic Loft

Kim is a nurse with more than 20 years of experience, including plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.

She grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Duke University with a master’s degree in nursing and specific training as an adult nurse practitioner. She's lived and worked in Nashville since 2003. Her specialty is in aesthetic medicine, including injections, body contouring, skin care and lasers. "Be the kind of woman that makes other women want to up their game” -Author Unknown

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