Heart of the City

In this special Thanksgiving-week episode, Amy sits down with Executive Producer, Sallie, and Director, Cameron, for a candid conversation about what it’s really been like to create and grow Heart of the City. Together, they reflect on the unexpected lessons, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories that have moved them the most. A Grateful Heart is a short, heartfelt pause in the season — and a war...

This week on Heart of the City, we sit down with Jennifer Edge — owner of Main Line Tattoo, founder of Literary Ink, community champion, and a creative force shaping Chattanooga in more ways than one. Jennifer opens up about breaking into the tattoo industry in a small Southern city, how her identity has informed the inclusive space she’s built, and the evolving artistry that’s made her a mentor t...

In this episode, Amy sits down with Kacie Trexler, owner of Sweet E’s Children’s Boutique, whose story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and love for what she does. Over the years, Kacie has weathered more than a few storms (literally) and continued to show up, adapt, and build something beautiful through it all. She shares how Sweet E’s has evolved through every season, the lessons she’...

In this episode of Heart of the City, we sit down with Mitch Patel — founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group — whose leadership and foresight have helped shape both Chattanooga’s skyline and its sense of place. From national hotel brands to beloved local landmarks like The Edwin and Kinley, Mitch has built more than beautiful spaces — he’s built a culture grounded in vision, values, and virtue...

Christine Waldrop has always been known for creating beauty — through blooms, thoughtful gifts, and the quiet strength behind Blluum. In this episode, she shares how she stepped into entrepreneurship later in life, what it’s taken to grow two sides of a business, and how her faith continues to guide every decision she makes. During this conversation, she also opens up about something even more per...

This week on Heart of the City, Amy sits down with Sarah Hart — brilliant chef, savvy business owner, incredible hostess, and the creative force behind Hart & Hive Provisions and Queen’s Kitchen. From catering NASCAR events to opening restaurants and now running two thriving storefronts, Sarah’s journey is one of passion, provisions, and purpose. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her...

In this episode of Heart of the City, Amy sits down with Robbie and Jessie, the young, creative couple behind Oak & Twine, an embroidery and screen-printing business making its mark in Chattanooga. From building a brand from scratch in a new city to navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship together, Robbie and Jessie share what it really takes to grow a small business while also growi...

In this episode, we sit down with Shayna Webb of @webbchatts — a Chattanooga-based content creator whose rapid rise is rooted in authenticity, local love, and a whole lot of hustle. Shayna shares how she made the leap from her 9–5 into full-time creating, how she handles the comparison trap, and what it’s really like working with local businesses and brands. From wedding content to local gems, Sha...

One of our most gripping and powerful conversations yet. At 19 years old, Laith Al-Tamimi found himself being held in Iraq—caught in a situation that would force him to risk everything to escape. In this episode, he shares the raw, unfiltered story of that journey, the twists that brought him to America, and how he built a life and business in Chattanooga. Today, as a master barber, Laith uses his...

Heidi Hefferlin moved to Chattanooga decades ago with a vision—and ended up helping shape the city itself. As co-founder of HK Architects, she’s been a driving force in the revitalization of the Southside, a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, and a builder of both spaces and community. In this episode, Heidi shares what it means to lead with conviction, the cost and reward of building somet...

Matt and Monica Smith, the husband-and-wife team behind REV Optimal Living, are redefining what chiropractic care looks like in the South. Their work focuses on nervous system regulation, energetic alignment, and whole-body healing—and in this conversation, they open up about how they’ve built a community around that mission. We talk about the challenges of bringing a nontraditional approach to we...

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Reckert, a local muralist and artist whose bold, colorful work is transforming blank walls into vibrant landmarks all over the city. Olivia shares how she went from knocking on doors to get her first projects to walking away from a full-time job and betting on herself as a creative entrepreneur. From navigating feedback and finding her style to reminding ot...

Adam Lozano didn’t set out to own a gym — but over the years, he became the heartbeat of Forte Fitness. In this episode, we sit down with Adam several months into owning the business he’s helped build from the inside out. From his time in the military to the emotional one-on-one consults that define his approach, Adam shares what strength really looks like, what it means to serve others well, and...

Brandon and Christian, co-owners of Sleepyhead Coffee, are former partners turned business partners who’ve built a brand rooted in bold coffee and radical inclusivity. In this episode, they open up about the journey from coffee cart to two thriving locations, what it’s like running a business with your ex, and how they’ve created a space where everyone — no matter who you are — feels welcome. From...

In this episode, we sit down with Zach McDonald, co-owner of Ramblewood, a full-scope event business known for designing unforgettable weekends and meaningful moments. Zach opens up about what it’s really like to build a business with your spouse, lead with love in a high-pressure industry, and navigate the growing expectations of today’s event world. From the emotional weight of comparison cultur...

In this episode, we sit down with Cole Webster, owner of The Barn Nursery and the next generation of a beloved Chattanooga business. Cole opens up about the weight and privilege of taking over a family legacy, what it means to serve the community that raised him, and how personal loss has shaped his purpose far beyond the garden gate. From cultivating deep roots in both business and philanthropy t...

What do you get when two best friends, a shared dream, and a bridal boutique meet an unexpected disaster? For Allie Holland and Stephanie Palmer, co-owners of Monica’s Bridal, it meant facing one of the hardest seasons of their lives — and choosing to rebuild, stronger and more intentional than ever. In this episode, Allie and Stephanie share what it’s really like to run a business with your best...

Courtnay and Charlie McGinness are partners in life and business—and they’ve built a shoe store that’s anything but ordinary. In this debut episode of Heart of the City, they open up about running Chattanooga Shoe Co. as a married couple, raising three kids, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—including closing two locations and learning what it really means to stick it out. From...