Shifting Gears

No matter how much we love what we do, sometimes it's best to step back, evaluate life and take a different direction. After months of soul searching, I decided to do just that. As of today, a new person has been hired to come in and take the position of running Nashville Lifestyles. I am crazy about the choice, as my replacement is one of my original team members from when I started the magazine.  He's a publishing guru and a super guy. I know that my readers, advertisers and staff will feel the same about Brian Barry. But stepping down is a bit bittersweet. I'm posting a few favorite photos here that represent why. The whole experience has been a love story for me, and that is because of the people.

One of the things I am most grateful for in the 14 year process of founding, building, creating, selling and running a publication is the friendships that I have built along the way. Staff members that have moved away over the years are still those I visit with on vacation and holidays. And, the team I have today is just as special. I've been lucky to have attracted the most amazing, talented and fun group of women in the city to work for me, and they will all remain through this transition to continue to make me proud of the magazine. What was once a little start up project is now a viable, moving force in the city and beyond. Under this new leadership, it will only get better.  You will definitely want to keep subscribing and following the magazine online, as some truly spectacular inclusions are on the horizon.

I have been anxious for this actual day to come for the last two months, and now that it's here, want to spend my time focusing on my husband, my family and the things that I enjoy most in life. For me that means lots of travel and time spent working on my home... and then sharing it to entertain friends often. While I will still be writing regularly for the magazine (continuing with my lifestyle/celebrity/style and travel contributions), my primary focus is completely shifting. I will no longer be in charge of a staff or the management of budgets and other 'big-job' responsibilities. Instead, I will be a free agent. My goal is to first take some personal time, and then to explore creative avenues and other opportunities to apply my talents and interests. 

It is an exciting time for me, and I hope you will continue to follow here to see where the next chapter leads. I'm definitely hoping to share it with you!