Jackie Wall is a Northerner at heart, but Nashville made her fall in love with the south. Here’s her story on how she began #LivingTN.
Written By: Jackie Wall
The true embodiment of embracing the culture in Tennessee means constantly failing and learning, setting goals and working together to make the community fuller by all of its many parts. I’m making the most of my new southern home and absolutely loving the ups and downs of the journey.
As a northern transplant, I must admit I was apprehensive about moving to the south and embracing southern culture (I don’t listen to country music, and endless barbecue and hot chicken joints mean nothing to this vegetarian), but I’ve fallen in love with Tennessee’s easy-going, endearing sense of community. Tennessee makes me feel warm (not just because of the crazy heat in the summer… Okay, maybe it’s a little bit of the heat talking) in that it’s now always seemed like home.
I believe the sense of community and a true feeling of home come from moving to a city of transplants: Nashville. We’ve all moved to this new city not knowing what to expect, and if we’ll make friends or fulfill our crazy dreams that lured us here in the first place. We might come from all over the country, but being new is a common bond that’s threaded a lot of us to lean on and support each other fearlessly. I’ve lived in multiple cities and regions of the country, but have never met so many intrepid dream chasers in one area!
Why would I ever want to go to Krispy Kreme when the most glorious donuts are obviously made with love at Five Daughters Bakery?
The amount of artists and small businesses in Nashville that are thriving and wildly successful is a true testament to a strong foundation of a supportive community. When I think about my favorite places to shop, eat or play, I can’t think of a single one that is a chain or can be found anywhere else in the country. Why would I ever want to go to Krispy Kreme when the most glorious donuts are obviously made with love at Five Daughters Bakery? And knowing that with my support, I’ve helped a local family reach their business and personal goals? I mean, it’s kind of a no-brainer.
I’ve noticed that most local artists and business owners have found this perfect concoction of success by providing the highest quality products and services while creating an experience for their customers or audience, as well as giving back to the community by supporting other local businesses and organizations. I think this can be attributed to passion, meaningful collaboration and a consistent, fresh brand that is a true reflection of them.
If one day I can make a living as a heart-filled storyteller through my style and journey, and collaborate with other artists and small business owners, I would say I had achieved my dream.
I’m a firm believer that supporting others builds your own character and sense of fearlessness about other facets of life. For years I’ve wanted to start my own blog but made excuses for why it would fail. Shortly after moving to Nashville in December 2015, however, I made the plunge and started writing and marketing my fashion and lifestyle blog, and have already received so much support and outreach from the local community! I was genuinely inspired by all of the ambitious dreamers around me to reconnect with my own goals and aspirations of developing my brand. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I’ve slowly learned to love the process of combining my technical talents (marketing, writing, editing, social media management) with my creative branding goals. If one day I can make a living as a heart-filled storyteller through my style and journey, and collaborate with other artists and small business owners, I would say I had achieved my dream.
The true embodiment of embracing the culture in Tennessee means constantly failing and learning, setting goals and working together to make the community fuller by all of its many parts. I’m making the most of my new southern home and absolutely loving the ups and downs of the journey.
Instagram: @stylebyjackie
Website: stylebyjackie.com
Email: info@stylebyjackie.com