We asked who’s a woman in Nashville making waves right now, and wow — you delivered. Here are the first 28 local women leading companies, launching ideas, and shaping the region’s future, with many more to come.
Note: Submissions have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length. Psst... stay tuned for the next batch of women leaders.
Abby Trotter, Founding Partner, Hall Strategies | Trotter promotes Nashville and Tennessee through events like the Hot Chicken Festival and Southern Book Festival, building community engagement and supporting local initiatives.
Alison Clougherty, Co-founder + Executive Director, Blind Early Services TN (BEST) | After noticing a gap in services for families of young blind children, Clougherty started a nonprofit to provide critical services + support.
Annika Baylis, Owner + Founder, Prickly Pear Coffee Co. | Bayliss turned Prickly Pear Coffee Co. from a folding-table setup during the pandemic into a thriving multi-location Nashville brand, blending business growth with community impact through faith, mentorship, and connection. | Nominated by Ellie S.
Caitlin Shirock, Founder + Owner, Caitlin Shirock Gallery | Shirock showcases her art locally and online and recently opened her own gallery. She inspires women and founders to turn creativity and passion into successful business ventures. | Nominated by Aly W.
Christy Hunter, Co-owner, Photowalk Your Travel Nashville | Hunter is “Christy the Connector,” building her business while lifting up others in Nashville’s hospitality scene. She fosters collaboration, introducing business owners to one another and creating opportunities for collective growth. | Nominated by Shannon L. and Gina P.
Cynthia Florez, Co-owner, Limo Peruvian Eatery | Florez embodies Nashville’s heart, hustle, and hospitality. She has grown Limo from a food truck to a beloved East Nashville restaurant, creating a space where culture, community, and connection thrive. Her leadership goes beyond business, showing generosity and compassion — even pausing operations to feed those in need. | Nominated by Elle B.
Danielle Pyle, COO, Fraction Force Strategies | Pyle uses her voice and relationships to advocate for sexual assault survivors, advancing meaningful change through initiatives like “Danielle’s Law.” Known for her dedication and kindness, she combines leadership with deep empathy. | Nominated by a friend + former co-worker
Debbie Radish-Respess, Founder, Invisible Horizons Coaching | Radish-Respess guides leaders and entrepreneurs through transformation, helping clients expand vision, overcome barriers, and lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Ellie Stein, Founder + Owner, Stein Studio Interior Design | Stein blends technical rigor with soulful design, turning spaces into memorable experiences. She guides high-impact clients with calm authority and has been recognized as a top Woman in Business to watch by Modern Luxury Southeast. | Nominated by Savannah D. + others
Hannah Russell, Co-founder + Co-owner, Lightbox Ice Cream | Russell blends creativity and hospitality as the “Chief Sunshine Officer,” creating joyful, community-focused experiences with inventive flavors.
Haley Zapolski, Founder, The Lighthouse | Zapolski supports Nashville’s startup community through The Lighthouse workspace and founder investments, strengthening the city as a hub for entrepreneurship. | Nominated by John P.
Holli Turriglio Quinn, Founder + Owner, The Healing Journey Therapy Center | Quinn has grown her practice from a single office to five locations, serving hundreds of clients across the greater Nashville area and establishing a leading presence in mental health services.
Kathryn Swanton, Owner, Metkat Marketing | Swanton amplifies nonprofit voices and advocates for overlooked communities. She leads with heart, courage, and creativity, building meaningful impact while uplifting others. | Nominated by Clarence J. C.
Kavya Sharman, Co-founder, Phase Capital | Sharman has built an influential network of entrepreneurs and funders at the intersection of healthcare and data technologies. She organizes annual events that foster innovation, partnerships, and improved approaches to health tech. | Nominated by Todd G.
Lana Pargh, Founder, The Pargh Team, Compass Real Estate | Pargh and her husband are driving growth and innovation in Nashville’s real estate market.
Laura Graye, Founder, Laura Graye LLC | Graye is a Medical and Emotional Intuitive who guides clients to uncover unconscious patterns affecting health and well-being, offering over 100 online programs to help people heal and empower themselves. | Nominated by Jeffrey D.
Laurel Orley, CEO + Co-founder, Daily Crunch | Orley founded Daily Crunch, building a successful brand that introduced a healthy, delicious snack to the market.
Lauren O’Brien + Kelly Carter, Co-founders, Shakti Power Yoga | The co-founders have built Shakti Power Yoga into a thriving, community-focused studio over 13 years, leading with heart and adaptability. | Nominated by Alexis G.
Leigh Lovett, Founder, Blogger Xchange | Lovett champions local businesses and creators through Blogger Xchange, amplifying Nashville’s entrepreneurial community. | Nominated by Taylor R.
Lindsey Cox, CEO, Launch Tennessee | Cox built a successful nonprofit supporting startups in Tennessee for over 15 years. She leads programs in finance, policy, civic engagement, and tech-based economic development, with connections across government, corporate, and entrepreneurial networks. Her leadership drives innovation statewide. | Nominated by Chloe M.
Lisa DiVirgilio Arnold, CEO + Founder, Small Town Startup | Arnold helps small-town businesses start and grow through Small Town Startup and created Junior CEO Camp to teach entrepreneurship to teens.
Megan Ivey, Founder + CEO, Cabling Innovations | Ivey co-founded Cabling Innovations, LLC in 2014 with her late husband, Brian Pitts. Navigating single parenthood and a male-dominated industry, she exemplifies resilience and determination, leading the company’s growth during Nashville’s rapid vertical development boom.
Megan Gray, Co-founder + CEO, Fable Beard Co. | Gray leads in a male-dominated grooming industry, breaking barriers while growing Fable Beard Co., which has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list and maintains a loyal online community.
Nancy Wood Stabell, Founder + Lead Attorney, Wood Stabell Law Group | Stabell is a dealmaker and connector in Nashville, building a thriving women-led law firm while shaping the business ecosystem through mentorship, civic leadership, and advocacy. | Nominated by Katie R. | Nominated by Katie R.
Savannah Benefield, Founder, Creative & Caffeinated | Benefield helps small businesses, especially women-led, grow through strategic storytelling, strong online presence, and community connection — turning scattered content into high-impact branding. | Nominated by Ellie S.
Tanisha Wilson, Founder + CEO, B.E. Academy for Girls | Wilson embodies leadership, integrity, and success, ensuring girls in grades 5-9 at B.E. Academy for Girls have access to top teachers and curriculum.
Tiffany Heavener, Co-founder + Co-owner, LED Marquee | Heavener grew Nashville’s LED Marquee into a nationwide brand with 70+ locations, empowering local operators and bringing a creative business model to communities across the US. | Nominated by Hannah B.
Olivia Russell, Founder + Owner, Russell Crafted Cabinetry | Russell elevates cabinetry into a defining element of homes, blending craftsmanship, precision, and artistry, while supporting and inspiring the broader design community.
