Meet Lily Petersen | Marketing Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Petersen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I was 18, I moved from my small town of Morgan Hill, CA to Nashville, TN – approximately 2,239 miles away. I had always been an introvert growing up, bringing books to gatherings, sitting in a corner and reading. My family often spoke on my behalf; they were the outgoing ones. I initially moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry, but this was a big move for someone like me. I oddly didn’t feel very scared about it. Something in me knew that this risk I was taking was going to be worth it.

Now, 8 years later, I’m not working in music anymore and I’m certainly not an introvert, but 18 year old me never could’ve imagined this is how my life would play out. I thrive on other people’s energy and conversation, and I love bringing people together. I never anticipated taking such a risk would completely transform my life, but it did. And since I moved from California all those years ago, I’ve continued to push myself out of my comfort zone and have watched how it benefits me every time I do, no matter how big or small. As a rule of thumb, I try to not settle for less than I think I deserve. If I’m too comfortable, I try to get uncomfortable because that’s when the best growth happens. It happens when you’re starting a new business venture, when you’re sending that cold email, or when you’re moving 2,000 miles from home, your comfort zone for the last 18 years. I ask myself, what do I have to lose?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career started out in the music industry. I was a Catalog Manager and then a Songwriter Manager. Today, I’m not touching a whole lot in the music industry, and that’s something I’m slowly getting used to. I do, however, wear a lot of other hats: I’m a Marketing Director for my family’s winery EmmaLily. I’m a Brand Platform Assistant at LTK. I’m an Etsy store owner. I’m a copywriter. I’m a social media manager. I’m a babysitter. I like to stay busy.

I’m always striving for more, and sometimes that can be really beneficial and sometimes it can have the opposite effect. The healthiest way for me to juggle all these side hustles is do them with a healthy mindset and not from a place of “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not doing enough.” I try to do these other things outside my 9-6 job for creative enrichment, for extra income, or just because I feel happy when I’m busy.

It’s hard though, to not live in a scarcity mindset, but that’s one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned (and still am learning)- to remember that I’m doing the best I can, and to not be so hard on myself. I’m definitely my harshest critic, and it pushes me to greatest for sure, but it’s also a tough balance. Right now, I’m trying to be present on the path that’s laid out for me, while staying open to what’s coming next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, my favorite part about Nashville is that I’m never bored or short on places to go and people to see. When someone comes to town, I have an entire notes app of recommendations.

I live on the East side, so I would probably take my friend to Dose or Cafe Roze for brunch. I’d want to show them 12th south or the Richland Farmer’s market. I also love taking walks at Radnor and Cornelia Fort Airpark. I’d take them to Hoop House near Belmont because not only do they sell gorgeous plants but they foster the cutest kittens! I would probably take them to O-ku, Chauhan, or The Wash for dinner. After dinner cocktails at Tiger Bar (get a Tom Thumb!) or at Le Loup. We’d also have to see some live music, maybe at The Basement (OG or East) or The Twelve Thirty Club.

There is no shortage of things to do in Nashville and I love checking for local events on Nashville Guru!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jeanette Porcello!

Jeanette has been my mentor since I started school at Belmont University. She was a year above me and doing all the things I wanted to be doing. She was my Big Sister in my sorority and I always went to her for advice whether it was music industry related or just life in general. 8 years later, she still remains a huge part of my life and story today. She is always encouraging, helpful, patient, and kind and she’s also such a success and inspiration to me!

Website: https://www.emmalilyvineyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalilywinery/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilybpetersen

Image Credits
Images 1 (Barrels) & 2 (family portrait) – Jake & Hayley Ingolia
Image 6 (group photo) – Robert Moroni