We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Laurén Laurino | LMT & CEO of Mountain Mobile Massage lovingly known as America’s Holistic Sweetheart

The current “State”. of the State of Tennessee! Let’s face it and embrace it that this is the first time in History, we are seeing such an influx of tourism and people from all walks of life and geographical areas gravitating and relocating to the Volunteer State. Me, I’m a ‘hybrid’ Jersey Girl- my Southern Grandmother would blame our poor behavior on our ‘Yankee Blood’ growing up- but was it really her fault for falling in love with a military serviceman from the North stationed at Fort Moore (formerly fort Benning) don’t you think? I was raised by an avid outdoorsman to hunt and fish with an emphasis on survival, sustainability and a garden to table approach to nutrition. A Holistic Lifestyle culmination at its finest before the term was trending. My mother, a politically appointed State Government branch manager instilled in me the importance of being on the front lines with my team and always implementing safety and security procedures. Read more>>

Jack Miele | Music Producer / Audio Engineer / Guitarist / Composer

I think the most important factor is consistency. What is a brand? It’s a promise to your clients or customers that you’ll deliver a consistent product…..whether that product is a recording or a live performance or a pair of shoes….it’s all the same in concept. You have to strive to be consistently great, no matter what is going on in your personal life. It’s a very hard thing to achieve and I work tirelessly at it. Do I fall short sometimes? Absolutely. But, that being said, it’s about how well you can recover and regain the trust of your clients and customers that matters. Read more>>

Jenny Lynn | Owner and Lead Wedding Planner

Relationships. The relationships we form with our couples, team members, venues, and vendors are crucial to the success of our business. Without these strong partnerships, we would not be where we are today. Chattanooga is a tight-knit community, so word of mouth goes a long way. We are thrilled to say, that most of our leads are referrals from local venues, fellow wedding vendors, or former BTV couples, so prioritizing these relationships is a huge priority for us. We absolutely love being a part of the Chattanooga wedding industry and are so grateful for all of the amazing vendors and couples who recommend us to newly engaged couples without hesitation! Read more>>

The Camkuy Group | Youth and Community Development – Non-Profit Organization

The key to our success is remembering that all we do is for the kids. Those three words, “for the kids,” are often said but not meant. At The CamKuy Group, that phrase reflects the work we do. Through school-based partnerships where we engage with over 2,000 students across Memphis to our Annual Holiday Magic Toy Drive that benefits kids at Youth Villages, this work is truly for the kids. This mindset helps us remain focused on our strategic planning, resource allocation, and budgeting/fundraising efforts. Read more>>

Ally Beard | Advocate, Educator, and Mentor

What is the Most Important Factor Behind My Success?
Success is often attributed to hard work, determination, and the ability to navigate obstacles. Reflecting on my journey over the past few years, I have come to understand that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of how I perceive my experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
Graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2021 marked a significant milestone in my life, yet the journey was fraught with challenges. Transitioning from a student to a professional can be daunting, especially during a period when the world was still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more>>