Scaling Your Creativity at Nashville Design Week
If it feels like we have a lot going on this fall… it’s because we do! Lately, I’ve been so lucky to drive – and be included in – a number of launches and events with intense, actionable, and whip-smart education. My favorite kind. But as we approach the last big event of 2022, this last will definitely not be the least. In fact, it may be the most: a panel discussion among some of Nashville’s most impressive creative business owners. This panel is the business-brainchild of Jon Dalman, Partner at Mesa Furniture and Millwork. Please join us at Scaling Your Creativity this Friday, November 4th, the last day of Nashville Design Week.
I have the pleasure of moderating this conversation among 5 creative business owners, doing my favorite thing: asking nosy questions that no one else will, ha! We’re going to go beneath the surface to find out how these business leaders reconcile their creativity with their cash flow, or as Jon cleverly says: we’ll push into the curious corners of ownership. We’ll explore
- where to start,
- how to scale up (or not), and
- what their end game is.
I have to tell you…
I am excited and frankly, flattered, to hold the responsibility of conducting this discussion. All the panelists have been so generous to accept my, um.. pushes.. to get into details, specifics, and ideas for action that can actually help the audience. Because as you can imagine, so often, these things are not spoken publicly.
And in advance, I’m so thankful to the 5 panelists who are being so open and wanting to provide valuable, truly beneficial content to a generous audience. And once I tell you who these people are, I know you’re going to want to nab one of the few remaining tickets. [UPDATE: the event sold out last week(!) but Jon’s been working to make more space]. Without further ado, here are the stars I get to sit alongside on Friday:
Derrick Moore “Moe”, Slim & Husky’s
Co-founder and President, Derrick Moore, is a seasoned operations manager and former Tennessee State University (TSU) football player with successful startup experience mirroring his cohorts, Gray and Reed. Before co-founding Slim & Husky’s, Moore was Director of Operations for The Green Truck Moving & Storage Company until he, Reed, and Gray sold the company to begin their passion project: serving up quality pizza in a hip-hop-inspired atmosphere.
Tracey Ford, EOA Architects
An architect, partner and owner, Tracey Ford began her career straight out of grad school at EOA Architects. Making spaces rooted in intentional engagement has been a focus, whether it be at the scale of the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center or the complexity of the Bento Chestnut Hill.
Jon Dalman, Mesa
A partner at Mesa, Jon has helped design and build furniture and millwork for Nashville staples Hattie B’s, Slim & Husky’s, Powell, MZA, and Dryden. When he’s not on site visits or cranking at the shop, he’s waterskiing, van camping, or growing his other business, Vanlife Trader.
Jesse Brown, Design Object
Co-Founder and Principal at Design Object, a new interior studio based in Nashville with a focus on curated commercial environments ranging from boutique retail experiences to large corporate office spaces. Being an owner of a design business allows Jesse to lean further into her interests in entrepreneurship, psychology, and real estate investing.
Nick Dryden, Dryden Architecture
If you’ve grabbed a cup of coffee at Barista Parlor, bought a pair of jeans from Imogene + Willie, spent the night at Noelle or had a cocktail at Soho House Nashville, you’re familiar with Nick Dryden’s work. Dryden’s studio is responsible for the architecture and interior design of some of Nashville’s buzziest projects, including one of four boutique hotels about to open on the northern side of downtown. When Dryden isn’t working on a commercial or residential project at his Berry Hill office, you’ll find him on the road with his kids or taking in a concert.
We’ve really tried to prepare well to make this not-your-average-panel. And like I said, everyone’s been so generous with their time, preparation, and thoughtfulness in how they want to show up and help Nashville’s creative business community – both for its present and future. Because of the intimacy and nature of sharing in this event, it will not be recorded. Openness and connection is the name of the game to these generous business leaders. We’re nearly out of tickets(!), so please grab your tickets for Friday at 11:30a here.
PS – When you’re there, please say hi to me and the other panelists. We absolutely want to know you!
