SouthernAlpha

01/06/2022

Nashville Artist Mark Jones Discusses Mental Health Story

Mental health advocate and visual artist Mark Jones shares his fight to get better.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/nashville-artist-mark-jones-discusses-mental-health-story/

There’s a looming mental health crisis in the United States. Publishing statistics about the crisis for 2022, national nonprofit Mental Health America shares some disturbing details of note. “In 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 19.86% of adults experienced a mental illness, equivalent ...

01/04/2022

Discover Sooner Offers Mentoring for Artists, Publishers Connection

If you’re a member of the music biz, you may need help meeting industry publishers. Discover Sooner has launched a program just for that to help artists start the new year off right.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/launch-engine-discover-sooner-offers-mentoring-for-artists-publishers-connection/

For Nashville musicians, it’s all about putting oneself out there to be seen and heard. Many artists take one opportunity after another to be seen, struggling all the while to make great connections. If a musician is scratching their head and trying to figure out where they can meet a music publ

12/03/2021

🎄You're invited to StartupNash Ham it up Holiday Bash - https://mailchi.mp/southernalpha.com/ham-it-up

11/17/2021

Cultivate Tennessee Hosts Cannabis Fundraiser, Plots Path Forward

On Thursday, November 18, the Butcher & Bee will host a fundraiser dinner and “meeting of the minds” for stakeholders in the cannabis industry. In advance of this dinner, Launch Engine spoke to cannabis advocate and entrepreneur Will Tarleton about the industry, and how it can help Tennessee farmers.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/cultivate-tennessee-hosts-cannabis-fundraiser-plots-path-forward/

#

Attitudes toward h**p and CBD have warmed over the last few years in Middle Tennessee. In 2019, The Tennessean shared an article that illuminated several facts about the growing industry. The article stated that over 2,600 farmers were licensed to grow h**p that year, with at least five farms licens

11/08/2021

🌞 Nomination: spotlight your startup - https://mailchi.mp/southernalpha.com/december-update-5469207

10/28/2021

Sculpture Artist Valentine Adams Bends Metal to His Will

Metal sculpture artist Valentine Adams loves repurposing old scrap into new creations. He spoke to Launch Engine about his love for machines, the meaning of his work, and his upcoming appearance in the "Down a Country Road IV" art show at Columbia's Theta General Store.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/sculpture-artist-valentine-adams-bends-metal-to-his-will/

Art appreciation. It often conjures up images of snooty art critics and wealthy collectors buying artwork at prices no ordinary person could match. However, the truth is that art appreciation is for everyone. Whether you are enjoying a new song on the radio, or talking up a recent movie you watc

10/14/2021

Who the Hell is Buddy Jackson?

Nashville artist Buddy Jackson could have sold his soul. But in his chat with Sheri Oneal, Buddy discusses how such bargains are never worth it.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/who-the-hell-is-buddy-jackson/

Visual artist and sculptor, Buddy Jackson is known throughout Nashville as someone who has always stayed true to his values. He has the need to feel something when he is creating. That is what motivates him as an artist. His iconic past experiences in the commercial design world have helped him evol

10/05/2021

David C. Baker on the Business of Being an Expert

Author, Podcaster, Professional Speaker, and Business Consultant David C. Baker spoke to Launch Engine about “How to become an expert.” His advice is a valuable read for anyone looking to master a skill or make a name for themselves in an industry.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/david-c-baker-on-the-business-of-being-an-expert/

What makes someone an expert? Does it take being in the field for a certain number of years? A particular number of clients? Having someone hail you publicly as “an expert” in the world of business after years of toiling away in your industry? What if being an expert was as simple as recognizing

09/09/2021

Lady Electrical Company is Wired for Work

Shared from earlier this week:

Being a female electrician in a male-dominated industry isn’t easy. But Phyllis Poole’s got this. She spoke to Launch Engine about her trade, marketing through excellent work, and the sloppy workmanship she’s seen on so many job sites.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/lady-electrical-company-is-wired-for-work/

The country needs more female trade workers. According to a 2019 story from USA Today, “By 2028, an estimated 3 million jobs will sit open in the skilled trades, positions that come to life as the backbone of American growth. From appliance techs to carpenters, a variety of profitable career opp

09/02/2021

The Hodges Announce ‘Remembrance’ Art Exhibit

Rutherford County's “Artistic Storytellers” Dr. Barbara and Leroy Hodges announce ‘Remembrance’ public art exhibit at City of Murfreesboro, TN - Government Rotunda.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/the-hodges-announce-remembrance-art-exhibit/

For husband and wife duo Leroy and Dr. Barbara Hodges, the creation and exhibition of art in Rutherford County is an ongoing task. As solo artists, they have been making art for over two decades. Since they have such a large body of work between them, the Hodges have put together an art show tha

08/20/2021

Ken Means Continues Working on His Carousel

If you haven’t heard, Franklin artist Ken Means is carving wooden animals for a functional carousel ride. Launch Engine caught up with Ken to learn more about his project, and why carousels mean so much to him.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/ken-means-continues-working-on-his-carousel/

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who became enchanted with the Lincoln Park Carousel. He appreciated everything about the carousel’s 48 horses. He loved everything, from each horse’s unique glass eyes to the hand-painted details of the 34 columns and scenes, every one a different adventu...

08/18/2021

Franklin International Indie Film Festival Returns November

This November, the Franklin International Indie Film Festival (FIIFF) returns to The Factory for five days of independent cinema and industry panels. Launch Engine spoke to Executive Director Nan Puetz to learn more about this year’s festival.

READ MORE: https://www.launchengine.io/franklin-international-indie-film-festival-returns-november/

Physical theaters still offer a very important social experience, despite the ready availability of movies on streaming services. The likes of Netflix or Hulu cannot replace the communal sharing of moments of surprise, wonder, horror, joy, or sorrow experienced by viewers when they’re seated in fr...

08/05/2021

MTSU’s Todd Gallery Hosts ‘Celebration’ from Latin Artists

Curated by the MTSU Todd Art Gallery, “Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions” features the work of six prominent Latin American and Hispanic Artists. The show runs through August 14.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/mtsus-todd-gallery-hosts-celebration-from-latin-artists/

Middle Tennessee is a very diverse place, and this is especially the case with its creative voices. This is precisely why MTSU is exhibiting the art show “Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions” (“Celebration”) at its Todd Art Gallery. “Celebration” features artists that represen...

08/04/2021

NTC Hosts August Virtual Job Fair with 14 Middle Tennessee Employers

Do you know someone looking for a job?

Tomorrow, the Greater Nashville Technology Council (NTC) will be hosting a live virtual job fair. Tech jobs will be offered by 14 of the area’s employers. All are welcome to register, regardless of experience level.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/ntc-hosts-august-virtual-job-fair-with-14-middle-tennessee-employers/

August may prove to be a great month for those looking to land a tech job. On Thursday, August 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, the Greater Nashville Tech Council (NTC) will host a free, live Virtual Tech Job Fair. All are welcome to register for the event, regardless of industry experience. “We are

07/30/2021

OpiAID Brings Data Analytics to Addiction Recovery

Can biometric data collected from wearable tech help struggling addicts in recovery? OpiAID Founder and CEO David Reeser believes so, and discusses this in Launch Engine’s latest story.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/opiaid-brings-data-analytics-to-addiction-recovery/

How should “addiction” be defined and treated? For communities trying to solve substance abuse problems, this is a pressing question. Should it be viewed as a harmful, selfish behavior that should be punished? Or is it something that should be regarded as a disease that requires compassion for t...

07/26/2021

BOOST FitClub Provides Total Package for Health

BOOST FitClub co-founder Jon Sexton discusses owning a wellness facility, how the business made it through COVID, and the perks of working out as a family.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/boost-fitclub-provides-total-package-for-health/

Good health is something that we can easily take for granted—assuming we have it. However, when our health is compromised, it seriously diminishes our quality of life and can present a host of problems at work or at home. BOOST FitClub (BOOST) co-founder Jon Sexton owns a health club because he a

07/23/2021

📆 You're invited - https://mailchi.mp/southernalpha.com/december-update-5185591

07/20/2021

Photo Exhibit 'EYE CONTACT' Comes to Nashville July 20-27

“Eye Contact” is a photography exhibit that will be on display from July 20-27. The curated selection will feature never-before-seen images of major icons of music.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/photo-exhibit-eye-contact-comes-to-nashville-july-20-27/

The photography exhibit “EYE CONTACT” will have its opening night Tuesday, July 20, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Featuring previously unseen images of music artists, the show will run through July 27 at the Virgin Hotels Commons Club. Put together by the Give A Note Foundation as part of a Summer Happy ...

07/12/2021

Just Play Entertainment Sells Fun as a Service

Launch Engine spoke to Just Play Entertainment owner Leia Avery to discuss the business of entertaining adults, having fun during COVID, and turning corporate team-building exercises into memorable experiences!

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/just-play-entertainment-sells-fun-as-a-service/

Even if working professionals define themselves by what they do, they still need time for recreation. Having fun with others can build and strengthen relationships as well as help people unwind from their daily stressors. There are a lot of businesses that sell the idea of having fun. But how ma

07/09/2021

InnerG Juice & Yoga Offers Nutrition, Exercise

Today, north Nashville’s InnerG Juice & Yoga celebrates its grand opening! Launch Engine spoke to proprietor Nielah Burnett to learn about the business.

READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eB_56WJ

The experiences of Black minority consumers are often not the same as their white majority counterparts. It’s an ugly truth of so many businesses that is either ignored or never discussed. Building Black businesses means being intentional about how those businesses and their target communities en

06/28/2021

Learning About Personal Concierge Services with Julie Hullett

Couldn’t we all use the services of a personal concierge? Nashville personal concierge Julie Hullett explains what she does, and how she betters the lives of her clients. From vacation planning to property management, Julie does a little bit of everything.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/learning-about-personal-concierge-services-with-julie-hullett/

How great would it be if someone could tick off the items from your to-do list for you? Imagine if routine, time-consuming things like grocery shopping or planning events and vacations could be passed off to someone else for a change. Much like a hotel’s concierge, a personal concierge can knock

06/10/2021

Getting to Know Nashville Production Professional Steve Lamar

Nashville film and video professional Steve Lamar has a pretty fascinating career. He recently got to work on a one-of-a-kind commercial to promote a new Mountain Dew flavor.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/getting-to-know-nashville-production-professional-steve-lamar/

Nashville video production professional Steve Lamar got interested in television at a very early age. As there wasn’t much to do in the part of Texas he lived in, Steve fell in love with TV. His favorite pastime of bingeing entertainment made him want to learn more. So, he used to read “TV Guide...

06/07/2021

Space Force Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond visits Vanderbilt

Last week, Vanderbilt University hosted an elite member of the U.S. Space Force team.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/space-force-gen-john-w-jay-raymond-visits-vanderbilt/

https://youtu.be/iRpNuawq6ow From the Vanderbilt University News Desk - United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond visited Vanderbilt University to learn about the pioneering aerospace engineering projects at the university’s research institutes and trans-in...

06/03/2021

A True Southern Entrepreneur Works Within N.C.’s Ecosystem

Advocate of Wilmington, N.C.’s tech scene Jim Roberts writes about meeting Jim Boyte, CEO of company Active Defender. Boyte’s company looks to provide active shooter alerts to students during an emergency.

Read more: https://launchengine.io/a-true-southern-entrepreneur-works-within-n-c-s-ecosystem/

As one of the leaders of the Wilmington, North Carolina startup ecosystem and an “Entrepreneur in Residence” with the Sandhills Entrepreneur Engagement Network (SEEN), I got an email one day from an old friend who needed some additional support for an entrepreneur he was mentoring in rural North...

05/27/2021

Randy L. Purcell and Val Adams Announce “Cross Pollination” Art Show

Visual artists Randy L Purcell and Valentine Adams are both dedicated to sustainability. As a matter of fact, it’s the driving force behind their art exhibit “Cross Pollination,” which will be featured in August at Turnip Green Creative Reuse.

Read More: https://launchengine.io/randy-l-purcell-and-val-adams-announce-cross-pollination-art-show/

Cross-pollination is the pollination of a flower or plant with pollen from another flower or plant, typically facilitated by insects and wind. A familiar concept to nature lovers, it’s also the inspiration for a recent collaboration between two Nashville artists. Randy Purcell is a mixed media a

05/25/2021

What’s Cooking With Early Eats?

Early Eats proprietor Kechelle Williams had a dream of bringing brunch to you. In her Launch Engine interview, she discusses realizing her dream, getting help from the NBIC, and the future for her food truck.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/whats-cooking-with-early-eats/

“Wouldn’t it be convenient if breakfast just appeared?” is likely a thought that many people have had. In an age of food delivery, this is one wish that has every chance of being granted! It is no secret that today, consumers can order a hearty meal right from their couches. Without a doubt, t...

05/18/2021

Proof Branding’s Zach Easterwood on Marketing What You Love

Before Zach Easterwood became the Marketing Director for Proof Branding, he was passionate about beer and alcohol sales. This passion is what carried him to where he is today, and it’s the key to his ability to help companies tell the stories of their respective brands.

Read More: https://launchengine.io/proof-brandings-zach-easterwood-on-marketing-what-you-love/

There are general tips for marketing that can help sell a product. However, with many industries, there’s also a specific base of knowledge that’s required to reach a consumer. To attain real familiarity with a product or service, many of those in the world of marketing have to understand not on...

05/12/2021

Oracle Study Reveals Change in American Personality

Has the pandemic made people a little nicer? A study from Oracle was released on May 10th about positive changes in the personalities of people.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/oracle-study-reveals-change-in-american-personality/

AUSTIN, Texas, May 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global pandemic has changed our personalities according to a new study by Oracle. The representative survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that the circumstances created by COVID-19 have made many people feel smarter and more open to new experiences, bu

05/06/2021

Vanderbilt’s Dow Named to Harvard-based Leadership Program

Some recent news out of Vanderbilt: Bonnie J. Dow, dean of academic affairs for the College of Arts and Science and professor of communication studies, is among 10 Nashville leaders selected for a Harvard Business School leadership program focused on communities’ shared growth and prosperity.

Dow was chosen by Global Action Platform, the regional affiliate of Harvard Business School’s Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness, for the 2021 Young American Leaders Program.

Read more: https://launchengine.io/vanderbilts-dow-named-to-harvard-based-leadership-program/

Bonnie J. Dow, dean of academic affairs for the College of Arts and Science and professor of communication studies, is among 10 Nashville leaders selected for a Harvard Business School leadership program focused on communities’ shared growth and prosperity. Dow was chosen by Global Action Platfor

04/28/2021

Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids Now Accepting Applicants

The Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids summer research internship in pediatric neurosurgery is accepting applications through Friday, May 14. The SOCKs program, within the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, provides a research infrastructure to pediatric surgeon-scientists, giving them the time and opportunity to bring their academic research interests together with their clinical work.

Read More: https://launchengine.io/surgical-outcomes-center-for-kids-now-accepting-applicants/

The Surgical Outcomes Center for Kids summer research internship in pediatric neurosurgery is accepting applications through Friday, May 14. The SOCKs program, within the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, provides a research infrastructure to pediatric

04/21/2021

Nashville Tech Council Hosts Virtual Career Fair

The Greater Nashville Technology Council will be hosting a Virtual Tech Job Fair on April 27, 2021. Learn more:

https://launchengine.io/nashville-tech-council-hosts-virtual-career-fair/

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 21, 2021 – The Greater Nashville Tech Council (NTC) is hosting a live Virtual Tech Job Fair on April 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to recruit nationwide talent for Nashville’s growing tech center. Members of the NTC are invited to participate as employers for a fee, and any...

04/15/2021

NTC’s ‘GO TECH’ Teaches Skills to Incoming Talent

The Greater Nashville Technology Council's "GO TECH" program is teaching tech skills to those in underemployed areas. Launch Engine spoke to the NTC's Susan Charest and Sandi Hoff to learn more about the program.

READ HERE: https://launchengine.io/ntcs-go-tech-teaches-skills-to-incoming-talent/

Technology can improve the lives of everyone it touches, and not just the end user. Tech-enabled careers, for instance, can give employees an upward mobility and purpose that other jobs might not be able to offer.Though certainly worth the effort, getting into these jobs is not an easy process. With

04/14/2021

SATURATED Ice Cream is Made with Love, Stories

Can plant-based ice cream be just as good as the dairy kind?

Founder and owner of SATURATED Ice Cream Lokelani Alabanza spoke to Launch Engine about her ice creams, which are infused with CBD.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/saturated-ice-cream-is-made-with-love-stories/

Ice cream is a very old dessert that has a lot of history. According to the BBC, “An ice-cream-like food was first eaten in China in AD 618-97. King Tang of Shang, had 94 ice men who helped to make a dish of buffalo milk, flour and camphor.” Going back even further, the site also states, “A ki...

04/08/2021

Healing Innovations ‘Rise & Walk’ Assists in Locomotor Therapy

Luke Benda is the co-founder and CEO of Healing Innovations. The Nashville-based robotics startup is helping paralyzed people learn to walk again.

Benda spoke to Launch Engine about what prompted him to create the Rise & Walk, the concept of "neuroplasticity," and how his machine can make better physical therapy options more accessible to the public.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/healing-innovations-rise-walk-assists-in-locomotor-therapy/

How many Americans are living with paralysis in the United States? Using what may be the most recent data available, Healing Innovations, a Nashville-based robotic technology startup, cites information provided by the Christopher Reeve Foundation in 2013. Their company’s website states, “Nearly ...

04/07/2021

TeamCJColas Gives Uterine Cancer Education, Support

Launch Engine had the pleasure of speaking to CJ Colas, founder of the TeamCJColas Uterine Cancer Foundation about the work her nonprofit does.

Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejZ9Bxu

It may not get much press, but uterine cancer occurs more frequently in women than the public may realize. Cancer.net provides some troubling statistics about the disease, stating, “This year, an estimated 66,570 people in the United States will be diagnosed with uterine, or endometrial, cancer. U...

03/26/2021

Middle Tennessee’s Tech Sector Grows Despite Pandemic

The Greater Nashville Technology Council recently published the results of its NTC COVID Survey. Launch Engine spoke to NTC President and CEO Brian Moyer about what the survey's data means for Middle Tennessee's tech sector.

READ MORE: https://launchengine.io/middle-tennessees-tech-sector-grows-despite-pandemic/

It should come as no surprise that for many businesses in Middle Tennessee, 2020 was not a great fiscal year. It was a period marked with closures, layoffs, and hemorrhaging overheads, as businesses struggled to survive during COVID. However, as the Greater Nashville Technology Council (NTC) has rec

03/25/2021

Entrepreneur Charelle Lans on Vision Strategy Management

Continuing our content partnership with Nodat Inc., Launch Engine recently spoke to entrepreneur and CEO of Vision Strategy Management, LLC Charelle Lans about good mentors, bad bosses, and how so many businesses might need a second look at their strategy.

Read more: https://launchengine.io/entrepreneur-charelle-lans-on-vision-strategy-management/

An entrepreneur or company’s chief executive officer may be able to picture their direction for success clearly. However, it is often the case that initiatives aimed at improving a business’s performance aren’t begun with the right insight in order to achieve the stated objectives. Problems re...

03/22/2021

Rhonda Cammon on the Success of Her Business Perfectly Cordial

Rhonda Cammon of Perfectly Cordial talks to Launch Engine about her line of premium craft mixers, doing virtual events through COVID-19, and the toxic advice of "Fake it 'til you make it."

Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbu8w-Z

What goes into making a great product line? If it were a drink recipe, perhaps the formula would read something like, “Add attention to detail, intimate knowledge of a market’s needs, and just a dash of the proprietor’s personality to taste. Mix well.” According to the product’s website, P...

03/10/2021

Possip Brokers Feedback Between Parents and Educators

Possip CEO and Founder Shani Dowell created her company to make the experience of teaching more meaningful. She explains to Launch Engine that positive encouragement from parents keeps educators in the profession.

Shani's story is a shining example of how encouragement boosts employee performance. But the potency of what positive feedback can do should not be limited to the EdTech space, as other industries stand to benefit from leveraging analytics to boost user satisfaction.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/ejuZTHV

Research proves that getting parents engaged in a child’s education boosts a student’s success in school. However, as much as a mother or father might want to be involved in how their student learns, they’re not always able to partake in a meaningful dialog with the academic institutions educa...