Most Middle Tennessee homeowners have a covered porch they barely use. In April, bugs and pollen take over. In July, it’s too hot. In November, it’s too cold. After a few seasons of fighting the weather, the furniture sits empty and the space becomes storage. John Freund, owner of Tennessee Shade Co., built his business around fixing exactly that. His team installs custom motorized screen systems that transform underused porches into the rooms families actually live in, year-round.

With nine years of industry experience, Freund brings extensive expertise in custom motorized shade solutions designed to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor living spaces comfortably. Having completed projects on more than 1,000 homes in Middle Tennessee, Freund said, “Most of our customers come to us after years of not really using their outdoor space. They spent real money on that porch, and it’s just sitting there with covers on all the furniture. We come in, design something that fits the house perfectly, and suddenly they’re out there every evening. That’s the whole point.”

Tennessee Shade Co. approaches each project as both a functional solution and an aesthetic opportunity. By integrating their work with existing architecture, matching finishes, and considering design principles, a shade solution is created that enhances a home rather than merely attaches to it. “When it’s done right, you shouldn’t be able to tell we were there at first glance. Then the screens come down, and your porch becomes a completely different space. That’s what we’re going for every time,” Freund said.

Your covered porch should be one of the best rooms in your house. Instead, most families abandon it by Memorial Day. They’re chasing bugs off the table, dragging cushions inside before a storm, giving up when the afternoon sun makes it unbearable. Tennessee Shade Co. helps families take back their porches. Imagine hosting friends on a July evening without a single bug. Thanksgiving dinner extended onto a warm enclosed porch. Kids outside after school instead of on a screen. One button changes all of it.

Freund and his team guide every project from the first conversation to the final install. It starts with a free in-home consultation where Freund and his design team assess the space, walk through the design options, and make sure the solution fits both the home and the way the family actually uses it. “The result,” Freund added, “is a system that disappears into the architecture until you need it.”

Every system is built for Tennessee weather. The screens are water-resistant and engineered to handle heat, humidity, and the kind of storms that roll through with no warning. Mesh options can be customized for airflow, privacy, or shade density depending on which direction the space faces and how the family uses it. “We use products built to last, and we stand behind our work with responsive service long after the install is done,” said Freund.

Tennessee Shade Co. serves the greater Nashville area and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. Consultations are free, and the team comes to you, no showroom visit required.

Your outdoor space is waiting. Schedule a free consultation with Tennessee Shade Co. and find out what it could become. Call or text (615) 492-3139 or visit tennshade.com. Every day is patio weather                            

The post Transforming Porches Into Year-Round Escapes appeared first on Williamson County Living.

You love throwing a good party, and what better time than now that summer has arrived, right? As the perfect host, you start with the guest list, then focus on the food and drinks, and lastly, make sure the décor is to your liking. If you want to take your party to the next level, then this one detail can make a surprisingly big impact: hiring a professional bartender. Whether you’re hosting a small private gathering, a holiday gathering, or a backyard barbecue, a bartender will transform the occasion into a spectacular soirée for all, including the host.

One of the greatest benefits of hiring a bartender is the freedom it gives the host to be just that, a host. Instead of spending time making drinks, replenishing supplies, and cleaning up spills, the host can focus on what matters most — mingling with guests and enjoying the party.

A professional bartender will keep the beverage service running smoothly, ensuring everyone is served their favorite drinks and cocktails throughout the event. Like the special mimosas at brunch or the old fashioned or martini before you sit down for that fancy dinner. They also add a level of sophistication, giving guests that top-notch experience.  

Before the event, the bartender will work with the host to create a signature cocktail list or recommend drink pairings. Many bartenders will customize drink menus to match the event’s theme, a personalized touch that guests will remember long after the party ends. 

Beyond convenience, hiring a bartender can also save money. Yes, it’s true. Experienced professionals can assist with determining how much alcohol, mixers, ice, and glassware will be needed, helping hosts avoid overbuying or running out of essentials, which is a huge party foul. Since all professional bartenders are required to hold ABC Liquor Licenses, they follow responsible serving practices, including monitoring guests’ alcohol consumption, which ultimately makes a safer environment for everyone — a plus these days for sure.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large corporate event, a bartender brings a welcoming presence that enhances the entire event for everyone. It’s a simple addition that allows hosts to relax, guests to feel cared for, and the party to flow with ease from beginning to end. After all, the best parties are the ones where everyone, including the host, gets to enjoy the celebration.

To see for yourself, we invite you to raise a glass at Project Open House on Thursday, August 27, where guests can experience firsthand how a professional bartender can elevate any celebration. Tiffany Dodson, owner of A Twisted Lime for more than 10 years, will be crafting specialty cocktails created especially for the occasion.

Tickets are available at williamsoncoliving.com, with proceeds benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. It’s an opportunity to give back to those who have sacrificed so much. We hope you will join us in helping make dreams come true!

The post Raise the Bar this Summer appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Today, promotional products are thoughtfully designed, style-forward essentials that blend into everyday life. From elevated drinkware and coolers to luxe tech accessories or inexpensive pens, stress balls, and hand sanitizers, to umbrellas, sweatshirts, and hats, these curated items do more than promote a business—they enhance the way we live, work, and connect. For any budget and item with a logo on it, Burns Branding will get it done.

Co-owners Ryan and Aubree Burns founded Burns Branding, LLC, a promotional products distributor located in Nashville, Tennessee. With nearly a decade of combined industry experience, the husband-and-wife pair shares a passion for serving businesses, families, and individuals alike with a top-notch A-to-Z service process for branded merchandise solutions. As a promotional products distributor, they can source products from a vast array of suppliers and manufacturers and line up the appropriate decorator(s) best suited for the job. If you bring a need or an idea to them, they will handle the entire process from start to finish.

Ryan and Aubree love the promotional products industry and thoroughly enjoy both the business and creative sides of their operations. While the terms promotional products, swag, or merch effectively encompass the industry and types of products utilized by Burns Branding, LLC, Ryan and Aubree prefer the term Elevated Merch. They feel it represents how branded merchandise and apparel add value and recognition to the businesses and clients they serve. During the initial consultation with Ryan or Aubree, they will walk through their hands-on process from start to finish, ensuring high-level communication at each step.

Burns Branding delivers a seamless, personalized experience through its service process and product solutions. Clients enjoy a full suite of offerings — from product recommendations, sourcing, and design/decoration guidance to complete design/decoration implementation and custom product mockups and idea boards. Their expertise also extends to Adobe Illustrator file conversions, logo consultations and design, ensuring every detail meets the highest standard. With attentive order management, timely delivery, and even personal hand-delivery when appropriate, Ryan and Aubree provide a level of care that makes the branding journey smooth and worry-free.

Promotional products are more than marketing materials — they’re practical tools for building relationships, reinforcing brand identity, and staying top-of-mind. By choosing items that elevate daily routines, businesses can create a lasting connection with clients that feel personal, thoughtful, and genuinely useful. Let Burns Branding help you find the perfect printed promotional merchandise for your business branding, trade shows, events, corporate gifts, and custom swag. They would love to serve you and be a part of your process!

For additional information, visit BurnsBranding.com. You can also email Ryan@BurnsBranding.com or Aubree@BurnsBranding.com and follow them on social media @BurnsBranding.

Fun fact: the domestic promotional products industry is just shy of $28 billion per year, while the global market is nearly $90 billion per year! At such a scale, there exists a myriad of uses for promo products and branded merchandise, the top ten of which include:

Brand recognition, Brand/Product Awareness, Corporate Identity, Public Relations and Goodwill, Customer Retention and Appreciation, Sales and Referral Generation, Employee Communications and Recognition, New Product Introduction, Behavior Motivation and Incentive Programs, and New Client Acquisitions.

The top ten industries utilizing promotional products: Healthcare, Business-to-Business Services (B2B), Manufacturing, Financial Services, Retail Construction, Higher Education, Food and Beverage, Non-Profit, Technology

The post A New Era for Promotional Products appeared first on Williamson County Living.

A bold new era for creators began as Create-it Studios officially opened its doors in early June in Franklin, Tennessee. Welcoming creators of all skill levels, the groundbreaking space is conveniently located inside the Franklin Walmart Supercenter, where the studios serve as both a professional resource and cultural hub for the community.

Create-it Studios, a first-of-its-kind, offers a comprehensive environment for creators focused on podcasting, audio/video production, social media content, and recording arts. The inviting facility offers six studios that are fully equipped with industry-standard equipment and technology, providing hands-on access to a professional space for content creation, events, and skill development, all at accessible pricing. Whether you’re looking to create a podcast, produce music, film a video, or develop digital art, the state-of-the-art studios and tools provide everything you need to bring your creative vision to life.

The dynamic space at Create-it Studios also redefines how and where creativity happens in Middle Tennessee. It is a vibrant community of like-minded people, where creators will discover inspiration, opportunities for collaboration, and the tools to take their craft to the next level. Whether you are working on your own project or partnering with others, the mission at Create-it Studios is to empower you to dream big, think boldly, and create without boundaries.

Bros. Discovery, oversaw acclaimed series including Game of Thrones, Succession, and Westworld. Bree Green, one of only 15 women in history to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, is now a content creator and digital storyteller with over two million followers across all social platforms. Willy Porter, an internationally recognized singer-songwriter and guitarist, has toured with legends such as Paul Simon, Sting, and Jeff Beck. Chris Rodriguez, one of Nashville’s most in-demand sidemen, whose guitar and vocal work spans artists such as Kenny Loggins, Megadeth, Peter Cetera, Keith Urban, and Faith Hill.

The space is designed to seamlessly transform from a full-scale production studio into a vibrant event venue, hosting live performances, underground showcases, and creative competitions. Additionally, Create-it Studios offers workshops led by industry experts for creators seeking to acquire new skills and elevate their creative game. With many workshops provided free of charge and professional instruction, these workshops empower creators to transform raw ideas into polished content that gets noticed.

At Create-it Studios, they believe creativity should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, the facilities and staff are there to support your journey. The studios are located at 3600 Mallory Lane, inside the Franklin Walmart Supercenter, and are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information about the studio, pricing, rentals, and to preview a full calendar of community events, visit create-it-studios.com. A place tobring your creative ideas to life!

The post Create-it Studios — The Ultimate Place for Creators appeared first on Williamson County Living.

The dream has been a work in progress for more than two and a half years, and the vision of a hair salon and wellness lounge came to fruition this past June for salon owner Jessie Mobley. The major renovations and added services make 931 Beauty Co. the ultimate all-encompassing health and wellness destination, with the 931 brands —931 Bridal Co., 931 Skin Co., and 931 Beauty Co. — all under one roof in Columbia, Tennessee.

The remodel for this luxury hair salon and spa is stunning and added 4000 square feet to the existing 931 Beauty Co. hair salon. The elegant new space is inviting, and Mobley took this opportunity to rebrand and change the color palette to darker, warmer tones during the renovation. Mobley described what the new space entails, “We are now offering an all-inclusive experience. Self-care that’s also health-oriented, with botanical and clinical options. The wellness rooms are dark, mysterious, and really relaxing. We offer beautiful, luxurious robes for our clients to wear while relaxing and during their services. We have our bridal area for those special celebrations. We wanted to have it all under one roof, from Botox to hair services to massages and extension toppers to create that all-inclusive service experience – and that’s what I feel we have achieved.”

The new 931 Bridal Co. area features a bar and lounge, complete with a secluded outdoor patio. This wellness space is ideal for private parties and celebrations, offering the flexibility to add drinks and food to any package and enhance the experience. It also provides a perfect setting for the bride and bridal party to have their hair and makeup done on the wedding day. “The space will be used as an event space for parties, and we will host customizable luxury parties,” Mobley said. “We have a bridal party of 10 coming from Chicago. They will be picked up in a Sprinter van from the airport and brought here, where champagne and charcuterie boards will be waiting. They will then be getting beauty services for a fabulous customized experience.”

The wellness space also features two head spa rooms, providing a tranquil ambiance. Each room is equipped with a spacious head spa table, where guests can receive a transformative scalp treatment to detox and renew. Furthermore, it features an infrared sauna for deep relaxation and a cold plunge soaking tub to aid in muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.

In addition to bridal parties, 931 Bridal Co. is now hosting Bella Bashes for all the younger princesses to celebrate in style. These two-hour private parties are held on Sundays and include hair styling, light makeup, mini-manicures, pizza, cupcakes, and refreshments.

Connected to 931 Bridal Co. through a hallway in the renovated space is 931 Skin Co. This health and wellness collective area is reserved for skin and massage services. Whether you are looking for Botox, filler, décolleté massage, or the signature HydraFacial with their signature ZO® Skin Health line, 931 Skin Co. offers a full menu of services. Here, licensed massage therapists and licensed aestheticians provide clients with services that help them achieve radiant health and beauty from the inside out. Services include facials, dermaplaning facials, tinting, and chemical peels. Once a week, hormone replacement therapy is offered, and an injector is on-site twice a week, providing weight loss, anti-aging peptide therapy, and IV therapy services. 

Of course, 931 Beauty Co. remains at the heart of it all. The hair salon, in its original location, is adjacent to 931 Skin Co. and continues to offer an extensive selection of luxury hair services — from haircuts, color, and extensions to hair follicle testing and TricoTrest, which provides valuable insights into scalp health. Mobley, through her personal experience with hair loss, has become an advocate for those experiencing hair loss. 931 Beauty Co. offers custom-designed hairpieces crafted in Bologna, Italy, using the CNC Hair System to create a 3D Cranial Prosthesis. Mobley visited the Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories in Bologna and is the only salon licensed in the area to offer a medical device for hair loss solutions.      

These days, Mobley isn’t spending much time behind the chair because her focus has shifted to expanding the 931 Beauty Co. brands. “I feel this is an important aspect of our company because we are branding ourselves with the heart and guts of emotional and mental welfare. We are the brand that is taking care of people on a mental level and going into the physical level as a layer on top of that, all under one roof, to create that all-inclusive service experience,” Mobley concluded.

For additional information or to schedule services, visit 931beautyco.com and follow them on social media @931beautyco. Book your appointment today and experience beauty redefined from head to toe!

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 931 Beauty Co. brands – 931 Beauty Co., 931 Bridal Co., and 931 Skin Co. – are NOT affiliated with 931 Skin + Co.

The post Beauty Redefined from Head to Toe — 931 Beauty Co. appeared first on Williamson County Living.

We wanted to celebrate Mother’s Day with our readers – the day dedicated to honoring moms, motherhood, and maternal figures. It’s a chance to show the most important woman in your life appreciation for her sacrifices and unconditional love. While flowers and cards are always an appreciated gesture, true pampering means going above and beyond the usual gifts.

This year, shower Mom with thoughtful acts of kindness. Start with a leisurely morning, perhaps serving her favorite breakfast in bed or taking her to a luxurious brunch in Music City at the Bobby Hotel’s Union Tavern or Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Franklin. Let her enjoy the day free from responsibilities by planning a spa day at MassageLuXe with a facial and massage or organizing a peaceful day in nature at Cheekwood Estates & Gardens, leisurely walking the stunning gardens. If she enjoys experiential activities, consider a wine tasting and picnic at Arrington Vineyards or a night at the Grand Ole Opry watching the live country music radio broadcast.

Make your gift meaningful, one that comes from the heart and has sentimental value. It’s about thought and effort, like a handwritten letter expressing your gratitude on a beautiful card from Amy Montgomery Home, a stylish new outfit from Aubree P. Boutique or Birdy Grace Boutique in her favorite color, a keepsake piece of jewelry from Genesis Diamonds, or stop by Total Wine & More and pick up her favorite wine or champagne to celebrate the occasion.

This Mother’s Day exceed her expectations. Take it to the next level and give Mom the gift of relaxation, appreciation, and unforgettable moments. She’s spent a lifetime caring for others so make this day extra special to ensure she feels just as cared for in return. Whether near or far, tell Mom you love her by saying a heartfelt thank you for all she’s done. And in June, don’t forget to show some love to Dad on Father’s Day. He’s pretty special, too!

Mother’s Day Brunch – Union Tavern at the Bobby Hotel

May 11, from 11 am – 4 pm

Enjoy a delicious brunch Mom will love! Kick things off with fresh smoked salmon and made-to-order omelets, then dig into carved roasted turkey, beef, and all the best brunch favorites. Save room for dessert—because Tennessee cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries are too good to pass up! The kids’ buffet includes pancakes, waffles, sliders, and more. Great food, great company, and the perfect way to make Mom’s day extra special!

PHOTO BY EMILY DORIO

Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars at Cheekwood

Father’s Day Weekend – June 14 & 15

Cruise into Cheekwood and stroll among over 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and vintage motorcycles from the early to mid-20th century. Enjoy era-specific tunes, drinks from the bar stations, and tasty bites from the city’s favorite food trucks. With hands-on activities for kids and our Enchanted Castles exhibition, there’s something for everyone.

PHOTO BY CINDY FINKE. COURTESY OF CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS

The post Make Mom Feel Special this Mother’s Day! appeared first on Williamson County Living.