Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Growing up, I lived with my mum (Deborah), dad (Jim), little sister (Lauren), and 3 boxer dogs (all named Heidi…it’s a long and weird family story). Now that’s I’m out of the house and on my own, it’s just myself and my boxer dog named Nessie (I broke the trend!).

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve followed in the “family business” and am now the 4th Financial Advisor in my family! Growing up, I got to see what a positive impact my dad, aunt, and uncle had on their communities and their clients’ lives. There’s truly nothing better than having a career where you get to help people every day. Another perk of my job is working with my dad every day – I’ve been so blessed to learn from him and follow in his footsteps.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love both Kefi and J. C. Holdway. Dining at either of these wonderful restaurants is always such a treat and I walk away thoroughly stuffed and happy!

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Our family moved to Knoxville in 2003 and never looked back. This is truly home – the mountains, the community, the Southern drawls. I even attended UT and proudly call myself a Vol, repping that orange and white every game day.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Patagonia, Chile – it’s been a dream of mine for quite some time to visit Southern Chile. I constantly find myself scrolling through Google images, trying to take in the breath-taking views through my screen. When I travel, I love being outside, hiking, surrounded by nature’s beauty, so Patagonia seems like the perfect place to visit.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Schitt’s Creek. This TV show has everything – family, individual growth, laughs galore. Watching it always warms my heart and works my abs (from all the laughing!).

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. One of my favourite quotes that has had such an impact on me is “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” If it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t have found my dream job, made such incredible friends, or been open to always learning and growing.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Helping animal shelters. I’ve grown up with dogs and halfway lived on a farm with the amount of time our family spent at Noah’s Ark Barn, so animals are very near and dear to my heart. All through college, when I couldn’t adopt a dog of my own, I volunteered as a Canine Caretaker at Young Williams Animal Center. I would love to be in a position to continue giving to East TN shelters, foster some dogs (which I’m sure will come with some “foster fails”), and do everything in my power to provide animals with loving homes.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Truthfully, I listen to more classical, instrumental, and Broadway music than bands! A few of my go to composers are Harry Gregson-Williams, John Powell, and Hans Zimmer.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to treat Kate Middleton to some wonderful Southern food at Calhouns downtown. She always holds herself with such poise and grace and I’d love to hear her perspective about transitioning from commoner to royal and now always being in the public eye. She amazes me with how she carries herself, is always put together, and can keep a constant smile on her face 24/7. And a bonus would be introducing her to Southern Fried Chicken.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There are a few things that put Knoxville above all other cities in my mind – the mountain views, the Volunteer spirit (from wearing Orange and White to our slogan “Vols help Vols”), the fact that it’s such a dog-friendly city, and just the genuine kindness of strangers. Everyone always makes you feel so welcomed and loved.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see myself in a loving and supportive marriage, maybe with a few more dogs (if I can get away with it!), and a successful business that I feel is truly helping our community in the best way I can.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I had a British accent when I moved to Knoxville! My dad was in the Air Force before his career with Edward Jones, so we moved around a bit, and our last station was RAF Lakenheath in England.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The lake District in England is breathtaking. There’s nothing more beautiful and no better way to relax than taking in the views from a hike around the lakes and ending the day in a pub with some warm British food. I would retire there if I could.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Thanksgiving! It encompasses everything – the best month (November), the best holiday, and the best just overall day. Family has always been such a huge part of my life, so being able to get together every year, cook our traditional Thanksgiving spread, and enjoy the fall weather is something I look forward to every year.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dogs. We don’t deserve them.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wonderful boyfriend. I’ve never felt more supported, loved, and encouraged than the way he makes me feel. Life is an emotional rollercoaster, and I’ve learned building a business is an even more extreme emotional rollercoaster, but he keeps me grounded and focused on why I chose this path and how I can achieve my goals.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh mulch (is that weird?) and Christmas trees

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Acceptance, Warmth