'Good Makers Market' Draws Big Crowd for Holiday Shopping

By Delores Elliott

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nashville Entrepreneur Center at 41 Peabody St. was the host of at least 1,000 people from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the “Good Makers Market.”

Nearly three dozen new and local businesses gathered, offering all sorts of goods. Some of the items were candles, blankets, healthy snacks, handmade sweaters, guitar string bracelets and dog biscuits. Many of the purchases gathered funds, which would later be donated to good causes. The Nashville Social Enterprise Alliance was proud to present and support the event.

People from Nashville and surrounding cities and states, as far as upper New York, gathered to support the city’s young entrepreneurs at the market’s Nashville location on the somewhat chilly Sunday afternoon. Some background information about the market would include other popular locations, such as Iowa, the market’s origin.

Photo of shoppers provided by "Good Makers Market"

        Many of the people who wandered about were family and friends, although some were strangers. The popular age for the event seemed to range from 20 to 30 years old. Most were affluent Nashville apartment owners – the type who probably buy their groceries at Whole Foods, according to an event organizer.

The event took place in two buildings and the space between the two. Foot traffic remained steady, as most of the vendors were lined along the walls. A few of the market’s food trucks set up shop a few steps outside the doors and greeted customers with their warm snacks. The most popular food truck was Daddy’s Dogs. Cheesecake Please and the Nashville Cocoa Bar also served guests. However, some attendees avoided the food due to the high, self-owned business prices.

Photo of entrance provided by "Good Makers Market"

        A few of the vendors with booths at the event included Light Shine Candles, Lazarus Artisan Goods, Give a Damn Goods, Nashville Blanket Project, Project 615, Valorbrands, and Tiff’s Treats. The vendors sold blankets, sweatshirts, hats, candles and cookies.

Give a Damn Goods and Tiff’s Treats were two of the many brands at the event that aim to make a positive impact on the world. Give a Damn Goods are focused on social responsibility and supporting the causes their consumers appreciate. The small business has been around for only a few years and is still making substantial progress.

            Tiff’s Treats employee Anfernee Young said there are 46 restaurant locations across Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Tennessee is home to three, including one in Nashville.

“We are proud to be working towards having more locations throughout Tennessee,” said Young.

The company built itself up from the idea of serving warm cookies, to the idea of delivering warm cookies anywhere within just a few minutes. The eatery gave out 24 dozen free cookies at the market on Nov. 18.

“I thought 24 dozen would be enough,” Young added. “Now I know what to expect next time.”

For more information about the “Good Makers Market,” visit www.goodmakersmarket.com.

Shoppers Jam Smyrna Target for Thanksgiving/Black Friday Sales

Kim Prasanerak

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

SMYRNA, Tenn.-- Hundreds of customers rushed through the doors of the Target store at 803 Industrial Blvd. in Smyrna on Nov. 22 to take advantage of discount sales on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Every year, Target is a hot spot for many Black Friday shoppers. Sales started at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The store featured sales on many items, including electronics, clothing and food. Team members worked hard to run a safe and fun evening that occurred until 1 a.m.

The Black Friday/Thanksgiving environment was very much different than a regular day at Target. Shoppers were on a mission to buy gifts for friends and family, and it got feisty. The crowds were wild, carts jammed the narrow aisles, and others walked in single file across the store. Miscellaneous items such as gift sets and stocking stuffers were on sale for as much as 50 percent off. Most of the shelves were swept empty by the middle of the night, especially in the toy section. TV sets were the most popular items.

People's moods were greatly affected by the rush of Black Friday shopping. Shoppers were stressed, tired and determined to buy popular items. When someone saw an item he or she wanted that was up to 75 percent off, they would grab it before someone else could. Because people were crammed together, pushing and shoving was a common part of the Black Friday experience.

Black Friday itself is not really that big of a deal. Most people know that they can order the same things online and save the same amount of money. These shoppers wanted to experience the adrenaline of the event firsthand.

A lot of people hyped up shopping around these times, and they wanted to see what all the fuss was about at Target. For some, it was a group activity for friends and family.

 Maxie Khetsisouvanh, a team member who was working Thanksgiving night, talked about her experience working on the other side as a sales clerk. She said it can be just as taxing for retail workers during the holidays as the customers who are shopping for gifts. Employees must ring up nonstop, serving endless lines of people for hours, answering people's questions left and right, and basically being five people at once. She said that this was her third Black Friday at Target.

“The crowds here are absolutely insane,” said Khetsisouvanh. “I’ve seen people almost get in physical fights, people running into the store, and mass shoving.”

Store manager Tim Larkin said workers prepared hard for Black Friday. Team members set up and arranged all the items that were on sale. They knew it was going to be a busy night in the store, so they were ready to go. Gates were set up outside of the store so shoppers could enter in an orderly fashion. Larkin said it was also essential to have security guards around the store to watch for fights and potential theft.

“Target has every single check lane open for two days of the year, Black Friday and Christmas Eve,” said Larkin. “Team members are stocking all the shelves, so they are ready to roll at 5 p.m.”

For more information about Target or to access its weekly sales, visit www.target.com.

'Perfect Little Holiday Market' Draws Crowd for Holiday Shopping

By Connor Jacks

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Hundreds of people showed up for The Perfect Little Store’s third annual holiday market on 100 Taylor St. in downtown Nashville on Nov. 24. 

     The event was appropriately named “The Perfect Little Holiday Market” and was first put on in 2015 to support local businesses, as well as provide a great place for Middle Tennesseans to celebrate the holidays. It was open from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It featured a bubbly tea bar, photo booth, food trucks, wreath station, and free hot cocoa. There was plenty to see and do for those in the Christmas spirit.

     “The whole thing was much more than we could have ever expected and continues to grow each year,” said Event Coordinator and Perfect Little Store owner Abbey Little. “We try to change things up a little every year, to keep it fresh, but I think the venders and people who come really just like the tradition of it.”

     Little started the yearly holiday market to help promote small businesses that may not be heard or seen by a lot of people.

     “I just wanted to help give a platform for people who deserve it,” she said. “I remember first starting out with nothing, and it’s not always the easiest. Now we’ve created a bit of a community where we can make new friends, and also help each other out.” 

     Little and her husband have lived in Nashville for 10 years now and opened her shop five years ago. Little’s goal is to make everyone feel like they’re entering a happy place when they visit her store, that’s open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. She also runs a blog, a YouTube channel, and is in a band with her husband called The Perfect Little Couple. The rest of the couple’s events and adventures can be seen on their website at www.ThePerfectLittleStore.com.

     As for the market itself, it was a winter wonderland of authentic homemade goods and holiday festivities galore, complete with complementary hot cocoa. Vendors were selling everything from hand-sewn clothing to freshly carved stools and rocking chairs.

     Patricia Jenkins, one of the market’s long time vendors, has been coming and setting up shop since the first day it was open. Displayed very neatly across Jenkins’ booth was an assortment of fine hand-crafted jewelry, in a variety of all shapes and colors.

     Another market veteran, Sam Stephens of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, sells his very own automatic bird feeders. The money raised from Stephens’ feeders goes towards a charity of the customer’s choice.

     There was truly a wide variety of things to see and buy for those looking to spend a little money or just trying to get a few ideas for the holidays. There were also plenty of things to keep the kids busy as well, with a giant bouncy house and ice cream truck in the middle of the venue. There wasn’t a bored kid in sight.

     With the popularity of this perfect little holiday market growing, it’s looking like it will double in size just by next year. With more and more vendors making an appearance, and more people bringing their family and friends, it sure to become a beloved Nashville tradition for years to come.

City Native 'Red' Grooms Cultures Nashville at Tennessee State Museum

By JaJuan Isaacs

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The recently built Tennessee State Museum is culturing Nashville by temporarily hosting Charles “Red” Grooms works for an exhibit called “Red Grooms: A Retrospective” at its new location at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in Nashville.

             Of all exhibits, the Red Grooms art display was by far the most interesting being held. The artist, Charles “Red” Grooms, goes in-depth with his various styles of art. Grooms has created art in pop art, animations, portraits, paintings, sculptures and many other genres.

While most famously known for his pop art, visitors enjoy Grooms’s extraordinary portraits. His painting “Self Portrait” provides fine detail to the man’s neck and head. The subject’s neck was long and skinny, and his head was bigger and rounder toward the top, symbolizing a big brain.

            The exhibit had five panels that increased by decade with text that explained more about the artist’s life and works. The titles of the panels are “Artistic Awakening,” “New Media, New Forms,” “Urban Expression,” “Into New Dimensions,” and “Home and History.” Visitors were able to gain more knowledge about his inspirations, what art he created, and how he produced his works.

            The “Artistic Awakening” panel read, “Grooms spent the 1950s discovering his style. As a teenager, Grooms joined adult artist organizations. He attended several college art programs and studied with various artists.”

Visitors are able to further understand how important learning new styles was to Grooms.  

“His diversity as an artist is why I chose him out of all other Nashville artists,” said Hoobler.

“New Media, New Forms” explains his experience with film in the ‘60s and how he and Rudy Burckhardt created the film “Shoot the Moon.”

“Urban Expression” explains how Grooms took city living and captivated 1970s urban life in a color lithograph he titled “Nervous City.”
                “Into New Dimensions” explains how Grooms combined printmaking with sculpture in 1981. He teamed up with lithographer Bud Shark and they created “Ruckus Taxi.” “Ruckus Taxi” was their first three-dimensional print.

“Home and History” explains how Grooms paid tribute to Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock by making his own versions of their works. He used his home state of Tennessee for inspiration and created the “Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel” to honor the state’s history.

 The exhibit displayed sculptures, pop-art and paintings in various categories. Grooms was better at painting than any of the other mediums.

            Jim Hoobler curated the Red Grooms exhibit and chose him in particular because of his history in the city.

 “Red Grooms is just a remarkable artist born in Nashville, and I wanted to have some culture by someone from the city,” said Hoobler.

The free exhibit will be open through Jan. 13. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The museum hosts many temporary exhibits that indoctrinate Tennessee and America. There are exhibits about the Civil War, WWII, artists and Memphis musicians.

            You can find more information about the Tennessee State Museum at https://tnmuseum.org/ and more information about “Red” Grooms at http://www.artnet.com/artists/red-grooms/.

MTSU Blue Raiders Fall Short to Ranked Virginia

By Devin Jackson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

     MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The number four-ranked Virginia Cavaliers claimed victory over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, 75-52, on Nov. 21 during a home basketball game at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.

     The Cavaliers leading scorer, DeAndre Hunter, dominated the game and almost had a triple-double with 15 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in the win over the Blue Raiders. The 6-foot, 7-inch guard showed a complete all-around game after putting up tremendous numbers down the stretch in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot, 7-inch guard Junior Kyle Guy led the game in three-pointers after going three for nine from the perimeter while averaging 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds per game.

     The Blue Raider’s leading scorer was 6-foot, 2-inch guard Antonio Green from Tupelo, Mississippi. He led his team with 11 points, one assist, and one rebound. The Blue Raider’s second leading scorer is Reggie Scurry from Augusta, Georgia, who finished with 20 points, two rebounds, and two steals.

     Virginia (4-0) put on a defensive show in the second half while only allowing 27 points, which were two points more than the first half.

     The turning point of the basketball game was when Hunter made a three-point jumper, which put the Cavaliers up by 10 points within the first few minutes of the game. The Cavaliers then sparked a 21 to six run until the Blue Raiders finally made a three-point shot in transition by Green.

The Cavaliers did not lose their poise in the fourth quarter after the Blue Raiders sparked a six to nothing run. The Cavaliers were just a little too experienced to give up its huge lead.

     "Experience plays a major key in this," said Virginia guard Braxton Key, who had 13 points on three-for-eight shooting from the field. "We played tremendously tough from start to finish. We knew the lights would be on us tonight, and we came out and played great."

     Although this is Nick McDevitt’s first year as head coach, he seemed to feel excited about his team 3-2 record, which is above 500.

     "I didn't love our effort on the defensive or offensive end tonight," McDevitt said. “We have a lot of work to do, but our team knows we played against a really good team tonight. We have to play better on both sides of the ball. We will learn and watch film and get better."

     Virginia will advance to the semifinals, while the Blue Raiders will prepare to face Butler, another good team in the tournament, on Nov. 22 at the Murphy Center.

     For more information about the Blue Raiders and upcoming games, visit www.goblueraiders.com to get seasonal tickets all year round.

The Curious Kitchen Hosts An Elegant Seafood Feast

By Amari Young

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

               MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - - Curious Kitchen owners and mother-daughter duo Helena and Rachel Spensatelli hosted their annual “Elegant Seafood Feast" from 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Nov. 15, serving up a variety of food at 1602 W. Northfield Blvd. in Murfreesboro.

                The “Elegant Seafood Feast” offered a splurge of food from fried catfish to crab legs, to fan favorites like the New England clam chowder. The event included a mixture of soups, salads, sandwiches and seafood. The sandwiches are served with a house salad, soup and a side of wheat, sourdough or a wrap. Everything on the menu is below $11. There were different entrees and sides for everyone to enjoy.

                  The festivities were spread out across the room on multiple tables. There were plenty of samples to choose from, including lamb chops and soups of the day such as broccoli soup. They also served beverages such as lemonade, sweet tea, coffee, tea and soda. There were many desserts choices, from key lime pie to strawberry cheesecake.

                “We are really laid back and funny,” Rachel Spensatelli said. “We are always joking around in the kitchen.”

                  The Spensatellis opened their business in August 2014, and it has since seen a lot of success. Helena mastered her one-of–a-kind recipes at the original location in Los Angeles before gradually making her way to Murfreesboro in 2012. In April 2014, after graduation, Rachel joined her mother to begin their journey as restaurant owners.                      

               The Curious Kitchen offers an assortment of foods, from soups to sandwiches. The Catery is known for its locally sourced and organic ingredients, serving fresh food every day.

              “My Husband and I just had lunch at The Curious Kitchen, and the food was amazing,” said Curious Kitchen customer Maria Hernandez Kalbaugh. “Everything was fresh, delicious and healthy. We will definitely go back.”

             The Curious Kitchen provides sit-down dinners, beautiful buffets, hand-crafted cocktail bars, private cooking classes for any occasion, and much more. It has grown from a recreational cooking school for kids and adults to a café offering catering camps.  Catering events are more for weddings and luncheons.

              “Growing up with an Italian chef as a grandfather, really had a big influence on the way we make our food,” Rachel Spensatelli added. “Both me and my mother are extremely creative and love bringing that creativity out in our cooking as well as in our classes.”

           The restaurant is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours are sometimes adjusted on busy days. Although the café attracts an older crowd, its classes for kids and families are always full. Each class can hold up to 16 participants, so guests can enjoy a quality experience. After each meal is prepared, guests sit down and enjoy the food they’ve made. All materials one needs for the cooking classes are provided. Classes are $65 for adult and $50 for children.

           For more information about The Curious Kitchen, visit http://thecuriouskitchen.net/.

Smyrna High Defeats Northwest and Mount Juliet in Wrestling

By Andrew Freund

            Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer            

            MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. -- The Smyrna High School wrestling team starring Cameron Henderson fought hard against Northwest and Mount Juliet high schools, on Nov. 20 winning by a score of 42-28 against Mount Juliet and 30-24 against Northwest.  

            The matches were held at Mount Juliet High School. After the Smyrna High team finished its weigh-ins it started to warm up and prepare to wrestle in the first match against Northwest High. Northwest is a well put together team that was ready for battle.

            The competition began in Northwest’s favor with two wins over Smyrna. The Smyrna High Bulldogs had to win the next three contests to win the team match. With Smyrna wrestlers Brandon Leiva, Fernando Bravo and Cameron Henderson left to wrestle, it was looking promising for Smyrna High School.

            Leiva took the mat to wrestle against Northwest’s 115 pounder and was up the whole match with a significant lead of 12-6 going into the third period. Leiva began to run out of energy. A take down and back points coming from Northwest put the score at 12-11, barely in Leiva’s favor with only 30 seconds left. Leiva came out on top with an escape, and the match ended with the score 13-11.

            Bravo was up next. He was full of confidence as he walked out for his match. He landed the first takedown in the first 30 seconds of the match, coming out strong and finishing the rest of his takedowns with ease. 

            By the end of second period, Bravo was up 12-5. As the third period started, Bravo was elbowed in the mouth and bit his tongue. He was forced to leave the mat temporarily because of the bleeding. Smyrna had only one minute to get Bravo back out on the mat ready to wrestle.

            Bravo ran to the mat just in time to finish the match for his team. There were only 42 seconds left. Bravo won by a score of 16-6.

            “I had to swallow the blood and try not to focus on my tongue bleeding so I could win this match,” said Bravo.

            Henderson was the last wrestler to take the mat for Smyrna. He is Tennessee State champion for the 138-pound weight class. He pinned Northwest's wrestler in less than 30 seconds after the whistle was blown.

            “Wrestling is a sport that you must work hard in,” Henderson said. “It is a lifestyle and not just a hobby. You must train and be disciplined to be the best out there because it is your will verses another. No one to help you, just you and your opponent.”

            The Smyrna High wrestling team was ready to fight against Mount Juliet High School. Henderson wrestled against one of the State qualifiers from Mount Juliet, Donovan Henry. Although Henry fought hard, Henderson was the victor by a score of 13-2.

            “Donovan was not an easy opponent, and he still isn’t to his full potential yet this season,” Henderson said. "He will continue to get better as the season gets into full motion. I look forward to seeing him in the future.”

Smyrna has started this season off 2-0 and looks forward to keeping an undefeated record throughout the season.

            “Cameron puts the time in on the mat and is disciplined off the mat,” said Smyrna High Wrestling Coach Mattew Proctor. "Cameron has been leading the team and pushing them to be the best. I look forward to seeing where his discipline and hard work take him in this sport.”

            For more information about the Smyrna High School wrestling team, including a schedule of upcoming matches, visit www.smyrnahighathletics.com.

Nashville Artists Organize Handmade Market

By Ashlyn Henderson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer 

           BELLEVUE, Tenn. – Several Nashville artists organized a market on Nov. 24 that featured booths with local handmade items and food trucks at the Red Caboose Park off Highway 70 in Bellevue.

The “Nashville Handmade Market,” which occurred from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., was opened three years ago by artists Jennifer Carter, Michelle Irwin, Chandler Cartozzo, Amanda Marry, and Rebekka Janssen. The goal of the market was to support local small businesses around the Nashville area.

“That is why we decided to have it on Small Business Saturday,” said Carter.

The Handmade Market featured handmade items, as well as food trucks, face painting, bouncy houses, and trampolines, so kids were entertained as well.

Carter was the event coordinator for this year’s event. She also sold handmade items at her own booth called J. Carter Shop. Carter sold a variety of items, including handmade buttons, customized cloth fabrics, and bangled charm earrings.

 "My overall goal here at the market would be to grow my own business and support other local shops," said Carter.

Another local artist, Mallory Smith, had a holistic shop at the market. Smith is a self-taught herbalist from Los Angeles but moved to Nashville years ago. She sold handmade herbal teas, perfumes and candles.

Smith grows all but two of her herbs locally. Two strands of sage and lotus are grown in California, then shipped to Nashville because they cannot grow in Tennessee’s climate, according to Smith. She also sells Dragon's Blood made by a friend who buys the ingredients from Africa.

            Smith’s favorite thing to make is her perfume.

 "It is distilled in 90 proof alcohol, mixed with a variety of different herbs, aged for about a year, and filtered three times," said Smith.

             Second-year local handmade artists Matthew Fite and Alyssa Strickland sold a plethora of taxidermy items such as bone art, bone jewelry, mummified critters, morbid curiosities, and specimens. The general love for nature inspired these two artists.

            Their goal at the market was to educate people on taxidermy, the meaning behind it, and showing it in a public eye.

            There was a diversity of handmade pieces at the Nashville Handmade Market aside from those three. Overall, the market supported locally handmade artists and sold unique gifts for all ages.

            Upcoming holiday events in Nashville include “Jingle Boot Rock” at 2600 8^th Ave. S. on Dec. 31, “Mundy Christmas Party” at 2500 West End Ave. on Dec. 21, and the “New Year’s Eve Bash” at 65 Merrick Road on Dec. 31.

For more information on the Nashville Holiday Handmade Market, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2036797123206417/.

Event photos by Rebecca Janssen