Who are your people?

Nashville's go-to experts

Published On: July 27, 2010

“Who are your people?” Lord knows exactly where this phrase originated but we have it on good authority that it was a popular refrain in South Carolina in the 1800s, where well-heeled Southerners would inquire of new folks in town, trying to learn the stranger’s family tree and other connections.

Today, Nfocus is asking the same question, but with a bit of a twist. We want to know your go-to folks. Who do you call when your antique armoire cracks? Where is the only place you will buy meat when good company is coming to visit a spell? So, put on your deepest southern drawl and ask along with us, “Who are your people?” Hey, we just may unearth some best-kept secrets!

 

Your great Aunt Sarah is coming to visit at the end of the week, and you just noticed that a leg on the set of the Louis XIV chairs she gave you is wobbly. No doubt she’ll notice your neglect of her prized gift. Who is your fix-it guy?

Deborah Lovett: Antique and Cabinet Woodshop—Jeff Strain

Dianne Neal: To repair that flaw on a treasured piece of furniture I go to Carl Pennington. He is in Pegram and no, you cannot have his number.

Ann Shayne: Steve Stroup has done work on just about every piece of antique furniture in my house, from polishing wood beautifully, repairing busted things, and generally making old treasures look beloved.

Tish: I would put two or three packets of Sweet and Low under the wobbly legs, give her a glass of champagne and Limoncello, and she’ll never know the difference.

Margo Fort Hall: I’ve got the guy or army of guys to fix any and all damage to your precious piece you inherited, were gifted or actually combed antique shows for years looking for: Michael Hall.

Ginger Hale: Jim Evinczik, owner of Villa Designs

Julia Morris: Charles Grimm

Liz Hackett: Len Reinhardt—furniture magician

Haley Hall: Laret Casella and Betsy Brittian have saved and found some great pieces for me! The Canery does some good work.

Stephanie Maxwell: Todd Boyce—Boyce, Woodworks

Cindee Gold: Andre at Cumberland Furniture Restoration

 

You have a party planned at your house in a week. Unfortunately, your lawn looks like someone poured acid on it. Who’s your green thumb-knight in shining armor?

Woo Caroland: Matt Anderson of firmly planted

Bennett Tarleton:
Rick Keen of Keen Green Lawns

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Todd Stokes, Lawn Care; Matthew, Grassland Lawn Care Franklin

Tish: Tressa Cherry

Dianne Neal: Grass, smass: we have aggregate and lush gardens around our place. For the aggregate, I call David Crane. To manicure and primp the gardens, John Layman with Brickman and Molly McGee, a Mississippi delta girl who has decided to become a nurse.

Julia Morris: The reality is we probably wouldn’t care, but our all-time, excellent manager of all-things-growing is Keith Kaelin.

Stephanie Maxwell: Natural Creations

Mary Kathryn Yeiser: Eric Stawicki at Arbor Springs Lawn

Cindee Gold: Two houses, two services: Brian Ward, Brian Russell.

 

Guests are coming to stay for the weekend. You need to make them feel welcome. You need flowers. Who do you call for arrangement?

Deborah Lovett: Mike Whitler at Branches

DeeDee Wade: Ilex, and if they’re busy, Garden Delights

Ann Shayne: Aw c’mon—Import Flowers is about all I can manage. When it’s hot outside, I stand in the coolers and smell the roses.

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: We go to Smith and Rogers and do them ourselves. Much more economical. Mark at The Tulip Tree is fabulous!

Laura Heatherly: Emma’s Flowers or Jason Counce

Dianne Neal: I would likely run to Import Flowers and make the arrangements on my own. If my “floral-karma” is missing, I call Steve at Garden Delights or the talented Ann Trabue.

Julia Morris: If I can’t cut something pretty and seasonal in the yard, Mark O’Bryan and the excellent Tulip Tree crew. They know what I love and it’s always beautiful.

Haley Hall: Ilex for parties. Now that I work in the Village, I am starting to use A Village of Flowers, too. For parties, Terry White does gorgeous pieces of art.

Mark Lee Taylor: There are so many talented floral designers in Nashville, but Joe Smith and the team at Ilex can usually read my mind—not a simple task—except for my husband, who can spot an evil glint in my eye across a banquet room. Tell Joe or one of his associates how much you want to spend, where the flowers are to go and a little basic information about the room, décor, event and they will make it pretty.

Mary Kathryn Yeiser: Zia in Green Hills—really cool different arrangements

Cindee Gold: Mark and Mike at Branches

 

You thought it would be fun to put lemon juice in your hair while sunning at the pool, just like you did in high school. It didn’t come out quite like you planned. You’ve got a photo shoot tomorrow. Who do you call to fix this hairy situation?

Ann Shayne: Susan Eslick. Adore her. Psychotherapist disguised as a hair designer.

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Mark Evans at Trumps

Tish: Michelle Clark at Clark and Company

Bennett Tarleton: Kelly Mason at Green Pea Salon

Dianne Neal: When my hair is having a bad day, I call Stephanie Fine at Heads Up or the divine Mary Pat at Chicago’s Mario Tricocci on Michigan Avenue. If I am between downtown and home, I stop at Heads Up Elliston Place where Tom, Kim, Hailey, or Hamilton can do a quick fix

Laura Heatherly: Stacy Hall at Transformations on Music Row

DeeDee Wade: Kathleen Marr at Green Pea

Ginger Hale: TJ Banks at Kiva

Woo Caroland: Maria Smoot at The Mirror, best colorist in Nashville

Adam Dread: Unfortunately, God cuts my hair now.

Liz Hackett: Story Laurent, Elements

Leslie Dabrowiak: Theresa at Trumps

Haley Hall: Mary Beth at Elan!

Mark Lee Taylor: Julie Marler at J. Bangs Salon in Green Hills is so talented. And best of all, NO DRAMA.

Anne Clayton: Run, don’t walk to James Blackmon at Trumps!! James is a master colorist who has been taking care of my hair for more than 10 years. He keeps my color and cut looking great and dispenses my weekly dose of idle gossip too!

Neil Krugman: Not many aspects of this question happen in my life, but if they did, Zekeye Everest.

Cindee Gold: Nikki Clark at Hair Voyant for color and JoAnne Riner and Lynette Snyder for waxing and did you know that Clark & Co. Salon opens at 6 AM?

 

Your spouse just called and said the boss is coming for dinner. Like you have time to cook today! Who’s your supper salvation?

Ann Shayne: The Vietnamese restaurant Kien Giang on Charlotte. Order a pile of Bun #2 along with a bunch of rice paper rollseverybody’s happy.

Deborah Lovett: Kristen Winston Catering, Inc.

Sarah Reisner: Something Special and Gourmet Take-Away

Tish: If I could hand pick a spouse or a chef it would be Johnny Haffner of Capers Catering.

Adam Dread: I would call Rose Palermo, Larry Hayes or Bobby Jackson, because a messy, yet justified, divorce is inevitable.

Mark Lee Taylor: Margot is my sentimental favorite and I try to get to Marché if time permits. If it has to be quicker, hit The Produce Place, which has good stuff made by Emily McAlister. And don’t forget Wild Oats, Bread and Company or Ms. Pilkington at Something Special.

Cindee Gold: Something Special

 

You’ve been feeling a little drab recently and your skin looks a little tired. Who do you call on to bring back that fresh young glow to your face?

Dianne Neal: Quarterly I see Jenny Burnley or Jennifer Wilken, aesthetic technicians in the office of Dr. Nick Sieveking.

Woo Caroland: Rene Huston at WOO

Laura Heatherly: Belle Meade Dermatology

Tish: Drink lots of water, eat fresh vegetables, put Vaseline on my face, drink a skinny cafe latte from portland brew and play ping pong and badminton with my grandchildren

Ginger Hale: Louise Crockerell, owner of Sweet Dreams From Louise. Best facial I have ever had, including better than at the oriental hotel in Bangkok and any Four Seasons Spa.

Mark Lee Taylor: When you’re schlepping around with a face full of gin blossoms (It’s roseacea, I swear!) or other unappealing maladies, do you really want to go a place where you’ll see the same people you’ll see at parties? Hightail it out to Bellevue, or as I call it, Bellevue II, the new, improved Bellevue, closer to The Loveless Café. There you’ll find Visage MedArt on Old Harding Pike. It’s the brainchild of Marek Kacki, MD. Facial sculpting, fillers, Botox, vein removal, facials, waxing, etc. Ask for Debbie Mathieu, one of Nashville’s secret high priestesses of style.

Mary Kathryn Yeiser: A facial and a spray tan from Sydney Baggett at Private Edition. Looks like you have been to St. Bart’s and back in an hour and a half!

Cindee Gold: My husband Michael Gold of Gold Skin Care Center, of course!

Tom Black: Glow to face Robin Haney at Apropos

Neil Krugman: Not much could help me except for the practitioners at Marshall Donnelly & Combs, but for those with more promise, I am sure that Jason Facio, the new proprietor of Elan Skin Care, could help.

 

Your pooch has got the sniffles—it’s either allergies or something else. To whom do you entrust your beloved canine’s health?

Woo Caroland: Hillsboro Animal Hospital

Deborah Lovett: Tom Bradford, Mitch McKee at Bradford Animal Hospital in Brentwood

DeeDee Wade: I have Tennessee Equine Hospital’s number memorized. Nashville is fortunate to have my friend Amy Beth Rice heading up our Nashville Pet Emergency Clinic.

Dianne Neal: I haven’t had a pet, except for turtles, in several years but we have relied on Green Hills Animal Hospital and, later, on Murphy Road Animal Hospital.

Adam Dread: One of the best kept secrets in Nashville is Harpeth Valley Animal Hospital. Not only are the vets the best, the staff goes above and beyond in service. Our celeb-ri-cat, Bonnie, loves going to their so much that she purrs when I carry her in. They treat your pet like a rock star. State of the art vet services, including lasers. Beat that Ming Wang!

Liz Hackett: Steve Ladd at Hillsboro Animal Hospital—He loves our black Lab more than we do!!!

Leslie Roberts Dabrowiak: Mark Smith at Natchez Trace Vet is incredible!

Haley Hall: Belle Meade Animal Hospital. Love Dr. Edwards, Dr. Conn and the whole crew. Vicki, Leigh and the entire team love my dogs almost as much as I do!

Cara Alexander: Dr. Jamie Rosen, Belle Meade Animal Hospital

Cindee Gold: Dr. Carter Butler, Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital

 

You totally forgot your best friend’s birthday. You have to get a gift, stat! Who owns the life-saving shop that always has just the right thing for everyone?

Tish: Fabu on Charlotte Avenue and The Loft at the Hen-Pecked Market on Lewisburg Pike

DeeDee Wade: I love the fun gifts at Color.

Woo Caroland: AshBlue or WOO

Ann Shayne: My yarn stash. When I really screw up, I knit a scarf. Each little stitch is a morsel of remorse and regret over having forgotten.

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Obelisk in Green Hills

Dianne Neal: For the just-right gift, Susanna Brown’s AshBlue or Walton Estes’ Harpeth Gallery never lets me down.

Julia Morris: Corzine’s with a special thank you to Mike King who can find anything and get it to you on short notice every time!

Stephanie Maxwell: Overnight from Taigan.com

Mark Lee Taylor: I am just sick that Belle Meade Drugs is gone. It was always a good place for amusing, yet tasteful and well-priced gifts. However, we now have The Sassafras Shop which is fun. If you need something for a man, go to Abernathy Road.

Cindee Gold: Beveled Edge and Custom Embroidery.

 

Your dog Pogo, a Bichon Frise, has been romping with some skunks in the woods. And, his fur is looking a little wild and wooly. Who’s your go-to doggy beautician?

Woo Caroland: Holistic Pet Care on White Bridge Road

Deborah Lovett: Lisa Kellick at Bradford Animal Hospital

DeeDee Wade: Sherrie Watson’s Mobile Pet Grooming. My mother’s dog Cosmo only likes three people and she’s one of them.

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Miss Kitty’s

Mark Lee Taylor: Thanks to Sylvia and Doug Bradbury’s adorable Barkley, Miss Greta Mai Hyman-Taylor got a personal referral to Doggie Dos.

Neil Krugman: Christopher from Sir Theodores

 

Your yard lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. Let there be light! Who’s the enlightened landscape architect to cure your woes?

Woo Caroland: Tara Armistead

Deborah Lovett: Steve Sirls

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Benton Peters, Vaden Lackey, Phillip Chadwick.

Dianne Neal: This town has so many talented landscape designers. Over the years we have had advice from Tara Armistead, Ben Page, Steven Wells. Currently we rely on the patient and pleasant John Layman.

Julia Morris: We have a patchwork of project over the years—kudos to Ben Page and John Puryear (and Keith Kaelin again)

 

Lo and behold, that diet you’ve been on worked! Sadly, none of your clothes fit. Who is the only alterations god in town that you can turn to for that perfect fit to show off your shapely physique?

Woo Caroland: Stitch It

Laura Heatherly: Kim at VIP Cleaners in Bellevue

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Malay at Ruben’s Tailor Shop in Green Hills.

Dianne Neal: I take everything to West End Alterations.

Ginger Hale: Stitch It

Adam Dread: Village Cleaners.

Julia Morris: Muna and Najib

Stephanie Maxwell: Jerry at Jamie or Houri at Fashion Alterations

Mary Kathryn Yeiser: Linda at Green Hills Seamstress is amazing

Neil Krugman: Hauri at Fashion Alternations

Cara Alexander: Suki’s Alterations

Cindee Gold: Cathy at Elegant Alterations who has seen me at every size.

 

There’s something about your house that’s, well, boring you. It needs an interior design facelift. Who ya gonna call?

Deborah Lovett: Barry Wilker

Laura Heatherly: Jamie Beckwith

Woo Caroland: Tony Brown or Dana Sherrard

Dianne Neal: When my house needs a new look or just a new set of lamps, I call Ralph Cadenhead.

Julia Morris: Betsy Brittain

Stephanie Maxwell: Bobby McAlpine/Ray Booth interior design

Neil Krugman: Mary Spalding

Cara Alexander: Dave and John, The Decorating Duo

Cindee Gold: Louise Kitchell at Kitchell-Brown Interiors and Robert Jetton.

 

You’ve been wearing that same Clinique makeup that your mom bought you at 14, and you’re well past that age. Who do you entrust to give you a new look?

Woo Caroland: Dianna, Shanan or Bethany at WOO

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: Brady Wardlaw.

Cindee Gold: The aestheticians at Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa

 

You were recently waving at a friend across the field at a ballgame and noticed that the flabby part of your arm continued waving long after you had stopped. Who’s the pro fitness guru who can whip you back in shape in no time?

Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw: John Rios at Westside Athletic Club, Hwy 100.

Dianne Neal: For my arms and whatever the heck my “core” is, I rely on Chad Shirar at St. Thomas. For cardio, I head to my favorite Warner Brothers, Percy and Edwin.

Julia Morris: The Delta crew—Domenic Micheli, Stephanie Brooks, they are all wonderful! Joel Paavola, John Payne and Scott DeShon.

Stephanie Maxwell: Kady Decker at Pure Barre exercice

Neil Krugman: Irv Rubenstein

Cara Alexander: Leann Frey at STEPS

 

Sure, you think you can fix things around the house, but do you ever get around to it? When you finally come to your senses and decide to hire a handyman, what’s the name in your rolodex?

Tish: Steve Tippens is the best

Woo Caroland: Carl Johnson

Ann Shayne: The Wills Company Handyman Service. Insanely responsive and good about fixing even small things...

Ginger Hale: John Herb

Stephanie Maxwell: Will Andrews and The Brothers Gill handy dyde

Cara Alexander: Jack Bass. He’s kicking up dust at my house as I type this!