Between growing up in Covington, Tennessee, and spending a good deal of time in Nashville, Sameera Lowe developed an entrepreneurial mindset at a young age — selling homegrown tomatoes door-to-door. Sameera created Loud & Clear Communications at the age of 29, and she has thoroughly enjoyed her 19-year role as executive director of Entrepreneurs’ Organization Nashville. Sameera has been vital to EO Nashville’s success, driving the organization’s local chapter to become the largest in the nation and — just behind the chapters in Tokyo and Mumbai — the third largest in the world.
Sameera is a dynamic force in the Nashville community, especially in her work as chair of the advisory board for Safe Haven Family Shelter, who named her the “Safe Haven Hero” of 2018. She is a member of Leadership Nashville’s class of 2020 and was co-chair of “Business Day” for their class of 2022. Sameera is an active member at Christ Church Cathedral who enjoys traveling with her husband, Brunswick, and their sons, Sam, Jameson and Jack, as well as spending time at home with their two golden retrievers.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had the entrepreneurial spirit as a young girl, watching my father and grandfather carve their own path and provide a wonderful life for their family. I wanted to own a bakery when I grew up, but my very first taste of “running a business” was a door-to-door operation selling tomatoes from our garden.
What was your first experience in the nonprofit sector?
My first nonprofit experience was with Safe Haven Family Shelter. As a young board member, I learned early-on that there is value in simply connecting people. I talked about Safe Haven whenever I had the opportunity, and the ripple effects of those conversations were an easy way to contribute.
How does your work with EO impact Nashville?
By supporting entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurs’ Organization supports their families, their employees, their employees’ families and communities worldwide! EO gives business owners a safe place to share their most exciting accomplishments and the challenges they’re facing, providing a vital opportunity for learning from the experience of others. The entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives in Nashville; this city was built by entrepreneurs and will continue to prosper because of entrepreneurs.
How do you feel your work impacts you personally?
New challenges, amazing people and stories of resilience are around the corner every day, and it’s so fulfilling to support EO members through whatever they face, whether it’s tornadoes, floods or COVID-19. I am constantly training to balance confidence with humility, to approach differences with curiosity, and to be a continuous learner.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town or go-to place for a night out?
I love visiting the restaurants of EO members, and — because of my Lebanese roots — I’m pretty attached to Epice and Santo! My favorite place, though, is Robert’s Western World, due to the many memories made there after Dancin’ In The District.
What would you suggest for someone looking to embrace their entrepreneurial side?
If you are an entrepreneur in Nashville, you are in the very best place in the world to find what you need for success — whether support, resources or networking connections. EO’s one-of-a-kind Catalyst is a program held in a hub of entrepreneurial action: the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. With peer-to-peer learning, confidential small groups, mentors and networking opportunities, I’m convinced it’s the best program around.
What does the future hold for EO Nashville?
The future of EO Nashville is as bright as ever! While other cities regularly visit to discover our secret to success, we’re always pushing ourselves to improve. Members are open to learning from others, and — since EO is a global organization — we’ve learned from entrepreneurs all around the world. We’re even visiting Singapore in spring 2024 for more continued education!
What legacy would you like to leave in this community?
Nashville is the most friendly, welcoming place to start a family and a business, and I want to be known as someone who modeled the collaboration that is the heart of this city. Nashvillians naturally support each other, even when times are tricky, and we will always persevere and volunteer.
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