As we launch our website and gear up for the fall release of our first issue, we sat down with our editor to discuss what readers can expect from Nashville and learn a little more about the team behind the magazine.

1. Tell us a bit about how you came to Nashville and how long you’ve been here.

I’ve been coming to Nashville since 2002 when I took a college class called the Culture and Business of Country Music. I lived on West End, spent my days visiting each of the offices on Music Row and my nights taking in live music. I had my first Bluebird experience, saw shows at Station Inn and danced my way through many a night on Broadway. It was a dream for a music-loving 21-year-old. After college, I moved to Atlanta, where I worked at Modern Luxury off and on for 10 years before I made the official move to Nashville almost a decade ago. (Next year will be my “tin” anniversary.) Since moving here, I’ve covered everything from music award red carpets and album releases to restaurant openings and philanthropic endeavors. I take so much pride in bringing local stories to life and sharing the amazing people, places and experiences here in Nashville—whether that’s for a local audience like ours or on a national platform. Nashville is one-of-a-kind, and I’m lucky to have my [cowboy] boots on the ground here.

2. How do you see Nashville filling a void in the local media landscape?

This town is lucky to have some incredible journalists and publications, but one thing we lack is a voice that speaks to the true luxury that exists here. Whether it’s world-renowned hotels, globally celebrated chefs, jaw-dropping real estate or the high-fashion options that continue to expand their reach into our retail market, I’m most excited to bring that version of Nashville to readers in such a tangible way. This city has so much to celebrate, and I plan to do exactly that in every issue of Nashville.

3. What can readers expect from Nashville’s online platform?

Online, we will explore everything that Nashville has to offer in real time. From breaking business news to deep-dive guides on Nashville neighborhoods and all they offer, mlnashville.com will offer readers up-to-the-minute coverage of the town we call home. I’m especially excited to explore the culinary and retail scene. We’ve already had a chance to dive into some of the city’s best margaritas, best burgers, best pizza and more–and we’re just getting started. I also can’t wait to bring fashion and beauty to the website with product and trend roundups born on a global scale and available right here at our favorite local stores.

4. How will Nashville cater to the interests of its local audience while appealing to a broader readership?

The number one thing I tell people when they ask me about Nashville is that this is a local city magazine. Our publisher, Jennifer Jezewski, and I are both longtime Nashville residents who have built our careers here. Our contributors, our advertisers, much of our audience—it’s all local. We have a wealth of incredible people and topics to cover here, so why would we look elsewhere? Lucky for us, Nashville is the city on everyone’s lips. Not only are we attracting new residents from all over the country, but we’re also capturing the attention of people just discovering the wide breadth of opportunities available here. From James Beard Award nominations to travel accolades and, of course, live music shows and festivals, all eyes are on Nashville.

5. In what ways will Nashville engage with the community and involve local voices in its content?

We’re all about celebrating Nashville, and that will be evident on our pages and online. Nashvillians are passionate about giving back, so readers will see philanthropic events and opportunities throughout the magazine. We also love a party–and dressing accordingly. Features like our Best Dressed and our events coverage will show just how fashionable this town really is.

6. Can you share some details about the launch event? What experiences should attendees expect?

While I can’t give too much away about the launch party, I can say this: It will be the social event of the year. While this is our introduction to Nashville, the party isn’t about us. It’s about the people we’re excited to connect with and the city we’re proud to call home. But believe me when I tell you: we’re going big. This will be a high-fashion, over-the-top night at the Met Gala-level event. We’re working with incredible vendors, creating unforgettable experiences and bringing truly iconic musical talent to the stage. It’s going to be a magical evening that Nashville will be talking about for years to come. Or at least until our next party.

7. What are some of your favorite spots in town?

The fun thing about Nashville is that there's always something new to discover, but right now, I’m loving the one-two punch of hitting up Tiger Bar for cocktails (I’m a martini girl) and Frankies for dinner. I live in East Nashville, and having both spots in my backyard is fantastic. I also love Carne Mare–especially sitting at the bar there. I’m a big fan of Pelato (their gluten-free options are out of this world), and I love the patio at O-ku for sushi. I am always down for a Wedgewood-Houston night, especially pizza at Dicey’s or small plates at Present Tense. I could spend an entire day at the Four Seasons: I’d lounge by the rooftop pool, have a drink at Rivière, and then head to the spa for a massage before tucking in for dinner at Mimo downstairs. For shopping, I’m so impressed with the growing retail scene in 12 South, especially the Paige store, Jenni Kayne and Imogene + Willie. And I’ll always be a mall girl, so the Mall at Green Hills is a constant for me. Find me at Nordstrom, Banana Republic and RH for a glass of wine and a little snack to fuel up fore more shopping.