After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.
Read MoreJackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.
Read MoreStory & Photography by Molly Warren
On a beautiful Friday afternoon, June 7 the Jackson Arts Council held its third “Art Walk” of the season. Artist members set up their amazing work at the storefronts of local businesses in the Jackson Walk Plaza area and nearby areas of the AMP in Downtown Jackson. A wide variety of creative art was available for sale including jewelry, unique paintings, apparel, and stickers. Participants also enjoyed live music and delicious food from several food trucks on site.
The Jackson Arts Council will continue to host these First Friday Walks from 5 to 7 p.m. through the month of November. Artists of all skill levels and ages are welcome to become artist members to participate. For more information go to 731arts.com.
I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love.
Read MoreIn this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.
Read MoreOn Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.
Read MoreOther Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together.
Read MoreOn June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.
Read MoreI AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community. I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it. To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!
Read MoreThe First Ladies Luncheon was held Thursday, April 18, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event, presented by United Way of West Tennessee, has become a favorite tradition in Jackson and West Tennessee. Table sponsors had the opportunity to create unique tablescapes.
Read MoreOn Saturday, April 20 the 7th annual Crawfest benefitting Scarlet Rope Project was held at Hub City Brewing in downtown Jackson from 3 - 6 pm. Attendees at the packed event enjoyed amazing crawfish, shrimp, and sides along with great drinks and mingling.
Read MoreI AM JACKSON because this is where I’ve made my home, my business, and where I’ve invested my time in doing the work to promote positive change. I AM JACKSON because anytime I travel I make it a point to talk about Jackson and how much I love it here. I sometimes feel like an ambassador of Jackson! Maybe I am?
Read MoreMy Best Friend Jenna hosted the annual Lights, Camera, Fashion show on February 15 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Lights, Camera, Fashion, better known as LCF, is a highly anticipated fashion show and fundraiser enjoyed by spectators from Jackson and beyond each year.
Read MoreThe Jackson Symphony League hosted the 22nd Annual Crystal Ball at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on January 27. The evening was presented by Roberts Jewelers and featured dinner, drinks, and a spectacular live and silent auction. Guests, dressed in evening attire, could also enjoy dancing and music performed by Nashville’s Number-One Party Band.
Read MoreI AM JACKSON because the majority of my adult life has been in this city. I have enjoyed working with and celebrating the students at Lane College. I enjoy the people, culture, and atmosphere which has been the place for me to marry, raise a family, and see the fruits of my labor while residing in Jackson. I AM JACKSON because I am committed to the community. Jackson has allowed me to serve on several boards, assist with pageants, and be gainfully employed. I believe in Jackson because Jackson first believed in me.
Read MoreI am passionate about philanthropy, scholarship, and giving back to the community that has supported me. Jackson is loving, kind, generous, and caring. The people of Jackson give their time, their God-given talents, resources, money, and love. They pray for others, not only for personal friends, but for complete strangers. Jacksonians are always lending a helping hand. They encourage our youth by saying yes when they are asked to support their schools, their sports teams, their educational trips, and their fundraisers. I know of no other town Jackson’s size that has as many fundraisers going on simultaneously as my town does.
Read MoreWe have enjoyed sharing our family recipes with you over the past few months, but December brings another layer. This time of year is full of events to attend and host, and the latter can be a bit overwhelming if you don't take it in stride. Let us help you! Greg and Allycin are excellent hosts, and do so often. I would trust any tips they have to give, and they recently hosted a Christmas dinner for some of their closest friends and let us take you along virtually. Get your markers ready to circle and note all of the things you'll want to try out at your own holiday soirée! We can't wait to hear how your dishes turn out and we'd love to know if you discover tips of your own! Share them with us on instagram @vipjacksonmagazine.
Read MoreOn November 11 the Community Foundation of West Tennessee held their 32nd Charity Gala at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The vibe of the evening was A Modern Black and White Affair. The gala committee, volunteers, and Community Foundation staff did a phenomenal job coordinating this large-scale, spectacular event.
Read MoreMy greatest honors, besides my family, has been being named “Woman of the Year” for Jackson, Woman of Achievement, and being named Woman of Influence by our mayor and by the State Legislature. (I hope that means “GOOD” influence). I love my city of Jackson, and I am so proud to be a citizen.
Read MoreOne of Jackson’s newest events took place on November 9 at Hub City Brewing. VIP Jackson Magazine hosted an exclusive event to celebrate the winners of Best In Jackson. The business owners and leaders of each of the winning businesses for Best In Jackson 2023 were invited to an elevated cocktail party with food prepared by Jackson’s Kitchen & Catering.
Read MoreIt is where I am from, it has provided a great life, and it’s my family’s history and its future!
I strive and work every day to make Jackson and rural West Tennessee a better place to live.
I remember PoFolks Restaurant and want to start a petition to bring it back! And if that’s not Jackson enough, then it’s because I’m proud to build homes in a community that values hard work, relationships, and doing things the right way.
Jackson is engrained in me. One can seek out a place to live where they are comfortable, but it is special when you live in a place that fulfills you. Yes, family heritage, family friends, business success, and one’s faith can be fulfilling, but the Jackson community is special. Jackson provides all the elements for me that make life good.
I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!
I believe in building better — homes, businesses, and relationships — right here in the community that built me.
Because I don’t just live here, I have a passion for seeing Jackson become the very best it can be.
Since I moved to Jackson 47 years ago this town has offered our family life-long friendships, career opportunities, and the desire to continue to grow with our community as a wonderful place to call HOME.
I believe in where we’re headed. Whether it’s helping our airport grow, supporting small businesses, or just being a good neighbor, I’m proud to be part of Jackson’s story. This city is taking off, and I’m glad to be on board. (Couldn’t resist the airport puns.)
I absolutely love this community. My family, my friends, my education, and my career are all rooted in this great community, and I only foresee it just getting better and better with time. We have so much to be grateful for to be able to call this place our home!
This is where I can make the greatest difference, where collaboration thrives, and where a brighter future for our children is not just a hope, but a shared reality we are actively building together. #winning
...this city has shaped me, inspired me, and given me the opportunity to serve and grow alongside an amazing community.
I am Jackson because I have aimed to improve both myself and the West Tennessee community.
Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead.
After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.
Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.
I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love.
In this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.
On Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.
Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together.
On June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.
I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community. I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it. To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!
The First Ladies Luncheon was held Thursday, April 18, at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event, presented by United Way of West Tennessee, has become a favorite tradition in Jackson and West Tennessee. Table sponsors had the opportunity to create unique tablescapes.
VIP Jackson Magazine
Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
I AM JACKSON because…
No matter where life or my career has taken me, this has always been home. My family’s roots here run deep, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and give back to the community that has meant so much to us.