I’m a Nashville-based writer specializing in all forms of journalism: travel, food, home renovation, entertainment, entrepreneurship, lifestyles. But I do a whole lot more than produce magazine and online content. I’m also a photographer, a videographer and a public speaker, as well as occasionally on-air talent.

I’m an unabashed Taylor Swift fan, and my wildest dreams came true when I got to interview her for a cover story announcing the debut of her 1989 album. I’ve interviewed, literally, hundreds and hundreds of celebrities, but she ranks up there as my favorite. Some others I loved who immediately come to mind? Tom Hanks, Bill Nighy, Steven Tyler, Ben Affleck, Russell Brand. Least favorite? Richard Gere—just retire already.

Before graduating from UT, I completed the first half of my college years at Sewanee: The University of the South, studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh, and also completed a year post-grad program in international journalism at universities in Holland and Denmark. If you think going to journalism school at a public institution won’t afford you the possibility of a career in magazines, I challenge you to reconsider. My two years at UT were exactly what I needed to kickstart my career, and I am grateful for all my talented professors who sculpted and honed my writing skills