Biz Beat

Making a Connection

I'd like to start this week's column by extending a heartfelt thank you to Ben Lomand Connect for coming onboard as the presenting sponsor of Biz Beat. Thanks to BLC's sponsorship, this column is available for free to all readers regardless of their subscription status to the Main Street Journal. And while we're talking about subscribers, thank you once again to the ever-growing legion of you who are making it possible for us to provide Warren County a truly local news source. It is the support of advertisers like BLC and subscribers like you which allows up to continue to serve the people of our community, and each of us at the Journal truly appreciates it.

BLC has a special offer continuing throughout the month of May for new customers of the Ben Lomand Security Service. In addition to the feeling of security the service provides, those who sign up this month will receive a free three-in-one smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detector, an almost $200 value. For a free quote and design layout of how the security system can protect your house or business, contact BLC at (800) 974-7779 or visit benlomandconnect.com. You can also get more information by clicking the interactive BLC ad on the Main Street Journal home page or the one appearing in this column.

Appreciative of ads

We're very proud BLC has decided to support our venture here at the Journal, and I am humbled and thankful the company chose my column in particular to associate itself with. But BLC wasn't the first local business to strike when our website gained the capability to feature ads. That honor goes to Rich Pekarz at Pioneer Lanes, so I will spare a few words in Biz Beat to express our appreciation.

Thanks, Rich! Pioneer Lanes will always be the answer to the trivia question, "What was the first paid advertisement on the Main Street Journal website?" Although it would be a strange trivia night indeed if that shows up as a question.

Pioneer Lanes is proud to have opened a newly renovated arcade which doubled the size of the previous game room and offers games for all ages for those looking for some fun in between bowling. So go to check out what Rich and the gang at Pioneer Lanes have to offer and let them know you heard about it in the Journal.

Love leads new salon to McMinnville

There's one more inaugural Main Street Journal advertiser I'd like to thank, and she's a focus of this week's Biz Beat.

Alexis J. Mitchell has had a lifelong love of working with hair, a passion which has taken her to various locations across Middle Tennessee, but it was a love story which led her to opening her salon in McMinnville.

Alexis, who goes by AJ, opened Alexis J. Studio, a private salon suite, in the Park Suites at 121 W. Main St. in February but is no newcomer to the business.

"I was born and raised on a cattle farm about 30 minutes south of Shelbyville," AJ said. "Growing up, I never planned to pursue hair as a career. I come from a family where the expected path was college and a traditional profession. But looking back, the signs were always there. I was constantly cutting the hair of my stuffed animals and Barbie dolls and, as I got older, I loved braiding and styling the hair of classmates and teammates."

Following high school, AJ enrolled in community college before feeling the pull to cosmetology.

"After some research, I discovered the AVEDA Institute of Arts & Sciences in Franklin. I immediately connected with their mission and approach," AJ said. "I took time off to save money and enrolled in September 2019. Throughout my time at AVEDA, and even after graduating, I continued living at home and made the hour-long commute to Franklin each day. It wasn’t always easy, but staying with my parents helped me manage expenses and stay focused on my goals."

As happened to so many, AJ's plans hit a detour called COVID.

"I was completing my education during 2020 when the pandemic hit, which meant we couldn’t work with real clients for much of our training. After graduation, I knew I needed to find a salon where I could gain hands-on experience and rebuild my confidence."

That search led AJ to Nolensville, positioned between Franklin and Murfreesboro. It was there she discovered a salon that felt like a good fit and began training in October 2020, making an hour-long commute from her parents' home.

"I was incredibly fortunate to work under talented, passionate women who were truly dedicated to their craft," AJ said. "Nolensville became my 'home away from home,' and I spent the next four years building my career and learning everything I could in that community."

That's when, like something out of a Hallmark movie, a newly found relationship started AJ on the path to McMinnville.

"It wasn’t until I met my fiancé, Tucker Lynn, who grew up in McMinnville, that I began to consider relocating," AJ said. "With the support of him and his family, I found the perfect location for my own studio and finally said goodbye to the long commute. Opening Alexis J. Studio has given me the freedom I always wanted. I’m able to offer flexible hours, personalized service and a relaxing one-on-one experience for every client."

When it comes to hair, AJ can handle it, but she's not one to rest on her laurels. She continues to hone her craft so she can keep her clients looking current.

"At Alexis J. Studio, I offer a range of services including precision haircuts, custom-blended color, Brazilian blowouts and multiple hair extension methods," AJ said. "I’m also deeply committed to continuing education, ensuring I stay current with the latest techniques, trends and healthy hair practices. I believe in constantly investing in my craft so I can provide the best possible results.

"What sets my studio apart is the individualized care I provide. My clients don’t just sit in a chair, they receive my full attention and a completely customized experience based on their unique style, hair type and lifestyle. My goal is to deliver big-city quality with small-town warmth, making professional hair services accessible without the high prices or long wait times. I’m so excited to bring my experience and creativity to McMinnville and to serve a community that values both professionalism and a personal touch."

To book an appointment, contact AJ on Facebook or Instagram at @alexisj.studio or by email at alexisj.studio@gmail.com. For booking information, pricing and service details, visit her linktree. Her hours are by appointment Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. She is available by request on evening and Saturdays.

I wish AJ much luck in her new endeavor and thank her very much for supporting the Main Street Journal as one of our first advertisers.

A new way to shop

In today's world where more and more of our shopping is done online, Main Street Media is introducing a way to shop online, save money and still support locally owned businesses. Called the Main Street Shopper, the new website offers a place for local businesses to interact with and attract new customers while offering shrewd shoppers a chance to score big savings.

The site can be found at mainstreetshopper.llc and will be an ever-changing storefront offering a variety of deals which will come and go as supplies dictate. The site will offer items and gift cards for discount prices. Some of the initial offerings include a $510 Namaste Wellness & Aesthetics Laser Hair Removal session for only $255, a Southern Traditions Gifts & Interiors $50 gift card for $35, and a $199 full auto detailing at Reddick Brown Ford for $100.

Offerings will be constantly updated and many are limited offers, so shoppers are encouraged to check in often. Credit card payments are accepted, and the gift cards will be emailed to the purchaser in the next day or two.

You never know what you will find on the Shopper, and that's part of the fun. Bookmark the site and make it part of your daily scrolling routine and you could end up banking some big bargains.

Businesses wishing to post their items are encouraged to call (931) 473-9253.

Rubbing elbows

The McMinnville Warren County Industrial Development Board held its Quarterly Industry Luncheon at the Motlow Automation and Robotics Training Center Tuesday. Under the slogan of "Connecting the dots so you don't have to," the gathering brought together local business leaders with state agencies who offer services to assist in the growth of industry. The luncheon provided the opportunities for businesspeople to exchange ideas and develop contacts which could be mutually beneficial.

IDB Executive Director Wendy Sneed explained the purpose of the IDB as a local agency dedicated to economic growth and industry support with a focus on retaining, expanding and recruiting industry to our area. The IDB is funded through PILOT and TIF agreements and property development.

In addition to Wendy in the executive director role, Crystal Barnes is on staff serving as office manager. The Joint Board of Directors is comprised of five members appointed by the Warren County Commission and five appointed by the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Currently serving on the board are, Justin Walling, chair; Ryan Lorance, vice chair; Greg Smartt, treasurer; Andy Knowles, past chair; Jenny Nefrada; Scot MacDonald; Jeff Golden; Daniel Owens; Dr. Melody Edmonds and Jamie Stinson.

Wendy presented statistics related to the county's economic standing, indicating Warren County currently has a population of 42,333 with an average age of 41.5-years-old and a median hourly wage of $18.43. The county labor force is 16,714 with a 3.3% unemployment rate. The county's workforce has an average commute time of 27.3 minutes.

The next Quarterly Industry Luncheon is scheduled for July 30.

Until next time, the Beat goes on

Thanks for reading, and welcome to those of you who may be seeing this column for the first time thanks to Ben Lomand Connect's sponsorship. You can look for Biz Beat every week presenting a dose of Warren County business news. If you have local business questions, tips or have a business you would like to see featured, contact me at seth.wright@mainstreetmedia.llc. And once again, thanks to all of the Main Street Journal's advertisers and especially to BLC for being the presenting sponsor of Biz Beat.