Meet 13 Women Bringing a Collaborative Spirit to the Heart of Downtown Maryville, TN
Whether they are Maryville natives or transplants who have set deep roots in this community they love, these women business owners and professionals all play a part in the thriving revitalization of the historic downtown district.
In This Article
Amanda Gillooly
As the leader of an organization dedicated to supporting the downtown district, Amanda Gillooly works closely on the forefront of the area’s renewal.
“I’m most excited about the restoration of several historic buildings that have been vacant or underutilized for decades,” she says. “Some of the most exciting changes I’ve seen have been in properties that make creative and beautiful use of space that activates every possibility.”
Bethany Blair
Maryville native Bethany Blair launched Bebe Salon 16 years ago and moved her business downtown in 2021. The community of business owners, customers and visitors that has developed in downtown Maryville is the best part of her day every day.
“The people are just amazing. I absolutely love the closeness of the community,” she says. “We really love to see the revitalization happen, bringing more options to the downtown area as well as jobs.”
Joy Carver
Joy Carver’s shop gave new life to a historic downtown building. Dandy Lions is based in the building that once housed the city’s main library, and the structure is rich in both architectural detail and memories.
“We took a chance on downtown, and although I love retail and cute merch, what I treasure most is the community I get to experience every single day walking into downtown Maryville and through the doors of an old library that is now home to Dandy Lions Gifts,” she says.
Krysti Franklin
Krysti Franklin and her husband, Lee, moved to Maryville with their five children in 2010, and Krysti opened J. Danforth Mercantile in 2023.
“Getting to see familiar faces each day, seeing how our neighbors support small businesses is something that isn’t lost on us,” she says. “Building something truly special with family and friends that have become family is something I tell people every day I don’t believe I get to do.”
Brooke Nix
After graduating from Maryville College with a Bachelor of Arts, Brooke Nix earned a Bachelor of Science and a master’s from the University of Nebraska. She then completed a physician assistant internship at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Drawn back to her hometown, Nix and her husband settled in Maryville, where she opened her medical aesthetics practice downtown in 2020.
“The Maryville downtown has come alive,” she says. “I love seeing people out on the streets and enjoying the businesses and food options.”
Christina O’Rourke
The Brackins Blues Club has been in downtown Maryville since 2007. Christina O’Rourke started working there in 2009 and managed the business from 2015 to 2022. She bought it in 2023.
“It’s been really cool to see plans coming to fruition that we have talked about and set in motion years ago to help grow our community,” O’Rourke says. “The new businesses, the new signage, the new events are all awesome to see.”
Paula Osborn
Paula Osborn is a Maryville native and the owner of the interior design firm ROOST.
“I am a Maryville girl. I have called this friendly town home since I was 3, and I feel a very strong connection to it,” she says. “Opening the store in September 2013, it was so exciting to have the opportunity to put into action some creative ideas that I had stored for so long and see them come to fruition. I was thrilled to bring this lifestyle store to Maryville.”
Tina Rhea
After two decades in Florida, Tina Rhea felt called to return home to Maryville with her family in 2013. She and her husband, David, were ready to be closer to family, and Rhea now owns a lively downtown restaurant that began life as a food truck in 2017. REO Cheesewagon put down brick-and-mortar roots in 2024, joining several other women-owned businesses on their block that Rhea jokingly refers to as “Boss Babe Boulevard.”
“It is so exciting to see the life brought back downtown,” she says.
Michele Shreve
Michele Shreve opened her salon and boutique in downtown Maryville in 2020 and has enjoyed seeing the growth of the city’s quaint central district. In fact, that “true downtown” feel was one thing that drew her to Maryville in 2010 from Ohio.
“I love everything about the downtown vibe, and the small-town feel,” she says. “I love that they’re giving people a reason to stay in the area for the evening, and that will only grow as we get more stores, restaurants and family-friendly entertainment.”
Laurie Meier
As an avid reader, Laurie Meier always dreamed of owning a bookstore. In 2022, as her children grew up and the downtown area began to evolve, she decided to open her dream business and contribute to the community’s revitalization. Now, Neighborly Books is a community hub for all.
“The people are the best part,” Meier says. “This is their happy place; they love to wander, listen to the jazz music playing and just be here.”
Christy McDonald Slavick
Christy McDonald Slavick, interim director of the Clayton Center for the Arts, grew up in Maryville when the community lacked a dedicated arts hub. Now, 15 years after its founding, she champions the Clayton Center’s role as a catalyst for economic and cultural growth. She often brings her daughter, a ballet student, to performances.
“Arts are huge economic drivers for cities and towns,” she says. “That’s a win for everyone downtown.”
Alice Basler
Real estate professional Alice Basler never shies away from risk. Now, she’s dipping her toes into the restaurant business with Wells Tavern. Set to open this year, the authentic Scottish pub aims to bring new energy and character to the community.
“A thriving downtown is great for everybody,” Basler says, embracing serendipity. “Some of the best things that happened are things I didn’t plan.”
Tosha Wilhelmsen
After experiencing deep personal loss, Maryville native Tosha Wilhelmsen found healing through a local coffee shop community. Inspired to foster that same sense of belonging, she opened Southern Grace Coffee in 2016 inside a 100-year-old house and later expanded with a brunch spot in an 1895 building.
A faith-based, family-run business, Southern Grace is known for small-batch, fair-trade coffee and creative drinks crafted with house-made syrups. “Maryville is a truly special place,” she says. “The support here is so precious.”
– Mary Fortune and Kate Robertson
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