LABOR DAY WEEKEND

 LABOR DAY: The perfect time to “relax and recharge!” Enjoy the long holiday weekend. See you Tuesday of next week!  #OfficialEndOfSummer #WheresTheCookout

Marty McDonald on expanding "Elle Olivia" to more Target stores nationwide

"Audacity Meets Opportunity!"

(Chattanooga, Tennessee)---More than two years ago, Marty McDonald sat down with CBS Mornings to share the story behind her incredible journey. Today, she’s back where it all began—on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga—as the keynote speaker for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga’s Entrepreneur Power Lunch.

           

A wife, mother, certified interior designer—and the first Black woman to earn a degree in Interior Design from UTC—Marty has also added ‘author’ to her list of achievements. Her new book, Audacious, is available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Before we hear from her today, let’s revisit that conversation where Marty revealed what started it all and why she finally decided to ‘bet on herself.’  Check out Marty's interview with CBS Mornings at the top of the page.

A 'WHITE HOT" SUMMER CONCERT SERIES!""

"CHATTANOOGA, SOLD OUT AGAIN!!"

(DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE)--Tomorrow night, Sunday, August 24th, The Velvet Chair Experience returns with another unforgettable evening of live music, storytelling, and soul. While this weekend’s show is completely sold out, the celebration continues all summer long.

Up next: our much-anticipated "ALL WHITE PARTY," where featured vocalist Karen Collins and Friends promise a white hot performance that you don’t want to miss.

I’m honored to serve as your host and emcee, and I invite you to join us for the next regular performance on Sunday, September 28th. Secure your seat now and be part of the magic that keeps Chattanooga talking.

Check out The Velvet Chair Experience website for more information on how you can RSVP for a table for you and your friends for the next performance, Sunday, September 28th. https://thevelvetchairexperience.com

NATIONAL RADIO DAY--HONORING THE MEMORY OF GINA BROWN

NATIONAL RADIO DAY

August 20, 2025

(New Orleans, Louisiana)--This week, I pause to remember my best friend, the late Gina Brown, a true queen of the airwaves.

A proud New Orleans native, Gina had a gift with a microphone that could move souls. She began her journey more than 30 years ago as the smooth Sunday Jazz Brunch host at Ninety-Three Blx in Mobile. And in her final days, she poured her heart into the mic at 102.3 WHIV FM New Orleans, where the mantra is “We honor independent voices.” Gina did just that, leaving her soul in the control room and in the hearts of listeners across the Crescent City.

Her beloved segment, “G’s Corner,” and her golden voice are deeply missed. On this day, we celebrate not just National Radio Day but the legacy of one of the greatest disc jockeys to ever do it, my dear friend, the late, great Gina Brown.

Miss you, babygirl, Varion