Every few weeks, Macaroni KID Brentwood, Franklin, & Spring Hill will introduce you to an amazing, local mom. Nothing makes us happier than supporting incredible women. I am so excited to have the opportunity to introduce you to some of Middle Tennessee's finest!
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This week, I'd love to introduce you to Lacy Ezell. Lacy is the owner of TN Art Yard, a business that she started just over one year ago in March 2021 that has already grown by leaps and bounds. TN Art Yard provides process based art classes for children ages 1-12 in three outdoor locations across Middle Tennessee: Nashville, Hendersonville, and its original home of Thompson's Station, TN.
Read on to hear more about Lacy and how she's created a thriving local business through the help and support of other local "super hero" moms like herself!
1. How many kids do you have and how old are they?
 Photo by: Kristi Sheehan, Chasing Rainbows Creative |
I have two kids: Adaline (3.5) and Annalise (1.5).
2. What town do you live in/work in? And what is your favorite thing about Williamson County?
I live and work in Thompson's Station, but also travel all around the Nashville area. TN Art Yard also has a teacher in Nashville (Shay) and in Hendersonville (Whitney).
My favorite thing about the Williamson County area is the people! I have found such a rich community of parents and children through TN Art Yard. I also love the proximity to other parts of the southeast.
3. What do you like to do for fun with your kids in the Williamson County area? Without your kids?
With my kids I like to go to parks or the Nashville Zoo. My girls also come to the majority of classes with me, so that is a fun experience we are able to share!
Despite my outgoing nature as an educator, my down time is usually spent alone. I am an introvert at heart, so TV and taking long baths is probably my favorite thing to do outside of kids. I also love going to the movies as a date night activity!
4. Tell me about TN Art Yard and how it came about. Is TN Art Yard your full-time job?
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My business TN Art Yard began out of my desire to share my love of art education with my community. I saw a need for quality art education and play, especially for the preschool age group.
In March 2021, I offered a few free classes in the park for ages 1-12. From that initial class we have grown to offer Toddler Time, Homeschool Club, After School Art, camps, birthdays and more. We have also expanded to different areas of town and partnered with a number of other local businesses to spread the fun, regardless of where you live.
We also pride ourselves on keeping our prices low and allowing pop-in opportunities so that people are never deterred to participate due to cost.
This is definitely a full-time job, but I also mom full time as well. I will not lie, it is a ton to take on, but pursuing my passions and having my daughters see the hard work I put in hopefully makes it worth it.
5. Where can we buy your products or services?
You can find more information and sign up for classes at www.tnartyard.com.
6. How do you balance work and life? Or DO YOU? :)
 Photo by: Molly Denson Wantland at Simply M Photography |
I am still trying to find the work life balance. When I started TN Art Yard, my youngest was not even one, and we are obviously still in the thralls of preschool and toddler life meaning they require my full attention. They are also home with me 99% of the time.
It is definitely tough, not going to lie, but I fully believe that if you have a passion and need to grow that sitting on the sideline will not suffice. I grew up as a student athlete and am used to balancing multiple schedules and tasks at once. I have learned to work hard and just go with the flow.
I will say the past year has really pushed me to ask for help (something I have never been great at). My husband, mother-in-law, and friends play a large role in helping me with the kids.
I have also made so many great friends through teaching classes who always offer to help setup or cleanup, which speaks so much to the quality of community I get to be a part of.
Does living in Williamson County influence your work?
Absolutely. It is my comfort zone and where I started! I saw a lack of quality art programming in our area so I was basically just filling a need.
Maybe unrelated, but I also have learned that parents (moms in particular) are a force to be reckoned with, and Williamson County is bursting at the seams with them. Hopefully I am not spilling a secret, but if you want to grow a business, a cause, or basically get anything done, always go to the moms!
Meet More Moms
Isabelle Diaz, Creative Escape Paint Parties
Kristen DeMura, PT, DPT, Pediatric Physical Therapy of Nashville
Do you know of a great local mom to nominate for our next Meet a Mom feature? Reach out to Heather at mackidfranklin@macaronikid.com.
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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