Women Celebrating Women
The word inspire is defined as the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, and here in Chattanooga, we have no shortage of incredible women who motivate those around them day in and day out. Whether they intentionally set out to be a role model or random acts of kindness are simply in their DNA, these women are making the world a better place. Read on to learn more about the individuals who encourage others to be the best version of themselves, told by those they inspired most.
Photography by Emily Pérez Long
inspired: Sydnee Buchanan
inspiration: Louise Cha
A few words are simply not enough to show how much this woman has meant to me. If you know Louise Cha, you love her. She is the most welcoming soul, has the kindest heart, and inspires me every day to just be me. Besides Louise, I have never met or been around someone who truly loves everyone just as they are. She embodies what a loyal friend is and is there whenever you need her, even when you don’t think that you do. Her kitchen is always full of fresh cookies, homemade margaritas, and hungry friends gathered around the island. Our friends have seen her backyard as a safe haven during the craziness that this past year has brought to each of us, in all of our life stages. Despite her own life challenges, she has gracefully been there through it all. Sitting in the stands at my lacrosse game as I passionately coached a game that she knew little about, turning on trashy TV after a hard day at work, handpicking flowers that are perfect for all, planning celebrations to make everyone feel like the most special one in the room, and loving her people and husband so well are all parts of what makes up Lou, who is truly an inspiration. I want to love like she does, be as free as she is, cook like she does (everyone wants to), and live my life as welcoming as she does. I am inspired by living life next to Louise Cha.
“I want to love like she does, be as free as she is, cook like she does (everyone wants to), and live my life as welcoming as she does.”
