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 Long
inspired: Jenifer Amato | inspiration: Jennifer Shaughnessy
From a young age I knew I wanted to start my own business. The only problem was I wasn’t sure what that business was going to be. So, there was a period of about 10 years where I tried out different business ventures only to realize they weren’t the best fit. When most people were shaking their heads at me for attempting yet another business, that wasn’t the case with my friend Jennifer Shaughnessy.
Jennifer and I met our freshman year of college, and she’s been a supportive, caring, and inspiring friend ever since. While others were advising me to give up, she was encouraging me to continue pursuing my dream. Today I own a small business that I absolutely love, and I never would have made it this far without Jennifer. She helped me paint the walls and hang shelving and décor; she brought me coffee or lunch on long days; she acted as a sounding board for my ideas. Not only does she take the time to support and be there for others, she also runs her own successful business – her strength and her drive to succeed inspire me daily! I will continue to be thankful for her friendship for years to come. HS
“She’s been a supportive, caring, and inspiring friend … While others were advising me to give up, she was encouraging me to continue pursuing my dream.”
