But despite their cultural significance in Music City, most of the boots making their way down Broadway have strayed far from their roots – going from a durable, craftsman-made shoe to cheap, bedazzled alternatives.
Photo: Kristen Shoates
Music City Leather seeks to change that. A one-man operation owned and operated by Wes Shugart, Music City Leather makes handmade, custom cowboy boots made to fit, made to last and made to the taste of each individual customer.
Since he started making cowboy boots in 2012, Shugart has outfitted the feet of rich businessmen, country music stars, stylish housewives, outdoorsmen and those who just love boots. Working out of his Brentwood-based studio, he stays booked months in advance, with his reputation and demand only continuing to grow.
Meet the maker behind Nashville’s finest and truest cowboy boots.
Photo: Kristen Shoates
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On a typical day, you’ll find William Earl “Wes” Shugart dressed in a denim shirt, an old fur felt hat from HatWRKS, turquoise jewelry and of course, a pair of work boots he built himself. His style is effortlessly cool – classic and practical, with accents of Western flair that channel the culture of his craft’s origins.
Shugart works out of his newly renovated home studio, located just south of Nashville on the outskirts of Brentwood, Tenn. The basement-level space is filled with lasts of customers’ feet, samples of new stitch designs and boots in various stages of construction. Spools of colorful thread occupy the wall above his vintage sewing machine; rolls of exotic leather – everything from water buffalo to ostrich to shark – fill another. Outside, his blue heeler barks at the door, trying to coax Shugart out for a work break and a game of fetch. It’s a blend of Southern domestic bliss and creative entrepreneurship – perhaps a snapshot of Nashville itself. 
Photo: Kristen Shoates
In the same way that Shugart doesn’t try to be cool (and doing so, manages to be effortlessly so), he doesn’t try to please people, and in doing so, is incredibly likeable. He is passionate, genuine and colorful, happy to help educate his customers and offer up his unique brand of Southern wisdom on everything from love to work to what makes a great boot. He has found success without playing the game, without compromising his values or clamoring to the subcultures and gatekeepers that so many new Nashville transplants fight to get attention from. He’s a man who knows the value of his work, refusing to give away his boots for less than they’re worth, treating the biggest country star the same as the average Joe.
Shugart’s roots are in Dalton, Georgia, a small town nestled in the north Georgia hills, just east of Chattanooga. Despite Dalton’s reputation as the carpet capital of the world, Shugart was raised on a cattle farm, where he learned the importance of hard work – and a comfortable cowboy boot.
After meeting his wife, Sandra, in his early 20s and “chasing her to Nashville”, Shugart built a career in construction, working for several businesses to help support their young son, Cole (now a student at Lipscomb and half of the popular pop duo, Reign). Despite his career success, Shugart knew it was time to make some changes in his life. He got sober, left his day job and apprenticed with a second-generation bootmaker in New Mexico, learning each element of the craft. Today, he’s turned it into a lucrative living and is quickly gaining more and more attention as a bootmaker-on-the-rise.
Photo: Kristen Shoates
Shugart builds his boots the way they used to be made – for comfort, function, longevity and style. He begins by taking eight measurements of the customer’s foot and then builds a custom last that the boot is built around, ensuring the perfect fit. After the tops of the boots are designed and stitched, they are assembled and stretched around the last to create the boot, with the leathers forming to the shape of the customer’s foot. All of his stitch work – ranging from simple and beautiful to elaborate – is done by hand with a single needle sewing machine. The soles are also assembled by hand, stitching the sole and welt, stacking the heel blocks and wood pegging the shank.
Each pair takes about 30 hours to make, but they also last for 30 years.
Since learning the process of bootmaking, Shugart has grown in both his craft and his art. His boots are beautiful, no doubt, but they’re also practical. They fit, they’re comfortable and they are lifetime pieces, able to stand up to cowboy-worthy conditions, even if they’re often worn to business meetings. The custom-nature of his boots has also allowed him to create unique solutions for many customers with special needs – different length legs, foot trouble, ankle injuries – creating functional shoes with more style than the tennis shoes many people with problem feet get stuck wearing.
But “functional” does not mean lacking in style. Shugart describes each pair of Music City Leather boots as “wearable art”, with the designs growing in precision and complexity over the years. Shugart has begun working with more exotic leathers such as ostrich, crocodile and kangaroo, and he recently placed in the World Leather Debut and won the top stitch award at The Boot and Saddle Makers Roundup, beating many industry veterans for the coveted award.
When working with customers, Shugart can guide them through common leathers, boot styles and stich patterns to help them create a boot unique them. He also takes totally custom requests – everything from inlaying an image of a man’s favorite horse on the boot to building a boot out of the skin of an alligator that his customer harvested. 
Photo: Kristen Shoates
“When I’m making an investment piece, I try to work with the customer to figure out ‘How do we take a brown boot and make it you, without being fancy?’" said Shugart. “I try to match a boot to somebody's style.”
Many customers work meaningful initials, colors and family symbols into the boots. And Shugart likes to make sure his designs stay connected to the beauty of the earth, using textures, materials and methods that honor the boots’ origins.
"I feel like a boot should be rooted to the ground and then flow up,” Shugart said.
Though handcrafted goods are becoming increasingly hip, with a number of Millennials making a living crafting leather and jewelry and art out of East Nashville homes and co-working spaces, Shugart’s work is more tailored to the luxury market, with boots starting at $2,000. And though what Shugart does is highly creative, he actually attributes his success to Nashville’s strong economy.
“Executives are my main customer, so it’s really the big business that’s been brought here (that makes what I do possible),” he said.
Shugart understands that not everyone can afford or even wants to spend $2,000 on a cowboy boot – but he’s determined to help you understand the difference between an off-the-shelf boot and a handcrafted boot. Even the boots that appear expensive – the $300 to $1,000 pairs – are often made in factories or outsourced to other countries, and they simply don’t last the way an American-made bespoke boot does.
Photo: Cole Shugart
"There's nothing wrong with an off-the-shelf boot if that's what you can afford,” said Shugart. “But don't buy an off-the-shelf boot just for the brand name. They’re disposable long-term boots."
“My boots can actually save you money over time. They are built to last, and almost every part of them is serviceable.”
If there’s anyone who can convince you to ditch your cheap boot habit and invest several thousand dollars in a pair, it’s Shugart. Every piece of his boots is designed to stick with you for the long haul – from the high-quality construction to his timeless designs.
"I don't believe in fashion,” said Shugart. “I believe in style..and style never goes out.”
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.musiccityleather.com.
Top/Cover Photo: Cole Shugart
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Kristen Shoates is a freelance writer and marketing strategist specializing in working with nonprofits, artists and small businesses. She is passionate about telling stories and helping entrepreneurs and world changers turn their visions into reality. Kristen co-owns Sky Studios - a local music lessons and recording studio - with her husband, and in her free time, loves travel, music, books, wellness and any chance for a new adventure.
email: kristenshoates@gmail.com
instagram: @kristennicole86
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krist
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Staycation: A vacation in which you don’t leave town. There are times when I feel like I need a getaway, but I don’t have the time or money to travel someplace else. Taking a staycation can be the best solution.
I was born and raised in Nashville and often take the city for granted. If you’ve lived somewhere for a time, you often do. It may sound silly, but taking the time to give yourself a vacation in the place where you live can ground you and refresh you. Engaging with your home as a tourist allows you a new perspective, just as traveling to another place does.
If you find yourself restless and needing an escape, I’ve planned a whole weekend in town for you! You don’t need to do a thing but make the reservations and pack your bag. Here are my recommendations for the perfect Nashville staycation:
Photo: Award winning private cottage + Unique Urban Loft in 12South
Friday Afternoon
Leave work, grab your already-packed bag, and head to your weekend Airbnb.
Sure, you could stay in your home if you want to save money. But if you really need an escape, I would consider renting a place for the weekend—preferably away from your neighborhood. I’ve picked out some favorites for a relaxing and charming stay, steering clear of anything in the heart of downtown so that you can have some quiet! All of these allow you the whole space to yourself:
Cozy loft in 12 South – This one-bedroom loft is perfect if you’re seeking a comforting stay solo or with a partner.
Quaint cottage in Lockeland Springs – This award-winning home would be great for yourself and a couple of friends looking for charm and ease on the East side.
Bright, airy loft near 5 Points – Colorful and happy, this space suits a happy-go-lucky sort of weekend.
1920’s East Nashville Bungalow – With 5 beds, this gorgeous space is a dream if you’re gathering a larger group for the weekend.
Sunny Artist’s Cottage in Sylvan Park – This plant-filled, vibrant home would be a lovely getaway if you’re going solo or just have a few friends joining.
Photos: @thetreehousenashville + @rbqnashville
Friday Evening
After you get settled in your refuge for the weekend, head out for a fun, casual night. Stay close to home, as Friday nights can be tiring at the close of a long week.
If you’re staying on the East side, start out with a cocktail at Rosemary & Beauty Queen on Forrest Ave. Be on the lookout for an unmarked yellow house, and walk all the way to the back for drinks in the open backyard patio, covered by string lights.
Next, walk around the corner to 5 Points for dinner at Five Points Pizza, which has some of the best pizza in Nashville, according to me.
If you’re still feeling energized after dinner, grab a drink across the street at Treehouse. If the weather is nice, ensure you sit outside in the actual tree house.
Otherwise, curl up at your Airbnb with a favorite film and sleep as long as you can.
If you’re staying closer to 12 South and looking to treat yourself, head to the bar at Josephine for cocktails and appetizers. This should be enough to serve as dinner. Next, don’t skimp on Jeni’s next door.
After, head to the Belcourt Theatre for an evening show and a glass of wine before retiring to your Airbnb to sleep in.
Photos: @burgerup
Saturday
No matter where you are, treating yourself to brunch at Marche is an absolute must. If you wake up early, head there right at 9, as they don’t take reservations, and it gets quite crowded on weekends.
Afterwards, enjoy a slow morning preparing for the day at your home for the weekend. Sit outdoors with a cup of coffee, even read some of a good book. Don’t rush.
For lunch, the chopped kale salad at Burger Up (either the 12 South or East Nashville location) will have you feeling healthy and satisfied.
That afternoon, go shopping! Pangaea in Hillsboro Village is long beloved (I’ve been going there since I was little). Blush Boutique is one of my favorites for clothes and shoe shopping.
Of course, 12 South has much to offer with highlights Draper James and White’s Mercantile. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Amelia’s Flower Truck while you’re there.
In East Nashville, visit Thrive on Fatherland for handmade goodies and High Garden for fresh afternoon tea.
When shopping feels tiresome, don’t hesitate to take an afternoon nap back at your Airbnb. Naps are good for you, and this staycation is about you getting what you need.
Photo: @rolfanddaughters
Saturday Evening
Get dressed up this evening and head to dinner at Rolf and Daughters in Germantown (one of my favorite restaurants in town). Ensure you’ve made a reservation. Try everything on the menu that you can. You won’t regret it.
After, head a few miles across town to Old Glory, an Edgehill Village hidden gem nestled behind Taco Mamacita (also a delicious place!) in an alleyway. Enjoy amazing cocktails in a dreamy, cozy space with a speakeasy feel.
Sleep.
Photo: @arringtonvineyards
Sunday
Depending on your location, wake up for coffee and crepes at Red Bicycle (Germantown and Woodbine) or tea and a bagel sandwich at Frothy Monkey (12 South, downtown, Franklin, The Nations).
Take a morning stroll in Percy Warner Park on the West side, central Centennial Park, or East Nashville’s Shelby Bottoms.
Prolong the weekend with an afternoon at Arrington Vineyards, a 25-45 minute drive, depending on where you are staying. This mini-getaway will be the perfect way to cap off your staycation. Have a wine tasting, listen to music, and decompress before you have to return to reality.
Fini! Your Nashville staycation is planned. Now all you have to do is pick a weekend and make it happen. I would love to hear how your staycation goes!
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It goes without saying that Nashville is growing and growing fast. It’s a beautiful thing to see the city blossoming before our eyes. There’s never a shortage of new places to shop and new restaurants to try. The beautiful thing about Nashville is even though we’re growing, some of the best spots from years ago are still thriving. I find myself trying new places, but always being drawn to the places I’ve always gone. If you’re feeling nostalgic or want to get a taste of old Nashville, here’s a list of some of my favorite Nashville spots that have been around for years, but haven’t lost their magic!
Hillsboro Village
Fido
Fido is in Hillsboro Village which, in my opinion, is the original hip area of Nashville. Fido has been in the same spot serving the same great coffee for as long as I can remember. Throughout the years, Fido has kept up with demand and morphed from a small corner coffee shop into a monster hangout that takes up nearly a whole block. Sit down and have a delicious meal with your cup of coffee or if your’e on the run stop by Fetch, their new quick stop sister store, that’s right next door. I’m perfectly happy with black coffee but I love seeing the creativity that goes into creating their selection of seasonal drinks. Fall and winter specials have recently been released and they’re all delicious! 
Photos: @fidonashville
Pangea
While you’re in the area pop on over to Pangea. My absolute favorite place to shop. It’s a cozy little store right across from Fido filled with colorful clothes, beautiful jewelry, and household goods. As you squeeze through the shelves you’ll find treasures from all over the world that will add a splash of color and excitement to your life. Don’t forget to go in the back next to the dressing rooms where you’ll find adorable gifts and clothes for little kiddos. Pangea is the best Christmas shopping spot because you’re sure to snag one of a kind gifts for everyone on your list. Just try to avoid keeping everything for yourself. 
Photos: @izzycooksinsta
McDougal's
In my opinion, McDougals it’s better than any Nashville Hot Chicken spot. Gasp! I know...I said it. McDougals has been making the best chicken tenders for years and years and even though they changed management recently, you can still feel the love in every bit. You can choose to get your tenders or wings tossed in an assortment of house-made sauces with a side of some of my favorite fries on earth! Other than the food, you’re sure to be charmed by the decor. Everything from t-shirts to license plates, to toys adorn the walls to the point where you can’t even see the wall itself! Even though you’re going to be full to bursting after your chicken basket, don’t forget your free ice cream! Tip- If you’re gluten-free they have a gluten-free menu posted by the registrar.
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @mcodugalschickennashville
Sylvan Park/The Nations
Great Escape Record Store
Great escape used to be in Midtown a long long time ago (I can still remember...), but it’s now on the ever-changing Charlotte Ave. One of my favorite things to do is go eat dinner then spend some time flipping through records. As you flip through records you might get lucky enough to find a hidden treasure, but half the fun is laughing at the cheesy cover art. The old location used to be more quaint, but the new location has more room and is still packed with awesome finds. Whether you're into records, video games, or comic books, you’ll find something to occupy your time. Dinner and an hour at the record store sounds like the perfect date to me! 
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @thegreatescapemadison
Coco’s Italian Market
Coco’s Italian Market is one of those spots that you would never think to go into unless someone told you to. Well, consider this someone tell you to! Right when you walk in you’ll know why it’s been around for so long. The smell of authentic Italian food will instantly make your mouth water and your tummy growl. Coco’s has been around for almost 50 years and for good reason. You won’t find Italian food like this anywhere else in Nashville. While you’re waiting for your table you can browse through their market for anything from imported olive oil to pasta makers or play bocce ball. One more plus, they have gluten free pasta that’s so good it’ll make you question if they accidentally brought you the real stuff!
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @cocositalianmarket
Bobbies Dairy Dip
When you think about the classic burger and milkshake joint from back in the day, Bobbies is what you should envision. Since 1951 they’ve been serving perfectly delicious, greasy, not healthy at all, burgers with a side of fries and a milkshake. I’m all about a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes after a hot summer day at the pool, you just need a good old fashion burger!
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @abbydemmer
West End
Samurai Sushi
This is another one of those hole in the wall spots that you might drive by every day and never notice. But, if you’re a true Nashvillian and someone asks you where they can get the best sushi in town, this should be your answer. Nestled in a tiny building on Elliston Pl, the environment and service are no frills, but what they lack in fanciness they make up for with the sushi. You can choose from many classic rolls or get wild and try some of their signature rolls such as the Choo Choo roll filled with salmon, crab, eel, avocado, cream cheese, and topped with nut and eel sauce and strawberries. Sounds like it couldn’t possibly be good, but you’re just going to have to trust me and try it for yourself.
Photos: @izzycooksinsta
Exit Inn
Exit Inn has been a Music City staple since 1971. Any given night you can hear music of all different genres from Reggae to Screamo. You’ll love this venue because it’s small and you’ll feel more connected with the musicians. Whether you're in the mood for a chill indie band or you want to party in a mosh pit, you’ll find what you’re looking for on their event calendar.
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @exit_in
East Nashville
Wonders on Woodland
If you’re into antique shopping, this is absolutely the best curated shop in Nashville. The owners have a knack for picking out the best of the best and keeping new things coming through the door all the time. They have the perfect assortment of furniture, home decor, and jewelry from centuries past. My favorite finds include our beautiful mid-century modern credenza, a matching silver necklace and bracelet, and a psychedelic poster from the 60’s. The hours aren’t very consistent and they’re usually only open on the weekends. If you have a long drive to get there, be sure to call before you make the trip. Happy hunting! 
Photos: @izzycooksinsta
The Five Spot
This little bar and dance club will satiate anyone's nostalgic side. Their event calendar has everything from 80’s nights, to classic country shows, to (my personal favorite) swing dancing. Every Monday night at 8 pm you can go take advantage of their awesome Monday night drink specials while watching or participating in the exciting art of swing dancing. It doesn’t matter if you a swing dancing expert or if you have two left feet. You’ll have a blast!
Photos: @izzycooksinsta + @the5spotnashville
Dino’s
We can’t talk about old school Nashville without putting Dino’s on the list! Even though it’s had a bit of an overhaul in recent years, it’s Nashville's oldest surviving dive bar, and despite the facelift, it still feels the same. The food is delicious, the drinks are refreshing, and there’re board games. I mean, it really doesn’t get any better than that.
Photos: @dinosnashville
Isabel Storolis is a nurse by day and a passionate home cook and blogger by night. If you can’t find her in the kitchen she’s out and about exploring Nashville! Follow her love for creating healthy comfort foods and her Nashville adventures on Instagram @izzycooksinsta or visit izzycooks.com.
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By: The Honest Consumer
It’s that time of year again, the Nashville air is crisp and pumpkin spice is rampant! Holiday shopping is upon us. Nashville is lucky to have a community of talented makers who use their creativity to give back. This holiday season shop local while giving a gift with a story. Listed below are five social impact companies founded in Nashville that are making a difference. Luckily, all of these wonderful vendors and many more will be at The Good Makers Market on November 19th. Join us for shopping, music, and food trucks from 11am-3pm at 41 Peabody Street.
Light Shine Candles
Candles are a classic holiday gift and a must have for hosting winter parties. A portion of Light Shine Candle’s proceeds go to community development in El Salvador. After living in El Salvador and working with Global Outreach Developments International, Anna wanted to find a way to continue giving back to the communities she had worked with. This family oriented entrepreneur founded Light Shine candles based on her grandma's candle recipe and a desire to giveback. Light Shine Candles are made with non-GMO soy, a cotton wick, a made in the USA glass jar, free of dyes and phthalates, and hand poured in Old Hickory, Tennessee.
Photo: @lightshinecandles
BRANDED Collective
Jewelry is the perfect accessory for anyone on your gifting list. BRANDED Collective empowers survivors of human trafficking in the Nashville area through job training and employment. Survivors learn the art of jewelry making and are paid a fair wage for crafting these beautiful goods. BRANDED Collective jewelry raises awareness and takes a stand against the physical branding that some survivors have experienced. Each piece is stamped with the initials of the survivor who crafted the piece allowing customers the opportunity to learn about the woman who made their jewelry. Customers can also register the unique number on their jewelry on the BRANDED Collective website and send the woman a message of hope. Currently BRANDED Collective carries cuffs, necklaces, and earrings.
Photo: @brandedcollective
Newly
This holiday season give to the environment by gifting Newly home goods. Newly is an up and coming brand that specializes in home goods made from recycled materials. This innovative brand was started by five friends right here in Nashville. Newly currently carries cutting boards, glassware, blankets, and acrylic trays all made from recycled materials. By first touch customers would never guess that Newly’s blankets are made out of recycled plastic water bottles and recycled cotton. These blankets are incredibly soft, cozy, and perfect for the winter weather.
Photo: @newlygoods
Humphreys Street
Want to give gift that give back to Nashville communities? Be sure to check out Humphreys Street soaps & coffee. Humphreys Street works with the community of Wedgewood Houston and South Nashville in partnership with the non-profit Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation. Humphreys Street provides job training and employment for local youth in these neighborhoods, reinvesting 100% of profits in supporting the growth of the students and their community. This program give youth a fair paying wage and a positive environment to thrive in. Through this program students have been able to find themselves, make new friends, and some have even journeyed on to college. Humphreys Street sells products made by the youth which include coffee, bar soap, hand soap, and laundry detergent. Their holiday soap smells are fabulous and the perfect size for stocking stuffers.
Photo: @humphreysstreet
Haiti Made
Beautifully crafted leather goods are a great gift for just about anyone! Haiti Made creates a variety of high quality leather products such as journals, bags, bracelets, and home goods. While Haiti Made’s founders may reside in Nashville, their impact expands far beyond Tennessee providing fair wages and opportunities to Haitians. Haitians are empowered to learn new skills and lift themselves out of poverty through sustainable employment. Materials are sourced locally in Haiti positively contributing to the economic development of the country as a whole. Each product is handmade with love and care by one of Haiti Made’s hardworking, talented artisans. Employment opportunities with Haiti Made give artisans the opportunity to provide for their families. 
Photo: @haitimade
Meet these makers and other socially minded vendors at the Good Makers Market on November 19th. The Good Makers Market is curated by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and the Nashville Social Enterprise Alliance. This event will take place near downtown Nashville at 41 Peabody Street from 11am-3pm. Bring your friends & family too! This free, family-friendly event will have shopping, food trucks, live music, & FREE parking on site. Click here for more information about the event.
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Emily Waddell is a senior Social Entrepreneurship major at Belmont University. During her sophomore year of college, she founded The Honest Consumer which shares the stories of social enterprises, spreads the word of ethically made goods, and empowers consumers. Upon graduation, Emily plans to continue her mission of bridging the gap between products and consumers. Check out The Honest Consumer here and follow Emily on Instagram @thehonestconsumer.
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