Chuck Beard Talks Fatherhood and More on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers  embody, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, join me to hear a wonderful friend, Chuck Beard, owner of East Side Story, share his journey to fatherhood. (Emily Beard, wifey, shared her story in May.) Often times, the road to parenthood can be rocky and filled with ups and downs.

Chuck, like Emily, will be share his perspective about his hopes and dreams of starting a family after getting married and how he handled several years of trying. Chuck will give a rare glimpse of how men handle loss and the longing to become a parent. Tune in to hear how he balanced his emotions while staying supportive and encouraging to his wife.

On December 26, 2015, Chuck and Emily became the proud parents of baby bubbles, Avett Otis Beard, who has changed their world and the world of family, friends, and even customers of East Side Story! Avett Otis is so darn cute, he even has garnered a huge following on social media! Hear about the adventures of Chuck, now known as Super Dad, raising Avett Otis! Tune in to hear how he balances bouncing one of the happiest babies ever on his knee while managing East Side Story and how he stayed focused to finish graduate school this year. Whew! Hear his encouraging words to couples trying to become parents and life lessons he has learned along the way.

Avett Otis..some one hire this kid!

This show promises to bring you a few tears and tons of laughter this Father's Day weekend!


More about East Side Story! 

The Beards!

East Side Story is more than Nashville’s first, all-local bookstore.  East Side Story is more than a platform for Nashville-area writers to tell their best story while igniting, teaching, and encouraging the spirit of reading and writing in others.  East Side Story is an idea; a blank canvas for all local literary ideas to help make Music City more of a book town.

Like any good idea, East Side Story really started when more and more people besides the person who initially thought about it believed in its mission.  Chuck Beard, a freelance writer, editor, and author, realized that there was a lack of opportunities and spotlights for local aspiring writers and published authors not known on a national scale to hone their craft and share their stories.
In the Summer of 2012, Chuck entered his idea for what would become East Side Story into a nationwide idea contest titled Launch that was put together by Nashville’s own Proof Branding Solutions.  The contest asked anyone with a good idea to explain what it was about, what it would become if realized, and how it would positively affect the community that it is located inside and beyond into the future.  The winner of the contest would be rewarded with a number of services that Proof Branding Solutions provides to help small businesses get started.  Lo and behold, after receiving over a 100 solid ideas for the contest, East Side Story was chosen as the best one!

Chuck then met with the good people of Proof to begin things such as business and marketing plans on top of logo and website designs.  After meeting with Proof and defining the goals and essence of what East Side Story would become, the next step was to find a physical location.  Chuck met with good friends Bret and Meg MacFadyen of Art & Invention and The Idea Hatchery in East Nashville, and, as his running good fortune would have it, they had an opening at The Idea Hatchery for the perfect spot for East Side Story to officially begin and join the creative family of shops on “The Row” at 1108 Woodland Street.

On August 1st, less than a month after winning the idea contest, a lease was signed, keys were exchanged, and door at 1108 Woodland Street, Unit B, first opened … just in time to paint, design, and start loading the bookstore with local literature-based artwork and shelves of beautiful, locally written books.  Since idea inception, the snowball of positive feedback, more great ideas to make a good thing even better, and pure excitement for more original stories to be shared has grown more by the day.

East Side Story encourages, supports, cultivates, and provides a platform for local writers to tell their best story.  Our goal is to be a viable outlet to share these stories online through this website and at the bookstore.  East Side Story was first inspired by all of the creative talent that is evident in the Nashville area, and we hope to inspire and grow with this community for a long time going forward.

For more info about East Side Story click here:

Photo credits: East Side Story and the Beards

Carolina Story and Victoria Schwab on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life at East Side Story Book Store and Hello Boys "official" launch on the front porch of 1108 Woodland Street. We are please to announce this as an ongoing series to spotlight local authors and entrepreneurs who think outside of the box with businesses that have revitalized communities by thriving economically and advancing social causes.

On Saturday, September 15, 2012 we will hear from Carolina Story, the husband and wife team of singer/song writers (Ben and Emily Roberts) and author of The Near Witch, Victor Swchab. These talented young musicians and writers will share about succeeding by going against the grain and following their passions to create and earn a living in genres that are already exploding with talent.

We will also hear updates from the owners of East Side Story and Hello Boys who are following their dreams by becoming business owners.

Living Your Best Life is a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life. Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle TN Area, on military bases, and streamed live on Ustream.TV.

More About Carolina Story

After working hard in classes and spending even more time on their own musical homework, Emily and Ben, budding solo singer/songwriters in their own right at the time, went on a camping trip in North Carolina. It was 10-06-08 to the day, while on that very camping trip, after spending a lot of time talking together about what each wanted for their lives separately and collectively, when Ben and Emily officially started singing together as the name Carolina Story.

Returning from the Carolina camping trip, Carolina Story had a deeper purpose and a newfound focus. Close to finishing school, as if you didn’t already know where this story was heading, 06-13-09 was the day they got married and legally became Ben and Emily Roberts. A few months later, they traded in their cap and gown gig for a full-time show on the road. They co-founded The Traveling Troubadours and hit the road playing their music the way they envisioned. The Traveling Troubadours is a “More Than A Show” tour which consists of a revolving line-up of artists that have an “independent" spirit, strive for artistic excellence over commercial success and have a heart of service above all. The various artists that agree to be a part of this group step out of the normal touring box and often exchange spots in big ticket venues just to seek numbers for playing places such as homeless shelters, nursing homes, and less traditional places-on top of home concerts, small clubs, and more traditional venues. Point being, Ben and Emily set out to create their story, music, and journey to be a success how they define it instead of always worrying about success in numbers. It’s not that they didn’t or don’t care about commercial success (that is also a main goal in their hearts too), they just decided from the start that if they were going to dedicate all that they are to Carolina Story that it will always be something that makes them proud.

In between booking their own shows, touring every chance they could (over 350 shows independently booked since they began in January 2010), and looking for a home of their own, Ben and Emily recorded and released their first LP called “When The River Met The Sea.” They took their first record and their first dog with them everywhere they went. The reviews were stellar, people that made it to their shows all loved them, but the constant grind began to wear the dynamic duo down. I digress back to numbers.

06-10-10 is the last set of numbers in the frame at Ben and Emily’s home, and it is the defining moment for Carolina Story to this point. After a time period of constant touring, doing everything on their own, still living with family while trying to find a home of their own, the duo began to notice that a lack of commercial recognition and creative opportunities was starting to spark a natural set of arguments for anyone who has ever tried being married and a musical act at the same time (as if either separately are easy).

It was on 06-10-10 when, after a small morning argument before coffee, Ben and Emily set out to the grocery store to run daily errands after deciding that that day was to be the last day they would perform as Carolina Story. Wouldn’t you know that fate would intervene again? There must have been a blue light special on isle 5 because while Ben and Emily passed by what seemed like another stranger, it was in fact an unsuspecting fan that recognized them. She could have passed them by as well, but she turned around and asked them, “Aren’t you two Carolina Story?” Ben and Emily picked up their heads and confirmed the question. Then the lady went on to say, “I have seen you guys play before and my husband and I just love your music.” The random positive comment out of the blue lit up Ben and Emily’s smiles for the moment, but it also made them feel guilty that they were about to end their run as Carolina Story in order to keep their marriage a happy one. A few seconds later, the fan seemingly sent from above popped around the corner yet again. She got their attention and said, “I hope I’m not bothering you, but I just had this feeling come over me that I should tell you two not to give up on your music for some reason. Y’all have a great day.” That was it. There was not going to be an end to Carolina Story. (For more reading click here.)

More About Victoria Scwhab

Facts:

Birthday: 7.7.87
Literary Agent: Holly Root at Waxman Literary
Film Agent: Jon Cassir at CAA
Publishers: Disney*Hyperion, Tor
Books: THE NEAR WITCH (2011), THE ARCHIVED (2013), VICIOUS (2013), THE ARCHIVED #2 (2014)

The Story:

I am the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, I have been known to say “tom-ah-toes”, “like”, and “y’all”. I also suffer from a wicked case of wanderlust, made worse by the fact that wandering is a good way to stir up stories. When I’m not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, I’m usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

My first YA novel, THE NEAR WITCH, a dark original fairy tale, debuted with Disney*Hyperion in August 2011, and is now out in paperback.

My next YA novel, THE ARCHIVED, is the first book in a new supernatural series about a world where the dead are shelved like books, and it hits stores January 2013, also with Disney*Hyperion.

My first adult novel, VICIOUS, about two brilliant and highly disturbed pre-med students who set out to generate their own superpowers and end up mortal enemies, is out in hardcover from Tor September 2013.

I have more books coming out in 2014, but I’ll get to those later.

These days, when someone asks me what I do when I’m NOT writing, I just kind of laugh nervously. But in truth, on the odd occasion I’m not typing away, I’m probably baking cookies, or watching BBC shows, or wandering. (See how we came full circle, there?)

Living Your Best Life at East Side Story Book Store with Authors Christopher Scott and Eric Higgs

Now that one of Nashville largest outdoor festivals, Tomato Art Feast, is over; Genma Holmes invites you to come back to "east side" to enjoy the shoppes and food venues in the area.

Join Living Your Best Life at East Side Story Book Store, 1108 Woodland Street, as we spotlight a local author and his brother and trendy Nashville entrepreneurs who think outside of the box with businesses that have revitalized a community by thriving economically.

On Saturday, August 17,2012 Christoper Scott, co-author of Honor Thy Mother, Find Thy Father, along with his brother, Eric Higgs, will share a powerful story about reconciliation and redemption. Honor Thy Mother, Find Thy Father is a true story of two brothers who set out on a journey to find their father. In the process, they found each other, other siblings, and a deeper sense of self. Christopher and Eric were also able to answer questions about who they are and where they came from. A story steeped in love and forgiveness, they will talk about how their lives have changed, for the better, since meeting their father and the challenges they encountered on the road to forgiveness and wholeness.

Living Your Best Life, is a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates one to live their BEST life. Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 The Gospel in the Middle TN Region, Inspirational Networks, military bases, and UStream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Christoper Scott

Christopher R. Scott currently serves as President\CEO of Point of Contact Concierge Services in Nashville, Tennessee. Point of Contact provides temporary personal assistants and service to company executives, celebrities, professional athletes and clergy, on both a national and international basis.

Over the past two decades he has honed his strong communications skills and acquired invaluable human resources (HR) and recruiting experience. In addition to Point of Contact, Christopher has held positions with Kelley Services, Randstad Staffing, Nursing Resource Solutions and Anthem Career College.

Christopher’s passion is helping men see and reach their full potential and has reached out to the community as a volunteer, donating countless hours working with the Nashville Rescue Mission and many other transitional homes for men.

Christopher resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Tonia and has four children, Christopher (CJ) 25, Desmond 22, Jeffrey 21, Trenity 12.

More About Eric Higgs

Eric D. Higgs currently serves as the Marketing Director for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center,in Cincinnati Ohio. The mission of the institution is to reveal stories of freedom’s heroes from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, to inspire you to take courageous steps for freedom today.

With 17 years P&G professional experience, Eric’s career has spanned a variety of assignments and disciplines including Marketing and Product Supply. Eric started his career at Procter and Gamble in 1994 spending 10 years in manufacturing and engineering working in several locations in the US and in Canada. Eric moved to Marketing in 2004 and has served in many roles including: Associate Brand Manager for Bounty; Brand Manager for Ethnic Scale where he helped to launch the “My Black is Beautiful’ initiative, recognized by Ad Age as Ten Most Influential Marketing programs; Brand Manager for the $2B NA Bounty business, delivering 2 consecutive years of record business results, and most recently he served as the Associate Marketing Director for Global Fabric Care Innovation. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (1994) and a MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University (2004).

Outside of work, Eric is involved in several activities ranging from social to philanthropic. Eric currently serves on the Fuqua School of Business’ Minority Alumni Board and the Fatherhood Initiative for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, – Beta Iota Chapter in Cincinnati. Eric is a passionate football, basketball, baseball and Destination Imagination Coach for his three sons.

Eric Higgs is a Chicago native but proud to call Cincinnati & Mason, OH home. Eric is married to Jennifer and they have three sons, Isaiah (13), Elijah (11) and Noah (7). They attend New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

More About East Side Story Book Store

Nashville is rich with talented writers who can ignite, teach, and encourage the spirit of writing in others.

East Side Story will provide a platform for Nashville writers to tell their best story. This quaint bookstore is located in the Idea Hatchery next to the Arts & Invention Gallery at 1108 Woodland Street (Unit B). Doors opened on August 11th, 2012 during the popular Tomato Art Fest!

If a local author is interested in submitting work, or supporting the mission of East Side Story, please contact Chuck Beard at 615-915-1808 or @eastsidestorytn on Twitter.

Store Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1-6pm | Saturdays, 11-5pm

East Side Story Book Store is Open for Business

Watching a friend open a new business has got to be one of life's greatness moments. Watching Chuck and Emily Beard open East Side Story, a new book store in East Nashville, is more than a great moment. It has been another adventure in my life with the Beards. I am not quite sure when our mutual love of all things art and networking with each other became a deeper friendship. Somewhere between volunteering and creating, we became family.

The Beards have decided to become business owners that will encompass all of their talents into one brightly blue painted store at The Shops of Woodlands. Emily's artwork, t-shirt designs, and jewelry are neatly arranged on stands and bins. Chuck's first book, Adventures Inside a Bright-Eyed Sky, is stacked in a bookcase that features Nashville authors from every genre; Romance, How To, Children, Horror, Weight Loss, Man Hunting, Women Loving, No the Hell You Didn't, Business Owners, Pray For It, Claim It, You Name It. Every subject is at East Side Story. All written by Nashvillians. Who knew Music City had so many published authors! For a minute, I could have sworn I had stepped into a songwriters showcase with no sheet music or musicians. The pages of hundreds of books were singing softly, "Read me, Genma, read me"!

I responded to the chorus I was hearing in my head by dialing as many authors that I knew to get over to 1108 Woodland Street before dark and by picking up several items to purchase. Chuck's decision to carry only local authors was a brilliant idea. I am certain the authors will return that loyalty by sending book lovers to East Side Story. Can you see entrepreneur of the year award already? I do!

As I took in the beauty of the scenery and admiring the hearts of new entrepreneurs, I could not help but swell with pride. I am so proud to know two love birds that compliment each other so well who are on a new journey in their life. I am so thankful and blessed that our paths crossed.

East Side Story opens for business officially today, Saturday, August 11,2012 at 9:00am at 1108 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN. I hope to see you there!

Chuck Beard on Living Your Best Life Radio discussing opening East Side Story last month can be found here.