Meet Ava Rymer, the Creative Eye Behind Chattanooga’s Next Chapter
From empowering women through photography to her role in local tourism, Ava Rymer shares why Chattanooga's greatest asset will always be its sense of community. Image: Ava Rymer
Ava Rymer is a Chattanooga native whose personal evolution mirrors the impressive growth of her hometown. As the P.R. Manager for Chattanooga Tourism Co., this former model-turned-photographer now focuses her creative lens on the Scenic City to find new ways to share its story. With a personality as vibrant as her red hair, Ava is a magnetic force who believes the true magic of a destination lies in its people. We sat down with her to chat about hometown pride, finding balance, and the undeniable energy of Chattanooga.
You are a Chattanooga native. How has your hometown changed over the years?
The ’90s were the start of a new Chattanooga, and that’s when I was born, so I truly feel like we are growing together. I think Chattanooga’s growth hasn’t been as obvious when you see it grow slowly, but in the past few years, it felt like it was growing all at once, and it was weird because so was I.
I felt like we both decided to grow up at the same time and get real about what was actually important. Right when I decided to start taking care of myself, Chattanooga became a National Park City.
Your career path has been a creative one. How did you go from leading influencer campaigns to building a photography brand, and then to your current role with Chattanooga Tourism?
I started photography after modeling for fun during my college years. It helped my confidence so much, and I think I wanted to give other women that same gift. Once I saw that I could have a real positive effect on their lives, I wanted to give everything and pour my heart into it.
The problem is that I dove a little too deep into that and lost myself a little bit. I think that’s when I discovered I needed balance. What are ways I can help in the same realm, but in a capacity I can handle?
I knew I needed a team, so I started the search. I ended up at Chattanooga Tourism Co. after seeing a LinkedIn job post for someone to help tell Chattanooga’s story by hosting members of the media, both journalists and creators. I said, “There it is; a way I can actually make a difference for the community.”
Chattanooga has undergone incredible growth and transformation. What do you think is the single biggest draw for visitors right now?
I’ve always believed the magic of a place is in the people who are there. You can have a stunningly beautiful destination, but if the community isn’t behind it, then it can fall flat. I believe Chattanooga has always been a standout destination with bucket-list potential, but I think being recognized as a National Park City helped Chattanoogans see and believe it was, too. I think that designation, along with the energy behind our growth, is the biggest draw for visitors right now.
As a photographer, does your artistic lens influence how you pitch the city to newcomers?
Absolutely! After shooting at various locations in Chattanooga and traveling for photoshoots, I grew an understanding of what types of locations capture an audience’s attention. I found the main way to show an amazing place is to connect it with the right storyteller — almost like matchmaking.
I choose which influencers Chattanooga Tourism hires to tell the city’s story. This includes analyzing marketing data from their social media profiles to ensure it aligns with our broader marketing strategy. Engagement rate is the most important stat to me because this is what tells me if their audience trusts them, and, really, it shows if they are focused on helping their audience and destinations.
What is the most rewarding part of getting to “sell” your city every day?
The most rewarding thing for me is seeing someone’s face light up when they discover the magic of Chattanooga. A lot of traveling is about discovery — the surprise of finding something cool all on your own. I think of Chattanooga as an up-and-coming bucket-list city that delivers shock value. Like, “What is this insanely beautiful city with a weird name in Tennessee that I didn’t even know about? And why is everyone so friendly?”
I secretly love proving people wrong about people and places. I love seeing an unexpected character get the spotlight to tell a piece of their story.
That’s when the art of storytelling comes out — when a perspective is shared in an authentic way that makes people feel and see the world differently. There are so many untold stories in Chattanooga that would surprise so many people, and that I think would change a lot of people’s minds about the world.
Speaking of surprises, what is the one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m very self-conscious about random things that don’t bother anyone else. I think that throws people off because, generally, I come off as very confident.
You have a friend visiting Chattanooga for the first time. Where is the first place you take them?
I would take my friend to Rosecomb for dinner and a wine night in their garden. I don’t know why, but I always have the best conversations there. I think both nature and community create safe spaces (or should), and they did a good job of creating both. You’ve got to feel safe to be open.
We love a local secret. What is your favorite hidden gem in Chattanooga that tourists (and maybe even some locals) often miss?
I would say our vintage and antique scene is insane and should be talked about more. We are starting to be known for our swimming holes, and I would love to see that spotlighted more because we have so many hidden, iconic ones.
Where are your go-to spots for a morning coffee meeting versus a celebratory dinner and drinks?
For coffee, I like any coffee shop that is near me. HA! That tends to be Sleepyhead Coffee, which is right down the street from my office. They also have the best merch.
Celebratory dinner and drinks? To be honest, I keep it pretty low key, nothing fancy for my celebrations, so I go to the tried-and-true Pickle Barrel that’s been open for years.
Who has been your biggest mentor or source of inspiration throughout your career?
I believe in service leadership. Mentors are important, but so is being inspired by the people you serve. Choosing a “biggest mentor” is so hard because leaders aren’t free from flaws. They are people too, so I have found that the best thing is to let yourself be inspired by multiple leaders instead of focusing on just one.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?
I have three: Creativity is rare in the midst of doubt. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Ninety percent of everything is showing up.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to that you can’t get enough of? Extreme sports documentaries. I love seeing people push their mind and body to the limit with pure determination.
If you could capture the essence of Chattanooga in one photograph, where or what would you shoot? A group of diverse women doing an art project in the forest together.
What three words best describe your approach to life? Intentional. Empathetic. Chaotic.
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.