Brooke Allison is behind some of Nashville’s most feel-good, do-good businesses. Perhaps best known for founding Scout’s Barbershop — now celebrating 10 years and eight locations — she also launched Hot Yoga of East Nashville, Rising Sun Retreat, a nonprofit organization called Deep Roots, and her newest venture, Lolu Contrast Therapy.
Get to know this vibrant FACE of Nashville!
Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Nashville?
I grew up in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by bluegrass music, and started playing the fiddle at age six. My dad had — and still has — a bluegrass band, and I loved helping out at his festivals around the Northwest.
I first visited Nashville 14 years ago with my Seattle band to go to the Grand Ole Opry and play at The 5 Spot in East Nashville. It was then that I fell in love with Nashville and saw the opportunity to start something new!
Scout’s Barbershop has become a local staple. How has the brand evolved since the first location opened in 2013?
When I got to Nashville 13 years ago, I noticed something was missing — a place where you could get your hair cut or colored, easily book or walk in, in every neighborhood, and a place where you could feel like you’re getting the quality and service that you and your hair deserve without breaking the bank. I can honestly say it looks exactly like the vision I had when this all began — we’re now serving all the corners of Nashville and beyond.
You’ve created businesses in such different spaces — barbering, yoga, retail, and wellness retreats. What’s the connection?
I love building places that serve people’s needs in creative ways, and at the same time, connecting people to each other, themselves, nature, and something bigger. Each of these businesses is a place where I hope people can come in, feel very welcome and leave feeling better about themselves. In turn, they can be more healthy, happy, and supportive of themselves and the people in their lives.
You wear many hats — entrepreneur, leader, and community advocate. How do you recharge and stay inspired?
Yoga, of course, and other things like running, hiking, friends, family, and God. It’s all the same practice of balance — keeping your absolute focus and inner calm, while using 100% of your strength and discipline to get through the challenges. I am inspired by all my teachers, partners, stylists, receptionists, and fellow small business owners in Nashville.
What does a perfect Nashville day off look like for you?
An early morning trail run with my husband and dogs at Beaman Park or Percy Warner, followed by really good coffee and breakfast tacos, and an evening dinner out with friends in East Nashville and some live Nashville music!
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be an engineering geologist, and I worked for 10 years in Seattle designing and building landslide stabilization, stream restoration, and horizontal drilling projects.
What are your favorite “hidden gems” in Nashville?
Waymore’s Hotel Lobby Cafe and Rooftop Bar — next door to the yoga studio — is where I call my office. Butcher & Bee is my ride-or-die restaurant; their garden patio is enchanting in the spring, and their secret upstairs bar is a great spot for a girls’ night dinner. I love cycling to Union Hill Trading Post in Goodlettsville, and I am often caught hiding upstairs at Turnip Truck for a quick snack.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The 80/20 rule by Tim Ferriss: Don’t spend 80% of your time and energy on the people or things that only give the 20%. Whether it’s the bottom line of business revenue or the people or projects in your life, don’t spin your wheels on what is not naturally flowing forward. Know when to pivot and do so quickly and gracefully.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Most memorable recent local meal: Rosie Food & Wine in Hendersonville — the blueberry lasagna.
What did you want to be when you grew up? An architect
What’s on your nightstand? Mouth tape, eye mask, and a yoga Nidra guided meditation
Favorite recently discovered book, podcast, or TV show to binge-watch? Both recently and for the last two years, I’ve never missed an episode of the Andrew Huberman Podcast. He has done such great work of shifting America’s perspective of physical health and the ability to take ownership to support our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Three things you can’t live without: Dogs, access to mountains, and a kitchen to cook in
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