Carrie McConkey, Creative Coach
I grew up with a right-brain mother and a left-brain father, and was lucky enough to become a hybrid of them both.
Right-brain Mom is gifted in artistic pursuits. Whether sewing or drawing, painting or stenciling, she always included me in her craft projects. From Mom I gained confidence in using my hands, unafraid to try an unknown medium.
Left-brain Dad spent his career in law enforcement as a special agent in the FBI, private investigator, and chief of the Knoxville Police Department. From Dad I learned attention to detail, relationship building, and how to be a reliable and trustworthy business associate.
Artistry and business have anchored my education and professional life. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a Master’s in Human Resource Development. I worked in career services, HR, and fundraising, and enjoyed three solopreneurships as a bridal gown designer, fashion consultant, and freelance writer.
As the decades passed, a theme emerged: I was a service provider whose true north was creativity. Whether dressing a bride, gently steering a student into his first “real job,” or editing someone’s closet—or manuscript—I helped people recognize, embrace, and grow into what makes them unique. Along the way, I grew into my own.
Thanks, Mom and Dad.
Check out the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center website to learn more about my entrepreneurial journey.
Read my personal blog, Decade N° 5.
Education:
● MS University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Human Resource Development
● BS Carson-Newman University, Interior Design
Accolades:
● 2023 American Advertising Federation Big Wig Award: Best Writer
● 2020 American Advertising Federation Big Wig Award: Best Blogger
● 2018 Carson Newman Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Service Award
● 2006 University of Tennessee Knoxville Chancellor's Honors Outstanding Customer Service Award
● 2002 Carson-Newman University Outstanding Young Alumna
Professional Affiliations:
● Knoxville Writer’s Guild
● 2013 Leadership Knoxville Graduate
● 2009 Greater Knoxville Business Journal 40 Under 40
