Dyersburg, TN – August 1, 2025 - On Thursday evening, July 31, the Mill Workspace hosted a special after-hours event: Managing Stress and Overwhelm in Business. The event was designed to spark honest conversation, offer practical tools, and build connections. The event brought together business professionals from across Northwest Tennessee. The evening was organized by Public Relations Intern Kadince Ferguson, a senior at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
As part of her summer internship at The Mill through Launch TN, Kadince took the lead in planning the event, from concept to execution.
“This event was inspired by my mom,” Ferguson shared. “She’s a small business owner, and I’ve seen the stress and weight that can come with that responsibility. I wanted to create an event to support people like her.”
The event featured a five-person panel representing a range of industries, including non-profit, HR, food and beverage, retail, and service. Each panelist brought their own experiences and shared how they handle pressure, avoid burnout, and create more balance in their work and life.
Panelists Included:
Chris Donaldson: CEO of TENCOM Services
Stacey Cook: Owner of Off the Square
Timm Johnson: Owner of Green Frog Coffee and Grill
Stefania Wheeler: Northwest Director of Donor Development for United Way
Ben Richardson: Human Resources for Rough Country
Their practical advice and willingness to be vulnerable reminded the attendees that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Guests were welcomed with a beautiful grazing table catered by Toot N’ Tell IT out of Dyer, TN, and each left with a thoughtful goody bag. The bags were filled with merchandise, gift cards, and samples all donated by generous local businesses.
A special thank you to Green Frog Coffee and Grill, Buff City Soap, United Way, Alicia Lanford, Toot N Tell IT, The Mustard Seed, Security Bank, Cathy Hulgan, Amy Jane’s on South Mill, First Citizens National Bank, Buffaloe and Company, City Liquor, Pennington Seed and Supply, TENCOM Services, First Community Bank, Dyersburg-Dyer County Chamber of Commerce, The Mustard Company, and Merle Norman. Their support and donations made the night welcoming and intentional from start to finish.
As the evening wrapped up, Ferguson reflected on her internship experience and the heart behind this event.
“What I didn’t expect to learn this summer were the things that no one really meant to teach me. Things like the power of the community and how much small action can mean in a small town.” Tonight proved that to be true.
“We’re proud of the connections, conversations, and encouragement created this night. At The Mill, we will continue to support and uplift people who make West Tennessee stronger through events like this, because stress is real, but so is support.”
About The Mill Workspace: The Mill Workspace, a DBA of Northwest Tennessee Entrepreneurship, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entrepreneur center located in Dyersburg, TN and focused on serving entrepreneurs in the nine counties of Northwest Tennessee. They help businesses through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and multi-week programs all designed to help businesses in the region start up and grow.
Programs at The Mill are funded in part by a grant from LaunchTN.
