Special to the Sun
What do you get when you combine an entrepreneur/founder and a marketing maven with a shared love of all things Jackson, Miss.? A match made in Jackson, that’s what. You’d be hard-pressed to find two people more in touch with the pulse of the city than Christopher Lomax of Mantle. City Club + Inc.ubator and Lynsie Armstrong of Highland Village. From dining, entertainment, shopping, local business and everything in between, these two have got you covered. And we can’t wait to see what’s up their sleeves. With more than their fair share of creativity, business savvy and Jackson class, you’re definitely going to want to keep an eye on this collaboration.
On the heels of Mantle. and Highland Village’s first official event as a team, and one of this summers’ most exciting soirees, Summer Solstice: A Backyard Social, I caught up with Chris and Lynsie to get the 411 on what they’ve got brewing for Jackson.
What’s your main goal in the partnership of Mantle. and Highland Village?
C: As a growing company in the Jackson area, especially one that is partnering with the best of the best bars, restaurants, retailers, and workout boutiques, our partnership with Highland Village, a pillar of Jackson retail, just made sense. Between their deep ties with this city and its innovative approach to community, we felt Mantle. and Highland Village shared the same goals for creating a tighter knit and fun Jackson community for both business and social engagement.
L: It is a deep-rooted value of Highland Village to serve Jackson and provide a gathering place that meets the needs of our community. We look forward to this partnership with Mantle. in particular because we share the desire to unify Jackson and build larger networks and communities to serve our beautiful city.
Absolutely. Why now?
C: There is never a bad time for a party. But in reality, it was an awesome coincidence that came from a large number of small collaborations. It turned out we were both scheduling separate Summer Solstice parties, and we thought that both of our awesome communities would have a fun time having a backyard social together. It turns out they did.
L: I totally agree. It was a natural collaboration every step of the way and our first event could not have been more fun or more productive. Jackson really brought their A-game and came to celebrate.
Well said. Now, let’s have some fun. What’s your dream event and who is your Guest of Honor?
L: Ooh, definitely Summer Solstice at HV with Gwen Stefani.
C: I second that, but let’s feature Taylor Swift instead.
Who/What inspires you the most?
L: I don’t even have to dig deep for this. My mom is my inspiration. 100 percent. Watching her serve others my entire life has been a huge inspiration for my work here at HV. I guess you could say hospitality and love for sharing experiences that build community is in my blood.
C: Entrepreneurs. We see them every day at Mantle. and opening store at HV and around Jackson. Entrepreneurs are the fuel that powers our economy. They are the dreamers that actually act on their dreams. They take risks and put themselves in the driver’s seat- refusing to be just along for the ride. They grab the wheel and risk crashing and failing, but it doesn’t stop them. It’s truly amazing to watch.
Current Summertime jam? (cocktail, movie, song, day trip, etc….)
C: Campari/Bourbon/Grapefruit, the pool with the kids, anything Woody Allen, every summer’s jam is Jay-Z// Young Forever, and this summer it’s Weekend Luv// Quinn Lewis.
L: Old Fashioneds all year round, progressive dinners throughout the city, currently loving Dave Matthew’s new album, “Come Tomorrow”. It reminds me of summertime when I was in high school.
What’s in store for Mantle. and HV in the coming year?
C: Mantle. is continuing to expand its Mantle. Wallet in Jackson and its entire network in new markets across the South - new details coming this summer. Mantle. Wallet is a way for everyone- whether entrepreneurs or just wanting to be in the know, to find the best of the best in Jackson and get 10 percent off when they dine, drink, shop or workout at those City Club Partners for only $8/month. Anyone can download our app from their app store by searching for Mantle City Club.
As for collab’ing with HV, we are excited about seeing what the next big thing is because Summer Solstice was a huge success. We also are excited to continue the many little things we were already doing like assisting with Mantle. workouts at HV and partnering with HV’s tenants.
L: HV is bursting with newness and there is more still on the way with the opening of Aplos, Hollywood Feed, Vineyard Vines and Vamp. As far as events, we’ve got a good thing going with Fam Friday, Trivia, Bend and Brew and we are stoked to introduce some new events in the fall. You’re in for a good time. Also, new tenants are on their way and we’re excited to announce a couple of them very soon.
OK, because inquiring minds must know, who is the next President of the United States?
L: Obviously, Gwen Stefani.
C: I would have thought LeBron, but he just signed another four year deal with the Lakers.
(photo) Christopher Lomax, Lynsie Armstrong
