A little bit more about Kate

Fireworks

Fireworks, Family and . . .

My life includes self-storage—but it also includes a lot of family and a little organized chaos.

Coming from a family of veterans, the Fourth of July has always held special meaning for me. Each year, I plan and execute a week of celebration filled with games, go-karts, food, and a fireworks show for my family—a tradition that brings our family together in Middle Tennessee from North Carolina and Michigan.

All of this chaos is shared with my husband, Joe. We have been married for 15 years, and over the years we’ve experienced just about everything—living in six different states, moving across the country twice, proudly serving in the Army, including deployments to Afghanistan, working in healthcare throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, flipping houses, entering the world of self-storage, and navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs. Along the way, we learned to embrace the chaos.

Nighttime scene of a backyard with a pool, children watching fireworks, and trees in the background; fireworks lighting up the sky.
Clingman's Dome
A large black and white speckled dog with tan markings on its face standing in a kitchen, and two smaller puppies, one with a brown, black, and white coat and the other with a black, white, and tan coat sitting on a tiled floor looking up at the camera.

Hound Dogs.

When life slows down, the chaos just changes shape—usually into wagging tails and long ears. Outside of family traditions and life’s busier seasons, our everyday life is shared with three hound dogs who keep things entertaining: Olive, an 8-year-old bluetick coonhound, and two basset hound puppies, Penelope and Millie.

Fair warning: I’m an avid animal lover and a proud aunt to 13 (7 nieces and 6 nephews), and if you talk about your pets, kids, nieces, nephews, or grandkids, I will absolutely ask to see pictures. From swapping fireworks tips and favorite recipes to pet photos and self-storage talk, I’m always up for a good conversation—just reach out.

Bluetick Coonhound
Basset hound puppies
Basset hound puppy

Photographs by SKL & Kate