Building Homes: My Franklin Story and the Dream Behind the Brand
Hi! I’m Chloe Christensen, a senior marketing major at the University of Tennessee with a collateral in entrepreneurship. I’ve always had a love for design, storytelling, and creating things that feel personal and inspiring. Those passions have shaped both my education and my newest venture, Homes — a Franklin-based interior and lifestyle brand that blends Southern charm with timeless design.
How It All Began
The idea for Homes came naturally because entrepreneurship has always been part of my life. I was raised by two entrepreneurs, Matt and Kara Christensen, who built a flourishing home construction company called Garden Gate Homes. Growing up around job sites, design boards, and open houses, I got to see the real side of running a business — the long nights, the creative problem-solving, and the excitement of watching something come to life from the ground up.
Those early experiences inspired me more than I realized. I watched my parents pour their hearts into every detail, from floor plans to finishes, and it taught me how passion and persistence go hand-in-hand. My mom, especially, has been my biggest influence in design — she has the most amazing eye for creating spaces that feel warm and thoughtful. I’ve learned so much from her and hope to one day be even half the designer she is.
The Vision Behind Homes
Homes started as an idea in my entrepreneurship course, but quickly became something I felt deeply connected to. Franklin has such a distinct charm — it’s full of character, color, and community — and I wanted to capture that feeling in a brand. My goal with Homes is to make design approachable while still feeling elevated and curated.
The brand celebrates meaningful living: soft tones, inviting textures, and the feeling that every piece in your home has a story. I believe good design doesn’t just fill a space; it brings people together and helps them feel grounded where they are.
Blending Design and Digital Marketing
Outside of school, I’ve been growing my creative side through social media management and content creation. I help manage my family business’s Instagram and have also built my own fashion-focused presence online. These experiences taught me how powerful storytelling and aesthetics are in building a brand. With Homes, I get to merge both passions — design and marketing — to connect with people who value beauty, comfort, and authenticity.
As someone who’s grown up watching a small business evolve, I understand the balance between creativity and hard work. I’m confident I have the foundation it takes to bring Homes to life and help it flourish.
Looking Ahead
My dream is for Homes to become more than a store — I want it to be a destination for inspiration, design ideas, and connection. Whether it’s a blog post about styling your space, a curated seasonal collection, or a glimpse into the creative process, Homes will reflect everything I love about Franklin living.
Starting this venture has already reminded me that great things grow from passion and persistence. I feel incredibly lucky to have parents who modeled both, and a community that continues to inspire me.
At the end of the day, home isn’t just where you live — it’s how you feel there. And that’s exactly what I hope Homes helps people create.
