Kamady Lewis always intended to move back home to Nashville as she moved further into her career as a television journalist, but she did not think she would be back this soon.
Lewis and her family moved back to the area in August 2021. She and her husband then took over her family’s business, the Jack and Jill Nut Shop.
Recently Lewis has taken on another position with the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Further establishing her new ties in the community, she will also coach the Brown County High School girls basketball team this winter.
“I really do love this county and the people who live and/or work in it. I also appreciate the opportunity and welcome my family has received upon moving back. It’s been an absolute joy being back and I am excited for the future,” she said.
Working as the integrated marketing manager for the CVB, Lewis will focus on marketing on different platforms, highlighting the uniqueness of Brown County and all it has to offer for visitors. Lewis and CVB Executive Director Jane Ellis attended community meetings earlier this spring to further explain the role of tourism in Brown County.
“Everyone is aware that we live in a unique county, we just want to understand and share how tourism impacts it so we can utilize that knowledge for residents and tourists,” Lewis said.
She continued that the presentation was a way “for people to get on the same page when it comes to the impacts of tourism.”
Learn more about Lewis by reading her answers to some questions for the Brown County Democrat about her history, role in the community and what she is looking forward to in her new position.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in Nashville, Indiana. I have a wonderful husband and a sweet son. Our son is almost 3 and the absolute love of our lives! I graduated from Brown County High School in 2005 and went to Indiana University for sports communication with an emphasis in broadcast television. I moved around a lot after college as a television journalist — six states in 10 years! I always had the intention of moving closer to home as I got further in my career, but didn’t anticipate that coming as soon as it did. I’m grateful it did though because we’ve been loving being near my family and taking over Jack and Jill Nut Shop. Keeping it in the family was really important to me, and I’m so happy my husband was on board!
Q: What made you decide to take this new position?
A: I love working, and there are definitely aspects of working in television journalism that I miss. Mainly, shooting and editing content and the social aspect of being in an office space and community. When a friend told me about the opening at the CVB I talked it over with my husband and parents, as everything is really a family decision for us, especially now, and they were really supportive of me applying for the position. Having their support made it possible for me to take the job. After applying and going through the interview process I thought it would be a perfect fit. Shooting and editing video isn’t something they’ve necessarily had in-house before, so they took a chance and so far I think it’s working out well.
Q: How is it going balancing the new position while also being a shop owner?
A: It’s going great. My husband is in the shop most of the time, and my dad still works a couple of days as well. My dad says he’s “retired” but he definitely isn’t. Luckily, my job with the CVB allows me to have weekends off, so I can work all the busier times at the shop. I do all the digital things for the nut shop, which sometimes I put on the back burner, but for the most part, it’s been pretty manageable! We are at an advantage because my dad is still willing to help and guide us when it comes to the shop. My mom and him understand and are more helpful than I could have imagined which really allows us to do a lot as a family.
Q: What can the community and tourists expect from the CVB this year?
A: We are in full trick-or-treating, holiday and fall planning mode. We have a few open houses coming up where we will discuss everything from dates and sign ups to decorations and events. Our open house is more geared toward residents and business owners and we would love to see everyone there.
