The Power of Women—and the Details That Make People Feel Seen

What’s up, my Eaters!

I have been blessed throughout my life to be surrounded by powerful women.

I think about my mother, my sister, my wife, my third-grade teacher, friends, chefs, business associates and community leaders. I think about women such as Leticia Andrade, Trisha Stearn, Chef Emily Hahn, Valerie Joiner, Erin Drez and so many others who are building, creating, leading and doing meaningful work.

Quite honestly, I believe the world would be a very bad place without strong women. In fact, I sometimes think more women should be in control because maybe things would not be quite such a mess—but that is another conversation for another day.

For this week’s Eating Chambers, I wanted to celebrate the power of women in hospitality, food, entrepreneurship and community by introducing you to one woman I have recently had the opportunity to know better: Lindsey Dover Wheeler.

Lindsey is an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist and community leader. She is deeply involved in the Virginia-Highland community in Atlanta, where her work supports small businesses, strengthens the neighborhood and helps create a true sense of place.

She is also the founder of Lindsey Wheeler Retreats, through which she creates elevated health, wellness and travel experiences in beautiful destinations.

That list is impressive, but titles do not always tell you who a person really is.

What I have come to admire most about Lindsey is the way she carries herself. She is approachable, pleasant and willing to share what she has learned. At the same time, she has teeth.

I mean that as a compliment.

She knows what she wants. She pays attention to details. She expects things to be executed properly, and she is not afraid to make sure that happens. She is kind, but she is not passive. She is warm, but she is not careless. She makes people feel welcome while maintaining a high standard.

Earlier this week, I sat down with Lindsey because I wanted to pick her brain about hospitality, entrepreneurship, community building and destination experiences.

I had a selfish reason.

One day, I would like to create destination dining experiences and retreats of my own—bringing people together in beautiful places around exceptional food, music, culture, rest and meaningful conversation. Lindsey is already doing a version of that at a very high level, and I knew there was wisdom she could share.

When I asked what connects all of her work, her answer was simple and powerful: making life more beautiful.

For Lindsey, beauty is not just about appearances. It is about creating details that bring people into the present moment and help them feel connected, cared for and as though they belong.

In Virginia-Highland, that may look like lighting, plantings, banners, a farmers market or community events that bring foot traffic to local businesses. The goal is not merely to make the neighborhood look nice. It is to help small businesses thrive and preserve the soul of the community.

In her retreat work, that same philosophy shows up through beautiful tablescapes, local chefs, live music, regional artists, thoughtful conversation starters and small surprises that awaken the senses.

That resonated deeply with me.

People often think hospitality is simply about cooking good food. But when Gwen and I go out, we are not only paying for someone to cook for us. We are paying to be served. We are paying to feel seen. In the best hospitality experiences, people feel almost ministered to.

Food matters, but so does the way the room feels. The way you are greeted matters. The story behind an ingredient matters. The unexpected note, the thoughtful question or the chef who steps out of the kitchen matters.

Lindsey said the difference between a nice event and one people talk about six months later is the details.

It may be an intention card placed at the end of a yoga mat. It may be a handwritten thank-you note. It may be a local jazz band appearing during dinner or a craft cocktail finished with a meaningful quote. It may simply be making sure the right people are seated together.

The people matter just as much as the setting.

That is something I understand. When we create dinners, we put real thought into who is sitting around the table. The guest list is seldom random because the people help create the experience.

What guests do not see is how much work goes into making all of this feel effortless.

Lindsey may be coordinating 150 vendors and more than 100 retreat guests while making sure everyone around her still feels supported. She may be overwhelmed internally, but as the leader, she must remain clear, present and responsible.

That is leadership.

We also talked about what she expects from partners. She does not want someone who simply brings her another idea and creates more work. She values people who bring thoughtful solutions, take ownership, communicate clearly and say, “I will handle that.”

That lesson applies far beyond hospitality.

Do not just point at the problem. Help solve it.

Perhaps the most valuable insight she shared about destination experiences was that she personally tests everything. Before bringing guests, she travels to the location and performs a full dry run. She takes the drive, tries the restaurant, tests the hike, rides the bike and meets the vendors.

What looks good on a spreadsheet or Google Maps may not work in real life.

That willingness to test, refine and build relationships is part of what separates a pretty idea from a truly memorable experience.

As I left our conversation, I was reminded once again of the power of women—not only their ability to nurture, but their ability to lead, organize, create, protect a vision and execute at a high level.

I am grateful for the women who have poured into me, stood beside me, corrected me and shown me what strong leadership looks like.

Lindsey Dover Wheeler is one of those women, and I am thankful that she was willing to open the door and let me see a little of the woman behind the work.

To learn more about Lindsey and her work, visit her website at https://www.lindsaydoverwheeler.com.

Until next time, my Eaters, pay attention to the details, make people feel seen and never underestimate the power of a strong woman.

Also, remember that you can always come see me or my team at the Peachtree City Farmer’s Market this weekend or every other weekend.