BABES IN HART: MATTIE SMITH CARNEY

MATTIE CARNEY

Meet Mattie Smith Carney—Nashville native, mom of three (including twins!), and founder with a brand as fun as its name: Disco Cowgirl. Mattie launched her label to reflect the real-life duality of the modern Nashville woman: bold, down-to-earth, and a little bit sparkly.

We talk to Mattie about motherhood, the charm she wears to honor her horse girl roots, and the power of staying calm—even in Sky Zone.

Welcome to Babes in HART! Let’s say we just met at a dinner party…how would you introduce yourself?

Hiiii! I'm Mattie from Nashville. I have a brand called Disco Cowgirl and three precious boys that are three and under! Cheers - Mama is out!

You started your brand Disco Cowgirl in 2018 – where did the idea for this name come from? Do you remember where you were when you thought of it?

I wanted the name to really capture the Nashville girl's lifestyle. I feel like she is not afraid to get dirty, but also loves glam! She can do both. I feel like Disco Cowgirl encapsulates the juxtaposition! I was at H. Audrey when I decided on it (the store that I managed and was the buyer for for many years). I learned a lot at H. Audrey about being a business owner. The store owner, Holly Williams, was an amazing mentor to me. The connections I made there have been invaluable.

You’re a mother of three little boys along with being a founder and fashion designer – how has motherhood shaped your work and/or creative process?

I had twins first, so going from zero to two was shocking! Becoming a mother definitely altered my creative process. Obviously my lifestyle changed drastically, so I went from wanting to create a cool "going out" look to thinking more along the lines of a school drop-off look. I didn't want things to be as sexy, and I wanted to incorporate more children's options, specifically boys! I think it is natural to want to create what you specifically need and want in your own life. It feels more authentic, and I always assume if I am needing/wanting it then there must be a demand!

What’s your top piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs for establishing a brand?

Connections are everything, and be original! Try not to look to the right or left, or be something you aren't. People will be attracted to it if it is genuine.

Mother’s Day is coming up, and we are always in awe of moms doing things in AND out of the playroom. You have three children and a blossoming business. How do you see yourself as more than a mom?

Being a mom is my favorite job in the world. I truly have never felt more at peace and happy in my entire life. My boys are my number one priority, but I also know that in order to be my best self, I need something outside of them that is my own. Disco Cowgirl is that for me. I love having a space to be creative, to be social and to be productive! A lot of times it is hard to see all of your hard work pay off in the home, but in a business you can see the designs come to life, and the orders being shipped out, and I love the gratification and feeling of accomplishment that brings.

If you could give your children advice as they grow up and look to find their own passions, what would you tell them?

Not to stress! Lean into what you enjoy. It will all fall into place. Be kind to everyone you come in contact with and ALWAYS do your best, even if you are starting out at the bottom of the chain. Hard work and a good attitude can catapult you quickly.

What’s next for Disco Cowgirl? What are you excited about / where are you finding inspiration?

I have a lot coming up with Disco Cowgirl! Several new drops including an exciting new collaboration with another Nashville based brand, Rustler Hat Co. I love finding inspiration from upcoming events. For example, we had festival season in mind for our collaboration. Looking for something to wear to Bonnaroo or CMA Fest? We've got you covered!

Talk to us about your HART necklace – what’s the meaning behind the charms you chose?

I have both horseshoe charms on my necklace because I love horses! I grew up on a horse farm and have the best childhood memories of watching my parents ride, as well as riding myself. I would spend hours at the barn cleaning my pony. My parents hosted polo matches at our farm and would let me and my childhood best friend, Megan, put on a show. I remember singing Barney into the microphone and doing a choreographed dance that we made up ourselves at the age of 5. Embarrassing but cute!

Nashville is your home base – what’s a day-off in Nashville look like for you?

Nashville continues to grow rapidly. There is always a new restaurant, coffee shop, store, etc. that I want to visit! I still haven't gotten over the fact that we have a Soho House. My husband and I like to take the boys there for an 11am movie screening on the weekends. They love the popcorn and fancy movie theater seats at Soho House. You can also find us at Parmer Park or Sky Zone (the trampoline park). Not very glamorous when you have three boys that you need to wear out before bedtime!

THE GOOD STUFF

Favorite Quote?

The Golden Rule! Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Favorite book you read to your kids? Right now it is Peter Rabbit- The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt. My boys love finding the eggs on each page and laugh so hard at the names in the book. Mr. Pickles, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail are all favorites!

Go-to parenting hack? Stay calm. Do whatever you need to do to be able to remain calm, whether that is therapy, working out, hiring a babysitter just so you can sleep, praying, haha anything! I've learned that managing your own emotions is the hardest challenge in parenting, so far...and lack of sleep :)

Go-to cocktail or mocktail? I love champagne with a squeeze of lemon!

Must-have makeup product? Trish McEvoy cream bronzer. I recently got it at Woo Cosmetics and I'm in love. I've always been a bronzer girl and this product seems very natural and elevates my makeup look.

Favorite playlist or album? Y'all are going to laugh but it is currently Jock Jams! The boys love Space Jam, Cotton Eye Joe, Tootsee Roll....all of those classics from the 90s! It turns into a family dance party every time.

Next dream destination? I think the French Riviera needs to be booked

What’s on your nightstand? My Oliveda lip balm and face cream

Worth the splurge? La DoubleJ dresses (I'm wearing one in these pictures). They are perfect for almost any occasion. The price per wear is amazing!

What is in your purse? Bandaids, suckers, mascara, lip gloss, spicy beef stick, and wet wipes!