Grit, Grace and Good Shoes

In the debut episode of Heart of the City, Courtnay and Charlie McGinness—partners in life and co-founders of Chattanooga Shoe Company—invite listeners into their world of entrepreneurship, family life, and heartfelt hustle. Together, they share the unfiltered story behind their journey: from the spark of starting a boutique shoe store to raising three kids while managing the daily grind of a retail business.

They speak candidly about the emotional and financial challenges they’ve faced—especially the hard decision to close two locations—and how those moments shaped their growth. With plenty of laughter and real talk, the episode delivers insights on resilience, trust, and the unique dynamics of running a business as a couple.