Student Entrepreneur Spotlight: Macey Mefferd

From pitch competitions to the Founders Club, this senior's journey shows what’s possible at Belmont

Senior entrepreneurship major Macey Mefferd’s Belmont experience has been nothing short of transformative, serving as a springboard for her entrepreneurial journey within the Jack C. Massey College of Business. 

“I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without Belmont’s entrepreneurship program,” Macey shared. “It has shaped not just how I approach business, but how I view myself and what I’m capable of. The entrepreneurship professors, staff and especially the students have been the most uplifting and driven community I’ve ever been part of.” 

A serial entrepreneur, Mefferd has brought multiple businesses to life — all while finding community, mentorship and confidence in the entrepreneurship program. One of her most prominent ventures, Fork & Flash,is a food and beverage photography business serving the booming culinary scene in Nashville. From restaurants to bakeries to local vendors, Macey helps businesses elevate their brands with eye-catching content that stands out in a saturated market.  

Her creative energy doesn’t stop at food photography. She also runs a jewelry line, Sparkle By Mace and an event charcuterie and catering business called Say Cheese Please. 

Learning to Build from the Ground Up 

She credits key classes like Entrepreneurial Financial Management with Dr. José González, Venture Planning with Dr. Mark Schenkel and Building Stakeholder Relationships with Professor Matthew Wilson for walking her through the building blocks of creating something from nothing. From practical lessons about building financial models and analyzing competitors to helping her find mentors and learn to always stay nimble and willing to adapt her ideas when needed. 

“These classes were challenging and deeply individual, nothing like a typical class,” she said. “They helped me understand the real process of building something from scratch.” 

Finding her People and her Voice 

Belmont’s entrepreneurship program is committed to cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit — a core value of the University as a whole. The Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship is a crucial connector for entrepreneurship-minded students, giving them access to workshops, competitions, mentorship and programs. Joining the Founders Club, a Belmont entrepreneurship program for any hopeful student entrepreneur, proved pivotal for Mefferd outside of the classroom. 

“It became a learning space where I felt seen and supported not just as a student, but as a founder,” she shared. “We share wins, losses, leads and resources. We celebrate every small milestone like it’s a big one. That kind of support is rare, and I feel so lucky to have experienced it.” 

Macey also embraced Belmont’s pitch competitions, overcoming a fear of public speaking and ultimately winning the third-place award for Fork & Flash in her final undergraduate contest. 

“The cash prize wasn’t what felt like a win. It was overcoming that fear and seeing the very professors who had watched me struggle now cheer me on,” she said. “That moment was exactly what I needed before heading into the real world.” 

Looking ahead, Macey leaves Belmont with more than a degree — she’s graduating with confidence, entrepreneurial experience and a lifelong support system. 

“I’ve never been met with doubt — only enthusiasm, encouragement and mentorship,” she reflected. “I’m beyond grateful to have been part of this program. It has changed my life. Thank you to anyone who put an ounce of time into students like me — it’s what made Belmont the best decision of my life.”