‘Remarkable' woman transformed old Townsend campground into luxury outdoor resort
TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — We are shining a spotlight on a woman who has helped transform an area in Townsend, turning an old campground into a luxury outdoor resort. Carmen Simpher doesn't just run a business; she's a mentor, a true friend to many, and a remarkable woman.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend provides a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors. It has won national awards as one of the best glamping spots around, thanks in large part to Simpher.
Her friends gathered to surprise her with the news that she is one of WATE's finalists for our annual Remarkable Women series. Simpher is credited with breathing new life into the Little Arrow property seven years ago.
'What we want people to experience here at Little Arrow is a good quality outdoor experience,' she said. 'We want to mix luxury and the outdoors so people make forever memories in the indulgence of nature.'
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It's all about an elevated experience; glamping at its finest. Be outside, go for a hike, but come back to a real bed with real sheets and a shower.
'We have full hookup RV spots, we have two Airstreams that we rent to guests that are here on the property and have great structures around them, we have 10 cozy cabins which are our smallest units, we have luxury tents which have heat and air but they are canvas structure so there is that weather element,' Simpher explained, adding, 'and then we have tiny homes and those are really luxury units with kitchens, bedrooms, bathroom.'
There are also four large vacation homes at Little Arrow, providing a little something for everyone.
This busy woman with a head for business also has a heart for those around her. Brooke Webb, Townsend Mercantile owner and friend, nominated Simpher for our Remarkable Women series.
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'She is the glue that holds so many of us together. I was a young businesswoman, entrepreneur, and I knew nothing about small business, but I knew Carmen owned Little Arrow,' she said. 'I just reached out to her and said, 'Hey can we have lunch one day?' and she said, 'Sure.' So, we met for lunch and after that, we became great friends. She's been a great mentor to me.'
Leslie Woodall with Realty Executives added, 'She absolutely exudes 'remarkable' and everything that entails; whether it's personal , professional, Carmen just exemplifies 'remarkable'.'
'She's willing to be honest about her struggles either at work or just in general,' said Serv-Pro owner Andrea Pope. 'She doesn't dwell on it. She wants to fix things, move on to the next step, and just keep growing as a person and as a leader.'
Simpher is the ringleader of a group of successful women who aren't just all business. They make room for balance. Whether it's a Mrs. Roper party or just hanging out, they know these are remarkable times with a remarkable woman.
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'That is a woman of integrity and good character of strong faith, a woman that is steadfast, ' said Tina Rhea, owner of REO Cheesewagon. 'I think all of those things exemplify who Carmen Simpher is, not just to us but anybody that meets her.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
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Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
How Entrepreneurs Can Successfully Apply For Small Business Grants
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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
What's Worth Up To $60 Trillion? Learning To Serve Women Investors
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Many women especially value personalized, in-person guidance during major life transitions such as divorce or widowhood. Advisors who build diverse, inclusive teams tend to retain female clients better during these critical moments. Strategy #2: Break the Stereotypes and Personalize Your Approach No two women investors are the same, so it's critical to move away from cookie-cutter solutions. Segment your female clients by their distinct goals, risk appetites, and life stages. For some, growth and entrepreneurship may dominate; for others, wealth protection and legacy planning might be the key focus. Develop customized offerings and communications that resonate with each subgroup. This personal touch signals respect and understanding—qualities women increasingly prioritize in financial relationships. McKinsey's research identifies several female investor archetypes worth considering: - Young, engaged investors – Tech-savvy, cost-conscious, and eager to take an active role in managing their portfolios. - Investment-savvy retirees – Experienced investors seeking high-quality, trustworthy advice. - Pre-retiree guidance seekers – Prefer comprehensive, in-person planning and value relationship-driven service. Tailoring your services and outreach to these varied groups can boost both relevance and long-term loyalty. Strategy #3: Integrate Technology with Human Insight Women investors often value both digital convenience and the human touch. Offering tech-enabled tools for financial tracking and planning can enhance engagement, especially with younger clients who expect digital fluency. However, the report stresses that meaningful conversations and expert guidance remain vital. Balance technology with regular, thoughtful advisor interactions to deliver a holistic client experience. Strategy #4: Empower Through Transparent and Collaborative FinancialEducation Women often value financial advice that emphasizes clarity, empowerment, and collaboration rather than jargon or high-pressure sales tactics. Offering workshops, webinars, or informal sessions on topics like investment strategies, retirement planning, or estate considerations creates an environment where clients feel informed and confident in their decisions. This approach positions you as a trusted partner invested in their financial goals and independence, encouraging earlier and deeper engagement. It also addresses a key insight from McKinsey's latest research—that many women begin working with financial advisors later than men (for example, 35% of U.S. women start after age 45, compared to 28% of men). By providing accessible, ongoing educational opportunities, advisors can foster trust and build meaningful relationships from the start. Strategy #5: Build an Inclusive Team Culture Diversity within your advisory team can enhance your ability to connect authentically with female clients. A team that reflects varied backgrounds and experiences will bring richer perspectives to client conversations and create an environment where women feel understood and valued. Beyond gender, prioritize inclusivity in all dimensions—including age, culture, and expertise—to strengthen your firm's culture and client relationships. While women do not necessarily prefer female advisors exclusively, McKinsey shows that diverse teams—encompassing gender and other underrepresented groups—have been proven to better retain female clients during major life transitions. Recruiting and mentoring diverse talent not only strengthens client engagement but also future-proofs your firm in a changing demographic landscape. The Path Forward The financial landscape is changing, and women investors are at the forefront of this evolution. For wealth managers, embracing this reality is more than smart, it's essential to sustainable growth. The future belongs to those who recognize that serving women investors is not a niche strategy—it's a fundamental business shift with the power to transform
