We had the good fortune of connecting with Rose Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose, let’s start with a hypothetical. What advice would you give to someone facing insurmountable odds?
Never Bite it all off at once. If you have multiple issues coming at you all at once, organize them in order of highest to lowest priority and tackle them individually. You will find that you have an entire army inside of you, fighting for you and your best interest.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to say that business is one of my art forms. I am a creative. I have always loved the arts and had a passion for curating events and shows but business operations is my biggest talent. Covid-19 has prevented us from opening for a month now and I have to say I am really starting to ache for the connection to our audience. I miss the community of the place and the friends that just stop in when they want to see us. My art is also connecting people and helping other artists find their spotlight. It took me years to find my fit and this wasn’t at the top of my list. I always dreamed of running an arthouse theater but never thought it would happen. Now that it has, I have found incredible fulfillment across the board, creatively and professionally. It was not easy. We are incredibly DIY and built it all ourselves. We have had many obstacles locally and financially but we always persevere as a unit. We are a tight group of passionate creatives and seem unstoppable at times. I have learned that in order to survive in a small town lacking nuanced culture, we have had to focus heavily on community. We are a huge part of the LGBTQ+ Community and serve as a safe space for all. We love our town and have learned that we are a big part of it’s steadily growing culture we will always want to be a part of that. I think what sets us apart from most businesses is our love for the arts and our community combined. We don’t separate ourselves from anyone. We are non discriminatory and love to get down in the dirt and be a part of what the world around us is brewing. We don’t shy away from the hard stuff and always backup the underdogs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to lunch at the River Street Deli and walk across the Walnut street bridge and over to the Aquarium. The next stop would be a river boat tour on the Southern Belle where we could eat a snack and play some games in the 3rd Deck Burger Bar after the tour. For nightlife, I would go see a show at my theater. Likely a Drag Show with the Queens of the Palace or Comedy with Chatt Talk Tonight or Cut Throat Comedy! Then a late night snack at Pickle Barrel or CBC for the best bar foods in town. Maybe a night cap at Matilda Midnight at the gorgeous and luxurious Dwell Hotel. All within walking distance, I might add! This is just a small example of the many great things there are to do in downtown Chattanooga. This all seems like a dream in the times we are currently living in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first people that come to mind are my wonderful staff at the Palace. They are my best friends and the most talented people that I know. On top of being incredibly loyal and kind, they are also brilliant. I couldn’t have found a better group to carry this business with.

Website: www.chattpalace.com
Instagram: palace_theater_
Twitter: palacetheater1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palacetheaterchatt/?ref=br_rs
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0u7LcTiAXWXJv9BZwGMYQ?view_as=subscriber

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