Whether you’re exploring local dining, shopping for unique finds, or connecting with innovative entrepreneurs, these streets highlight the ongoing creativity, resilience, and economic contributions of Memphis’s Black business community

Elvis Presley Boulevard

Located in the historic Whitehaven community, Elvis Presley Boulevard is a vibrant street with a rich blend of history and thriving businesses. While it’s best known as the location of Graceland, the second most visited home in America, this iconic street is also home to a variety of standout establishments that reflect the culture and resilience of the neighborhood.

• Tri-State Bank: One of the few Black-owned banks in the nation, Tri-State Bank has been a cornerstone of financial empowerment since 1946, supporting economic growth in the community.
• Electrolyfe Juice Bar: A health-conscious spot offering fresh, revitalizing juices, perfect for those embracing wellness.
• M J Edwards Funeral Home: A trusted institution providing compassionate support during life’s most challenging moments.
• Beleaf Cigars: A welcoming space for cigar enthusiasts, offering premium hand-rolled options for both novices and aficionados.
• Egg King Cafe: A local favorite serving hearty homestyle breakfasts, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
• Pollard’s BBQ: A must-visit for pulled pork lovers, combining the best of Memphis barbecue and game-day vibes.
• Hot Wings Spots: For wing enthusiasts, the boulevard boasts local gems like Dbo’s, BJs, and Best Wings, each serving up flavorful takes on this classic dish.

These businesses are more than just places to shop or dine; they represent the vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit that define Whitehaven and make Elvis Presley Boulevard a cornerstone of Memphis’s Black-owned business community.

Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue, particularly in the medical district area, is emerging as a hub for diverse businesses, reminiscent of the entrepreneurial spirit of Black Wall Street. This vibrant street offers a wide range of services and unique establishments, showcasing the creativity and drive of the local community.

• Spikner: A longstanding community staple, Spikner specializes in promotional product distribution and custom printing, serving businesses across Memphis.
• Phillip Ashley Chocolates: This world-renowned chocolatier, located at 1200 Madison Avenue, offers custom, award-winning chocolates that redefine luxury and creativity in confectionery.
• Slice of Soul Pizza Lounge: A local favorite, this Black-owned pizza shop serves up delicious pies with a soulful twist, perfect for casual dining or a night out.
• Modern Shoe Repair & Shoe Shine Parlor: This unassuming storefront is home to expert craftsmanship, providing high-quality shoe repair and shining services.

Madison Avenue is also a hotspot for creative industries and dining experiences:

• Marketing Agencies: Home to three prominent Black-owned firms—Three(i) Creative Communications, The Carter Malone Group, and Redmond Design Service LLC—this street fosters innovation and collaboration.
• Upscale Kutz Barbershop: A go-to destination for fresh cuts and community vibes.
• Brinson’s Downtown Chicken Lounge: A lively spot for great food, drinks, and entertainment.
• 524 Madison Event Center: A versatile venue for celebrations and gatherings.
• The Bar-B-Q Shop: A legendary destination for classic Memphis barbecue.
• Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken: Famous for its flavorful chicken dishes, this eatery is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Madison Avenue is steadily evolving into a thriving oasis for entrepreneurship, creativity, and community. With continued support and intentional growth, this street is becoming a shining example of Memphis’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Main Street

Main Street in downtown Memphis is a bustling hub of culture, history, and diverse Black-owned businesses. It showcases the creativity and determination of black entrepreneurs who have shaped this iconic street. Notable spots include:

• The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery: A historic museum showcasing the photography of Dr. Ernest C. Withers, capturing pivotal moments in black history and Memphis’s cultural evolution.
• Butterific Bakery & Café: This beloved local bakery is known for its rich, buttery desserts, including pound cakes and cookies that bring a homemade touch to every bite.
• Sage Memphis: offers a fresh take on Southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on bold flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Known for its signature Hot Cauliflower and Soul Waffles, this upscale yet inviting spot provides a unique dining experience that blends tradition with innovation.

Visitors can enjoy a mix of history, shopping, and dining while connecting with the vibrant black community along Main Street.

South Main Arts District

The South Main Arts District is a blend of history and creativity, home to unique Black-owned businesses that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of the Memphis black community. Key establishments include:

• The African Place: A treasure trove of authentic African art, clothing, and cultural artifacts, connecting patrons with their heritage and black history.
• Cheryl Pesce The Lifestyle Store: A boutique featuring luxurious jewelry, handcrafted goods, and lifestyle items created by visionary business owners.

This district offers a perfect blend of artistic inspiration, cultural discovery, and connections to the business association of Memphis through its innovative entrepreneurs.

Cooper-Young District

Known for its vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, Cooper-Young is a trendy neighborhood that embodies the creative spirit of Memphis. Home to a variety of unique Black-owned businesses, this district offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie or a culture enthusiast. Highlights include:

• The Juice Joint Bar: Located at 999 S. Cooper St., this Black-owned juice bar offers a variety of fresh, health-conscious beverages in the heart of Cooper-Young.
• Waffle Cream: A sweet spot in Cooper-Young, Waffle Cream serves unique combinations of ice cream and waffles, providing a delightful treat for visitors and locals alike.

Cooper-Young is a haven for foodies and those looking to support business owners contributing to Memphis’s culture.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street and Its Lessons for Memphis

Black Wall Street, once thriving in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District, remains a powerful symbol of Black excellence and resilience. In 1921, this community was one of the wealthiest African-American neighborhoods in the United States. Dollars circulated within the community 36 to 100 times and stayed there for nearly a year before leaving, according to historical accounts. This success was no accident—it was intentional. O.W. Gurley, a wealthy African-American entrepreneur, purchased over 40 acres of land in 1906, selling exclusively to other African-Americans, creating a thriving hub for Black business and wealth.

Despite its prosperity, Black Wall Street was tragically destroyed in a violent attack by a white mob, leaving 300 people dead and 800 injured. The district’s fall serves as both a sobering reminder of systemic racism and an inspiring example of what intentionality and community support can achieve.

Memphis, one of the largest majority-Black cities in the United States, shares a similar potential for growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 64.2% of the city’s 651,073 residents identify as Black or African-American. However, the reality of Black poverty in Memphis contrasts sharply with the success of Greenwood. The poverty rate for non-Hispanic Black residents in Memphis stands at 33.8%, a stark reminder of the economic challenges faced by the community.

Intentional support for Black-owned businesses in Memphis is one way to bridge this gap. By choosing to shop, dine, and engage with these businesses, consumers and corporations alike can contribute to fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and creating a stronger, more equitable community. What if Memphis could take lessons from the legacy of Black Wall Street and become a modern-day example of Black entrepreneurship and resilience? The potential is here—it just needs our collective effort.

The post Memphis Streets Where Black-Owned Businesses Thrive appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Our city’s soul is described by generosity that knows no bounds and the thousands of Memphians building community with each other on the daily. It’s the activism that stirring in our hearts, pushing each other and the world to see better and do better. It’s in the limitless innovation fueling insatiable curiosity and so, so much more. Memphis has always been a place of big hearts and even bigger ideas, where the spirit of soul finds its home. So, when you’re seeing your fellow Memphians’ faces across the city, you’re seeing a mirror reflecting our collective pride.

We’ll be sharing stories of how your fellow Memphians connect with our city through food, fitness, music, and so much more! Be sure to keep an eye out for billboards across the city featuring some familiar faces!

Meet Chaz Anthony

Meet Chaz Anthony, a Memphis-born designer and entrepreneur whose clothing line Don’t Let Mom Find Out has taken Memphis’ street style by storm! From pop-up shops in cities like Atlanta & New York, to overcoming a life-changing accident, Chaz embodies the resilience and spirit of Memphis.

What are your top 3 places you love to visit in Memphis? (restaurants, bars, hangout places, coffee shops, parks, shops, churches, organizations, etc.) 

My favorite lounge is Esco. They treat me like family there. They already know what I want when I walk through the door. My favorite restaurant is Smackers on Highland. Before I got shot, I would smash four cheeseburgers sliders–easy. Now I have to settle for the salmon because it’s soft. Lastly, my favorite hangout spot is definitely my home. There is no place in this city that compares to my couch, haha.

How does Memphis as a city inspire you or impact the work that you do? 

All the support that Memphis has provided my business over the years has been a huge inspiration for me to keep pushing my brand. This city loves them some DLMFO and I love that for us! That support has kept me going til this day. I still get texts sometimes from friends saying “Everyone at this event has on DLMFO”. I tear up every time lol.  

What are you most excited to see happening in Memphis now? 

The amount of musical talent that’s sprouting from this city is very exciting to watch. It is very easy to spot the influence Memphis has on the industry. Also, there is an immense amount of athletic talent coming from the city. For example, Kelvin Perkins from my alma mater (Southwind High School). That kid is a beast and he’s only what, in the tenth grade? Won Mr. Football in 2023. Amazing.  

Is there another Memphian who has inspired you, impacted the work that you do, or who you’d like to shout out? 

There’s a guy who is on the corner of Poplar and E. Parkway. Rain, sleet, snow, hail, it does not matter, he is there selling drinks to cars stopping at the light. His hustle is unmatched. I see him every day and I think to myself “I have no excuse”. 

How do you hope to inspire change in Memphis? 

I hope to continue to inspire creatives to create and stand behind their art proudly. I also hope to continue to inspire those who want to be an entrepreneur but are afraid to take that risk. I want people to take that risk! You only have one life—live it the way you want! 

The post Bring Your Soul: Chaz Anthony appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis is a city unlike any other. It has city amenities and opportunity, but with a hometown feel, making it the perfect place for up-and-coming talent to find community, build a network, and get involved. With an easily accessible region and rich higher education institutions within Memphis proper, this city is bustling with eager students and thought leaders ready to contribute.

Creating a business begins with an idea. Running a successful business depends on location. Without the right location, your business may never take off and receive the kind of exposure it deserves. It may never connect with the right audience, and you may not find the right employees to help make it happen.

You need a city that offers you a top tier of workers and yet doesn’t cost a fortune to move into. You need a city with a thriving population and yet a location where your business will stand out. You need a city like Memphis.

Memphis has positioned itself as one of the premier professional environments in the region — and in the entire country. With a young and growing workforce, you have access to every line of professional you need to help get your company off the ground, from trade professionals such as licensed electricians to young college graduates who are excited to move forward into the professional world.

Like any other city, Memphis has policies and programs in place for entrepreneurs and achievers. Unlike any other city, Memphis is committed to seeing that success become a reality and constantly makes improvements to ensure a more opportunistic environment. Don’t believe us? Here’s the proof.

Talent

Young professionals see cities like Memphis as a great place to plug and play, and that’s why Forbes recently ranked Memphis at No. 4 on its “Happiest City to Work in Right Now” list. The millennial scene in Memphis is vibrant and fun, with organizations like Choose901, Undercurrent and New Memphis Institute that are committed to connecting people and building relationships.

Our Memphis workforce is young and growing—more than 1,700 millennials moved to the city in 2015, putting workers’ median age at just 35 years old. The Greater Memphis Chamber offers grants and incentives to find, hire and train local employees, while a strong educational community of colleges, universities and technical training schools provide quality opportunities for professional training and development in everything from service industries to tech.

Cost of business & living

Tennessee has no property tax or state income tax on wages and has the second-lowest local and state tax burden per capita. Additionally, Memphis’ economic development partners offer tax incentives to businesses relocating to or expanding in the region.

Aside from a business-friendly tax environment, the cost of living in Memphis is consistently at least 12% lower than the national average. This means that, in addition to your money going farther in Memphis, top talent can move here, make money, and still have the income to live the life they want. That’s why Realtor.com ranked Memphis third on their list of where millennials are most likely to buy homes.

Infrastructure

Strong infrastructure is a vital component of business success, and Memphis is one of the nation’s premier supply chain hubs. Whether you require runways, railways, riverways or roadways, you’ll be able to make your mark in Memphis.

Entrepreneurial environment

With giants like FedEx and AutoZone headquartered here and direct access to water, air, and rail, Memphis is widely known as a leader in global commerce and logistics. But what you may not know is that those Fortune 500 companies and other corporate giants in Memphis continue to give back and foster a highly networked B2B community of incubators, accelerators, and start-up support programs. Epicenter is the hub of the Greater Memphis entrepreneurship movement, Bioworks is the Mid-South’s go-to organization for creating companies, jobs, and investment in bioscience and sustainability, Leadership Memphis prepares and mobilizes leaders to work together – the list goes on and on for opportunity in Memphis. In fact, Inc. ranked Memphis at the top of their opportunity index for entrepreneurs in the Nov. 2017 print issue, and Blacktech Week ranked Memphis the best metropolitan area for black-owned companies in 2017.

Memphis is also an ideal place for creatives: the local non-profit arts industry in Memphis drives $197.3 million in annual spending and supports the equivalent of more than 6,100 jobs; Memphis was designated as a ‘Maker City’ by Etsy. For individuals seeking a supportive, entrepreneurial environment, now is the time and Memphis is the place.

Diversity and inclusivity

A conversation about entrepreneurship wouldn’t be complete without mention of WMBEs (Women and Minority-owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs), and no city is more aware of that than Memphis. While there’s still a long way to go to achieve a level playing field, Memphis supports programs and initiatives that work towards creating a more inclusive business environment.

Memphis-based programs like the Supplier Diversity Collaborative are designed to help Memphis small businesses succeed. Through these programs, the heads of minority- and women-owned businesses learn to increase sales via corporate connections and community development, then leverage this success to engage with private-sector companies. The collaborative guides companies through the MWBE certification process, after which they are listed in the MWBE catalog—a database that makes it easier for corporations to find and buy from MWBEs.

Similarly, the MMBC Continuum is an economic accelerator that helps qualifying minority- and women-owned businesses form partnerships with major corporations. With additional support from the Chamber and City Government, Memphis has ambitious goals of increasing the number of – and, more importantly, scaling – MWBEs by hundreds on an annual basis.

To address gaps in the workforce that ensure individuals are growing and scaling alongside businesses, the Memphis business community approaches workforce development as a team. The approach is four-fold: Memphis Works connects businesses and potential workers; the Workforce Investment Network provides the training, skill development and education that prospective employees need to become part of the local workforce; the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce focuses on long-term workforce development by identifying skill gaps and creating targeted training and education; and the Mid-South Quality Productivity Center partners with Southwest Tennessee Community College to offer consulting and training services to business owners.

By tackling entrepreneurial disparity head-on, Memphis is actively creating pipelines to success for issues that cities across the nation struggle with.

Accelerating

Memphis is home to Start Co., a startup incubator that provides new businesses with the capital, guidance, and discipline to find the investors and facilities they need. Via three different accelerators focused on B2B, ed tech, and women-led startups, Start Co. has graduated 55 startups, with a 75% follow-on funding rate and $18 million raised in investments.

ServiceMaster, the national home services company based in Memphis, is getting in on the startup action as well. In June 2017, ServiceMaster opened the doors to Ground Floor, an Innovation Center in downtown Memphis that consolidated its offices to a single headquarters in a former mall and also created a collaborative workspace.

“Innovation often isn’t this clean, nice bolt of inspiration,” noted ServiceMaster CIO Jamie Smith. “Innovation’s more about having the grit to see that idea through into the world. I really can’t think of a place better than Memphis, the city that had the audacity to create something as disruptive as rock ‘n’ roll and to challenge the monopoly of the postal service.”

Memphis serves as a hub for innovation in highly lucrative fields, giving large corporations opportunities to plug into talent while giving back.

Entrepreneurs looking to help entrepreneurs

Memphis is a different animal from other cities. If you look at larger destinations like New York or Chicago, you need to be both great and lucky to survive. One of the reasons we love conducting business in Memphis is because you don’t need to be lucky. You just need to have a good idea and a strong work ethic. Everything else falls into place.

The city’s strong entrepreneurship community is always on the lookout to help prop up new businesses. Members of this community understand the struggles of starting a new business, and yet they also share the excitement of getting hands in the dirt and building a company from the ground up.

In Memphis, there are always other professionals out there you can bond with. Here, it’s more than professional networking. Yes, you have the ability to forge strong relationships with these other business leaders, but often it’s more than just a professional relationship that is created. There is a drive to assist wherever possible. Because business owners understand what it takes for their own company to thrive, they need others to thrive as well.

Thriving businesses bring in more workers and help to grow the community. So if you’re interested in such a business presence, Memphis is the place for you.

Memphis continues to shape the world

Memphis is known for its music and its food. Yet the city has so much more to offer than just entertainment and a satisfied stomach. It wants to reshape the way small businesses work. That is why the city is set up to assist people who own small businesses — the individuals who are looking to create startups fueled by long nights, coffee and passion. While every business starts with a great idea, many need help along the way to turn the idea into a reality. This is where the city of Memphis comes in.

It all begins with a location

No matter how great an idea is, a business will not thrive if it isn’t in the right location. Without the support of the local community, the budding idea will die before it ever has a chance to take off. Memphis wants to give entrepreneurs everything they need to cultivate the idea and turn it from a dream into a reality. That is why the city has become one of the premier destinations for small businesses in the entire country.

The city is already a great location for individuals looking to not only create a local business, but a regional company. With its position along the Mississippi, Memphis can be quickly reached from cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Cleveland. This makes it easier for a company to grow and thrive. Yet beyond just the geographical location of the city, Memphis itself offers more to local businesses and startups than most other cities in the country.

Resources needed to thrive

Memphis has the thriving talent pool of a large city yet offers the lower costs of a smaller community. Additionally, the state of Tennessee doesn’t have state income tax and has a low property tax rate, making it an affordable option compared to most competing states. When a business starts up, the more money it can save, the more money it can pump back into itself. Because of a number of city- and state-based grants for startups and new businesses, it is easier to get a company off the ground in Memphis than almost anywhere else.

Help Is All Around You

Any business owner will tell you there’s so much work that goes into running a business. The term “small” business isn’t exactly fair to you. While you might be smaller than the large corporations, it doesn’t represent the sheer amount of work that goes into it.

Thankfully, the city of Memphis is behind you and can offer a number of ways to help you out. You can check out the Greater Memphis Chamber to pick up information on opening a small business. Here you’ll find valuable resources to connect you with data on local laws and requirements. It can also help connect you with the right outlets for avoiding potential pitfalls.

There is the Business Development Center as well, which is run by the City of Memphis. It provides you with counseling and guidance in starting up a business. One of the best ways to run a successful company is to know someone who has run both a success and a failure as they will tell you want you should and shouldn’t do. Not everyone has that kind of access, but at the Business Development Center, you do.

You also have the Tennessee District Office and U.S. Small Business Administration located in Memphis. The SBA can help you on a state and federal level for opening a business, including connecting you with small business loans and other development assistance.

There is plenty of help around Memphis. These are just a handful of the available organizations.

Finding Your Mentor

The varying business associations around Memphis are great resources for educating you on running a business. However, there’s still nothing like having a mentor from a successful company giving you tips and insights. Memphis Score can help you with this.

The Memphis Score Organization is an outlet for small business owners looking to better educate themselves and prepare themselves for success. Through the website you can find a mentor who is willing to take you under their wing and show you the ropes.

You can also take in a workshop put on by Score, or you can even read up on the latest Memphis business news and information through the Memphis Score blog. The blog itself is a helpful tool providing you with information that is not only timely and fresh, but specific to you as an entrepreneur.

See What’s Working

One of the best ways to know how to run a business, or at the very least get a better understanding of what is working, is to get out there and take in local small businesses. Stop by and look at what generates customers. Note ideas you like or things you don’t like. You can then implement some of these ideas into your own business. One of the best times to do this is during Small Business Saturday, which is a shopping day put on at different times of the year and is designed to highlight local small businesses.

Bring your ideas

Solo practices, family enterprises, maker businesses and startups are the lifeblood of the Memphis business community, while a low cost of living and moderate home prices make the area attractive to a robust workforce. Small businesses thrive in Memphis, and we welcome you to join our network of doers, dreamers, makers, and believers.

To learn more about how Memphis supports entrepreneurs, check out our partner websites:

• Memphis Works
• MMBC Continuum Memphis
• Greater Memphis Chamber
• Start Co.
• ServiceMaster
• Made By Project

The post Your Guide to Becoming a Entrepreneur in Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Location, location, location

Our central North American location makes it a great choice for national manufacturing and operations. Memphis is a legendary distribution hub whether you need to move goods by air, rail, water or land.

Road, rail, runway, and river

We don’t just SAY we move a lot of cargo at Memphis Airport, we can prove it. Our airport is number one among all U.S. airports in total cargo tonnage.  And once the cargo gets here, we have everything you need to get it where it needs to be. We have two interstate highways (I-40 and I-55), five major freight railroads, and the Mighty Mississippi River.

Business relocation incentives

While we continue to nurture Memphis-based businesses and industries, we also want to encourage businesses to make the leap and relocate to Memphis. This city offers a business-friendly tax and regulatory environment, workforce training incentives, and affordable, attractive resources that can help grow your margins. We have a highly networked, deeply engaged B2B community, which can accelerate access to customers and suppliers—locally and globally.

Business relocation to Memphis offers expansion opportunities you won’t find in comparable American cities, with benefits including:

• Employee training incentives
• Energy discounts
• Expedited licensing and permits
• Financing
• Infrastructure improvement incentives
• Tax credits

Project assistance for your business

The Memphis One Stop Shop program can help simplify your project and accelerate your timelines by providing in-depth local and state information. Knowledgeable representatives of Memphis and the state of Tennessee can work with you on a confidential basis to quickly answer questions and address issues involving:

• Building codes
• Building sites
• City and county market data
• Construction delays
• Demographic data
• Fire codes
• GIS mapping
• Land sites and acreage
• Permits
• Research
• Statistical information
• Taxation
• Transportation access
• Utilities
• Zoning

Small and minority-owned business services

The Tennessee Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) provides technical, financial and business plan development advice and services. BERO incentives for small and minority-owned companies include assistance with B2B networking, creation of export opportunities and help with procurement, just to name a few.

Let’s get to work!

Tennessee is a Right to Work state, meaning it is unlawful to hire or fire based on affiliation or non-affiliation with unions and other labor organizations. Memphis’ low cost of living and lack of state income tax will appeal to your relocating employees—and with a total labor force of approximately 623,924, the city has no shortage of local job-seekers.

Memphis tech sector grows

The tech industry is making a big impact in the Memphis workforce, with wages increasing more than 15 percent over the last five years. Skilled tech workers are moving to our city in droves to fill the high-wage jobs in the Memphis tech sector. Tech employment has grown by 7.8 percent in the last five years and 35 percent since 2004, with computer systems design and related services leading the charge. Since the tech sector creates more economic spillover than most other industries, this is good news for all of us in Memphis.

Families thrive in Memphis

Memphis has a growing economy and good quality of life, with the vibrancy and culture of a big city and the welcoming feel of a hometown. Families that live and work in towns with higher-education institutions enjoy many advantages—and Memphis has 20 colleges and universities within 40 miles of the city center! This means your employees and their families will have convenient access to:

• Arts and culture like the Art Museum of the University of Memphis
• Live music venues and concerts by the renowned Memphis Symphony Orchestra
• Medical programs and research/development opportunities at the Medical Education & Research Institute
• Memphis Tigers basketball, soccer and football games
• Student internships & jobs
• Student educational tutors for children
• City of Memphis libraries
• Memphis colleges and universities
• World-class speakers and authorities

Now is the time to consider a partnership with the City of Memphis. It’s sure to be a win for you, your business or organization, your employees and their families.

You may also be interested in: Living in Memphis: Finding a home, or testing the waters

The post Make Memphis Moves: Business Relocation appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Support small businesses and celebrate Mom this year!

Snapdragon Floral (East Memphis): Known for its stunning floral designs and commitment to using fresh, seasonal blooms, Snapdragon Floral is a perfect choice for the lady who appreciates a classic and elegant bouquet. Be sure to check out their Afternoon Tea room–what better way to celebrate the day?

Mili’s Flowers and Gifts (Crosstown): Looking for something a little more unique? Mili’s Flowers and Gifts offers a playful and creative approach to floral design. Their vibrant arrangements are sure to brighten your special someone’s day! They also have a great selection of unique gifts, cards, and more!

Midtown Bramble and Bloom (Midtown): This  florist specializes in flowers sourced from her micro flower farm and offers a variety of seasonal arrangements. Midtown Bramble and Bloom is passionate about sustainability and uses eco-friendly practices. Bouquets that are not only beautiful but also good for the environment? That’s a win-win!

Hosanna’s Flower Co. (Midtown): Need a beautiful bouquet of blooms in Midtown? Hosanna’s got you covered! With Midtown pickup and delivery available, there’s no excuse for forgetting to treat the special lady in your life!

Everbloom Design (Broad Avenue): If Mom has a taste for the modern and stylish, then Everbloom Design is the place to go. Their beautiful contemporary arrangements are sure to impress. They also offer a variety of services, including wedding flowers, event design, and floral subscriptions!

Premier Flowers (Downtown): Premier Flowers is a Memphis staple and offers a wide selection of traditional and modern arrangements to suit any taste or budget. They also have a convenient online ordering system, so you can send your special someone a beautiful bouquet no matter where you are.

No matter which florist you choose, we know they will love your thoughtful gesture!

The post Show You Care: 6 Amazing Memphis Florists for Mother’s Day! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Ben Brown – Ben Brown Photography

Ben Brown is a photographer and cinematographer local to Memphis. He’s done a variety of shoots with celebrities, notable brands, and more. You can book him for portraits, graduation photos, video shoots, and other photo/video needs.

Jasmine Settles – Cafe Noir

Jasmine Settles opened Cafe Noir, a bookstore and cafe, in order to showcase Black, PoC, LGBTQI+ authors and ethically sourced and fair-traded coffee. This inclusive bookshop also holds events and book clubs, making this a great space for remote work or meeting others over coffee.

Bartholomew Jones and Renata Henderson – Cxffeeblack

Cxffeeblack aims to bring coffee’s origins from Africa to the forefront, and its co-founders have made a name for themselves not just in the 901 but around the country. They’ve been featured on NPR, Thrillist, and more notable sites and publications. Check out their selection of coffee and merch online.

Amber Williams – Ambrowskii

If you’re looking for some pixel-style artwork, then check out Ambrowskii’s website. You can order custom illustrations, character art, and so much more. This is a great way to update your home office with some unique artwork while supporting a Memphis entrepreneur.

Kiamesha Wilson – Kaye’s Ice Cream

Kiamesha, or Kaye, started her ice cream adventure in 2020, and now you can find her flavorful, creamy frozen desserts around Memphis. She’s got a storefront on Winchester as well, and this family business is the perfect spot for indulging in delicious ice cream in unique flavors like Vanilla Brownie Sundae and Crushed Black Walnut.

The post Black Entrepreneurs Making Waves in the Bluff City appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Throughout the years, Memphis has been home to the industry’s most successful artists and creatives, yet there is still a lot of migration to other cities in search of a breakthrough in their careers. 

This was the conversation that the late Benarl E Smith II, Publisher of the New Tri-State Defender Newspaper, was having with his daughter when the idea of Memphis 10 Magazine was born. 

In their discussion, their to-be magazine was meant to be a home for all artists to connect and promote their creativity. 

Mr. Smith did not live to see this day, but through his daughter Brianna Smith-Herman, Memphis 10 Magazine is finally here. 

‘Our agenda is to highlight local creatives, build their visibility and support them to connect and impact Memphis’, Brianna stated. 

The magazine will be looking to highlight the known and the unknown, so that together with the community, Memphis 10 Magazine can grow the talent with confidence and aggression. 

Brianna hopes that the magazine will represent Memphis’s creative industry and be part of the solution to the many challenges that have caused many talents to move away from the vibrant city. Memphis 10 Magazine will achieve this by working together with old and new artists, conducting research and interviews, hosting networking events and concerts, and supporting artists and creatives at all levels.

How would you describe Memphis 10 Magazine?

The magazine represents the interests of the creative minds of Memphis; It will be part of celebrations and solutions. Memphis 10 Magazine will eventually be a quarterly publication, it is an all-inclusive magazine with a specific focus on black arts, creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses in the 901. Although the print’s main focus will be to promote, support, and grow the creative industry, the magazine also looks forward to hosting great minds and telling stories that will inspire.

What separates Memphis 10 Magazine from other publications?

Memphis 10 is an experience from top to bottom. It’s colorful, the imagery is beautiful, and the stories are told from an engaging perspective. It’s an art, culture and lifestyle magazine, with a focus on the best in black of our city. It is not because we are biased that we have chosen our focus, but because we want to fill the gap and produce a print that will speak for the people that we represent. The publication has been thought out and produced by Memphis’s own and will be looking to bring informative and inspiring entertainment to the people of Memphis and beyond, creating a top-notch and competitive publication. 

What inspired you to create the Magazine?

I’ve been into interviewing and story-telling for as long as I can remember. Ironically, in 2013 my dad engineered a deal to bring ownership and operation of the New Tri-State Defender to Memphis, for the first time in the publication’s 70-year existence. In that opportunity, I was able to get firsthand experience in seeing how he ran and revitalized that publication.  I was able to write and interview about topics that interested me. I went on to matriculate at Clark Atlanta University where I obtained my degree in Mass Media Arts: Radio/TV/Film and buried myself in media, social, digital, print; I was into it all. My dad played a major role in me wanting to create Memphis 10 Magazine, he planted the seed years ago. Memphis has a major renaissance going on and as a journalist, I wanted to tap into it. I wanted to create something to expose it, to cater to it, to show appreciation to it and to the ones that are making it happen here. At Memphis 10 we hold a strong belief that people thrive best in their home ground and as such even the best can be better if they succeed from their roots; the magazine is here to support that agenda. 

What went into creating the first edition?

First, Confidence! When my dad passed in 2017, I struggled big time with adjusting to my new norm. I had always been a big dreamer and go-getter but I became a shell of myself for at least 3 years after his passing. In that time, I focused heavily on myself, my healing and figuring out how I wanted to move forward with my life. I moved back to Memphis from Los Angeles right before COVID and started trying to get back acclimated to the city. Fast forward a few months, I began working for Three(i) Creative Communications and that’s where a lot of the dots started connecting for me. 3i helped me gain a lot of my confidence back, it helped me tap back into my creativity bag. I began working on Memphis 10 Magazine in July of 2021 and was able to finally release the first edition in June 2022. Second, stay the course! The first edition was nothing but trial and error, but I saw my end goal and didn’t give up.  Three, finding the right people to help me push the vision forward. 

The first issue of Memphis 10 honors The Late Young Dolph. It also features 901 Movers & Shakers, such as The owners of Odds Atelier, Producer JP, Event Planner Cyntia Daniels, The King of Nightlife Curtis Givens, Director & Writer H. Lee Bell and the stars of Jookin, The Memphis Grizzlies, R&B Sensation J.Howell, Coach Penny and his Memphis Tigers, and The Beale Street Flippers. 

Readers can purchase a digital or hard copy of Memphis 10 Magazine at www.Memphis10Mag.com.

The post Black Owned Business Spotlight: Memphis 10 Magazine appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Great floral design should not only reflect the personality of a party, but also inspire energy, connection, and nostalgia among its guests. That’s the philosophy of Verushka Wilson, owner and lead designer of small Memphis floral studio, The Mane Wildling.

Its niche is uncommon creations that elevate the vibe of an event. The Mane Wildling’s unique designs make imperfection look pretty. Its chaotic aesthetic echoes the anarchy of nature through sprawling branches, blooms and bouquets that show beauty in asymmetry. For the nontraditional host or bride, these designs bring just the right amount of crazy to a décor scheme. Verushka launched the brand in 2020 to honor her late grandfather, a Somerville farmer and gardener named Charles “Mane” Coleman.

She built her flower farm on the land he willed to her and her siblings, channeling its generational legacy of wealth, life, and growth. That flower farm now serves as the source of The Mane Wildling’s signature arrangements, each of which is made to order. If you’re planning your next gathering or wedding, check them out!

Peace and love, mane! Email: themanewildling@gmail.com | Instagram: @themanewildling

You may also be interested in: Memphis Thriving Women in Business

The post Small Business Spotlight: The Mane Wildling appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Tavis “Trendin” Harvey was born in Detroit Michigan and moved around a bit before settling down in Memphis with his mom, dad and younger sister. He attended Cordova Middle and High School and started at the University of Memphis before realizing it just wasn’t for him. Which led him to begin his photography career… Now, you can catch Tavis’ photos of Jaren Jackson Jr. in the GQ February edition.

In honor of Black History Month, we sat down with Tavis Trendin to bring you five questions with the celebrity photographer.

How did you get into photography?

I knew I had an interest for photography when I would take videos on my phone at parties and events, and then one day I took a chance and bought one of my friend’s old cameras. I always wanted one but growing up purchasing a camera felt so far away financially. So when I finally could afford it I was overly excited and I went for it! 

How does Memphis influence your photography?

Memphis influences my photography by giving me that grit n grind energy everyday! It motivates me to work hard in this city. The people I’ve worked with have been amazing and the city just pushes me to see and do more daily. 

What is your favorite part about taking photos for Jaren Jackson Jr. and The Memphis Grizzlies?

Jaren and I have a friendship outside of me just being his photographer, so it’s basically just like taking pictures of a friend. You know that’s my homie! And the best part about taking photos at all The Grizzlies Games is that I have season tickets in a good spot and I always get to experience one of my best buds play up close. And I love the feeling, the energy of Memphis at every game. It’s pretty cool. I also am good with others on the team. Ja shows love frequently. Desmond, Dillion and Brandon Clarke the homies too.

What has been the biggest highlight you’ve experienced in your career so far? 

The biggest highlight in my career is just simply being successful in photography. I treat all my clients like celebrities because they could be working with whoever but I’ve been blessed to work with many high-profile people up to this point. It’s just good vibes all around being able to provide visual memories for others.

Do you have a favorite place to shoot in Memphis? Do you have a favorite style of photography?

My favorite place to shoot is at Canvas studios. That’s where I do a lot of my studio-based shoots. Also, that studio has played a huge part in my career; It’s where I learned how to shoot manually, and the quality I get from studio shoots helps me reach a new audience of customers. I love all styles of photography! I’m a real visionary. I love to get behind the camera.

Stay tuned for Tavis Trendin Sports Posters and Photoalbum that will be dropping this spring.  The posters and albums will feature his favorite film and digital photography. When Tavis isn’t taking photos, he’s making music… be sure to check out Tavis’ music at Tavis Trendin’s Music.

Website – Shotbytrendinllc.com 

@Shotbytrendin

You may also be interested in: Kristen Williams Photographer Profile

The post Black History Month Spotlight: Five Questions with Photographer Tavis “Trendin” appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis is known for its monuments and museums honoring black history, but it’s also where many pivotal events took place. This month and any month, you can visit the sites where history happened and experience the local legacy of black activism and enterprise up close. Here are some places to pin.

Universal Life Insurance Building
480 Dr. M. L. K. Jr. Avenue

This office building was built in 1949 to house the country’s fourth-largest black-owned insurance company. Its architects, Moses and Calvin McKissack, chose its Egyptian Revival style to stand out from the western styles dominating Memphis’ midcentury cityscape. The building was restored by Self + Tucker Architects in 2018.

Mason Temple
930 Mason Street

The Mason Temple is the international sanctuary and central headquarters of the Church of God in Christ. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was a hub of local civil rights activities and the stage for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Mountaintop” speech. While Sunday services are no longer held there, tourists are welcome to visit.

Beale Street Baptist Church
379 Beale Street

Known as the “Mother of Black Churches,” Beale Street Baptist Church was built by and for survivors of slavery after the Civil War. In 1892, it served as Ida B. Wells’ office for the Free Speech, Memphis’ first black newspaper. A memorial plaza and life-size statue, which were unveiled in her honor last summer, are located right next door.

Robert R. Church Park
Corner of Beale and Fourth Street

On the other side of Beale Street Baptist Church, you’ll find the city’s first park for black citizens and visitors. It was founded in 1899 by Robert R. Church as part of “Church’s Park and Auditorium,” one of the only southern centers for black recreation during segregation. It now serves as a downtown greenspace and the site of countless cultural events.

To discover more local black landmarks, visit Memphis Heritage Trail or download their app. You can take a virtual tour of the South Memphis, Downtown, Orange Mound and Soulsville neighborhoods that highlight key figures and events in Memphis black history.

You might also be interested in: Memphis Celebrates 200 Years: Here’s How You Can Get Involved

The post Memphis Spots Where Black History Happened – Places to See In Person appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Black History Month is a pivotal time in Memphis; not only because our city has been at the center of Black innovation and achievement for generations, but also because we still continue to see Memphis’ Black community influence worldwide culture today. However, part of the importance of this month shouldn’t be forgotten all of the other months throughout the year, so we’re here to share some black owned restaurants in Memphis you can support year-round. And with Memphis being such a foodie city, it’s no wonder we wanted to highlight these in particular!

Da Guilty Vegan Food Truck

Being a vegan in the city of barbecue may be rough at times, but Da Guilty Vegan is here to demonstrate that good food can still be animal-free! Whether you’re craving barbecue nachos, a burger, or even some delicious sandwiches, this place has a wide rotating selection of foods you’ll want to try again and again. You can usually spot this food truck down Houston Levee, but if you want to double-check where this truck will be stopping next, check out their social media for all of the updates.

Brain Food Memphis

Think fresh, natural, organic food can’t possibly be hearty? Think again. BrainFood in Memphis uses the best ingredients to create scrumptious, mouth-watering dishes that’ll make you come back for more. Though they don’t have a physical location, you can order curbside or delivery from anywhere to your home or office. They cater, too, so check out their social and website for all of the current servings, availability, and more.

Waffle Iron

When you have breakfast (or brunch) at Waffle Iron, you’ll understand why Food Network named them one of the 50 best waffles in America! You can even take home boxes of their sweet potato pancake and waffle mix if you just can’t get enough. Check out their website, social media, and Collierville location to snag some of their delicious goodies for yourself.

Jamaican Queen Food Truck

The search for Jamaican cooking won’t have you traveling too far with Jamaican Queen’s food truck. If you’ve got a hankering for jerk spices and scrumptious sides, this menu will have something for you! You can’t miss the truck painted with the Jamaican flag, but just in case you want to catch it near you, follow them on Facebook for updates.

Chicken Coop

If you’re on the search for some amazing wings, Chicken Coop is the place for you! So many tantalizing flavors and combinations, how could you possibly choose just one? They don’t just serve up wings, though, offering burgers, hot dogs, and many more things to delight your taste buds. Check out their site for more information, or follow their social media to see what’s new on the menu.

I Love Waffle Cream

We can’t deny we love chicken and waffles, but sometimes you just want waffles and ice cream instead, you know? This is where I Love Waffle Cream excels, offering some delicious waffle and ice cream combos. You may even brave the Memphis winter to get one of these cold treats! (They also have an Elvis-inspired flavor, because would the menu be complete without it?) Find the food truck on their website or social media to see where they’ll be stopping next!

Grillmaster Chew Food Truck

Since Memphis has its own food truck park, it’s no wonder so many amazing food trucks have made this list, including Grillmaster Chew. The taste of BBQ  never gets old in this city and this food truck offers some yummy takes on some classics, like ribs, sandwiches, and barbecue nachos. Find them on Facebook to keep up with their latest locations.

Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea

For your caffeine fix, Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea has you covered. Since they source their own beans, you know you’re in for some unique flavor profiles with genuine thought and care behind them. You can shop their coffees online or visit their location to enjoy a fresh cup for yourself. Follow them on social for specials and check their website to place an order.

Know some other local eats and treats that are Black-owned that we should know about? Tell us in the comments! We’d love to support some more local, small businesses!

You might also like: Soul Food Memphis: 5 Places to get Soul Food in Memphis TN

The post Black-Owned Restaurants and Food Trucks to Support Year-Round appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What’s the background on Made to Dream Co.? How did you get started and what inspired you?

Your “My Dreams Are Not Illegal” sticker is outstanding. Can you tell us more about the story behind it?

How has Memphis’ Latinx community been a part of your own story?

If you could give any advice to anyone looking to start a business, what would that be?

What’s next for you and Made to Dream Co.?

The post We’re all Made to Dream: Made to Dream Co. by Allie Arcos appeared first on We Are Memphis.

By: Kirstin Cheers

Here’s an homage to a community of people who keep our hair protected, healthy and strong during the blistering summers and crippling winters that are upon us: hair braiders. Braids have – at the very least – saved us time, energy and heat damage. Braids are a nod to our African roots and an act of resistance against European definitions of beauty. Embedded in this brief overview of the history of braids are features of Memphis hair braiders for our readers who need to update their “hair braider rolodex” this summer and fall.

Our ancestors left us with many tools to live this life as a Black person, including the power of the braid. Originating in Africa, braids were traditional indicators of not just style, but culture, family, tribes and religion. Because braiding took hours upon hours to complete (and sometimes even days), the tradition of hair braiding was also an opportunity to form community and fellowship. Ancient African women AND men wore braids to formal events such as weddings, funerals and ceremonial rituals as a style of elegance, class and reality.

During American slavery, Africans and their descendants born into slavery wore braids to maintain a neat and tidy look while working and to keep their hair from their faces when outside. Slaves would use household products like butter and cooking grease when braiding, absent of the natural resources in Africa prior. During Reconstruction and throughout Jim Crown, Black women maneuvered towards more European hairstyles that straightened their coily and curly hair.

Braids and other protective styles such as dreadlocks and two-strand twists were regarded as unprofessional and inappropriate for the workplace and formal ceremonies in Western culture. Hence, the word “nappy” defined hair as hard to comb through or run fingers through. Nappy hair was regarded as ‘bad hair’ and the label pushed Black women to resort to straightening their hair or being seen as having “good hair.” The straightening of ‘nappy’ hair made Black women (as well as Black men) believe that navigating white spaces would be easier, a byproduct of “respectability politics”. Those with nappy hair were seen as unkempt and unprofessional while straight hair was acceptable to the white gaze.

During the 1960s and The Black Power movement, braids were making their return as a symbol of Black pride and reconciliation with African culture. Other hairstyles including afros and dreadlocks were deemed political expressions against white supremacy and anti-Blackness. The late actress, Cicely Tyson, is credited for sparking the natural hair movement with her cornrow hairstyle on the 19060s television show East Side/West Side. Over time, more Black representation of braids and protective styles became prevalent in entertainment and media. Braids continued to stand as a symbol of Black pride, even at the rejection of European beauty standards.

It was then in the 1970s, when actress Bo Derek appeared in the film 10 wearing blonde cornrows that the beauty industry took notice and embraced braids, but only as a trend. The actress was credited with starting the trend, neglecting and ignoring the centuries-long history of the style. While white women were regarded as fashion-forward with braids, Black women were still seen as “ghetto” and “low-class” with the style. A similar reaction happened in 2020 when Kim Kardashian wore a braided hairstyle and called them “Bo Dereck Braids” and social media went ablaze with criticism, and rightfully so. Cultural appropriation prevents Black people, Black hairstylists and Black braiders from being credited and acknowledged for our culture, innovations and investments to the melting pot of what we know as American culture.

Braids continue to be a staple style for many Black people. From knotless braids which we love for their painless and long-lasting beauty to Black men wearing cornrows and bringing back the 99 and the 2000s, braids afford our hair protection from the blistering heat and frigid winters. With the ongoing pandemic, many rely on braids to forgo manipulating our hair every day, causing more damage and unnecessary stress to our tresses. Pregnant Black women are known for getting their hair braided weeks before delivering their baby. Little Black girls rock their braids on the first day of school. While hegemonic culture continues to mark braids and cultural hairstyles as unkempt, Black people fully embrace the beauty and agility of our braids. Braids are appropriate for any and every occasion.

You may also be interested in: Memphis History

The post Braid My Hair: A Salute to Braids and Black Braiders appeared first on We Are Memphis.

For those looking to add some 901 swag and excitement to their “Back Outside” pics, Memphis’ first Black Owned photo museum is here to create the perfect experience.

Pose 901 Selfie Studio is a new exhibit in Whitehaven located in The Southbrook Mall! 

They offer an array of Memphis-themed colorful backdrops, props, optical illusions and interactive set-ups. 

Founders Antoine Lever and City Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas envisioned “an original safe and culturally curated outlet for Memphians and tourists to take instagrammable photos.”

It’s a space for a fun time with family and friends and it can also be used to help individuals and businesses with content creation. It’s also ideal for photo shoots, boutiques, music videos and models.

There are 10-plus designed photo-op spaces that include – but are not limited to:

• The Studio. (You’re bound to find a picture of your favorite Black Memphis artists on the wall.)
• Welcome to Wakanda. (The exhibit features a backdrop of X’s, greenery and a Royal Chair for you to pose in.)
• Kickin ‘It Tough. (The interactive setup includes: cards/card table, dice, red cups, and of course, money.)
• Black Girl Magic. (I absolutely love this set! A Green Wall that reads Black Girl Magic in neon pink writing.)
• The Classroom. (Includes a locker, a chalkboard, desks, and motivating lyrics from Memphis own, Playa Fly written across the wall.)
• VIP Section. (Everybody feels Important in this set! Feel free to stand on the couch and enjoy your best life.)
• Hooping & Shoe Junkie Room. (If you like hooping and tennis, like many of Memphians do…. This is the theme for you.)
• Memphis VS. Everybody. (This set is self-explanatory. Put on your boxing gloves and get in the ring.)

You may also be interested in: Raleigh Springs Civic Center is here: library, skate park, lake, and more

The post Black Business Month Spotlight: Pose 901 Selfie Studio appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The Memphians listed below all represent various industries from education to innovation to fashion to entrepreneurship, all people to keep an eye on in 2021.

Zaire Love (@zy_year) is a multi-disciplinary artist, award-winning filmmaker, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur from Memphis. Her work is an ode to being Black and southern in America. Her mission is to honor and amplify the stories and voices of the Black South. Zaire is a filmmaker, music maker, documentary photographer, and creative director with her studio, Creative Cornbread. Zaire held a residency at Crosstown in 2020 and was named Indie Memphis Black Screenwriter Fellow. She is always producing dope art!

Ellen Celosky is an experienced events manager with a history of working in Development, Project Management, and Marketing. She currently serves as Director of Development at Junior Achievement where she is creating ways to provide young people with the tools necessary to succeed in a global economy. 

Lindsay Porter (@ieducate365) is the Owner and Founder of Miniature Minds Private Day School. She is adamant about preparing young scholars for primary school, with a hands-on curriculum; service-learning and academic excellence through a partnership with parents to help develop and nurture the whole child. She is laying a solid foundation for scholars as they begin their educational journey. 

Since the age of 12, Cara Greenstein (@cara_melized) has had a passion for the kitchen. Her kitchen love affair grew the older she became and she began Caramelized, a self-created, award-winning food and lifestyle brand with a purpose to share, celebrate and elevate everyday experiences. She shares recipes, beautiful photos, restaurant reviews and tablescape tutorials through her award-winning blog or day-to-day Instagram account @cara_melized.

RealRed (@1realred) is a Memphis music producer that made his entrance into the industry last year. He delivered a music project showcasing his hard-hitting production style and highlighting Memphis’ thriving rap/hip hop scene. The album featured various artists from the city such as Big Boogie, Co Cash, Fast Cash Boyz, Kevo Muney, Krucial, Casino Jizzle, Big30, Tee Top, Big Homiie G, and BlocBoy JB. His sound mixes a trap style with bouncy synths and a knack for catchy melodies. Most recently, RealRed has been spotted in the studio with Memphis artists NLE Choppa and MoneyBagg Yo. 

Diamond Young (@dyoung901) is a sales powerhouse that has relocated back to Memphis from Brooklyn, NY. In the NYC and DC areas, she had a track record of producing revenue for CoStar Groups multifamily, marketing sector, Apartments.com, as a Sales Associate and New Business Development Executive. She looks to bring that same tenacity, energy, and persistence to her hometown in several of its emerging markets. As the New Business Development Manager for Three(i) Creative Communications, the only social-impact marketing agency in TN, she is determined to increase revenue to unseen heights and assist in the economic development of the city in her spare time through marketing, sales, and community service. 

Dustin Starr (@dustinstarr) is the Co-Host and Owner of Championship Wrestling presented by Pro Shingle. You can call him the voice of the 901! He is the Emcee for the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Redbirds, Memphis 901FC, V3Fights MMA, and a PA for the Memphis Hustle. Dustin is also a co-host of CW 30 Memphis (with his wife Maria Starr), the Memphis-based version of Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. Dustin Starr is a Memphis enthusiast!

Aqila Augusta (@aqila._) has become a trailblazer in the hair care industry with the creation of her hair growth stimulant, Edge Entity. While Aqila’s professional background is not in hair care, she does credit her experience as a nurse as helping her formulate products that work. She has studied both chemistry and biology courses in-depth and has a thorough knowledge of how to combine certain ingredients to make them work well with each other to create an effective product.

You also might be interested in: Memphis Sports: A City of Champions | We Are Memphis

The post Highlighting 8 Memphians That are on Their Grit N Grind! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Cristina McCarter and Lisa Brown, the minds behind the City Tasting Box, have the right idea. Since the beginning of the pandemic, this dynamic duo has amplified Memphis’ local food scene by sharing a curated collection of items from a selection of the city’s chefs, restauranteurs, and food artisans.  

In February, the team turns the message up even more. The Majority Box is the latest box to join the team’s line up—and it comes with an ever-important message: Memphis’ culture is dependent on its black creators and innovators. This collection of products from black food artisans not only celebrates the “heritage, tenacity, and resilience” of Memphis’ food scene but also provides recipients with an opportunity to support black-owned businesses and get a taste of the Memphis experience.  

So, what’s in it? If you’re a Memphian, or you’re a Memphis food expert, these names won’t be unfamiliar. (If you’re not, get ready to fall in love.) You’ll find Pop’s Kernel Gourmet Popcorn, Flying Sobie’s Memphis Gold sauce, Chef Tam’s Black as Midnight blackening seasoning, Cxffeeblack Guji Mane Ethiopian coffee, and Mae’s Gourmet Jam, Elle Elixir’s custom tea blend. Plus, you’ll get some #WeAreMemphis swag to add to your collection!   

Cristina and Lisa have not only put effort into creating the box, but the timing couldn’t be better. By releasing this product on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they’re tapping into one of Dr. King’s central messages: economic empowerment. “Dr. King talked about service and loving our fellow neighbors, but he also talked about economic equality,” says the team. “We are still talking about economic equality. That conversation is not over.” $0.65 of every dollar from the Majority Box even goes back into the local economy!  

Looking to get in on supporting some of Memphis’ black-owned businesses? We knew you would. Get the jump on ordering (and get a discount) by placing your pre-sale order from January 18th to February 1st. Use the presale offer code MAJORITY10 at checkout to get 10% off!  

Let’s show some love to our community!  

You might also be interested in: How to Show Love to Memphis! 

The post City Tasting Box’s New Addition: The Majority Box appeared first on We Are Memphis.

We sat down with Sarai to get the scoop on her designs, but also came away with some serious inspiration to take into the new year. Check out the conversation and get blooming!

We Are Memphis (WAM): So the first question I have for you is how did you begin your design career? Like, what made you want to go into designing in the first place?

Sarai Payne (SP): I’ve been, you know, into art since I was a kid, actually. When I was five years old, I said “I’m going to be an artist.” So, I didn’t realize that I actually stuck to what I said I was going to do as a five-year-old. I’m happy about that. At the age of ten, I got curious about web designing. I would look at websites and think “how do they do that? How’d they make this website?” So I started learning how to code and that led me to graphics.  But at that time, I didn’t know that was graphic design and later I found out that there is a field for it. And also, I’ve always been into fashion. I love studying how someone came up with an idea for a brand color, fabric, style, and textures. I am also an artist. I do pieces for exhibitions, galleries, commissions, so I’d say I’m a multidisciplinary artist.

WAM: That’s awesome. You’re able to tap into so many parts of what makes you creative. Design and art all work together. I think you’re doing great!

SP:  Thank you! Sometimes I’d say I’m hard on myself, but I’m learning day by day to say, like, stop it!

WAM: Give yourself that credit! You’re doing something that people are into and you should be proud of yourself. So, how would you describe the style of the collection?

SP: I would say the style; the whole team had very different plans for 2020. You know, traveling, show tours, exhibitions, all of that. The pandemic put everything at a halt. We all dealt with it in very different ways, emotionally, health-wise. You know, if I’m sad or in my feelings, I just create. That keeps me motivated, it keeps me going. “Keep blooming” is something that I always tell myself. No matter how hard it gets, don’t give up. Keep blooming. That was the style I wanted to play with. Bold colors, sayings we often say. That is something we truly live by. Unapologetic, it’s what we represent. We tried to incorporate that. We want to create something colorful. Like even though this was created in a dark time, we wanted to create something that would stand out.

WAM: It’s cool how you said that “even though it’s a dark time, the colors should stand out.” I know that the pandemic and everything going on with 2020 inspired you to create the collection, but was there a point in time where something happened, or you were going through something that made you say “we have to do this now?”

SP: Girl, 2020 has been a year. So, um, I struggled with health issues. I had family with health issues. I even had heartbreak. Financial issues. And I’ll be honest, some days I didn’t want to keep going. It was hard. I’d have conversations with the team and we’d say “you know, why don’t we make this into art?” There’s a light at the end of the tunnel and we just have to keep going.

WAM:  2020 has been so hard like you said. Encouraging people to keep going and, as you said in the video, “find something to wake up for,” that is something that will resonate with so many people. Hearing a message like “keep blooming” can mean so much right now.

SP: I hope other people get that message too! Like, yes, keep blooming, keep going, don’t give up. I know it’s easier said than done, but you have to try your hardest to not give up.

WAM: Exactly! So, what was your favorite part of the collection? What about it really spoke to you as the designer?

SP: I would say I love working with my team! We all have such different personalities so it’s cool that we can always come together and create cohesiveness with our designs and products. AWFM is the creative director. C Major is the logistics and data person. And I’m the designer. We always help each other out with concepts. I’m just happy that I’m on a team that we appreciate and respect each other as is. We equally all respect each other’s ideas and concepts. I will say I am blessed that I have Unapologetic. Just a family a team, we look out for each other. It’s a lifestyle, it’s not just a job.

WAM: I feel like that type of community is so authentically Memphis too.

SP: I’ve been other places too and it feels like you have to look out for yourself. But not here. I totally agree with what you’re saying.

WAM:  In a time where people have been emotionally wrecked by what’s happened this year, how do you keep yourself inspired? What is your routine for keeping yourself full of inspiration?

SP: You know, I had to force myself – when I’m upset or sad, I’m a workaholic. That’s how I cope and I’m gonna admit that it’s not always healthy, but I’m gonna work through it. When 2020 shut so much stuff down, I realized I was going to have to stop. I try to work out and meditate. I make myself sleep. I watch YouTube videos too. I get anxiety if I’m sitting still for too long. So sitting down for 15 minutes watching videos gets my creativity going. I may see a color or piece in the background and go “wow.” That can inspire me to go create something.

WAM: 2020 has totally been a year for us to take a break and listen to what’s going on around us. That break you took allowed you to create something great with the collection. So, don’t be shy — take more breaks! In the promo video, you say that you want to encourage others to fight for something. What is something you fight for?

SP:  I try to fight to stay afloat and stay positive when there’s no way to be positive insight. In my own way, I try to fight for equality for black people, people of color, people in various communities. I try to fight for my own peace of mind. Sometimes so many things can be going on that it’s overwhelming. It can be a spirit killer. So, I try to fight for what makes me happy.

WAM: We’ve talked about so many great things, but, if you had to pick one thing, what do you hope people get from the collection? What about one word to describe it?

SP: I would hope that it inspires people to have hope. That things can get better. Let me think…being vulnerable. Like in the video, we’re being our honest selves. It’s not rehearsed, we’re just saying what’s on our minds. We’re sharing parts of ourselves that not many people may know about. I don’t share everything on social media. I’m not ashamed of it, but I don’t always wanna say “hey I’m going through this!” I even second-guessed releasing the collection because I was like “this doesn’t sound happy!”

WAM: Don’t be scared! Even though that’s so easy to say and it’s scary to put your soul into something and wondering how people are going to receive it. It takes guts to make something emotionally charged, but I think you did something great.

WAM: Anything else you’d like to add?

SP: I just hope that people who see the collection know that we put our hearts and feelings into the collection. We hope that if you wear it, it inspires you. And that we enjoyed creating it!

Ready to Keep Blooming? We thought you’d might be. Click here to check out the collection and grab some inspiration for yourself and follow @weareunapolog

You may also be interested in: Brandice Daniel – Designer & Artist Profile

The post Keep growing, keep fighting, Keep Blooming: A Conversation with Unapologetic’s Sarai Payne appeared first on We Are Memphis.

How did City Tasting Box get started?

“It started with City Tasting Tours, where we would take people around downtown Memphis to eat, drink, and have a good time,” Cristina says. “Then covid happened, so we had to think of new ways to bring people a taste of the city.” This opportunity also presented itself out of the need to remain a full-time entrepreneur when many were losing their jobs and businesses due to covid-19. In many ways, the City Tasting Box was the ultimate pivot strategy. Back in June, Cristina and Lisa were chatting and the idea for City Tasting Box was born. The concept was simple: it’s a way for Memphians and beyond to safely enjoy local food and drinks, while helping the struggling restaurant industry and food and beverage entrepreneurs. “It’s our way of being able to put a little bit of Memphis in a box and ship it across the nation.”

Have you always wanted to have your own business?

“I always felt I would work for myself, I just thought it would be a different field – a marketing firm or something,” Cristina says. It was through working for Yelp that she got into more of the food and beverage world, specifically focused on Memphis. “The food aspect in Memphis is just as important as music or sports.” She loved the growing food scene and wanted to support and celebrate it – especially when covid it. It was important for her to find a way to continue doing what she loves, because to her, doing what she loves is the ultimate freedom. “The restaurant industry here is my family, and we’ve been talking every week trying to think of ways to help each other, set up delivery, and know what to do next.”

What are the challenges of owning your own business?

For Lisa, the challenge is that City Tasting Box is a side hustle (she has a full time commitment to Memphis Transformed). “The challenge for me has been learning how to pivot into a full-time entrepreneurship role.” Another challenge that has presented itself is managing time and protecting costs so there’s a healthy cash flow. When it came to City Tasting Box, they spent time considering how to give consumers what they really want while keeping the vendors top of mind. “This started because we wanted to help people locally and celebrate Memphis,” Lisa says. For Cristina, the challenge has been managing her two other businesses and, of course, her time. “Time management is the number one thing you have to do, because as a working mom with a family, it can start to feel like too much real quick.”

What can people expect when they order a City Tasting Box?

Buyers of a City Tasting Box can expect a lot of good food! Each box is packing with flavor – sweet, savory, spicy. There’s something in there for everybody. It’s not just small sample sizes either; the box is filled with normal retail-sized products. “We wanted to tell the Memphis classic BBQ story, and we’re going to tout that every day forever,” Lisa says. “But then we also have all these other cool food artisans doing great things and creating new foods in the city, so we’re also telling the story of a contemporary food scene.”

To learn more and order your City Tasting Box, visit their website.

You might also be interested in: Open For Business: Memphis Delivery & Takeout Options

The post Shop Black: City Tasting Box appeared first on We Are Memphis.

“I am excited about the work the board will put in to develop and adapt policies that will preserve and move our neighborhoods forward post-COVID-19 and assure those communities will continue to thrive,” said Charia Jackson, BLDG Memphis’ new board president and deputy director of Frayser CDC.

For the full article, click here.

You might also be interested in: 14-Year-Old Launches Fashion Masks for Pandemic

The post BLDG Memphis and new board look to the future of community development in and after the pandemic appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1.Cozy Corner 

If there is anything that Memphis is famous for, it is BBQ, and Cozy Corner, opened in 1977, is a long-time favorite for the delicious BBQ it has been dishing out for the last 43 Years.

This staple of the BBQ Community is an unpretentious and unique location that is popular with locals, tourists, and BBQ fiends alike. Cozy Corner offers everything from traditional Slabs of ribs, to crispy barbecue bologna sandwiches.

Arrive early, as the lunch crowd flows out the door long before noon!

2.The Withers Collection Museum, and Gallery

Opening for the first time to the public in February 2011, The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery showcases the photographic works and uniquely legendary vision of famed Memphian Dr. Ernest C. Withers.  This 7,000 square foot gallery contains nearly 1.8 million photographic images in its archive, showcasing countless moments that Dr. Withers’ had the opportunity to photograph. Images of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a sprawling photographic history of the Civil Rights Movement can be found in beautiful black and white exposures that line the walls and exhibits of the Gallery. The Museum also has an immersive collection of legendary Jazz and Blues Musicians, such as BBQ, Elvis Presley, as well as a menagerie of historical black culture and history. 

3. Envision Fitness

BELIEF. PASSION. SOUL. This is the mission statement of the black owned Fitness and Yoga studio, Envision Fitness. Located in the historic Cadre Building, Envision Fitness opened in 2009 as a private health club, growing with the vision of inclusion the fitness studio “was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy life”. Envisions unique approach to fitness engages holistic, traditional, and specially tailored training programs with the goal of helping anyone navigate the waters of a healthy life. Envision will give you more than a workout – it will introduce you to a culture and way of life. Give them a try!

4. Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour

The long-running, Historic Memphis Guided Walking tour, is one of the most unique tours that anyone in Memphis can enjoy. This Historical based experience focuses on the historical stories of the Civil Rights movement. Walk in the shoes of some of histories greatest musicians, as the tour also follows some of Memphis’s most prized attractions, such as Beale Street and the Mississippi River. This adventure will also bring you through important moments in Memphis’s history during the Civil War, and Prohibition. 

5. The African Place

The African Place is one of the most unique and beautiful stores found in Memphis. Carrying an assortment of wears and products imported directly from Africa, The African Place is a consortium of beautiful artwork, African Clothing, Musical instruments, jewelry, and personal care items, all of which you can bring home to your very own abode. 

Opening in 1999 as West African Artifacts by sisters Trina and Doris Clemmons, the duo has traveled extensively to the Motherland, curating a collection of important and authentic items that can connect you to the spirit and history of Africa. The African Place believes in caring for the concerns of the community, thus offering The African Place Café, and Lion’s den Rental hall to be available for the community.  The African Place relies heavily on word of mouth advertising, so please give them a visit, and tell your friends on social media what you think of your experience! 

Please note: COVID-19 may affect the hours of operation for these businesses. We recommend you call in advance to visiting for the most up-to-date information.

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis 

The post 5 Black-Owned Businesses You Can Support Now appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What is Feeling the Look? How did it get started? How long has it been running? 

Feeling the Look is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community since 2000, not knowing what the future holds. This organization started with a single woman having a passion to uplift children and make them feel good about themselves inside and out. The very first impact took place at Graves Elementary School in 2000 with a single program teaching about etiquette and self-love by Ms. Triphine, better known as “Ms. Tri.” She has two girls that eventually grew up and took on the same passion to encourage and help other women excel. After many years of giving back and creating long lasting relationships with peers, Feeling the Look has officially been founded as a nonprofit organization in the City of Memphis. 

What communities does Feeling the Look serve? 

Feeling the Look is an aspiring national non-profit organization. We are vendors in the Shelby County Schools system where we mentor and counsel elementary through high school students on self-love and confidence, mental health protection, entrepreneurship, diversity appreciation and Women’s Empowerment. In addition to education in schools we connect with women of all ages across the nation to discover and develop her inherent strengths, values, and financial independence.

What are some of the events that Feeling the Look hosts? 

Feeling the Look Hosts:

• Annual Grand Charity Event | Fashion, Talent, and Entrepreneurship event that exposes the talent and soul in Memphis. 
• Prom Dress Drive | We collect and distribute donated prom dresses to high school girls. 
• Quarterly Brunch | Picking a subject and discussing opinions, beliefs, and experiences over dinner while meeting new people.
• Women Empowering Workshops & Conferences | Educating and informing on mental health protection, image consulting for personal and business, personal hygiene awareness, health and nutrition and entrepreneurship, just to name a few. Feeling the Look also focuses on women in the spotlight, accomplishments and recognizing new members.
• Pageant Coaching | Makeup, Walking, Personality etc. 
• Annual Girls Trip | To explore the world, rest, and relax.
• Book Club |To boost teamwork skills and encourage new perspectives.

How has being in Memphis inspired the work you do through Feeling the Look? 

There is so much amazing talent and entrepreneurship. Living in Memphis has inspired FTL to be a guiding and mentoring solution for young girls and women of Memphis. Each of the founding members of FTL has experienced bullying, loneliness, and lack of confidence while struggling to expose talents and entrepreneurship ideas while in school, at work and throughout life.  Feeling the Look gives a platform for young ladies and women to create a sisterhood, all while exposing the hidden talents of Memphians. It’s hard to find genuine support and care that extends mentally and physically that encourages you to reach beyond the stars, and that’s what Feeling the Look Inc. is all about. 

What’s it like working closely as a mother and daughter duo? 

We are so grateful to be able to share this mother and daughter bonding experience while giving back to the community. It has been said that working together with family is not a good idea or doesn’t usually work out. However, working together with my two daughters is a great feeling that has been both challenging and rewarding. Our experience has shown us that working with each other and dealing with new challenges reminds us of our purpose of love and unity. This program has reminded us how to overcome challenges and better understand each other, which strengthens our bond in our sisterhood. Our mom has always been an encourager, healer, mentor and guide for most of our peers. They have always looked up to her as a role model and that motivates us to pursue our passion to continue to uplift other women in our community. It’s a pleasure learning and teaching each other through different generational viewpoints. We’ve created a tighter bond that really ties back to the sisterhood we share and how we each focus on helping build up other women and making a positive difference in our Memphis community. I look forward to working with my daughters across the nation with this program. 

What are your long term hopes and goals for Feeling the Look? 

One of FTL’S biggest longtime goals and hopes is to be a World-Wide recognized organization promoting the power of sisterhood in every country to increase the value of women’s self-worth by opening an office headquarters and franchises facilities that will help with education and program training. Our franchise facilities will help in staring career/job placements, helping women fulfill long term goals while spiritually feeding their souls around the world. 

Road Trip Production Tour for Rising Talent and Entrepreneurs to expose our members talent and to give our entrepreneurs a wider consumer base. All this while educating on cultural experiences and studying abroad.  

Another goal is to gain 100k members by 2025 while increasing our Brand Ambassadorships by creating a built-in permanent Ambassador Team.

We also wish to create housing facilities for Single Mothers and a daycare facility for their children. 

Our other Goals include: 

• 12 Luncheons and Conferences a year in a different city/state
• Continue our once a year bonding trips, even out of the country for educating and building on women empowerment and our relationships.
• Year-Round Personal Program for the women and members of our organization to help with things such as diet, personal growth, hygiene, self-love and confidence, image consulting, etc. 

To learn more about Feeling the Look and their upcoming fall events, visit www.feelingthelookinc.org. 

You might also be interested in: 4 Reasons to Start a Business in Your 30s

The post Q&A With Feeling The Look appeared first on We Are Memphis.

“One thing led to another, and suddenly I was sitting at my desk for hours at a time,” she said. 

In the midst of starting her business, Polk celebrated her fourteenth birthday. 

She’s a recent graduate of Ridgeway Middle School and will advance to Ridgeway High in the fall. Her fashion training includes two summers at the local So Fab Clothing Camp and learning one-on-one with local design professionals.

For the full story, please click here.

You might also be interested in: Why Millennials are Investing in Real Estate in Memphis

The post 14 year-old Memphis entrepreneur launches line of fashion masks for pandemic protection appeared first on We Are Memphis.

As much as we look at this as a bad thing, there’s some good shining through the tiny open area of your face mask. With more time to plan an awesome event, you also have the opportunity to invite some amazing Memphians to take your lineup from good to … well, let’s just say Ching’s season’d fries. Like seriously, when will they sell that seasoning at Kroger?

Anyway, here’s five Memphians to schedule as speakers at your next event:

Fletcher Cleaves – Motivational

Fletcher Cleaves’ story is full of resilience, hope and inspiration. Following a tragic car accident caused by a distracted driver that left him paralyzed from the chest down, he began to promote the importance of safe driving and overcoming adversity. Fletcher has inspired many, and has made special appearances on College Game Day, ESPN TV, ESPN radio, SportsCenter, Outside the Lines with Bob Ley, and a National Safety Transportation Board (NSTB) event.

Dana James Mwangi – Branding/Design

Dana James Mwangi is a designer, brand strategist, and communications teacher. She’s the founder of Cheers Creative, a creative agency that builds brand visuals and websites for creative professionals, industry leaders, and art platforms. She’s been featured by Forbes and Essence, as well as a host of podcasts. Dana has a passion for helping people tell their stories through visuals and in the most transparent, striking and emotionally compelling way.

Sebastian Carson – Spoken Word

Recently winning the award for Best Spoken Word Artist at the Best In Black Awards, it’s safe to say the entire city is aware of the poetic justice Sebastian Carson serves to his audience. Carson, a poet and professional storyteller, has traveled across the country performing inspirational pieces on topics from self empowerment to African American history. Check out his latest piece on Memphis icon, Tom Lee.

LaTricea Adams – Environmental Justice

LaTricea Adams is an environmental justice advocate and founder of Black Millennials for Flint (BM4F). BM4F is a grassroots, environmental justice and civil rights organization with the purpose of bringing like minded organizations together to collectively take action and advocate against the crisis of lead exposure specifically in African American & Latino communities throughout the nation. Her ability to take complex issues and explain them effectively to just about anyone, is the reason why she’s been able speak on the stages of your largest environmental and sustainability conferences.

Anthony Young – Business & Entrepreneurship

Anthony Young is recognized as one of Memphis’ experts in economic development. With an extensive background in commercial lending and entrepreneurial capital solution, Anthony can help just about any locally-owned business go to the next level. He currently serves as a CDFI leader and the Capital Executive in Residence at Epicenter. From workshops to panels, his audience usually leaves with wealth of knowledge and amazing resources.

Building out your keynote speaker, panelists, and live performers for those postponed events doesn’t have to be challenging or outsourced. Memphis has so many talented public speakers right here at home, and currently hanging out at home – because they’re practicing social distancing, like you (right?).

You might also be interested in: Black Owned Businesses in Memphis

The post 5 Memphians to Speak at Your Next Event appeared first on We Are Memphis.

By Carlissa Shaw

As our nation and our world attempt to fight the global pandemic that is Covid-19, we have all heard of a possible food shortage. The grocery stores are empty as people try to stock their pantries and prepare for the worst. Now is the perfect time to highlight the renaissance of cultivating and growing food in the urban core. Urban farming is not only trending but is an essential element to the development of the social culture and a sustainable food source in Memphis. 

Just recently, Shelby County Mayor, Lee Harris, cut the ribbon on the re-established Shelby County Community Gardens. According to the Mayor’s Instagram page, “the community gardens provide residents with free plots to produce life-sustaining fruits and vegetables.” For more information, contact community.gardens@shelbycountytn.gov.

While we look forward to the Shelby County Community Garden relaunch and specific program details, there are several community gardens in the city that are in full bloom all around town. 

Uptown

Local fireman Bobby Rich along with his wife Derravia, are the founders of Black Seeds Garden, an urban farm located in Uptown Memphis. Black Seeds is a partnership with the City of Memphis Community Development Agency to eliminate blight throughout the city. The garden will soon open and will not only offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, but also commits to creating an enjoyable outdoor living experience. Black Seed Garden anticipated a start date of May 30, 2020, but due to the Coronavirus, the date has been postponed. Follow their progress at @blackseedurbanfarms on all social media platforms. 

Frayser

Frayser is home to several beautiful urban gardens. Located on the grounds of New Hope Christian Academy, the garden is intentionally designed to touch each of the five senses of those that come in contact with it. Students in each grade level plant a seed in the ground each May after they finish testing. The Garden Club, a group of 20-25 students that meet twice a week after school, maintain the garden. A fence covered by blackberries surrounds the boundaries of the garden. On the side of the fence that is accessible to the public, the school invites the community to come and pick the thornless blackberries during the summer months. 

Frayser is home to another beautiful urban farm. The Girls Inc. Youth Farm is a 9.5-acre plot where girls grow healthy produce and engage in social entrepreneurship. Girls in their second year of Girls Inc. can qualify for a coveted position in the garden. The girls grow lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, cucumbers, okra, herbs, and flowers. The girls also man the farmer’s markets — including the Memphis Farmers Market Downtown — in which they are involved. They get a stipend for their work. For more information on Girls Inc or the Youth Farm program, visit https://www.girlsincmemphis.org/.

South Memphis

Green Leaf Learning Farm is a Knowledge Quest signature program that centers on the ⅔-acre urban micro-farm that sits directly across from their main campus. The campus is located at 590 Jenette Pl 38126 just down the street from “The People’s Grocery Store” historical marker. On the farm, students and community members learn how to grow food in ways that build community and increase the neighborhood’s access to healthy goods. The students become healthy eaters, entrepreneurs, and advocates for social and environmental justice. For more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.knowledgequest.org/.

In a city in battle with blight and urban decay, urban farming is a lethal weapon for team Memphis. Imagine a plot that once adorned a dilapidated structure is now an oasis of nourishment and beauty for the community. Join the movement, plant something!

 And for more tips on growing your own urban jungle, check our blog on the Best Gardening Resources in Memphis!

You might also be interested in: 5 Pet-Friendly Memphis Parks

The post Growing Memphis… One Urban Garden At A Time appeared first on We Are Memphis.

How have you been handling the COVID-19 as an entrepreneur/business owner?

Lauren Ready, Owner of Forever Ready Production

“It’s certainly stressful, especially with so much uncertainty. We’ve got to take it day by day.  We’re on week 2 of working from home, which should be easy as an entrepreneur since it’s how most of us got started! But, it comes with challenges. The office provides a collaborative environment and a steady speed. Working from home slows things down a bit. We now have to be careful when approaching our clients and partners for work. There’s a fine line between helping and being opportunistic. I start each day by asking “how can I best help?” The answer is different every time, but it forces us to think critically and creatively about how to solve problems, inspire hope, and work together to get through this. I started a segment called “Feel Good Friday” using our LIVE switcher (from my home office in our spare bedroom). It helps me spread positive and hopeful stories in 15 minutes or less. I’m enjoying that and looking forward to continuing it.”

Scooter Taylor, Co-Founder of QuarantineCon

“When social distancing, shelter-in-place, and quarantine requirements started, my co-founder, Tre’von Hill, and I found ourselves at home trying to maximize our time. We attended a digital conference together and that was the spark for QuarantineCon. The goal was a 100% digital conference for black creatives and entrepreneurs to hear from experts. We had the idea on Tuesday and by Friday we had sponsors like Forbes8, All Def, and The Gathering Spot. We landed speakers like Jason Geter from Grand Hustle Records, Jewel Burks Solomon from Google Startups, and Bea Dixon from The HoneyPot. Over 4,000 people registered from Qatar to Memphis! The live DJ, booming chat, power of technology, and human desire to connect made it more than an event. Now, it’s a community! Since, we’ve talked about everything from another QuarantineCon to spinoffs for other audiences. Our second experience is already planned for March 26th called “Wealth Building 101.”

Howard Summers, Developer/Owner of the Ambassador Hotel on South Main & VP of Operations for Drumheller Packaging, Inc.  

“From the development standpoint things have been relatively smooth. We’re just making sure the contractors on site are taking proper care of their employees, and that construction can still work properly within the legislative guidelines put in place to prevent any spread. Regarding the business, we have taken preemptive measures around cleaning, scheduling different shifts and increasing the janitorial schedule around plant operations, as well as preparing a facility cleaning and lockdown procedure in the case an employee is tested positive. Communication with employees is key.”

What resources have you seen or used that could help other owners or entrepreneurs get through these times?

Aqila Augusta, CEO of Edge Entity

“If you have a Shopify platform, I’ve seen Shopify offer working capital up to $200,000 depending on your record income. Paypal is also offering capital and business loans. I’m sure other platforms are doing the same. These are some hard times for business owners, small and large. I feel sympathy for people who can’t operate their businesses online or from home, or if the government does not consider your business an “essential needs” business. My best advice is to take this time to study your business and restructure your business plans for the future. What is your plan A, B or C if anything happens where you couldn’t conduct your business as usual? Do you have a savings account or credit line for your business? I know this advice doesn’t help put money in your pockets, but disaster planning for your business is still a necessity long term.” 

Ed Cabigao, Owner of South of Beale, Interim Restaurant and Zaka Bowl 

“The Memphis Restaurant Association has really helped out with how to navigate the new rules and find future funding and financing once the pandemic has passed. There are numerous text chains that I am part of that include other restaurateurs. We are constantly checking on each other and trying to help each other as much as possible.”

Cynthia Daniels, Owner of Cynthia Daniels &Co.

“When thinking about resources, I first encourage you to connect with peer entrepreneurs in your industry. Friendrepreneurs and mentor entrepreneurs may be able support with not only funding or staff, but with new opportunities and contracts. Currently, I know Epicenter is offering online materials and resources, Adobe is giving their software users up to two months free, and Facebook is looking to provide a $100M Grant for Small Businesses. I’ll be looking to take advantage of these resources and thinking about how to maintain business digitally, and I hope you do the same.”

Regardless of the type of business, we all know Memphians have the grit and grind to get through this. For entrepreneurs and small business owners from the 901, we’ve provided a few more resources to support during COVID-19.

Additional Resources for Small Business & Entrepreneurs:

• Quickbooks Small Business Relief Initiative
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
• Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant
• Memphis’s Largest Virtual Tip Jar
• MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund by The Grammys
• 0% Kiva Loan
• Resilience in a Box
• PEN America Writers’ Emergency Fund
• Music Export Memphis COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

Are you a Memphian Entrepreneur who would like to share inspiration and practical tips that are working for you during COVID-19? Tell us on social by using the hashtag #BringYourSoul!

You might also be interested in: Tips on How to Land Your Dream Job in Memphis

The post How Memphis Entrepreneurs Are Handling COVID-19 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Epicenter’s COVID-19 Business Support Form: Please fill out this form so the team at Epicenter can best understand how to support your individual needs. Once completed, you will be contacted regarding next steps.

Wellness Wednesdays: Every Wednesday in April, join Epicenter and Jackie Oselen for a complimentary self-care support session. Jackie is a local holistic health practitioner who champions creating a lifestyle of wellness in regards to your mental, emotional and physical health

Event Details: Wednesdays in April, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m; Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/658982406; Meeting ID: 658 982 406. Pre-registration not required.

How small businesses can leverage the CARES Act: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal package of measures that seeks to provide economic support to the business sector, employees, individuals, and families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following types of businesses qualify for assistance:

• Small businesses with fewer than 500 employees

• Small businesses that otherwise meet the SBA’s size standard
• 501(c)(3) organizations with fewer than 500 employees
• An individual who operates as a sole proprietor (from our team: individual, professional artists and creative entrepreneurs also may be eligible)
• An individual who operates as an independent contractor
• An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business
• A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
• A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard

The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program, a business loan program meant to offer relief to small businesses, primarily to keep employees on payroll and cover other critical expenses.

Additional Online Resources: The Team at Epicenter has been updating their website daily in regards to additional resources and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend you check this page regularly for the most up-to-date local support.

Please support our local ecosystem by sharing these resources and continuing to bring positivity, optimism and hope to small business owners navigating this unprecedented situation. Do what you do best – #BringYourSoul!

You might also be interested in: Memphis Business Resources for Entrepreneurs 

The post Epicenter Small Business Resources to Aide the COVID-19 Crisis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Our city is going through a growth spurt that has matched the booming American economy, and both National and International corporations are choosing Memphis to pour their foundations and take advantage of the incredible combination of opportunities that are blossoming in Memphis.

2020 brings strong indications for a prevailing wind of growth and prosperity for our community, as an ideal business climate has been brewing by the Mississippi. According to the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, “The savviest ones (visitors to Memphis) discover a great place to do business. Low tax rates, an attractive cost of living, and affordable real estate create an ideal business climate. Success is practically guaranteed with tax incentives, infrastructure support, and a skilled workforce. Forbes magazine ranked Memphis fourth on its list of “The Happiest Cities to Work in Right Now,” and a 2015 study by WalletHub ranked our city seventh in the nation for entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for a location where your business can thrive, you just found it.

As our city is looking towards the future, the landscape is becoming more attractive for millennials that are looking for more than just a great career, but an amazing and inspiring city to call home! Millennials bring with them an incredibly varied skillset, as the cost of higher education and the saturation of many soft skill occupations have inspired the millennial job force to seek a career within non-traditional and trade-based education and work experience.

Let’s look at why Memphis is one of the best new cities in the country to do business.

Memphis: FedEx, and other Multinational Corporations Invest Billions in Infrastructure

In 2019, FedEx, one of the largest employers in Memphis, invested $1 Billion into Memphis International Airport in an effort to expand and continue to evolve its current “Super Hub” located at the airport. The project, which aims to modernize and expand not only the FedEx Super Hub, but the entire airport, further enticing business and commerce to invest in Memphis, as the infrastructure and accessibility reaches world class status. 

The total expansion of $1.6 Billion slated to be completed in 2025, brings with it a huge amount of jobs to the area in multiple sectors. When the expansion has been completed, FedEx’s Super Hub will be the second-largest air cargo facility in the world. 

Memphis has one of the lowest tax rates in the country

According to the Memphis Chamber of Commerce,” Tennessee has the second lowest state and local tax burden per capita and no income tax on wages. Combine that with some exceptional incentives from our economic development partners for relocating and expanding companies and your business is ready to grow in the Memphis region.”  No matter what industry you are looking to expand your career in, whether it is a small artisan coffee shop, or expanding your corporate Head Quarters into a new location, Memphis is a virtual tax haven for employees and boardrooms alike. One of the greatest incentives offered in Tennessee is a ZERO State income tax. More money in your pocket means that you have an opportunity to spend more on what you love, and experience Memphis and all it has to offer. On the other side of the negotiating table, Our state currently has ZERO Occupational/Payroll Taxes in the city of Memphis as well as all of Shelby County. This Tax incentive inspires business big and small to invest more in the directives that make a business successful, its workforce and infrastructure. These are only two of the Tax breaks that are attracting big business to the table. More information can be found at https://memphischamber.com/select-memphis/tax-structure/.

Millennials Require more than just a paycheck. Culture is Key.

Millennials are one of the most influential and crucial sectors of the workforce in 2020. As the 20-30 somethings take the rein and continue to shape Corporate and Small business culture into new territory, a new attitude and list of “wants and non-negotiable’s” have been ingrained into the lexicon of business culture. Millennials yearn for the exciting, enriching, and entertaining environment that will allow them to express themselves creatively, as well as indulge in a more unique and locally centered experience. We have always been a haven for the unique and soulful, embracing the individual style and cultural identity that Memphis is famous for.  As this melting pot of humanity has evolved into the roaring 2020’s, Memphis has exploded with cultural experiences, highly acclaimed musical venues and performers, world class food and restaurants, and of course the natural beauty of the surrounding the city. This area offers millennials the opportunity to find or continue an amazing career, as well as plant their roots in one of the most exciting areas of the Country. 

Overall, Memphis is Growing, and this is just the beginning.

Memphis is already in the midst of growing and evolving into one of the most desirable places in the country to call home. With a mixture of Tax incentives, Corporate migration, infrastructure expansion and an exciting cultural revolution all taking place at the same time, We live in a fertile epicenter for the future. With a thriving ecosystem of work-life balance, and all the necessary factors to continue this expansion and excitement, the future of our home will be bright, booming, and unbelievable!  

You might also be interested in: Memphis Ambassadors Program

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by. Kirstin Cheers

March kicks off another International Women’s History Month, and Memphis doesn’t slack in powerful women calling the shots everyday in their respective fields. There’s a number of women in Memphis – from the nonprofit sector to Fortune 500 companies –  who are demolishing glass ceilings and breaking barriers for the upcoming generation of leaders. Here’s ten women in the C-Suite at their jobs who we’d like to honor and salute this Women’s History Month: 

1. Monica Wharton, Methodist Lebonheur Healthcare

The name ‘Wharton’ is a familiar one in Memphis, but Monica Wharton isn’t one to fall behind the shadows of name recognition. As Chief Legal Officer of Methodist Lebonheur Healthcare, she oversees the strategic direction for the non-for-profit healthcare system in the areas of Legal, Compliance and Risk Management.Growing up in New Jersey, Monica is a graduate of Hampton University and William and Mary Law School. Before transitioning to health care, she practiced employment law at Glankler Brown law firm. She is known as one of the sharpest people in the city, always reaching for solutions and not dwelling on the problems. She’s married to Andre Wharton, son of former Memphis Mayor, A.C. Wharton – hence the last name. She’s well respected in the city whose reputation precedes her around the county.

2. Ursala Madden, City of Memphis

You didn’t think our awesome mayor was leading Memphis on his own, did you? From his speeches to his media appearances, you have a woman to thank for making our mayor looking exceptional – Ursuala Madden. Ursula’s claim to fame started way before taking over as Chief Communications Officer for Mayor Jim Strickland. She was a main anchor on WMC-TV 5 for over 17 years, leaving the station with an Emmy and a wealth of Memphis knowledge and experience. In 2016, she was hired and created the first Office of Communications for the City of Memphis, being the first person ever to hold that role. The team handles public relations, marketing, and media relations for the City as well as The City Council. Ursula is a native of Oakland, California, but we’re so happy she’s made Memphis her city of choice!

3. Emily Callahan, St. Jude

It makes all the sense that a woman would be behind the world-class marketing, videography and digital reach of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Emily Callahan, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer for ALSAC, oversees the development of marketing, brand and communications strategies that we all get to see on our televisions and cell phones everyday. She also oversees ALSAC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Platform and event experiences for St. Jude supporters. Under her leadership, St. Judge has been named the Health Not-for-Profit Brand for five years by Harris Interactive. She continues to lead one of the top brands and workplaces for millennials and Gen-Z to work. We all love St. Jude, and we have Emily to thank for that. Before joining St. Jude, she worked as Vice President of Global Marketing and Networks for Susan G. Komen. A native of Oklahoma, Emily received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in journalism/public relations and a master’s from The University of North Texas in marketing/management.

4. Patrice Williamson-Thomas, Shelby County Schools

It takes a heavy hitter to manage people and day-to-day operations of an entire school district. That’s why Patrice Williamson-Thomas is the best at it. Patrice serves as the Chief of Staff of Shelby County Schools and was appointed to the position by Superintendent Joris Ray in 2019. Previously, Thomas served under Mayor Lee Harris as the Chief Administrative Officer, and worked under the previous four mayors of the City of Memphis in various roles. According to Chalkbeat, she was the city’s youngest and first African-American comptroller, deputy director of public works and depuy chief operating officer. A native Memphian, she’s no lightweight and we’re excited to see what she does next. 

5. Casey Condra, Orion Federal Credit Union

There are so many hidden gems in the city, and it’s Casey Condra’s time to shine. A graduate from the University of Arkansas, Casey got her degree in journalism, advertising and public relations in 2001. Less than 20 years after walking across the stage, she now serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Orion Federal Credit Union here in Memphis. She brings over 10 years of political and non-profit consulting work from Little Rock, Arkansas, and started Orion in 2017 as Director  of Marketing and Business Development.

6. Bathsheba Sam, International Paper

As Vice President of Human Resources for International Paper, Bathsheba Sams offers over 35 years of experience in the forest products industry. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, she’s worked in fields ranging from engineering, manufacturing, business and corporate human resources. She’s an alumni of Leadership Memphis 2004, and recognized in 2017 as a “Super Woman in Business” by the Memphis Business Journal. She’s held board positions including serving as chair for NEXUS, executive board member for the National Civil Rights Museum, and a member of Memphis in May and Memphis Tourism. 

7. Pamela Clary, Community Capital LLC

Pamela Clary is another force in Memphis who people should get to know. With a MBA from LaSalle College in Philadelphia and a B.S. from Drexel University, Pamela currently serves as the vice president and partner for Community Capital LLC, a local firm that provides affordable housing and community development consulting. She was recently reappointed to the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority where she’s served since 2014. She’s a longtime Memphian and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

8. Ivette Butron Ramos, Butron Media Corp and La Jefa 99.3 FM

What started as a presumed vacation turned into a full-time job for Ivette Butron Ramos. Ivette had done journalism in Mexico City, but quickly transitioned into radio in Memphis. She was young, eager and willing to learn and dive into the media. She would later meet her husband and work between Orlando, Nashville, and Little Rock. After meeting with a former boss from Memphis, both Ivette and her husband decided to return to Memphis and jump back into Radio Ambiente with the hopes of buying it one day. And they did in 2018, purchasing the signal for WGUE La Jefa 99.3 FM adn 1180 AM. She is the first in Memphis and the second Hispanic in Tennessee operate and own entirely a radio station. Ivette manages the station alongside her husband under their business Burton Media Corp. 

9. Jozelle Luster Booker – Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum

Jozelle Luster Booker is the second child of seven children and grew up on  300-acre estate owned by her family. She spent most of her childhood indoors because her father believed girls were responsible for chores while the boys worked outside. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs who instilled in her the business acumen and hard work she possesses today as President of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum. She studied marketing at The Jackson State University in 1980. She worked as a temp in Memphis after graduation, and took a job as a typist with Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) in 1986. Over the course of three decades, Jozelle became the company’s first supplier diversity officer. She retired in 2017 and joined the MMBC Continuum as president. She’s tasked with building relationships and counseling entrepreneurs, business and community leaders with advice on leveraging and creating economic growth that could combat the poverty many face in our city. She’s on the cutting-edge of implementing real change in Memphis and inspiring leadership around the world. 

10. NeShante Brown, Soulsville Charter School 

Ever wondered who was the driving force behind the success of The Soulsville Charter School? Yep, it’s a woman. NeShante Brown serves as the Executive Director of one of the top performing charter schools in the city. With over 100 percent college acceptance rate, Brown leads by an example of excellence for her students and staff. A native of Memphis, Brown’s been serving as ED since 2005, but got her start into education as a math teacher with Memphis City Schools. With a master’s from Christian Brothers and a PhD from Vanderbilt University, it’s no wonder why Soulsville continues to make headlines across the county.

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13 Impressive Stats on Female Entrepreneurship in the US

1. There are approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S: When you consider the fact that there were only 402,000 women-owned businesses in 1972, this number is absolutely mind-blowing. As more women venture into entrepreneurship, they can begin chipping away at the gaps women historically have faced. The past year was pivotal in bringing important issues to light. From #MeToo to #TimesUp and the unprecedented number of women running for public office, it was a great year for change. 
2. US women-owned businesses generate $1.3 trillion a year: Women-owned businesses make up 39% of all total businesses, leading many to think that women do have a large impact in the business world. However, there’s still plenty of room to grow. Women-owned businesses only employ 8% of all US workers and the $1.8 trillion revenue is roughly 4% of the total annual revenue. 
3. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of women-owned businesses increased 21%, while all businesses increased only 9%. 
4. 64% of new women-owned businesses were started by women of color in 2017. This double-digit soaring isn’t stopping anytime soon, according to Shelley Zalis, founder of the consulting firm Female Quotient, who predicts that this trend will only become more impressive. “More women and minorities are writing their own rules of work, and bringing products and services that will help to fill the wants and needs of other women, who influence more than 85% of all purchasing decisions,” she shares. “Tapping into these various markets by speaking the language firsthand and understanding the specific needs of marginalized communities gives these women a unique perspective and an incredible opportunity for success.”
5. Latina women-owned businesses grew more than 87% between 2007 and 2012 further strengthening the case for the value of diversity.
6. In case you’re still skeptical, there are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago
7. With tech sector expansion in Memphis, it’s great to see that women are getting a piece of the pie. Private tech companies led by women achieve 35% higher ROI: According to Forbes, when private tech companies are run by women, they render a 35% higher return on investment than those run by men.
8. Women-founded companies in First Round Capital’s portfolio outperformed companies founded by men by 63%: Forbes also finds that women-founded companies in the venture capital firm First Round Capital’s portfolio outperformed those founded by men by 63%. 
9. As reported in 2018, Just 25% of women business owners seek business financing: Imagine this, if more women business owners seek and gain access to business financing for growth opportunities, their contribution to total US revenue will skyrocket. 
10. Women have a 69.5% success rate of crowdfunding for their businesses while men have a 61.4% success rate: Women have a higher success rate in crowdfunding than men by about 8%. Crowdfunding is an excellent channel for women entrepreneurs currently and certainly one that they should consider when pursuing funding.
11. 57.4% of the SBA Microloan program’s 2014 loan went to women-owned or women-led businesses: Despite women’s difficulty attaining conventional loans, well over half of the SBA Microloan program’s loans went to women-owned or women-led businesses. This program is a prosperous channel for females in need of capital.
12. Women-owned businesses are growing at a rate of 5%: This growth rate is more than twice as fast as the growth rate of all other firms. 
13. Nearly 10.9 million Americans are employed by women-owned businesses: Act like a lady and think like a boss…If you then include the firms that are co-owned equally by men and women, the percentage of total U.S. employment jumps to 14%.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the National Association Of Women Business Owners-Memphis or supporting women in business, please visit https://nawbomemphis.org/

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According to the Internal Revenue Service, employee wage statements and independent contractor forms are due at the end of the month. Employers need to file Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) and Form W-3 (Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements) to the Social Security Administration by January 31 to prevent penalties from the IRS. 

Employers are also required to file Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) with the IRS to report non-employee compensation to independent contractors. Such payments are reported in box 7 of this form.

Why January 31? The answer is actually pretty simple: it gives the IRS time to detect fraud by verifying income reported on tax returns. This requirement was established in 2015 and will continue in the foreseeable future.

“Employers should verify employees’ information,” according to the IRS. “This includes names, addresses, and Social Security or individual taxpayer identification numbers. They should also ensure their company’s account information is current and active with the Social Security Administration before January. If paper Forms W-2 are needed, they should be ordered early.”

The IRS will use this info to detect fraud on individual tax returns. There are no automatic extensions of time to file Forms W-2. The IRS will only grant extensions for very specific reasons. Details can be found on the instructions for Form 8809, Application for Time to File Information Returns.

Depending on how big your company is, turning in these forms after the deadline could amount to some hefty fines. Currently, for the 2019 tax year, documents turned in after January 31 will incur a $50 fee per return or statement (not to exceed $556,500). In a nutshell, you would pay the penalty for every employees’ document not submitted on time. The fees escalate as you get further from the deadline. Learn more about the penalties here.

For more information, read the instructions for Forms W-2 & W-3 and the Information Return Penalties page at IRS.gov. For more stories about running a business in Memphis, check out our Business page.

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