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 Tara M. Stringfellow

Tara M. Stringfellow is a former attorney, Northwestern University MFA graduate, and two-time Pushcart Prize nominee whose debut noveland national bestseller Memphis was a Read with Jenna pick and longlisted for the Women’s Prize in Fiction. A cross-genre artist, the author was Northwestern University’s first MFA graduate in both poetry and prose and her work has appeared in Collective Unrest, Jet Fuel Review, Minerva Rising, Women’s Arts Quarterly and Apogee Journal, among others. After having lived in Okinawa, Ghana, Chicago, Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Washington, D.C., she moved back home to Memphis, where she sits on her porch swing every evening with her hound, Huckleberry, listening to records and chatting with neighbors.

Tara’s Favorite Places to Write

Novel Bookstore in East Memphis.
Another great writing spot for me is Novel Bookstore, mostly because they are the only bookstore I know that have a restaurant, Libro, inside. I sign copies of my novel Memphis and my poetry collection Magic Enuff as I sit at the bar and write. They’ve got a delicious brunch. It’s also lovely to write being surrounded by books; I usually leave with a new novel. And the amazing staff have always supported me as a new novelist. Novel feels more like home to me than a bookstore and I cannot recommend visiting this Memphis spot enough.

Caption by Hyatt in Downtown Memphis
This hotel lobby is gorgeous, filled with lots of light, making the bar space and surrounding tables a perfect place to write for hours. And a plus, there’s often live music in the lobby. I’ve seen Jeremy Stanfill swoon a crowd. I highly recommend this downtown spot that’s both chic and Southern down to earth at the same time. 

In Memphis, soul is woven into the fabric of everyday life, and people like Tara M. Stringfellow remind us why this city’s spirit is so special. Memphians draw from the city’s unique blend of warmth, creativity, and resilience. It’s this same energy that fuels our stories, drives innovation, and encourages connection. As we continue to celebrate the faces and places that make Memphis extraordinary, we invite you to discover your own soulful experiences and share in the pride of our community. Keep an eye out for more stories that showcase how we all bring our soul to the city we love!

The post Author Tara M. Stringfellow’s Favorite Places to Write In Memphis 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 Pretty Useful

Pretty Useful Co. was founded in 2016 as a small goods collaboration between Allie Mounce and Clare Freeman that has grown into a creative studio serving brands large and small. They excel at designing brands bursting with personality and creating illustrations and animations that delight and inspire. They have a deep toolbox of skills, but their greatest asset of all is that they’re a good hang and care deeply about what they do.

What are your top 3 places you love to visit in Memphis?

Katie: My personal top 3 places in Memphis that I frequent the most are probably Cameo on Union for cocktails, Acre for a nice dinner, and Quantum Antique Gallery for a fun afternoon of digging for cool stuff. Honorable mention to the Stax Museum cause it’s so well done, I just don’t go as often as I should!

Clare: In no particular order: The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, particularly when it’s tulip season, Hustle & Dough, the coffee shop in the Arrive Hotel lobby – I love the atmosphere, the dog watching, and the chai lattes. St. John Orthodox Church – aside from my love of the congregation and services, the entire church is covered in beautiful iconography that’s bar none.

Allie: My favorite places to go in Memphis are the gardens and museum at the Dixon, shopping at the farmers markets at Cooper Young and downtown, and walking all over downtown especially around South Main, along the river, or across the big river crossing on a bike. If I’m with someone from out of town my favorite off the beaten path stop is to grab breakfast at Sunrise East and then show them the crystal grotto at Memorial Park.

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

Katie: Memphis is a city with so much soul and drive despite it’s imperfections, and I think that’s an inspiring way to be. We don’t have to be perfect, we just need to keep going. Keep improving. Keep the faith. I know that can be very hard to do living in a city with so many flaws, but learning how to grind and push through difficulties is something that can make you work harder, work better, make a difference. The history of Memphis is super impactful as well.

Clare: We collaborate with other agencies and artists in town, which is possible because of the connections and communities Memphis has to offer.

Allie: Whenever I travel I’m reminded that Memphis feels real in a way that other places can’t match. It feels different in a way that’s hard to describe, and I miss it when I’m not here. I like that Memphis is a weird place with a difficult history, and that it resists being made smooth and easily digested. Memphis inspires me to be true to myself.

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

Katie: The stuff going on over at St.Jude is really exciting. I think Memphians are so used to that organization being around and we really don’t fully understand how big of a reach and impact they have, and how many people they bring to Memphis! Also really excited for the Brooks Museum expansion and move downtown. I really belive they are going to put us on the map for the arts, and cannot wait to see it all come to life. Oh and the airport expansion!

Clare: The Edge District has me excited right now, I can see the arts and culture scene really beginning to flourish there – Rootstock Wine Merchants has an amazing series of wine classes going on and Sheet Cake Gallery is impeccably curated.

Allie: There’s been this growing wave of momentum for the last 10 years, this feeling like Memphis is on the edge of changing in some meaningful way. I see things happening in the Edge, I see the changes that have happened in Broad Ave and Overton Square, and lately I see more people at events and out and about than I have in a long time. Every time somebody puts on an event and it gets a great turnout I get excited.

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

Katie: One badass woman in this city that never really gets the spotlight is Ellen Zahariadis, the Executive Director at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. She came to the organization at a really challenging time and the way she’s completely turned everything around is inspiring. She leads with such grace and I admire how approachable she is, and how well she handles stressful situations. I’ve learned a lot from her during my time on the board of directors of the organization, but I think the most valuable thing I’ve taken away is she knows when to ask for help. She does not see it as a weakness but as a way to keep moving forward. Also there’s a guy on Reddit regularly cleaning up trash around the city with this little robot buggie he built and I think that’s so great and try to support his efforts when I see opportunities. Here’s his info.

Clare: Anne Castrodale: She just moved away to be closer to family, but has been a Memphian for 30+ years. Anne is a champion of her community, does a lot of volunteer work, and finds joy in every day life. She stays curious, loves the arts, and knowing her has pushed me to be a better person.

Allie: Holly Whitfield has been out here banging away at the “Memphis is worthy of love” drum for a long time, and I so appreciate that she came here as a transplant and then dedicated so much of her time and attention to making Memphians aware of the best parts of living here. She’s written two books now, Secret Memphis and 100 Things To Do In Memphis Before You Die, both are really fun and are great resources for getting to know Memphis. I also want to shout out Paula Raiford as my personal patron saint of Memphis, there’s nobody that captures what Memphis is all about better than she does.

How do you hope to inspire change in Memphis?

Katie: I’m pretty passionate about the power of voting, especially in local elections. The lack of participation has been very frustrating for me, so I’m really brainstorming how I can help in a more meaningful way other than just sharing voting information within my internet circle. I’m currently looking for volunteer opportunities with organizations helping people register to vote before the election. I’m particularly interested in working with the youth on this – I just don’t think people realize how important it is and how much change it could cause if more people were less apathetic about it!

For a more vague, less specific answer: My biggest goal is to leave Memphis better than I found it, and it’s what motivates me to stay active on boards and with community organizations that matter to me. I never plan on moving or anything,I just want to have a meaningful impact once it’s time to expire lol.

Clare: I hope to inspire more collaboration, both within the city and with other cities. Amazing things can happen when we look outside ourselves.

Allie: I hope to do work that lifts up other businesses and organizations and helps them succeed. I want to be a part of the momentum, and I want to be a part of the visual landscape of Memphis. Memphis already has everything it needs, and I want to see more people acknowledging that and be a part of leaning into it instead of trying to mold it into someplace else. I want people to look around and be surprised at what Memphis can be, what we already are.

The post Bring Your SouL: Pretty Useful Co. 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 Dr. Wigginton

Dr. Russell Wigginton, the President of the National Civil Rights Museum, has a deep connection with the city of Memphis. Beyond his role at the museum, his love for the city’s vibrant energy and culture is rooted in the authenticity of its people, the places he visits, and the inspirations he draws from fellow Memphians. His perspective on Memphis is more than just about its landmarks; it’s about its soul.

When asked about his favorite places in Memphis, Dr. Wigginton’s picks are personal yet universal to anyone who appreciates the city’s charm. Among his top choices are Overton Square and Overton Park, a lively district blending nature, art, and entertainment, and Café Eclectic, a beloved spot for locals to unwind over coffee and community. These places represent more than just locations—they embody the character of Memphis, a city rich in history and brimming with creativity. Overton Park offers a lush green retreat, while Overton Square is a vibrant center for culture, dining, and nightlife, bringing people together from all walks of life.

But it’s the people of Memphis who make the city truly special for Dr. Wigginton. He speaks of the authenticity and resilience of Memphians as the driving force behind his work and his passion for being an ambassador for the city. The people here shape the culture, and their genuine, down-to-earth nature inspires him to showcase Memphis’ many virtues to the world. For Dr. Wigginton, the city’s heart lies in its community, a collective spirit that fuels his dedication to the National Civil Rights Museum.

Dr. Wigginton is particularly excited about the deeper collective reckoning happening in Memphis today. He sees a growing movement toward addressing social and economic inequalities and uplifting the least privileged in the city. This, he believes, is essential for Memphis to truly thrive. He echoes the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reminding us that to create a prosperous future, we must commit to elevating everyone, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. This shift towards social justice and equality is a positive step that makes Dr. Wigginton optimistic about the city’s future.

In reflecting on those who have inspired him, Dr. Wigginton speaks with reverence about Maxine Smith, a civil rights leader who passed in 2013. Smith’s tireless work for justice and equality left an indelible mark on the city, and her legacy continues to influence Dr. Wigginton’s work today. A portrait of Maxine Smith hangs near his office, reminding him daily of the importance of advocating for real opportunities for all Memphians to reach their full potential.

As the leader of the National Civil Rights Museum, Dr. Wigginton envisions the museum as a space not only for reflection but also for action. His hope is that every Memphian feels a sense of belonging at the museum, using it as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for finding real solutions to the challenges the city faces. He believes that by embracing its history and learning from its past, Memphis can continue to grow and thrive as a city of inclusion, justice, and opportunity for all.

Through his love of Memphis, Dr. Wigginton’s work at the museum, and his belief in the power of community, he is helping to shape a future where everyone can find their place in this vibrant, soulful city.

The post BRING YOUR SOUL: Exploring Memphis with Dr. Russell Wigginton 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 CHEF MO

Chef Monique Williams is a celebrated Memphis-based chef known for her creative take on Southern cuisine as the brilliant mind behind Biscuits and Jams! She has built a reputation for her innovative dishes that honor Memphis’ rich culinary heritage while pushing the boundaries of traditional Southern cooking. Chef Mo has been featured across the city and country and her expertise and vibrant personality have made her a prominent figure in Memphis’ thriving food scene.

What are your top 3 local people, places, things, or organizations?

Epicenter is one of my favorite non-profits in Memphis. It provides so much support for new and growing businesses. It has truly been a godsend for people in the food industry.  Feast & Graze (Cristina McCarter) at the Brooks Museum.  Great food, amazing exhibits, and awesome music on Thursdays. Dos Hermanos (Chef Eli Townsend) at the Cossitt Library…those Salmon Croquettes on Thursdays are everything as well as the Tiny Kitchen concerts. 

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

I grew up in the Rozelle-Annesdale area of Memphis and it was full of community and love. Biscuits & Jams is a representation of that for me. As a local restaurateur, I strive to hire people from the community, mentor people with the vision of owning their own restaurant or small business as well as be a light in Downtown Memphis. 

What are you most excited to see happening in Memphis? 

 I am excited to see the growth and the revitalization of the downtown area between Madison and Jefferson.  

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

Luis Toro of City and State and the former owner of The Liquor Store. When I first opened up Biscuits & Jams, Luis helped me so much with figuring things out. He will always be one of my favorite people. See you soon Luis!! 

How do you hope to inspire change in Memphis?  

By being an active member in our community…creating jobs, mentoring, and making myself available to push Memphis forward in a positive way. 

The post Bring Your Soul – Chef Monique williams 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 DJ Alpha Whiskey

Memphis is a city with soul, and no one knows how to tap into that energy better than DJ Alpha Whiskey. As one of the city’s top DJs, she’s not just about spinning tracks—she’s all about connecting with Memphis on a deeper level. In this article, DJ Alpha Whiskey shares her favorite ways to experience the heart of Memphis, from hidden gems in the local music scene to the best spots for soaking in the city’s rich culture. Get ready to discover Memphis through the eyes (and ears) of a true local legend!

What are your top 3 places you love to visit in Memphis?
Aww man I know you said 3 but I have 5 places that I always recommend. They are my favorite places in the city and never let me down! Central Station Hotel, Hive Bagel & Deli, Andalusia, Sage, MBABAZI House of Style. 

How does Memphis as a city inspire you or impact the work that you do? 
Memphis is a city with a tremendous amount of soul and rich history. The musical legacy here is known around the world and it fuels creativity and passion in various forms. For someone like me who loves music and creativity , I am in my happy place. I am able to share my wonderful experiences and knowledge with people from all around the world when I travel to DJ. Also as an Air Traffic Controller I can literally say that we “Move the World” in Memphis because of FedEx and its international flights, delivering packages all over the world. We make sure those FedEx planes get in and out of Memphis safely, efficiently and expeditiously. 

What are you most excited to see happening in Memphis now?
I’m excited that our new Mayor Paul Young has been working hard to improve the city. That includes decreasing crime, improving our infrastructure, and investing in the youth. It takes time to build a better future , and I believe we are headed in the right direction . 

Is there another Memphian who has inspired you, impacted the work that you do, or who you’d like to shout out?
I have a few Memphians to shout out : Jared JB Boyd, DJ Crystal Mercedes, Jana Mitchell and Zach Word. These four individuals represent Memphis like no other and inspired me to do the same! 

How do you hope to inspire change in Memphis?
In addition to making people dance and having a wonderful time while DJing I have recently started my own nonprofit organization, Enlightened Leaders Initiative that will foster future leaders through STEM education, Agriculture , Leadership , Music, and Aerospace education nurturing well-rounded, innovative minds for a dynamic world. My purpose  is  work within the community to inspire youth to achieve their goals and dreams. 

The post Bring Your Soul – DJ Alpha Whiskey appeared first on We Are Memphis.