The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below.
Alexis Osorno
Definitely not always smooth but every challenge has helped shape me as both a business owner and a person. Taking over an existing spa came with a steep learning curve; learning systems, managing a team, and making the space truly reflect my vision. On top of that, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments of self-doubt, burnout, and learning how to give myself grace. Read more>>
Lesly Williams
Honestly as an educator I decided to take it upon myself and seek out how to become the best at skin rejuvenation. So my hunt was skincare conventions, online classes, podcast, and social media. My vacations were pretty much visits to esthetic conventions in different states for years. I also held down a full-time job to fund my dreams. Fast forward to 2023 and a bigger commercial space was presented to me by my landlord at the time that owned the suite I was current in. The new adventure was the buildout across from Crosstown Concourse which took a whole year to complete. I visualized building a team but who the team would be, I wasn’t sure. So I focused on the new space at hand. Read more>>
Shunderia Thomas-Knox
My goal was to keep her legacy alive, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her life than by doing the things she loved most, which was getting pampered. Since I already own a hair salon and frequently host family events, creating KMarie Kids Spa and Party felt like a natural extension. I truly enjoy pampering other little girls, just as I used to do with my daughter. Read more>>
Mishelle
Definitely not. The industry is constantly changing. Trying to keep up with the changes is exhausting. So this year I have decided I am going to do exactly what I want instead of trying to shoot like anyone else I am going to shoot as I see it. This year I am going to take more of an artistic meet tradition approach. I want to capture genuine emotion the stuff that drew me in in the first place. Some struggles would definitely be trends, social media presence and getting out of my comfort zone. I’m an introvert unless I know you. However photography makes me an extrovert. So that’s how I know I’m right where I am supposed to be. Read more>>
Kacie Cooper
I didn’t get to this point in my business journey overnight. It was slow! But in going slow, I haven’t experienced any painful set backs! Prices of flowers and supplies have increased this year. It’s been tough, I’ve had to increase my prices a little but I’m working on finding new sources and creative ways to save so I don’t have to pass much of the burden on to my clients. Read more>>
Hayley Heard
There is a certain glow and warmth in the air. It feels like home as you sit down and enjoy incredible wine or cocktails paired perfectly with your entrée. This was the goal. We wanted to take people out of their lives for just a few hours to experience something extraordinary. B.B. King was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, so it was only fitting that the 3rd floor be transformed into a speakeasy, fine dining restaurant that felt just like home as a nod to B. B. King’s hometown. We hope you will join us to experience this home away from home. Read more>>
Anthony Carlton
I know that it was at the age of 9 that my thoughts began to change. This is about how far I’ve allowed my retained memories to go back, and only because the others are vague with purposeful intent. It was during this time that I would begin to see life with a different set of eyes. Something happened to me that no 9-year-old should ever have to experience. My stepfather was a hustler, and one day, the hustle was interrupted with me having a shotgun pointed in my face. The aforementioned caused us to move from the apartment that my mother’s mom had leased before her passing two years prior (1982). This occurred on Latham in South Memphis. Read more>>
Mystro Pope
I go by the artist name Mystro Pope . I started a record label call Stick ‘Em Up Entertainment in the early 2000’s and I started off by making beats and later started rapping. I got to where I am now by putting in hard work and marketing myself. I collaborated with Tha Truma Center Killaz and later branched off to continue my music career. I dealt with a lot of problems including jail and other life problems, but I continued to stay positive and move forward with my life. I recently completed school and enrolled in college to show people you don’t have to continue to be in the streets sometimes you have to make a change yourself Read more>>
Samaria Sims
After graduating from undergrad, I auditioned for several teams but didn’t make it. It was discouraging and painful because, after all those years of dancing, I questioned whether I could continue professionally. But something told me to try out for the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team, also known as the Grizz Girls. I auditioned prior being accepted into the OT program—and I made the team for the 2024–2025 season! I had a wonderful experience as a rookie on the team. Read more>>
Karen Zeferino
I finally visited my family in Brazil and moved to Memphis, TN, to start my Doctorate in Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Recently, I worked with Timberline HS from Washington State and as the Choir Director of the Summer at the Scheidt Choir Camp. For 2 years, I worked as the Assistant Director of Music at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis. I learned to play organ, assisted the Music Director in the ensembles, and played for weekend masses. I grew so much during these 2 years in Memphis. Now I’m on a new journey in St. Louis, MO, where I will start a new church position in a Methodist church. Read more>>
Sarah Luque
As my kids got a little older, I wanted to find a creative outlet that allowed me to meet more people and interact with our new Memphis community. I have now been doing balloon design since early 2024. I am blown away at how far my business has come in just over a year. I have had the privilege of working with some great clients, including some bigger businesses, and it has really evolved my design style. My design skills have improved dramatically since starting, and I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring. If you would have told me last year that I was going to have these opportunities, I’m not sure I would have believed it! Read more>>
Caroline And Phillip Smith
Our story…901drift is a local jewelry line in Memphis, TN founded by a husband and wife team of Phillip and Caroline Smith. Phillip was born and raised in Memphis and Caroline was born in Mississippi. Caroline grew up around the South but most of Caroline’s family is from the Memphis area so she moved back to her roots in 2001. Phillip and Caroline met, got married, and made a home in the 901. Caroline has a degree in fashion from The University of Memphis and has been making jewelry since 2011. Read more>>
Rebeca Rathlef
I started playing violin with my family – my grandfather was a musician. I soon was introduced to the Suzuki method by Prof. Fabio dos Santos. It was at the Suzuki Campinas School that I fostered my first experiences with playing in a group. I had so much fun playing the arrangements of brazilian songs with the orchestra! Read more>>
Chandra Ellerson
Chandra’s Earth Inspirational Jewelry was born out of one of the most uncertain and transformative times in my life: the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was working at a local hospital as a Medical Laboratory Scientist when I unexpectedly lost my job. Around the same time, I had just been diagnosed with ADHD. Navigating that diagnosis without access to my medication, due to both a national shortage and lack of insurance, was incredibly difficult. I know, it sounds like a sad story, but in truth, it was the beginning of something beautiful. Read more>>
Kiara Thomas
That said, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. I had doubts. I wanted to give up many times. Building a clientele is tough—the surface isn’t as easy as it looks. But I stayed committed. I invested in my business, got my first apartment, and turned my second bedroom into a dedicated hair room that looked like a full salon suite. I paid for promotions, logos, websites—anything and everything to get people to see what I’m capable of. Read more>>
Jasmine Coleman
That journey led me to Memphis River Parks Partnership, where I was fortunate to begin as an External Affairs Associate. In that role, I got to dream, plan, and execute programs and initiatives that invited people—especially youth—to the riverfront as a space for learning and joy. I eventually transitioned into my current role as Director of Programming and Engagement, where I now lead all internal programming, help manage communications, and work with incredible partners across the city to create events that are free, inclusive, and reflect the heart of Memphis. Read more>>
Amy Stone
I began doing art as soon as I started walking. I enjoy evoking positive emotions in people and causing them to smile. Using my art as entertainment brings me and the people around me joy. As a professional face painter I love capturing the mirror moment when I hand a child or an adult the mirror to see their painted face. As a live event wedding painter, I love seeing people’s reactions as the painting unfolds throughout the night. Read more>>
Chuck Taylor
Scott and his wife Pook purchased the store from Mr. Shuff in 1995. In 1997 I was working full time at Corky’s BBQ and Scott and his sister came into pick up a family to-go order and I saw his name on the ticket and came out to say hi. We visited for a few minutes and then he told me about a 2nd store he was about to open in the Wolfcahse area. I told him congratulations and whished him the best of luck and went back to work. The next day he called me and asked me if I would come work for him and manage his new store, I said yes!. Read more>>
