I was excited to be asked to do two Memphis-centric pieces for StyleBlueprint that gave me a chance to dig deeper into some of my favorite local landmarks and history. I sat down with Orpheum CEO Brett Batterson and got input from my fave local expert Wayne Dowdy to tell 90 years of The Orpheum Theatre’s story. And I had a great time digging up a relatively short list of the distinctively Memphis things that make us what we are. As an added bonus, I got to chat with my pal and game-changing singer-songwriter Liz Brasher to talk about what brought her to Memphis and how it stole her heart.
Women in the corner office
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve had the honor of profiling two women with prominent and critical leadership roles in Memphis: Beverly Robertson and Meri Armour. Beverly was recently named as interim CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, where she applies her background as an educator, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit director to advocate for Memphis’ economic development. Meri is ending her lauded tenure as president of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital this year after helping the hospital evolve into one of the most respected children’s healthcare facilities in the country. Both have played a direct role in creating a brighter future for Memphis, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to soak in some of their wisdom.
Guess who’s back?
Yes, I know the worst thing to do on a blog is comment on how long it’s been since the last post (also, are we still even doing blogs?), but I just realized how long it had been since I’d updated my portfolio, so all that is now current. There are a lot of great Q&As in there with fascinating Memphis women like Tami Sawyer, Victoria Young, and Mary Conley, along with neighborhood guides to Front Street and Broad Ave, plus some of my best Memphis facts and tips. I’ve got another batch of interviews underway right now, so check back to meet some more amazing Memphians.
Whoops!
I just realized I’ve been diligently updating the Work page but forgetting to note new stuff in the blog, so here’s what I’ve been up to all summer. I got to talk to some truly amazing women in Memphis and spread the word about Memphis’ rocketing bike culture. Check it out!
FACES of Memphis: Susan Graf, Founder of FedExFamilyHouse, StyleBlueprint-Memphis, September 25, 2017
FACES of Memphis: Amy Faulk, CEO & World Champion Racer, StyleBlueprint-Memphis, August 14, 2017
The Bluff City’s Biking Revolution, StyleBlueprint-Memphis, August 4, 2017
FACES of Memphis: Tonya Dyson, Music Aficionada & Advocate, StyleBlueprint-Memphis, July 24, 2017
FACES of Memphis: Yancy Villa-Calvo, Artist & Activist, StyleBlueprint-Memphis, June 26, 2017
FACES of Memphis: Natasha Sen-Fizdale
I made my StyleBlueprint debut by profiling entrepreneur and rescue dog advocate Natasha Sen-Fizdale, who also happens to be the First Lady of the Memphis Grizzlies as wife of head coach David Fizdale.
Another April, still snowing.
Yes, I’m from Minnesota, but that’s not the only reason I’m still taking Prince’s death so hard.
The Long-Life Magic of Not Giving a F*ck
Hey, look, it’s my first piece on Medium.