River City, TN May 2026

In Reflection: Southern Women

Somewhere between inherited tradition and quiet reinvention lives a familiar figure, the Southern woman. She does not answer to a single definition, but if you look closely, you can recognize her by the way she moves through life. She often acknowledges others with a greeting, a willingness to listen and an attentiveness to perspectives beyond her own. She carries a balance of strength and approachability.

Writers and filmmakers have all tried to define her, each offering a version formed by their time and place. In a Southern city like ours, layered with histories and voices, the Southern woman has never been singular. She is reflected in the many women who influence us and our community. Some stay with us for years. Others for a moment. Some guide us as mentors, while others walk alongside us. Then there are those who follow, drawing from what they have seen and reinterpreting it for their own time.

I think this is where the definition of a Southern woman has been hiding all along, in relationship and in how she connects to people. Whether it is a brief encounter, an easy conversation or a steady presence, there is always an instinct to acknowledge others and engage with the world around her.

In preparing this issue, I revisited my mother’s life through photographs and stories, noticing details that only come into focus over time. As children, my sisters and I saw her as something close to superhuman. She had an answer for everything (or at least made it seem that way) and carried the invisible weight of a family without ever letting it feel too heavy.

Later, I began to understand what I was really seeing: a level of intention and discipline I still aspire to.

Now I see the best of her in my daughter, who mirrors something familiar and yet entirely her own, a reflection guided by the women who have influenced her and those who are doing life with her.

Each generation redefines things like how we connect with each other, ambition, motherhood and identity. What remains constant is a shared understanding formed in relationship. We are shaped by the women who came before us and those beside us.

If I have learned anything from looking back, it is this: we were never meant to do it alone, and whether we recognize it or not, we never have been.

CHRISTIAN OWEN, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Voigt | studio@sarahvoigt.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Golden | amy.golden@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Morgan Zanone | morgan.zanone@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Margaret Ledbetter

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jeff McMillen

COPY EDITOR

Jo-Ellen Sharpe

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Uday Sripathi | uday@goldensparrowstudios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Madison Rhodes

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

Jennie Robbins

Balancing

Dr. Owen Tabor, Jr.’s patients rate him a 4.9/5 stars! He is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He has also been involved in research related to hip and knee replacement, including a long-term follow-up study of unicompartmental arthroplasty (partial knee replacement). When patients need an empathetic, capable orthopedic specialist to help get them back to the lifestyle they love, Dr. Tabor is often their first choice.

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

MARKING 40 YEARS OF FEMALE OWNERSHIP, RELIANT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CONTINUES A LEGACY OF SERVICE TO MEMPHIS FAMILIES AND INSTITUTIONS.

BUILT ON TRUST

In Memphis, where relationships matter as much as balance sheets, Susan Logan Huffman has spent four decades building an investment firm on a foundation of trust and personal relationships. As a founder and principal of Reliant Investment Management, she has guided the firm from a startup to a well-respected financial institution serving individuals, families, nonprofits and municipalities across the region.

Huffman’s journey into entrepreneurship began not with a dramatic leap but with a quiet moment of professional clarity. Working in the trust department at a local bank, she grew frustrated with the slow pace, bureaucratic paperwork and distance from the client. “I wanted to manage money directly for the client,” she said. “The client relationship was very important to me.” That conviction would become the defining principle behind Reliant Investment Management.

When Huffman founded Reliant in 1986, she was only 24 years old. She did not own a home or pet, was unmarried and had no financial obligations other than herself. Looking back, she laughs at the simplicity of the decision. “I figured I could give it a try. If it did not work out, I would have plenty of time to change plans.”

With zero assets under management, Susan’s challenge was to persuade clients to trust a young advisor with their life savings and to embrace fee-based portfolios over the industry’s traditional brokerage commission model. This risk-taking spirit and work ethic were rooted in her upbringing in Gilliam, Louisiana - a town of 100 people where she learned “character” by working various outdoor jobs on her family’s farm in the summer heat.

Huffman’s confidence to take such a risk was shaped further by her time at Rhodes College. The liberal arts education she received there emphasized critical thinking and clear communication, skills that have proven invaluable in the world of finance. “The small class size and the access to professors was the difference in my education, and it gave me confidence that I could be successful in my career,” she said.

“It was slow going at first, but I am proud to say that many of our first accounts are still clients of Reliant.” Susan knew that the firm had turned a corner when Jim Keegan, a founding partner of Morgan Keegan, joined as a partner in 1991. “Jim was instrumental in helping Reliant reach its new level of growth and brought my husband, John, into the firm.”

Launching a financial firm in the 1980s also meant navigating a business landscape that was overwhelmingly male. Huffman remembers many meetings where she was present but not fully acknowledged. “During investment presentations, it was common for clients and prospects to defer to the male in the room for answers to questions or for advice regarding investment strategy,” she said. Over time, as her performance spoke for itself and as Memphis evolved, she saw doors open for more women in leadership roles across the community.

Huffman chose to build her company in Memphis because she believed in the strength of its community and the power of long-term relationships. Through her involvement at Rhodes, her church and organizations such as the Junior League, she had already built a network of connections. “The investment management business is a relationship business. It is a business of trust. You need to know how to listen to people, be a part of a community and be willing to give back,” she said.

“YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE, BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY AND BE WILLING TO GIVE BACK.”

When asked what she considers her most meaningful achievement, Huffman points first to the consistency and longevity of the firm’s service to its clients. She takes pride in the continuity of performance and in the firm’s ability to evolve alongside the changing financial landscape. She is equally proud of building a family while building a business, working in partnership with her husband for decades while raising two children.

Beyond the office, Huffman finds balance in a place far removed from the daily fluctuations of the markets. She and her husband, John, own a small cottage in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, where they spend time fishing, gardening and walking along the beach. But work is never far. “While I am not a big fan of people working remotely, there are times when it has its advantages. I have a Bloomberg terminal and Starlink to keep me connected at all times.”

After forty years in the industry, Huffman remains focused on the future. Her next goal is to guide Reliant through a thoughtful leadership transition while maintaining the personal relationships and high standards that have defined the firm since its earliest days. From its start with no assets under management to its growth into a firm overseeing roughly $1.5 billion today, Reliant Investment Management reflects the values of its founder and of the city she calls home.

Your Wellness Roadmap

Expert advice from Memphis’ own Dr. Leslie Hayden on staying proactive through every life stage.

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

For Dr. Leslie Hayden, women’s healthcare is about more than just medicine; it’s about ensuring local women feel truly heard and empowered at every turn. As a founding partner of Bluff City OBGYN and a staff physician with ZupMed, she understands that navigating health transitions can be daunting. By providing a clear roadmap for the journey ahead, Dr. Hayden shares her expert, decade-by-decade guide to maintaining lifelong vibrancy.

THE 20S & 30S: THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS

This stage is about building a baseline for a long, healthy life. Beyond regular check-ups, focus on preventative screenings and future planning.

• The Routine: Expect a wellness exam every year, though Pap smear guidelines have evolved: typically every three years for those 21–29, and every three–five years for those 30–65.

• Pro Tip: If you’re planning to conceive within the next year, start a prenatal vitamin with DHA (vital omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain, eye and nervous system health) at least one month before trying.

• Red Flag: Don’t ignore heavy periods or unusual pelvic pain. These can be early indicators of conditions like endometriosis or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which are often easier to manage when caught early. Also, discuss any mood changes with your physician, as they may be caused by hormonal contraception.

THE 40S: THE SEASON OF CHANGE

As you enter your 40s, your body begins a transition toward perimenopause. The earliest signs are often changes in the menstrual cycle, but additional symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping and brain fog. Staying proactive is the key to managing shifting hormones.

• The Routine: Annual mammograms typically begin at age 40, and colorectal screenings now start at age 45.

• Pro Tip: While every woman’s journey is unique, there are several effective ways to manage the “heat” and hormonal shifts of this stage:

CONTINUED >

Hormone Therapy (HT): This remains the “gold standard” for relief. By replenishing the estrogen and progesterone levels that naturally decline during this time, HT can significantly reduce hot flashes, night sweats and bone loss.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): While often known as antidepressants, these medications are highly effective at lower doses for stabilizing the body’s internal thermostat. They are excellent options for women who want to manage hot flashes and mood swings without using hormones. Gabapentin and Oxybutynin: These medications offer relief for women whose primary struggle is sleep disruption. Gabapentin can help calm the nervous system for better rest, while Oxybutynin is often used to reduce the frequency of intense night sweats.

The New Frontier: Veozah and Lynkuet: These are the latest breakthroughs in non-hormonal care. Rather than adding hormones to your system, these medications target the thermoregulatory center in the brain. Think of them as a “coolant” for your brain’s internal heater, specifically designed to stop vasomotor symptoms (the medical term for hot flashes) at the source.

• Red Flag: Unexplained weight gain or persistent fatigue. While common in this decade, these can also signal thyroid issues or shifts in metabolism that require medical management.

THE 50S & BEYOND: MAINTAINING VITALITY

Postmenopause is a new chapter focused on bone health, heart health and staying active.

• The Routine: Bone density scans (DEXA) are crucial to monitor for osteoporosis.

By staying proactive with screenings and maintaining an open, honest dialogue with your physician, you can navigate these transitions with confidence.

• Pro Tip: Prioritize weight training alongside aerobic exercise. This helps combat the loss of muscle mass and bone density associated with decreasing estrogen levels. For bone health, aim for 1200 mg of calcium and 800 IU of Vitamin D daily.

• Red Flag: Postmenopausal bleeding. Any bleeding after you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period is a red flag that requires an immediate evaluation by your OBGYN.

In every season of life, from the foundational years of your 20s to the longevity-focused 50s and beyond, your health journey is deeply personal. By staying proactive with screenings and maintaining an open, honest dialogue with your physician, you can navigate these transitions with confidence. Whether you are visiting Dr Hayden at Bluff City OBGYN or through her partnership with ZupMed, the goal remains the same: empowering Memphis women to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives at every age.

For more information on Dr. Hayden’s Bluff City OBGYN practice and her partnership with ZupMed, visit bluffcityobgyn.com

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LISA MALLORY’S SIGNATURE STYLE BLENDS FAMILIAR WITH FRESH

LOOKING GOOD, LIVING WELL

For more than 30 years, Memphis interior designer Lisa Mallory has approached each project with a clear intention: to create spaces that reflect not just how a home looks, but how it truly lives. “When I start a project, I’m really trying to understand how someone lives day to day,” Mallory says. “Not just what they want it to look like, but how they use their space.”

“EVERYONE

IS DIFFERENT: DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES, DIFFERENT TASTES, DIFFERENT PRIORITIES. THAT NATURALLY KEEPS THINGS FROM FEELING REPETITIVE. EACH SPACE ENDS UP REFLECTING THAT PERSON, NOT

SOME FORMULA WE REUSE.”

Rather than beginning with a fixed aesthetic, she starts with the rhythms of her clients’ lives, how they gather, relax, entertain and move through their homes. That foundation allows each space to feel personal and intuitive. A home intended for frequent hosting will naturally differ from one meant to be a quiet retreat, and Mallory skillfully celebrates those differences through her designs. “Once I understand their day-to-day and what they want the space to feel like, it’s much easier to make design choices that actually make sense for them instead of just looking good,” she explains.

The result is work that feels both timeless and contemporary. “I think it comes down to not going all-in on trends,” she says. “I’ll usually start with a base that feels classic: good materials, simple shapes, things that won’t feel outdated in a year—and then layer in a few newer pieces or details that make it feel current.” It is an approach that resists extremes. By blending the familiar with the fresh, Mallory creates interiors that feel relevant without the threat of being fleeting. “It’s kind of like mixing something old with something new,” she adds. “That way the space feels fresh, but it’s not something you’ll get tired of quickly.”

After three decades in the business of creating beautiful spaces, her work continues to evolve. “Honestly, a big part of it is just having so many options to pull from,” she says. Through her retail space that she shares with designer Sarah Spinosa in Laurelwood, Mallory maintains access to an abundant and varied collection of samples and sources, giving her and her team the ability to tailor each project with a level of nuance that keeps the finished product unique. “We’re never stuck reaching for the same two fabrics or finishes over and over again,” says Mallory. But beyond materials, it is the individuality of each client that keeps her work distinct. “Everyone is different: different lifestyles, different tastes, different priorities. That naturally keeps things

“I WANT CLIENTS TO FEEL COMFORTABLE, HAPPY AND AT HOME.”

from feeling repetitive. Each space ends up reflecting that person, not some formula we reuse.”

Like most creatives, perspective is paramount in Mallory’s design process. “Lately, I’ve been pulling a lot of inspiration from recent trips to Florida, New York, Paris and London,” Mallory shares. As she considers the inherent contrasts between them: such as Florida’s light, relaxed sensibility against London’s layered, classic feel - often peppered with unexpected details –Mallory’s  own design perspective approaches definition. “I think getting out of your everyday routine helps a lot. Just seeing how different places use color, materials and space. It keeps things feeling fresh and gives me new ideas to bring back into projects.”

Among all the spaces she designs, bedrooms remain a favorite. “There’s something about making a space feel really calm and personal that I love,” she says. “It’s where people start and end their day, so it should feel comfortable and totally theirs.” In these more

intimate rooms, Mallory focuses not only on visual appeal but on atmosphere, how the space feels the moment someone walks in.

That attention to feeling carries through to the final layers of a design. “Lamps and pillows instantly elevate a room,” she notes. Simple as they may seem, these elements bring warmth, texture, personality and dimension, turning a space into something that feels complete and lived in.

For her many repeat clients who return to her for help with room after room, remodel after remodel, home after home, there’s just something about Lisa’s stylistic approach that evokes authenticity and approachability. “I want clients to feel comfortable, happy and at home,” Mallory says. It is a goal that has remained constant throughout her career, and one that continues to guide her work today. Across every project, regardless of style or scale, that sense of ease is what defines a Lisa Mallory interior: spaces that are thoughtful, personal and designed for the way people truly live well.

JENNIE Robbins

ARTICLE BY MADISON RHODES PHOTOGRAPHY BY UDAY SRIPATHI

Balancing leadership, family and a deep commitment to Memphis as the CEO of Church Health

Jennie Robbins is a name you might recognize, and a person you should definitely get to know. She is the new(ish) CEO of Church Health, a local faith-based not-for-profit committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to more Memphians, including those facing social and economic challenges. Church Health believes in treating one another with compassion so that everyone can live with dignity and joy. Jennie took on the role of CEO after the founder, Dr. Scott Morris, “rewired” in 2024. He continues his work as a physician and founder, while Jennie runs operations.

What you may not know are Jennie’s other roles – as wife, mother, daughter, friend and volunteer.

Originally from New Orleans, Jennie ended up in Memphis after college when it was time for her long-distance relationship with now-husband, Walker, to take the next step. She moved to Memphis knowing no one except Walker. “I never looked back. I cannot imagine being anywhere except Memphis.” She says that, as someone not originally from here, she accepts Memphis for all its strengths and warts. “No city is perfect, but Memphis is pretty darn good,” she says. She encourages people to get involved in something that interests them and benefits the community. When she first moved, Jennie immediately got involved with the Junior League of Memphis and

made an incredible group of life-long friends through serving the city. Jennie was also the third female president of Carnival Memphis, a 95-year-old organization that supports, enhances and promotes the commerce and culture of Memphis and the Mid-South. Her family is heavily involved in Carnival Krewes memberships and all the philanthropic work for which Carnival is known.

She took her first job in Memphis at First American Bank, now Regions Bank. It was one she loved, and it led to other roles in banking for the next eight years. While in the Leadership Academy, now New Memphis Fellows program, Jennie was prompted to engage in significant introspection and leadership development throughout the 10-month program. After eight years in the banking industry, she felt open to new opportunities and naturally gravitated toward nonprofit work. She met Ann Langston when Ann gave a presentation about the Junior League of Memphis, and they instantly connected. Ann became a mentor to Jennie and eventually called with a job offer to work for Church Health’s MEMPHIS Plan, an affordable healthcare plan for small businesses in Memphis. When making the career shift, Jennie planned to work for Church Health for a couple of years, have a baby, scale back on work and eventually retire.

That’s when she learned what nonprofit work is really all about: getting your hands dirty and constantly feeling inspired to do more. Over nearly two decades at Church Health, Jennie’s role has changed many times. Before becoming CEO, she spent over a decade as CFO. One of the biggest challenges she has faced in her new role is learning when to step back and let others rise into their positions. She has a deep love for the organization and an enduring trust in every employee. “Church Health works because everyone does their part. There is confidence, passion and commitment in our people that I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s infectious!”

The virtues that serve as Church Health’s pillars are taken from Colossians 3: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love. Every staff member, volunteer and donor connects with at least one virtue. Jennie says, “The virtues are all different. Everyone can identify with their own virtue, and we need all players with various attributes to show up for our patients. The virtues are part of our culture that is embedded in what we do every day.”

When she has a free moment or needs to escape from the normal rhythms of her work, Jennie likes to sit in the waiting rooms of the Church Health clinics. Watching patients’ expressions,

conversations and body language before appointments and seeing changes when they leave, usually with smiles, relaxed shoulders and relief, reminds her of the importance of their work. “I like to hear the chatter, see the worry, concern, joy, across every clinic. Some patients don’t know what to expect. Sometimes you see their fear, and then they go into the clinic and get the answer or relief they need from the provider. The transformation on a patient’s or family member’s face when they walk out always reminds me that I didn’t cure them or deliver the results they needed. But, I know that because of the work that I do, I can help facilitate all of those other things that lead to a good patient experience.” She doesn’t need to know the details of each case to know that Church Health is positively impacting the lives of patients and their families every day.

Jennie grew up with a working mom, so she always pictured herself working when she grew her own family. Despite the struggles of balancing it all – family, work, volunteerism, friends and everything else life holds – she loves having a purpose outside of her role as mom and wife. Life gets messy, and she says you can’t compare yourself to the people you see on social media. No one is put together all the time. No one can truly do it all. She laughs, “I’m not very good at recreational sports! Plus, I don’t even know where my tennis racket is.”

When I asked her for the advice she would give to someone like me, in the beginning phases of a career, marriage a few short months away, and hopes of a family on the horizon, she said, “Don’t put it off. Whatever you want to do, go for it. There will never be a ‘perfect’ time.” She also said that in every phase of life, you have to, as Drew and Ellie Holcomb sing, “find your people.” Having a network of support is critical

“Don’t put it off. Whatever you want to do, go for it. There will never be a ‘perfect’ time.”

in a busy life. She says, “It’s impossible to do it all. You always have to choose, make sacrifices and learn how to survive when it gets hard. Lean on your people.” She offers a lot of great advice to heed life changes through every phase.

These are the things all women should consider around Mother’s Day: How can we support and lift one another up? What advice would a younger version of ourselves want or need to hear? How can we raise daughters who are strong, independent and concerned about helping others?

Jennie says you have to model it. As a working mom, she can’t be there for everything, but she is there for the moments that really matter. She sets aside time in her calendar regularly to be with her daughter, sometimes volunteering and other times going to the lake. She treats this time with the weight of something sacred - because it is. Her biggest piece of advice: “No matter what you choose to do with life, you have to finish what you started.”

Katie Hunt blends architecture, teaching and florals into a life of thoughtful design

AN EYE FOR FORM

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

Just a couple of blocks from her downtown condo, Katie Hunt’s flower shop feels less like a storefront and more like a quiet discovery. It reflects a life of creativity, adaptability and a surprising return to Memphis.

“Born and raised,” she says, thinking back to growing up in Memphis and her years at St. Agnes Academy, where she attended from preschool through 12th grade. “It was a really wonderful home away from home in a lot of ways.”

After graduation, she craved something new. Reflecting on her decision for college, Katie says, “I was ready for a change.” She headed to the University of Kansas

to pursue textile design and architecture. After completing her studies there, she moved to Seattle for graduate school, where she then built a decade-long career in architecture.

“I loved it,” she says. “I got to experience Seattle in a wonderful, rare little moment before Amazon fully took over.” But as the city changed, so did her sense of home.

Her return to Memphis in January 2019 came just before the world shifted. Within months, the pandemic changed daily life, but for Katie, it also opened a door.

Today, her work spans three distinct but connected roles. She is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Memphis, an architect at LRK, and the owner of a growing floral business. Although these may seem like separate paths, each informs and enriches the others in a natural, interconnected way.

At LRK, she works on projects rooted in adaptive reuse— reimagining existing structures. The same approach informs her teaching, where she challenges students to analyze space, function and design. It also shapes her floral work, where form and structure are as important as beauty.

Katie had always been interested in flowers and arrangements. What had been a creative side interest began to take shape as something more. With a $100 gift from her grandmother, she decided to try. “I’m just going to use this $100 and see what I can do with it.” She organized a Valentine’s Day bouquet pop-up and sold out, even given the winter weather.

From there, things grew: she offered no-contact bouquet pickups outside her condo and built relationships with loyal customers. Later, through an architecture client, she was invited to open a downtown retail space. With the help of a grant, she converted the space into a working flower shop. “There wasn’t even a door onto the sidewalk,” she says.

Now in her second year with the storefront, Katie’s business reflects her diverse experience. The shop is open on weekends, but most work happens behind the scenes. “The primary source of my business is event floral: weddings, large events and business subscriptions.”

Her architectural background is more influential than people expect. She is especially drawn to installations that balance creativity and structure. “Anything involving ladders, heights or figuring out mechanics is really fun,” she says. “A lot of thought goes into the mechanics of floral design—you’re not supposed to see it. It’s like your underwear: it’s there, you look good, but nobody thinks about it.”

That thinking carries into the classroom. Teaching architecture requires clarity, patience and the ability to break down complex ideas. In many ways, her floral work mirrors that process. Each arrangement, like each design concept, starts with a problem to solve and becomes something functional and expressive.

She approaches her work with a practical mindset, especially when it comes to weddings. “Not everybody has a large floral budget for their wedding. I have learned how to do the most with what I have for any event.” Balancing creativity with honesty has helped her build trust with clients.

What makes Katie’s presence in Memphis unique is not just what she crafts, but how she crafts it. Her shop is intentionally understated. “There’s something almost secret about it. People discover it, and it feels like something they’ve stumbled upon.”

That sense of discovery has become part of the experience. “I have a lot of repeat customers,” she says, “but I also have people who come in every weekend who ask, ‘How long have you been here?’”

In many ways, that question captures her story. After returning to Memphis with a fresh perspective, Katie has moved seamlessly between teaching, designing and creating. As a result, her body of work feels thoughtful, layered and distinctly her own.

CONNECTED BY Creation

Whitney Winkler creates freely, building community through art, collaboration and purpose

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

On Hollywood Street off Broad Avenue, Whitney Winkler Art invites you into a creative oasis. The shop showcases original paintings layered with gold leaf and stitching, handmade ceramics by regional makers, quilted jackets from vintage textiles and candles in repurposed vessels. Each piece tells a story. At the center is artist and entrepreneur Whitney Winkler, whose evolving journey has shaped this space devoted to artistry, sustainability and human connection.

Winkler’s path to a brick-and-mortar shop wasn’t direct. Like many creative entrepreneurs, her career has taken many forms, each building on the last. She began painting over a decade ago, while pregnant with her first child.

“In those monotonous days of motherhood, I needed something that I could start and finish creatively,” she says. “Because I started creating in this place of confinement, my art has exemplified freedom over the years.”

That sense of freedom is evident in her work today. Winkler’s main medium is mixed-media watercolor, typically on paper. Some pieces feature abstract florals or landscapes. She adds texture with stitching and gold foil. The result? Light, expressive work that feels intuitive and layered. “People often say my art feels uninhibited,” she says.

As her artistic practice grew, so did her curiosity. Winkler began exploring collaborative work, painting on pottery created by other artisans and partnering with makers whose skills complemented her own. “I love the idea of art on everything,” she says. “I don’t need to learn every skill myself. I’d rather work with people who are incredible at what they do.”

That collaborative mindset shaped her store. Inside Whitney Winkler Art, original pieces share space with handcrafted work by mostly local and regional artisans, many of them women. Jewelry, pottery, textiles, embroidery and vintage home goods fill the shop. Each is carefully selected not only for beauty, but for the human story behind it. “I value craftsmanship and people being paid fairly for their work,” Winkler explains. “I buy all of their work outright rather than doing consignment. I believe in their work, and I want them to feel valued at every step.”

The same philosophy guides her vintage offerings. Winkler has sold thrifted goods since 2010, long before vintage retail became mainstream. In recent years, she brought this part of her business into the shop, making the hunt for unique pieces part of the experience. “Sourcing is constant,” she says. “Whenever I travel, I’m looking for pieces that excite me.”

The vintage selection ranges from statement furniture—like a hand-carved swan bench carved from a single block of wood—to clothing reimagined from antique textiles. Quilts become jackets and collars; old fabrics find new life as wearable pieces. “The pieces in my shop go a step further,” she says. “How can we reuse and reimagine something old for today?”

For Winkler, sustainability is practical and personal. She notes the high environmental costs of modern fashion as a reason to use vintage and repurposed materials. At the same time, the shop embraces beauty and discovery. Candles and plants fill repurposed containers, and every corner offers a small surprise. “I want people to have a treasure hunt experience when they come in,” she says.

Underlying it all is a belief that people crave connection, not just to objects, but to the people who made them. “I’ve realized that the way people buy art is often through connecting with the artist,” Winkler says. “There’s a human behind everything in this store.” That human element also extends to the team that helps run the shop. Winkler works alongside four other women who support everything from graphic design and marketing to shipping and sales, allowing her to keep space in her life for both creativity and family. After all, Winkler is also a mother of five. “My hobby, my talent and my job are the same thing,” she says. “But this space is where I get to be Whitney apart from being a mom.”

In a retail world driven by fast consumption, Whitney Winkler Art offers something different: a place where art, sustainability and community intertwine, and every object begins with a person.

Memphis Artisans

Whitney collaborates with a number of local artisans who create beautiful art, branding and wearable pieces.

• The Clay Moon - @theclaymoon - Samm Stafford creates pottery and paintings, including wearable charms with florals.

• Thirty One Sundays - @thirtyonesundays - Lara Cate works with screen printing and embroidery.

• Janey Bee Jems - @janeybeejems

• Archd - @getarchd - Sisters Kristen and Lindsey Archer create coasters, wall art and more.

• Kyle Taylor Art - @kyletaylorart - Recently featured in Art by Design!

• McLean Designs - @mcleandesignmemphis - Logos, t-shirts and branding.

• Cane and Herb - @caneandherb901- Crafting handmade simple syrups infused with fresh herbs - a fabulous hostess gift.

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MIDTOWN 3050 Walnut Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 458-8000

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

Driving Success at Grandeur Service

How one family-focused business is creating opportunity while delivering professional transportation with a personal touch.

Tarasha Payne has always been driven to succeed. Born in North Mississippi and raised in Memphis, she learned early the value of hard work, resilience and family support, qualities that would later shape her entrepreneurial journey and the success of Grandeur Service.

Growing up in a large, close-knit family, Tarasha describes herself as a tomboy who could often be found playing sports with her older brothers and cousins. Her determination and competitive spirit were evident even then. It was during those years that her future husband, Keith, first noticed her athletic ability when he saw her confidently playing football in the neighborhood. Years later, after Keith returned from military service, their partnership would become both personal and professional.

While still in high school, Tarasha became a mother to a son with special needs. Rather than allowing challenges to slow her down, she remained focused on building a stable future for her family. After graduation, she continued her education locally, first attending Southwest Tennessee Community College before transferring to Christian Brothers University, where she studied finance and accounting.

During this time, Tarasha worked at the Junior League of Memphis, where she gained

valuable professional experience and mentorship that helped shape her career. She balanced college, work, marriage and raising two young children while her husband worked as a long-haul truck driver during the week. Her strong work ethic helped her steadily advance in the accounting field, all while helping support her growing family.

Tarasha eventually combined her financial expertise with Keith’s transportation experience when they helped grow her family’s trucking business. This experience gave them firsthand knowledge of logistics, operations, and customer service—skills that would later become the foundation of their own company.

In 2020, Tarasha saw an opportunity. During the pandemic, she and Keith recognized a need for professional, reliable black car transportation services that were accessible not just to executives, but to everyday people. Seeing both a market gap and a chance to build something meaningful, Tarasha took the lead in creating what would become Grandeur Service. “We wanted to create something that felt professional but still accessible,” she said of the early idea.

Inspired by her grandmother who helped raise her, the company name reflects her deep connection to family.

“We wanted to create something that felt professional but still accessible.”

Today, that same family-first philosophy remains at the heart of the business. Grandeur Service operates with a trusted network of family drivers and a growing fleet of luxury black vehicles. The company provides transportation within a 300-mile radius of Memphis and can also source specialty vehicles when needed.

What sets Grandeur Service apart is its attention to customer comfort and safety. Clients receive a driver profile before pickup,

helping create a sense of trust and professionalism that reflects Grandeur’s commitment to personal service. “That personal connection matters,” Tarasha believes. “People want to know who they’re riding with.”

Looking ahead, Tarasha has an even bigger vision. Inspired by her own experiences as the mother of a child with special needs, she hopes to expand Grandeur Service to provide transportation

for high-functioning individuals with special needs who are able to work but unable to drive themselves. Her goal is to create opportunities for independence where current transportation options fall short.

Tarasha believes this next phase will take careful planning, licensing and development over the next few years, but she is committed to making it happen.

Today, Tarasha continues to lead Grandeur Service with the same determination that has defined her life. With Keith as her partner and her family as her foundation, she is not only building a successful business but also creating opportunities to serve her community in meaningful ways.