CHICO’S - COLLECTED BY ELIZABETH MALMO - COTTON TAILS
DINSTUHL’S - EAST MEMPHIS ATHLETIC CLUB - FLEET FEET SPORTS
FROST BAKE SHOP - GOETZE ART & DESIGN - HIGHTEE
HOT YOGA PLUS - J. MCLAUGHLIN - JAMES DAVIS - J. JILL
JOSEPH - JOSEPH MEN - KING FURS AND FINE JEWELRY - KITTIE KYLE
LIBRO - LISA MALLORY · SARAH SPINOSA INTERIOR DESIGN
LORI JAMES - NOVEL - ORVIS - PANERA BREAD - PAVO SALON
PIGTAILS AND CREWCUTS - RESTAURANT IRIS - SACHI
SISSY’S LOG CABIN - STOVALL COLLECTION - ZÜPMED
Micah Layman
9.261.4.26
Gratitude doesn’t ask for perfection, only presence.
Gracious living—the overriding theme of our magazine—is gratitude in motion. Good manners, moments of innovation, beauty and applause are outward expressions of living graciously that we all enjoy writing and reading about, but as C.S. Lewis says, a mindset of gratitude reminds us that every success, every breath, every joy is borrowed light.
As we approach our fifth year in print, River City Lifestyle continues to borrow light from the 901 with gratitude. Our pages reflect the enduring kindness, creativity and courageous leadership of the people who brighten the city we call home.
Gratitude may seem too sentimental for our platform, but science, faith and philosophy agree it is one of the most transformative forces available to us. Gratitude is not optimism or idealism. It doesn’t deny grief or injustice. It is a discipline, the steady turning of the heart toward what is right and lasting.
In the always-on, performative world we navigate each day, noisy messages reach all our senses, often telling us how far we fall from the moving target of perfection. Gratitude is restorative and asks something quieter of us. It honors tradition and invites reflection. It can use technology but is more often tactile. It does not treat another person as optional. It chooses commonalities over controversy and believes in goodness.
With this attitude, we aim high to produce five-star issues, but in our enthusiasm and commitment to turn out a monthly publication—48 to date—we have made (just a few!) errors. However, you can be sure our content is created with genuine effort, care and gratitude for the support, feedback and steady stream of story ideas from this community. Once published, our stories cannot be edited or scrolled away, so print keeps us grounded in research and integrity. Our mission is not to chase quick headlines but to cultivate reliable connections.
From our table to yours—be it burnt rolls, a dropped pie or forgotten cranberry sauce—it will still be a Happy Thanksgiving! Join us in giving thanks for borrowed light and opportunities to be fully present with gratitude.
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
Driving The Dream™
Memphis unites to break cycle of generational poverty
In Memphis, where nearly one in five residents lives below the federal poverty line, a powerful collaboration is changing lives. Driving The Dream™ (DTD), a United Way of the Mid-South (UWMS) initiative, is on a mission to eradicate generational poverty through education, healthcare access, job placement, financial management and mental health support. Launched softly in 2016 and fully established by 2018, DTD was the brainchild of Dr. Kenneth Robinson. Early champions, including First Horizon, Urban Child Institute, Assisi Foundation and other community leaders, helped bring it to life. Today, the organization partners with more than 100 community agencies across eight counties to create a seamless network of wraparound services. Other local companies that are involved include Church Health, Regions Bank Foundation, Porter Leath and Truist. As UWMS Director of Marketing and Communications Carolyn McCormick explains, “The heart of Driving The Dream is collective impact. One call, and you are connected to the help you need.”
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
That help comes in many forms. From rent assistance to affordable childcare, from free tax preparation to financial literacy coaching, families gain tools to build stability and independence. A striking example: in recent years, UWMS, along with assistance from DTD, helped file over 10,000 tax returns, bringing $11 million in refunds back to Memphis households—an average of $1,600 per family, nearly 20% of the average annual income for those served.
The stories behind the statistics are equally moving. Bruce Hopkins, a longtime banking executive with First Horizon and DTD advisory committee member, recalls a mother who was working two jobs while raising children in a van. With DTD’s help, she secured housing and began a new chapter of stability. “This organization has been a gift to me,” Hopkins reflects. “It’s making a tremendous impact on our city.”
DTD also fosters unique partnerships to address community needs. For example, when local businesswoman Neely Woodson Powell, founder and CEO of Charleston Shoe Company, decided to close her children’s shoe line, she donated 4,500 pairs to DTD. The organization, with help from community partners, distributed them at MLK Prep in Frayser— along with clothing and other essentials—just in time for Christmas.
At the helm today is UWMS CEO Tomeka Hart Wigginton, who believes Memphis’s generosity is its greatest strength. “This is a remarkably generous community,” she says. “We can solve problems when we work collaboratively. Driving The Dream helps families tackle what seem like overwhelming problems and provides support every step of the way.”
She points out that many DTD families fall into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals who work hard yet live paycheck to paycheck, vulnerable to crises like car trouble or late rent. “One bit of bad luck can send a family into a financial spiral,” Hart Wigginton explains. “But through DTD, a single call, visit or online request can connect them to everything they need.”
For Memphis, Driving The Dream™ is more than a program—it’s a promise. A promise that with collaboration, compassion and commitment, a brighter future is within reach for every family.
trust the people at my bank.
Brooks, proudly independent for 7 years.
As a longtime Memphis business owner, I know what I need from my bank. So when my previous bank couldn’t meet those needs, I knew I needed a new partner. Seven years later, our relationship is going strong, and the service I receive is tailored just for my business.
Brooks Terry Owner, Babcock Gifts
Start your story with i-bank today, and find out why being proudly independent is the most rewarding way to bank. i-bankonline.com
H A N K F U L T H A N K F U L
Together, we’re redefining health. One grateful step at a time. for the body’s ability to heal when given the right support
This season, we’re celebrating progress over perfection - better sleep, balanced hormones, calm minds, and energy that lasts. At Solutions Medical Center our functional medicine team helps you uncover what your body truly needs to heal, using personalized testing, advanced lab analysis, and root-cause care.
7465 Poplar Ave., Suite 102
Germantown, TN 38138
901-853-6428
www.solutionsmedicalcenter.com
Kate Gassaway RN, MSN, APRN-BC, IFMCP
Dakota Doss RN, MSN, APRN-BC
Felicia Suzanne’s is Back!
ARTICLE BY MADISON RHODES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
You probably know Felicia Suzanne’s Restaurant, or FSR, as a downtown Memphis staple. For twenty years, the restaurant catered to the trolley-lined pedestrian street of North Main. After a hiatus, it’s back in a new location and better than ever.
Owned and operated by husband-andwife team Clay Schuchardt and Felicia Suzanne Willett-Schuchardt, the new restaurant reflects them both. Felicia says, “This space is more than a restaurant – it’s a gathering place. We wanted to create something that feels welcoming and familiar, yet special enough for life’s big moments. Being at the table in the heart of South Main makes it even more meaningful.” The couple calls downtown Memphis home, and entering the restaurant feels just like that – a welcoming home to their family table. The atmosphere is not only comfortable, but invites gathering and dining with friends and family for hours.
Chef Felicia hails from Jonesboro, Arkansas. After studying at Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina and training under Emeril Lagassee in New Orleans, she opened her famous white tablecloth restaurant in downtown Memphis. Most of my life is colored by fond memories eating at Felicia Suzanne’s old location. Its iconic red velvet chairs and booths defined an interior both comfortable and upscale, always signaling a special evening with delicious food and good company.
The new restaurant, relocated on South Main in the 1926 Fred P. Gattas store building, was designed by Collect and Curate by Natalie Lieberman. The aesthetic evokes the familiar comfort of the old restaurant with fresh colors, textures and patterns. Felicia has a unique Southern style characterized by her Arkansas origin and culinary training in both North Carolina and New Orleans. Summoning the streets and flair of “The Big Easy,” the space feels modern, sleek, comfortable and nostalgic all at once. Velvet drapery and a bold, veined stone bar embrace you at the entrance. Warm lighting, deeply colored upholstery and brass accents make the restaurant feel like a celebration of southern hospitality.
Bites and Beverages menu - available from 4-6 p.m. and after 9 p.m.
Entering the restaurant, you’re bound to see Clay Schuchardt, who runs everything front-of-house. His amiable smile is known around the bar and dining areas as he ensures a smooth dinner service for every patron.
If you don’t have much time, grab a seat at the bar for the Bites and Beverages menu – full of craveable classics and seasonally rotating bites, as well as carefully crafted cocktails – available from 4-6 p.m. and after 9 p.m. It’s a comfortable seat with an action-packed view of the restaurant in full swing.
Memphis’s “BKS,” or “Best Kept Secret," is a small, French-inspired outdoor garden and patio, separated from the main outdoor dining space.
The restaurant was designed by Collect and Curate by Natalie Lieberman.
“This space is more than a restaurant – it’s a gathering place. We wanted to create something that feels welcoming and familiar, yet special enough for life’s big moments.”
The outdoor patio is the perfect place to spend a Memphis fall evening. The back of the restaurant brags Memphis’s “BKS,” or “Best Kept Secret.” BKS is a small, French-inspired outdoor garden and patio, separated from the main outdoor dining space. It opens into the “Bubble Bar,” a dark and moody spot for drinks, dinner and private events. “BKS is our little hideaway – inside and outside, with its own bar, fire pits and private exits. And the best part? Our Bites and Beverages menu is made for sharing, so it’s always about good food, good drinks and good company.”
Known not only for her location downtown, Felicia’s flavors remain unsurpassed. Her cuisine celebrates the flavors of the South that we all know and love, but it is also sustainable, being sourced from local farmers. Speaking with a friend recently, he
said of Felicia’s, “Once I walked in, it was that same smell, that Felicia smell. It’s so unique and it’s so her. I said, ‘She’s back!’”
According to Felicia, “Food, to me, is about more than flavor – it’s about community. We source thoughtfully, cook with integrity and craft menus that celebrate both our farmers and our guests. At the restaurant that vision comes to life through dishes that are approachable yet elevated and always made with care. Our goal is to create an experience filled with warmth, comfort and connection.”
Her menu is comprised of dishes that have defined Felicia Suzanne’s for the past 20 years: White Cheddar Grit Muffins, South Carolina Quail, Sunday Sugo, Fried Green Tomatoes and so much more. Oysters are getting an upgrade now. “This time, we’re celebrating them five different ways: Oysters of
Love, Hot Sauced, Raw, Grilled and Baked. It’s our way of honoring the Gulf in all its variety, not just one expression. Moving forward, the menu will continue to evolve with the seasons, highlighting the best of what’s fresh and local while expanding into new dishes that reflect both tradition and creativity.”
This summer, the menu boasted the only Fried Okra I’ll eat outside of my family’s recipe, in addition to a Peach Galette with whipped Honey Ricotta and Flaky Pâte Brisées. Now that fall is here, the Bites and Beverages Menu is featuring one of their most beloved seasonal dishes: the Short Rib Grilled Cheese. “It’s my homage to French cuisine, inspired by the Croque Monsieur but reimagined with braised short ribs in place of ham. Comforting and decadent, it’s the perfect bite to pair with a Blanco Negroni, a Creole Martini, or even a local draft – making it a true reflection of fall at FSR.”
As the seasons continue to change, there is a lot to look forward to at FSR. Felicia says, “Looking ahead, FSR is just getting started – celebrating South Main with Trolley Nights, continuing Operation Turkey Day
“Food, to me, is about more than flavor – it’s about community. We source thoughtfully, cook with integrity, and craft menus that celebrate both our farmers and our guests.”
(prepared sides to-go for your Thanksgiving feast), polishing our brand with new merch, and this spring, bringing back Friday lunches.”
Multiple event-ready dining spaces for parties large and small allow for regular dinner service to continue while private events remain secluded. With the holidays just around the corner, Felicia Suzanne’s is the perfect place to celebrate the season with friends, family, colleagues and delicious cuisine.
Only seven months in, I’ve dined at Felicia Suzanne’s well over a dozen times, and I can confidently say it never gets old. It is my go-to spot for an evening in downtown Memphis. When the door opens, I know I will be taken care of by Clay, Felicia and the attentive staff. It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a community of people who love and crave the flavors that Felicia crafts night after night, year after year.
Located on South Main in the 1926 Fred P. Gattas store building.
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Clay Schuchardt and Felicia Suzanne Willett-Schuchardt.
Amanda Farmer and Shade Sullins
Amanda Farmer and Shade Sullins
INTERIORS
tarafeliceinteriors.com
tara@tarafeliceinteriors.com
A full-service design firm specializing in creating sophisticated, comfortable living spaces tailored to each client’s unique style and needs.
New To Me TENNESSEE
NewToMeTN.com
newtometn@gmail.com
Upscale resale furniture, rugs, art, and decor. Shop online. Contact us to consign.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
MIFA Meals on Wheels
Volunteer | Give
“It’s important that our community takes care of each other, and by serving together, we make our community a better place.”
—MIFA Meals on Wheels volunteer Learn how you can get involved at mifa.org.
REAL ESTATE
Woodlands 4050 Baronne Way
LECO Realty, Inc.
George Merrifield, Stacey F. Hopper (901) 569-4243 george@lecorealty.com
Rare Opportunity in Woodlands: East Memphis’ premier 24-hour guarded, gated community. Completely remodeled, 4BR, with 2 new en-suite primary bedrooms downstairs. Features a private terrace.
FOOD & DRINK
Loflin Yard
loflinyard.com (901) 453-4777
info@loflinyard.com @loflinyard
Loflin Yard is a downtown Memphis bar, restaurant and venue that accommodates both large and small events. Enjoy our spacious, relaxed indoor and dog-friendly outdoor areas.
ENTERTAINMENT
Riggs
ENTERTAINMENT
RiggsTalent.com
info@riggsentertainmentllc.com
A boutique entertainment agency, representing the 901 Heavy Hitters, The Neon Mooners, Joyce Cobb, Breeze Cayolle, the Beale Street Flippers, and many more!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EVENT
Forrest Spence Fund • Touch-A-Truck
The mission of the Forrest Spence Fund is to assist with the nonmedical needs of critically or chronically ill children and their families throughout the Mid-South.
Saturday, November 15 • 10am-1pm Climb, honk, and explore at Touch-A-Truck while helping the Forrest Spence Fund support critically and chronically ill children.
While Thanksgiving is typically associated with turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, dips are a far more versatile offering and buy time while the turkey roasts and rests. Dips serve as appetizers, side dishes or even casual main attractions for football fans waiting on the main act. Thanksgiving dips bring together seasonal flavors, comforting textures and communal eating, making them a perfect start or finish to the holiday spread. Dips, savory and sweet, reflect the holiday’s spirit of sharing.
ARTICLE
BY MARGARET LEDBETTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY THREADGILL
Caviar Dip
Courtesy of Amy Golden
INGREDIENTS
• 7 oz caviar (We suggest Whole Foods caviar.)
• squeeze of lemon
• 8 oz crème fraiche
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1/4 cup minced chives plus extra for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Mix gently and serve with the best potato chips you can find.
Local wine importer and owner of North Berkeley Imports, Billy Weiss is a magician in the wine pairings department for any occasion. Like dips, “wine is so versatile,” he says. “I love a bright champagne with caviar.” An NBI favorite is Jean Vesselle Brut from the small family-owned Domaine Jean Vesselle in the Champagne region in France. A female descendant of the founders currently runs the business. The Domaine specializes in small production and high-craft operation, where the owners grow the grapes and make and sell the wines.
For a cream-based dip, Billy suggests a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, and for a richer dip, such as the Buffalo Chicken dip from Lucchesi’s Fine Foods, he prefers a Chianti Classico.
Buster’s Butcher gives good dip. Try the Duck Liver Mousse. This in-house favorite is topped with a chili and fig gelée. The mousse is prepared weekly for Bar Limina, a boutique restaurant in the Edge District, and is also available for advance order. Serve chilled with a combination of artisan breads and crackers. They are also known for their “Cinderella Meatloaf,” a fancy Country Pâté. This voluptuous appetizer is made with pork, chicken liver, bacon and pistachios and is wrapped in bacon. Served chilled or at room temperature, this will be the centerpiece of your charcuterie board.
69 Goodway Lane, Memphis Designed by Robert Lee Browne Now available; scan for details.
STORE
CREDIT
Thank you Edition: Holiday Hostess Gifts
Kick off your holiday shopping with a wink this year. If you’re hunting hostess and thank-you gifts, think local. Resist the siren song of “add to cart,” and instead - tick through that list IRL . Catch-up with your shopkeepers. Walk in somewhere new to you. Each purchase can tell a tiny, neighborhood story. It’s a great way to share some of the best of Memphis while saying: Thank You, Please invite me again next year, I’m glad to be here and Your hospitality means the most !
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY THREADGILL
To Jane,
Never again to bring a rogue appetizer or dessert to your spread… I still giggle watching you unravel from the ugly dip that you know who brought. Please enjoy these after your guests leave!
Love, Marianne
Petit
Fours - Kay’s Bakery
Dear Yves,
I am told this will sit pretty in your ladies’ lounge. The professionals potted – not me! When the nerve plant gets wonky, just give it some water. It’s a good reminder for emotional regulation this holiday season ;)
XO Me
Potted Bust – Urban Earth
If their wine cellar is full or if you have already rotated through the usual, bring something for the kids. You might not realize it, but you are making a smoother entry for the smallest hosts (especially if their room is being used to house guests for the holiday). Jellycats are elite for kids of all ages. One of our favorite stockists, Cooper-Young Gallery + Gift Shop, has an entire wall of characters. From zoo animals and food to hobbies and pop culture – the motifs have reached viral status. Hurry before the holiday collection is gone! While you are there, don’t miss the classic Memphis photography, Japanese toys and unique stationery offerings.
To our best neighbor Bill, Your positive outlook on Memphis knows no bounds. May it flow like the Mississippi. Until we can bottle that, please enjoy Memphys water. Thank you.
- E.B.
MemphysPure Artesian Water @memphyswater
To Teresa, I know you won’t slow to even a roll this holiday season, and for that I am grateful to be your guest! Enclosed, ingredients for some down time.
- Kitty
Throw – Lisa Mallory & Sarah Spinosa Interior Design Shop Book - Theo of Golden , Novel Memphis
That’s
There’s
MOUND CITY: BUILT FOR Celebrations
From ancient mounds to modern milestones, Mound City welcomes every gathering
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
Just across the Mississippi River in Arkansas, Mound City blends historical significance with modern charm as a farm, event space and vacation destination. Both the Trail of Tears and the Esperanza Trail pass through the property, designating it as a historical landmark. The settlement was named for the nine ceremonial Native American mounds built by the Pacaha Indians of the Mississippian Culture. Most of the mounds were leveled for farming in the early 1900s, though one remains and now houses Mound City’s Commissary. During and after the Civil War, Mound City thrived as a river town until the Mississippi River shifted course, diminishing its importance but preserving its fertile farmland.
Mound City operated as a working farm for many years, finding new life in 2012 when Charlie and Emily Lowrance purchased the property. Growing up in Driver, Arkansas, Charlie often detoured through Mound City on his way to Memphis while dating Emily. “I was always drawn to Mound City,” he recalls. “So when the opportunity arose to buy it – I did!” What began as an investment in a working farm quickly revealed the charm and potential for something more.
The farm included four old tenant, or sharecropper, houses that needed either demolition or renovation. Inspired by what his friend Guy Malvezzi had accomplished with the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Charlie decided to restore them one at a time. “Guy told me to just start,” he remembers. “See how it’s going, and if they rent well and you’re still enjoying it, do another one.” The first two houses proved successful—one listed on Airbnb, the other rented as office space to a realtor—encouraging the Lowrances to keep going.
Their efforts soon expanded to the remaining houses and eventually to the Commissary. On empty lots where homes had once stood, they built new farmhouses in the old style, so authentic that guests often cannot tell which buildings are original and which are new. “In all, it took about five years to complete the building projects on the farm,” Emily shares. Along the way, visitors sometimes lent a hand.
CONTINUED >
LEARN MORE:
During COVID, several large Amish families stayed at Mound City while their children received treatment at St. Jude. Too large to qualify for the Ronald McDonald or Target Houses, these families found both lodging and purpose by helping with farm projects. Together, they built fences, repaired an old car, assisted with the greenhouse construction and even restored and installed a 300-pound antique bell from Charlie’s family farm in Driver. Remarkably, they completed this work without modern machinery, relying instead on traditional hand tools. Charlie and Emily describe their craftsmanship with awe.
Over time, the farm’s community grew in other ways as well. John and Jasmine Hoover, now property managers at Mound City, first arrived as guests from California. Captivated by the charm of the farm, they stayed in touch with Charlie and Emily. Two or three years later, when the couple began exploring a move to the South, they reached out for advice. Instead of sending them elsewhere, the Lowrances invited them to live on-site and manage the property. Today, John and Jasmine oversee daily operations, helping Mound City continue its legacy of hospitality.
Beside the historic Commissary, Charlie Lowrance planted a vineyard featuring Le Nor, Chambourcin, Blanc du Bois and Muscadine grapes— varieties suited to Arkansas’s humid Delta climate. Each fall, friends join in a festive grape-stomping celebration before Charlie bottles the wine himself, blending his love of farming and fellowship.
As the farm grew, so did its role as a gathering place. What began as a few overnight rentals naturally evolved into a broader hospitality business. Mound City now welcomes weddings, family reunions, corporate meetings, Boy Scout campouts and other celebrations. “It was not intentional to rent Mound City as an event space,” Emily notes. “That was just the natural evolution of the project.”
Still, Charlie’s true passion may lie in his vineyard. After finishing the building projects, he wanted to plant something special in the field beside the Commissary. Although Arkansas is not known as wine country, he researched grapes that could thrive in the hot, humid Delta climate. He eventually planted Le Nor, Chambourcin, Blanc du Bois and Muscadine varieties. For Charlie, the work blends farming and creativity, a chance to grow something enduring and shareable.
At the end of the growing season, Charlie and Emily host a grape-stomping party where friends gather to celebrate the harvest. Guests kick off their shoes to crush grapes with their bare feet. Afterwards, Charlie ferments, ages and bottles the wine himself—a labor that, like the farm’s restoration, is rooted in both tradition and passion.
“It was not intentional to rent Mound City as an event space. That was just the natural evolution of the project.”
Mound City today stands as a rare combination of history and hospitality. What began as a working farm has grown into a place where the past is honored, and visitors are welcomed like family. From its Native American mounds and Civil War legacy to restored farmhouses and flourishing vineyards, Charlie and Emily Lowrance have created a destination that is both meaningful and memorable. Whether guests come to celebrate milestones, explore historic trails or simply sip wine at sunset, Mound City offers an experience that connects people to the land and to each other.
To check out Mound City for yourself, go to visitmoundcity.com
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
LP3 MODERN RENOVATIONS
Reverent Renovation
A past preserved and present redefined with Lindsey Black Interiors
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH BRADSHAW
“There is nothing like a before ,” says designer Lindsey Black of Lindsey Black Interiors . “Don’t get me wrong, a beautifully styled after is wonderful, and it’s the goal. But the before is the problem solving and puzzle work. It’s why I love our job.”
CONTINUED >
Lindsey and her team, Mary Katherine Rose and Lauren Solomito, have learned that this starting point is not always a blank slate. Their client had recently moved from Seattle to work with St. Jude and found a classic colonial revival in the historic Evergreen neighborhood. The home was updated, but felt more like a DIY house flip. “I like to let the architecture and style of the home drive design. We were tasked with peeling back the layers and taking the home back to what it was originally intended - but with elements suited for modern living,” says Lindsey.
“Any design constraint can always drive creativity,” she notes. “The floorplan was typical for the historic home, but we wanted to be mindful of establishing distinct living spaces throughout.” A large room greets you at the front door but lacked defined spaces. Lindsey created the feel of an entry with a centered table that gently divides the room, revealing two
living areas- a living area and a hearth room. She designed a custom fireplace mantel with woodworker Jonathan Coules, and Garner Framing antiqued the mirror above the mantle to create a focal point for the hearth room.
“The fireplace mantel was not original and didn’t do the home justice, and now it looks like it has been there the whole time. The existing millwork was so beautiful, so we elected to paint it slightly darker than the walls so it could shine,” says Lindsey. “When working with a traditional floorplan, I am always mindful of sightlines between adjoining rooms when planning design. And that begins with color palette.”
Lindsey used deep, moody, earth tones ensuring adjacent colors work in harmony. The dining room is awash in the same muddy, mossy green from the living room sofa. “It’s all about continuity. As you move throughout the home, I use color as a call and response,” she muses.
A contrast of a muted blue reminiscent of aged patina is found in an under-stair powder room. “The somewhat awkward space now feels charming and special with wallpaper and a rich blue trim. The 90s’ vanity was out, but we kept the original sconces and oval mirror. A new pedestal sink was skirted to dress up the space. Bringing in fabric softens the space, but functionally, it offers storage as well,” Lindsey explains.
While the home’s original windows offered natural light, Lindsey prioritized decorative lighting. “I don’t like to rely on overhead lighting alone but prefer to mix in lighting at different levels like sconces, lamps and art lights,” she says.
Lindsey and her team carefully consider artwork from room to room. “We make sure there is a variety of styles – from photography to abstracts. And original art is a priority in our projects. We placed an Alice Crenshaw piece in the dining room and a large Addison Duke abstract painting in the living room. I love the mix of modern art with the traditional style of the home to make it feel fresh. Our client had amazing antique family wedding portraits, which we had blown up and framed to ensure the spaces felt personal. We also sourced an antique map of her hometown of Seattle, Washington, next to the fireplace. That was a fun surprise!” she recalls.
Reminding us of the importance of the before “It’s also where I begin to obsess over the details. I consider every opportunity for something special. While you may not notice them all, in aggregate, I believe they set our designs apart. Every client wants a home to feel welcoming, one-of-a-kind, and most importantly to feel like them .”
“Any design constraint can always drive creativity”
DAVID LUSK GALLERY
97 Tillman . Memphis
HAMLETT DOBBINS
Untitled (for N.S./K.S.P./R.J.S.)
acrylic on canvas on panel, 2025, 18 x 24”
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