Get ready to meet a rising star in the Memphis scene. Caitlin McGill is a Memphian with a passion for all things style and a drive to share her expertise with the world.

Caitlin brings a unique perspective to the Memphis beauty and lifestyle landscape. Her journey has taken her through the exciting worlds of blogging, freelance makeup artistry, social media marketing consulting, and more. Driven by a desire to connect and empower others, Caitlin has created her platform as a space to share her signature style and techniques.

We caught up with Caitlin to learn a little more about her favorite people, places, and things in Memphis–keep reading!

Try Out City Silo for Breakfast or Lunch

My favorite place to grab breakfast/lunch in Memphis is City Silo. When you want clean, healthy, and comforting food, City Silo is the place to go. They offer everything from gluten-free to vegan to carnivore, and don’t get me started on their amazing juices and smoothies! My go-to order is the sunshine burrito with extra cashew ranch and a small Go Green juice.

Hustle & Dough + Vice & Virtue

My favorite coffee shop or place to get work done in Memphis is Hustle & Dough and Vice & Virtue at Arrive Hotel. From the aesthetic to the food to the familiar faces you always see when stopping in, this my go-to place to “work from home”. My go-to order is the avocado toast and the chamomile tea!

Check Out @yobreezye for Great Content

My favorite content creator in Memphis right now is Breezye (@yobreezye). He just understands content storytelling while capturing the perfect aesthetic for the right audience. He’s very chill and down to earth in person as well.

Grab a Drink at Hog & Hominy

My favorite place to grab a drink with a friend would be Hog & Hominy in East Memphis. They seem to always have a crowd when I stop in, so be prepared for that.

Hangout at Caption by Hyatt and Central Station Hotel

Caption by Hyatt and Central Station Hotels are great spots to just hangout with friends. The cool aesthetics and location – being in the heart of downtown Memphis- make these some true gems.

Lounge at Thrive

An honorable mention would be Thrive Midtown. It’s a hookah/bar lounge and a great place to hang out with friends, catch live bands, and watch a sports game.

The post My City, My Soul – Caitlin McGill appeared first on We Are Memphis.

A City with a Generous Heart

Memphis is a place where kindness runs deep. It’s in the countless non-profit organizations working to better our city,  the flourishing community garden,  and the thousands of Memphians coming together to make a change. We believe in the power of collective action, in building something bigger and better than ourselves. This spirit of generosity extends beyond our city limits. Memphis has a long history of fighting for justice and equality. We raise our voices, pushing for a brighter future for ourselves and the world.

Innovation Fueled by Curiosity

But Memphis isn’t just about tradition and heart. We’re a city on the move with innovative ideas and a thirst for knowledge. We’re constantly reinventing ourselves, pushing boundaries, and exploring new possibilities.

A City of Big Dreams

Memphians dream big. We have a history of audacious ideas and a spirit that can’t be contained. From the grand Mississippi River to the soaring heights of the Pyramid, Memphis is a city where anything feels possible. It’s where dreams take flight, fueled by our collective soul.

See Yourself Reflected in the City

We’re all part of our city’s story, each piece contributing to the vibrant soul of Memphis. This is just the beginning of our exploration of what it means to live with Memphis soul. Get ready to hear stories of how Memphians connect with their city through food, fitness, music, and more. Keep an eye out for familiar faces on billboards across town – a reminder of the vibrant community that makes Memphis so special!

The post Memphis: My City, My Soul! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

In our city, “soul” isn’t just a word. It’s a feeling, it’s a movement, it’s a vibe. As Memphians, we wear soul with pride. Our city isn’t just the birthplace of musical icons or the city where food, music, and culture come to life.

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’s 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 see your fellow Memphians’ faces across the city, you see 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 Meka Egwuekwe

Raised in South Memphis, Meka explored computer programming on his own and, after recognizing the transformative power of technology in his own life,  committed himself to paving the way for people of color in computer science education, starting right here in the city. He helped bring the nonprofit CodeCrew to life in 2015, has influenced over 10,000 K-12 and adult students, and championed computer science education legislation–impacting over one million kids in Tennessee.

About Code Crew

CodeCrew is actively transforming Memphis through programs that instill students with the fundamentals of information and computation. Their curriculum delves into understanding digital systems and equips students with the skills to apply this knowledge through programming and software development concepts. The organization’s offerings encompass diverse initiatives, including summer camps, after-school programs, in-school elective classes, internships, and special events.

Since its beginning, CodeCrew has empowered over 11,800 students to code through a variety of channels, including summer camps, after-school programs, in-school electives, and exposure events. With a focus on inclusivity, 92% of the 800 students served weekly are black and Latino youth, 44% are female coders, and, overall, 85% of students are more likely to pursue computer science studies. Impressively, 79% of CodeCrew students write their first line of code through the organization’s initiatives!

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Biking the new Tom Lee  Park to Arkansas and beyond

The post My City, My Soul – Goldie Dee Collins + Micah Winter-Cole 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 Oakley Weddle

“As a born and raised homeschooled Memphian, I spent many days exploring the 901. When I wasn’t exploring literary luminaries or historical hypocrisies, I ventured to many iconic Bluff City sights. Here are a few of them and some insights on growing up 901!

My top sight is definitely the Memphis Zoo. While I never considered myself an animal fanatic, being raised on exhibits like Creatures of The Nights, Teton Trek, and of course, the pandas, makes an impression on a young person. My family has many memories at the Zoo, including climbing on the plastic cow in the farm pavilion for generations of pictures.

The second spot that impressed me in my Memphian adolescence is the Children’s Museum of Memphis! From the grocery store, the fire truck, and the FedEx airplane, CMOM is where I exercised my childhood wonder that lingers far into adulthood. Personally, that’s where I discovered I belonged on stage as my brother Peyton and I dawned cowboy hats and feathered boas.

Friday nights were special in my household. We all piled into my mom’s Ford Expedition and headed straight for the Summer Drive-In. Neon lights and the concession advertisements still conjure happy/sad feelings of nostalgia; summers gone by. With wrapped candy and double features, I remember those days like it was yesterday. I remember the nights with my cousins counting the stars as Shrek played softly in the background. I still treasure the Summer Drive-In fondly.

My fourth spot is undoubtedly the epitome of Memphis: Downtown. It exudes the true essence of the city with its iconic trolley system gracefully gliding down Main Street, providing a delightful glimpse of notable landmarks such as the Orpheum Theatre. Moreover, one cannot miss the enchanting duck parade at the renowned Peabody Memphis. As a child, I was captivated by the acrobatics of the Beale Street flippers and indulged in trying on an array of ridiculously charming hats at A Schwab. To this day, I derive immense joy from strolling through downtown, for the very atmosphere resonates with the soul of Memphis itself.

The fifth and final spot that holds a special place in my heart is the abundance of parks scattered throughout the city. These serene havens offer a respite from the bustling city center and the crowded urban spaces, inviting Memphians to embark on explorations of nature. Among these natural retreats, I hold a deep affection for T.O. Fuller State Park, Meeman-Shelby State Park, and Shelby Farms. During my undergraduate years, I was fortunate to intern with Tennessee State Parks, a role that allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of these landscapes. It was within their tranquil embrace that I found solace, healing from grief, and undergoing personal growth. To this day, these parks continue to provide me with a sense of serenity and peace. They serve as poignant reminders of my youthful experiences while simultaneously offering strength and support as I navigate the challenges of adulthood.

Memphis is a special place, filled with even more special memories and people. Growing up in Memphis has been wonderful, and I know that if I ever leave, this city lives in me. But for now, I am trying my best to give back to the community through my family’s non-profit, The PEYitforward Foundation. This organization honors my late brother Peyton by encouraging random acts of kindness and serving the community through service projects and initiatives.

This is My City, My Soul. Yours too.”

Shoutout to Oakley for sharing how he connects with the city! Ready to share yours? Be sure to tag us at @wearememphistn as you show off your city and soul!

The post My City, My Soul – Oakley Weddle 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 Ladia Yates

Ladia Yates is widely recognized as one of the leading female dancers on the global stage. Her distinctive dance style was shaped during her time in the city where she was first introduced to Memphis jookin. From those beginnings, Ladia’s career has soared, and she has shared her talents alongside renowned artists such as Janelle Monae, NLE Choppa, Missy Elliott, Usher, Lil Baby, and many more.

V101 and Hot 107.1 Radio Stations

For many Memphians, the radio is more than just a source of music; it’s a lifeline to the city’s cultural heartbeat. Ladia Yates, an influential figure in Memphis’ dance community, tunes in to two stations that resonate with her: V101 and Hot 107. These stations not only provide a great musical backdrop but also keep her in the loop about the latest events and happenings in the city.

“The vibe and events they’re a part of,” Ladia says, are what she loves most about these stations. They not only play the tunes that get her moving but also connect her with the pulse of Memphis’ vibrant scene.

L.Y.E. Academy

Ladia’s passion for dance is palpable, and she shares it generously with her students at the L.Y.E Academy. Her love for movement goes beyond teaching; she cherishes the opportunity to dance alongside friends from the Jookin community. Jookin isn’t just a hobby–it’s a deeply ingrained part of the city’s cultural fabric, and Ladia is at the forefront of preserving and promoting it.

Project Pat

Memphis has produced some of the most influential figures in the rap industry, and when it comes to Ladia’s favorite Memphis rapper, it’s none other than Project Pat. Known for his iconic lyrics and style, Project Pat’s music resonates with the raw energy and spirit of Memphis. His contribution to the city’s music scene is undeniable, and his influence extends far beyond its borders.

M.Y.A.I: Nurturing Memphis’ Youth Through Art

While Ladia is deeply committed to her own organization, the L.Y.E Academy, she also recognizes the impactful work of others in the community. One such organization that has earned her respect is the Memphis Youth Arts Initiative (M.Y.A.I). This organization plays a vital role in nurturing young talent in Memphis, providing opportunities for artistic expression, and fostering creativity among the city’s youth.

Buff City Soap

Amidst her busy schedule, Ladia still finds time for self-care, and one of her favorite places to indulge is Buff City Soap. This local gem offers an array of bath and body products, allowing Memphians to pamper themselves with high-quality, locally-made goods. It’s a testament to Memphis’ entrepreneurial spirit and the commitment to excellence that characterizes the city’s artisans.

Ladia’s journey through Memphis is a testament to the city’s energy and the multitude of ways it inspires the people who live and create here. In celebrating what parts of the city connect with Ladia, we catch a glimpse of the talent, culture, and community that makes this city the soulful place that we know and love.

The post My City, My Soul – Ladia Yates 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. SunAh M. Laybourn

She’s the powerhouse behind Memphis’ very first official Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration that’s centered around empowering Asian Americans and spreading the love for their contributions to our city. She’s not your average sociology professor at the University of Memphis; she’s dedicated to uplifting Memphis’ Asian community–one that has had roots in our city for more than 150 years. She’s also the host of “Let’s Grab Coffee” on WYXR, where she “catches up with experts from across the country, who are investigating our most pressing social issues and common curiosities.”

“You can tell a lot about a city by the food it’s known for, the cuisines that characterize a part of town, the ingredients that are hard to find or simply aren’t available locally.

In Memphis, BBQ has become so synonymous with the Bluff City that it can be easy to forget that our city’s claim to BBQ was the result of an intentional decision to add the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest to the second celebration of Memphis in May in 1978. Like Memphis in May itself, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was part of a plan to draw visitors back to Memphis and especially back to downtown. The first grand champion, Mrs. Bessie Louise Cathey, an African-American homemaker from Mississippi, beat out a couple dozen other competitors. Now the competition boasts around 150 teams from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico as well as international participants.

While food can craft a city’s future, there’s also the food that may be lesser known but no less central to a city’s story. On Beale Street just west of South 4th Street, there’s a historical marker memorializing the Chop Suey Café. The marker notes that it is “believed to be the longest operating Chinese restaurant in Memphis,” operating from 1920 to 1967. Though its longevity is impressive, Chop Suey Café and the other businesses that Chinese immigrants operated on Beale Street as early as 1873 are part of our city’s past – and present – that expands Memphis’s typical narrative of who has been here and who belongs.

Food bridges the past, present, and future. When we explore a city’s food culture, we are quite literally feasting on the legacies of the people who made that place home, who have been invested in a city’s survival, and who have been committed to creating community. It is through locally owned restaurants that we also have the opportunity to connect with a city’s residents and learn where a city may be headed.

It was an impossible task to narrow down my favorite restaurants – and our city’s ever-expanding food culture and community – to just five. Undoubtedly, there is much that this short list couldn’t cover, but may this be a part of your food adventure in the city I call home, whether you too are a lifetime resident or just passing through.

Anti Gentrification Cxffee Club

I love coffee. No sugar, no cream. Just coffee. And, the Anti Gentrification Cxffee Club is brewing some of the best coffee in the city. There’s their signature Guji Mane (gotta love the double entendre), which you must try, but it was a pour-over of their Basha Bekele that changed my life. It’s not hyperbole to say that Cxffeeblack is changing lives – not only through exposing folks to the natural flavors of a cup of coffee but also through their commitment to the local neighborhood, to creating an all Black supply chain of coffee from Ethiopia to the U.S. and Memphis specifically, and to training baristas in cultural and coffee knowledge through their transnational Black Barista Exchange Program.

Kinfolk Biscuits

It wouldn’t be the South without some scratch-made biscuits. Before they moved into their brick-and-mortar, Kinfolk Biscuits had a weekend residency at Comeback Coffee (another favorite). Each weekend the line would be down the block before the doors even opened. While the biscuits are noteworthy on their own, it’s the delicious biscuit sandwich combinations that make it impossible not to include them in my Top 5. There’s the chicken biscuit – because how could you not? – and then there’s the lox biscuit. I have strong opinions about lox bagels, so trust me when I say I approached this selection with deep skepticism. Ultimately, I was delighted to find out that lox and biscuits are a yummy pair. In addition to the savory options, there are also various combinations of fresh fruits, jam, and even Nutella.

La Michoacana

There are few things I enjoy more than a cold treat on a hot day. Memphis has plenty of hot days, which means more time to work your way through all of the paletas and hand-made ice creams on La Michoacana’s menu. Whether you choose one of the water or cream-based paletas with chunks of fruit or opt for ice cream flavors you won’t get anywhere else – like elote, Mexican cake, or chili mango – you will certainly find more than a few new favorite sweet treats.

Mosa Asian Bistro

I can’t quite remember the first time I ate here, and I certainly couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve grabbed some Mosa to go, popped in for lunch, or recommended them to a friend. But, what I can tell you is that Mosa’s commitment to fresh ingredients, making everything in-house from the sauces to soups and everything their menu offers, and training young people in hospitality so that customers feel like part of a delicious food community will keep you coming back. In fact, people have kept coming back to this family-owned and operated restaurant since 1978 when Mr. Eddie Pao opened what would eventually become the Mosa Asian Bistro that we know today.

Petals of Peony

This authentic Sichuan restaurant opened in late summer 2023 and immediately made it to my Top 5 Memphis eats. Its opening speaks to our city’s expanding food palate and growing population. The menu is extensive, and if you’re still learning Sichuan cuisine (like I am), then the sparse descriptions give you little to go on, making this the perfect place to get out of your restaurant routine and explore. The flavors are truly phenomenal. You cannot go wrong… unless you limit your order to one or two items. Yes, everything is that good. Grab a friend, try a few items that pique your interest, and if you need an extra epicure, I’ll meet you there!”

A huge thank you to SunAh for sharing just a few spots that connect her to the city’s soul and allow her to express her own! Ready to share yours? Be sure to tag us at @wearememphistn as you show off your city and soul!

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