The Pursuit of Perfection
The number eight symbolizes perfection, and New York is the 8th state I've called home since moving to the US 20 years ago.
Since the 2010’s Brooklyn has evolved into a thriving hub of entrepreneurship, art, and design.
All business owners, from sole proprietorships to budding entrepreneurs and accelerating startups could apply this same innovative mindset to their brands on their path toward perfection.
AN EXPAT'S GUIDE TO AMERICAN POP CULTURE REFERENCES - BANK OF THE WEST INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
As a newcomer to the US, you may notice that your American friends and colleagues are often quoting their favorite shows, movies, and celebrities. Here’s a list of 8 seminal pop culture highlights that you’ll want to add to your vernacular. Read more...
KEEPING UP WITH THE LOCAL GUIDES
I'm not on social media but I regularly share feedback on Google maps for the businesses I visit. I believe this is the perfect way to support businesses by expressing gratitude for exceptional service, or if for some reason the experience doesn't meet your expectations, this is an effective channel for providing constructive criticism. View my Google Profile here. #LocalGuide #GoogleMaps
I moved to Everett Massachusetts in March of 2021 and in May joined the Gopuff team as General Manager for their Flagship Boston fulfillment center and retail location. Gopuff is a digital delivery service operating in over 650 US cities through approximately 250 fulfillment centers. This is the largest company I've ever worked for and I'm super stoked to be coming in at such an exciting time of rapid growth and expansion. Visit gopuff.com for more details and make your first order today. #TimeToDeliver #GetItGopuffed
2020 PART-DEUX
After a great autumn and an eerily cold winter in the windy city, I've decided to move back to Boston MA. I'm calling this move: The Intentionally Planned Move Back to the East Coast Part-Deux, the post-coronavirus-vaccine-remix.
Photographed with my buddy Chris who I visited in Boston last year to spend Thanksgiving with him and his family. #Broskis #BostonStrong
After being satiated by my six-month bite of the big apple, I moved to Chicago at the end of August. For the last 2 months, I've been working in Chicago's Loop at Stellar Career College as the Director of Operations. This is the college's first semester in Chicago after spending the last 30 years in Modesto, CA. Next week our first set of classes begin and I couldn't be more excited and proud of the work we've accomplished over the last couple months. Right now, in these pandemic times, it's very motivating to see working adults of all ages going back to school. #StellarCareerCollege #Chicago #InTheLoop #HealthcareHeroes
I've been working with Bank of the West for the last few months. Here is my first published BOTW article. I interviewed Danny Blue, the founder of One Million Acres about his organization's goals, objectives, and why he decided to move his accounts to Bank of the West.
SWEET SPOTS: OUR TOP 5 FAVORITE DESSERTS FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY IN MEMPHIS
Whoever said Breakfast was the most important meal of the day most definitely wasn’t from Memphis! While we’ve gained international fame for our BBQ (which is well deserved, might I say), it’s time we highlighted another hometown hero – dessert! Here’s a list of five of the most satisfying and (mostly) guilt-free desserts you can get for delivery right here in Memphis. Read more...
MEMPHIS MUSIC: OUR 10 FAVORITE RECENT RELEASES
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a good time. That’s the Memphis way. Typically we wouldn’t have to look farther than the HiTone or DKDC, but times are changing. As a result of coronavirus and social distancing protocols, many of us may have undoubtedly found ourselves wandering off the beaten path in search of that binge-worthy show, can’t-put-down book, or repeat-worthy song to quench our thirst for new adventures, stories, ideas, and sounds. Last month we previewed our favorite tracks of 2020 so far, and this month we’re back with 10 new bangers guaranteed to make the gradual transition back to normal that much more fun. Stay tuned every month for our selection of the best new music coming out of the Bluff City, and don’t forget to dive into all the features (and playlists) on We Are Memphis Music for all your quaran-tainment needs. Read more...
KID-FRIENDLY & MOM-APPROVED! SAFER-AT-HOME ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS
For the past couple months, you took over from the professional teachers and caregivers. It was hard but you did it—and now it’s graduation time for your toddler and you! Yes, it was stressful and unexpected, but boy how you shined! You did everything you could to keep the stress from the pandemic from harming your child’s development, all while providing the best possible example of resilience. Congratulations! And now that school’s out for summer (and your new role as camp counselor is about to begin), we’d like to remind you that you’re not on your own. It still takes a village to raise a child, and We Are Memphis has your back. Read more
MEMORIAL DAY IN MEMPHIS: VIRTUAL WAYS TO COMMEMORATE
Happy (Virtual) Memorial Day: The unofficial kickoff of summer! While we usually spend this 3-day weekend lounging at the pool or enjoying a backyard BBQ, things are unfortantly a little different this year due to COVID-19. Read more
MEMPHIS FITNESS: ONLINE WORKOUT CLASSES
Remember when life was a lot simpler? The sweet days when we were able to hit the gym after work, and take long weekend walks through our favorite parks. Those were the days when we weren’t worried about flattening the curve and were simply obsessed with flattening our tummies. Read more
We’re throwing a Mother’s Day Party, and guess what, everyone and their mamma is invited! Not even COVID can change the shared love and admiration we have for the maternal figures in our lives. To show them our appreciation this year, amid the worldwide outbreak, here are the five most heartfelt ways to virtually show your one and only mother how much she means to you. Read more
MUSIC FROM MEMPHIS: CHECKOUT THESE 2020 RELEASES
We’re four months into 2020, and yes, it’s been a rough year so far. But there’s one thing we can count on, even in uncertain times: the power of music. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of April showers turning into May flowers, coming straight out of Memphis. Here’s a list of some of our favorite 2020 music releases so far. Read more
Why did the first song to top the pop, country, and rhythm & blues charts come from Memphis? Some say it’s because of our cultural fusions. Others point to seminal hitmakers. Those who live here know that it’s because in Memphis we eat, sleep, and breathe music. Not content to be known as the “home of the blues” and “birthplace of rock and roll,” Memphis continues to evolve its sound, grabbing the attention of music lovers—and producers—and refusing to let go. Read more
We’re not letting the COVID outbreak get in the way of us celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In commemoration we recommend everyone join in on the "Victory Gardening" trend to demonstrate your support for environmental protection. Read more
SUSTAINABILITY TIPS WHILE WORKING FROM HOME
Just a few months ago, I doubt anyone would have predicted that workplace decentralization would come into place in 2020 for any reason other than climate change. Who would have believed that in 2020 the entire world would be united in a race to stop the spread of a novel coronavirus, forcing all of us to avoid gathering in large groups and instead work from home? I think it’s safe to say that no one saw this coming. Read more
9 MEMPHIS MUSIC VIDEOS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW
Your dog’s staring at you. He’s worried. It’s your constant need for affection, the 20-plus-minute walks twice a day that you demand he take you on, and all those bubble baths. It’s getting to be a bit much. Trust us, steering your attention away from him and focused on something—anything—else is exactly what Sparky needs right now. Read more
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: MEMPHIS DELIVERY & TAKEOUT OPTIONS
Just because restaurants and bars were ordered to close their doors a few weeks ago doesn’t mean that they’re closed for business. Sadly, hangry people exist everywhere—except Memphis. It’s our job to maintain this well-known statistic by continuing to support our favorite local bars and restaurants. #WeAreMemphis Read more
You always look both ways before crossing the street, you don’t talk about religion or politics at the dinner table, and you love most vegetables, don’t even get me started on beets. Or maybe at least these were new year’s resolutions. But yes, you’ve done everything in your power to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and then all of a sudden one day, both you and baby are put in the corner. #LockDown Read more
SAFE (AND BORED) AT HOME: OUR TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOU PRODUCTIVE
Hello, this is an intervention. Your parents, neighbors, friends, and coworkers—we’re all worried. Ever since social distancing started, you’re kinda all over the place. You wake up in the middle of the night debating whether tomorrow is the day you use all your newly freed up time to start writing your first screenplay, or if you’d be better off firing up GarageBand to record your masterpiece debut album. Understandably, it’s an important and difficult decision. But instead, you wait till sunrise, get up, clean out your doomsday pantry, and spend the rest of the day sitting at home panicking. Read more
GEN Z ASPIRES TO WORK AT ST. JUDES CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL IN MEMPHIS
The verdict is in. Generation Z no longer wants to be referred to as “digital natives.” Just because they’ve only heard rumors of a world before Google doesn’t mean they want to be pigeonholed for their entire existence. Like most generations, they want to break the mold and plot their own destiny, and if recent studies are any indication, they’re veering toward healthcare. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis to be exact. Read more
MEMPHIAN SPOTLIGHT: RAHEEM SHABAZZ
Believe it or not, but when you need to get swole in preparation for the NBA draft, and you only have six months to get there, they send you to Memphis. That’s right, to none other than Raheem aka Coach Shabazz! Case in point, Darius Bazley, a top recruit, decided to forego college and a year of playing in the NBA’s G League to train on his own with Raheem. The final result, he was drafted into the NBA in the first round of 2019. Read more
We doubt you can get your kids on his waiting list, but DJ Pryor is the new principal at Memphis Daddy Day Care. #RealTalk His adorable—and hilarious—viral video has been viewed 57 million times across social media. It also showcases the role that millennial dads are playing in young households. Psychological research from families across the country suggests that a father’s affection and increased family involvement help promote children’s social and emotional development. Check out Pryor’s approach, as the stand-up comedian and actor has an animated conversation with his 19-month-old son about the season finale of the television show “Empire.” #QualityTime. Read more
MEMPHIAN SPOTLIGHT: CHEN TANG AND MULAN 2020
As the saying goes: “If you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where you’re going…” Starring in the live-action remake of the Disney hit Mulan, Chen Ying Tang may have been born in Japan, but he knows where he got his soul…“I’ve had many people—many people—mention that about my work, [that’s it’s] just got soul. I tell them, ‘I’m from Memphis’ and they say, ‘Oh, that makes sense.’” Chen Ying Tang, the Japanese born, Memphis raised, Chinese-American actor, is bilingual in both English and Chinese, but there’s no mistaking his natural southern accent. “Something’s in the water. Everybody’s got, like, soul.” Read more
OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR KID-FRIENDLY FOODIE SPOTS IN MEMPHIS
Hip: Check. Trendy: Check. Delicious Food: Check. Kid-Friendly: Ummmm… When you want to go out to eat as a family, it’s not as simple as choosing from the top ten list on Yelp. You want a chance to unwind, relax with your partner and have a variety of menu options that sound delicious to your whole family. Read more
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: DISCOVERING MEMPHIS' HIDDEN GEMS
In Memphis, you’re always dancing on a fine line—dancing between what you know and what you have yet to find out. We’re perfectly happy enjoying our world-famous live music, sports, and barbecue all while charting our own course searching for hidden gems off the beaten path. Read more
INTERNATIONS NYC MARCH 2020 KICK OFF EVENT AT DEN SOCIAL
While I count down the minutes to inevitably drinking my favorite cup of Joe with Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey, I've grabbed my business cards, coordinated my pocket handkerchief with my shoes, and genuinely committed myself to attending networking events. Wish me luck! Tonight's the March kickoff event for Internations. #DenSocialLounge #NYC
TIM HOWARD: A BIG SCORE FOR MEMPHIS SOCCER FANATICS
Most people dream of scoring goals, Tim Howard, has shown us the power of stopping them. As the current Soccer World Cup Record holder for the most saves in a tournament game with 15 stops, Tim has rightly earned his place among the US Men’s National Team as one of the best goalkeepers of all-time. Wikipedia didn’t officially name Tim the Secretary of Defense for no reason. Read more
EVERYONE WINS: NEW VIDEO GAMING INNOVATION CENTER COMING TO SOULSVILLE
As cautionary tales go, video games are right up there with rock and roll, rap music, and ouija boards. Along with the nagging of “don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll ruin your eyes,” there’s the ubiquitous, “stop wasting your time playing video games—go outside!” Read more
WHY MILLENNIALS ARE INVESTING IN MEMPHIS REAL ESTATE
The number one reason to invest in real estate is to generate a passive income for yourself so you can enjoy more of the things you want. However, not all real estate investments are created equal. We all want to enjoy excellent returns and tax advantages while leveraging real estate to build wealth. Here are the top seven reasons why Millennials are looking to the Memphis real estate market to grow their wealth with income. #GoalsAF Read more
9 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN MEMPHIS
“Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad… Let’s stay together!” #AlGreen
Whether you’re planning an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, a special anniversary, or even a mini-vacay to reignite the passion, romance is always in the air in Memphis—if you know where to look. Here is a list of the most romantic places in Memphis, all guaranteed to ignite some sparks. Read more
HOW TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS... ALL YEAR
Time to check in on how you're doing with your new year's resolutions... Here's an article I wrote about keeping them… #PersonalDevelopment Read more
MEET MEGAN SULLIVAN: MEMPHIS FASHION BLOGGER
There are three sides to every story: what’s hot, what’s a hot deal, and what’s worth wearing, no matter the price. After all, you always want to be able to make the case that you wore it best! However, depending on your style and budget, you might only be able to get a third of the story. Don’t you want to be ready to walk a mile in thousand dollar shoes you scored for only $100? With a little help from Memphis native Megan Sullivan, you might just be able to. Read more
KID FRIENDLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is trying to save the universe, but who is he really trying to save? Princess Leia, am I right? The way we see it, saving the universe is great and all, especially since we live there, but it’s also a daunting task. Saving Princess Leia—much more manageable. This same approach applies to altruism. Wherever you turn, you can always find a future princess or prince who could use a hand to help them fulfill their true potential—and destiny. Read more
Every new year, we make resolutions, and about 12 months later, assess how we’ve done. Sing like no one is listening, dance like nobody’s watching, love as if you’ve never been hurt, and volunteer like it’s heaven on earth. That’s right. Giving back to our community is a key ingredient in living up to our potential and being our best selves. So, make sure to make volunteering part of your routine in 2020. Or, if you already do, consider adding another deserving beneficiary of your time and effort. Remember, volunteers are unpaid not because what they do is worthless, but because it’s priceless! Read more
TOP MEMPHIS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2019 DONATIONS
Yep, it’s that time of year again. You know, the magical month of December. Before we get too deep into it, we’ve gotta ask, are you ready? Have you followed up on all those not-so-subtle gift hints? Is your favorite holiday party attire clean and pressed? Don’t fret. We Are Memphis has you covered. We’re rolling up our sleeves to provide you with the most comprehensive year-end lists. We’ll remind you of the hidden local gems for buying gifts. We’ll make sure you’re up on the best in food, music, and local events, so you’ll stay ready, and won’t have to get ready…Read more
Stop me if you’ve heard this before. A 29-year-old single woman is the mother of 23 children. No? Well, this isn’t a tabloid story to go along with the latest alien sighting. Grounded by her faith, driven by her love for children, and inspired by her high school senior year spring break trip to a children’s home in Guatemala, Memphis Native MK Hill is the foster and adoptive mom of 23 kids from all over the world. Read more
TOP 20 MEMPHIS FOOD TRUCKS. NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED. #STREETFOOD
It’s no secret that Memphis is famous for the three S’s: soul, sauce, and sports… We get our soul from being the home of the blues and birthplace of rock-n-roll, with iconic Beale Street entertainment, star-studded Sun Studios artists, and the latest generation of musicians who continue to bring the heat live from the kitchen… Our sauce is none-other than what makes our Memphis-style barbecue world famous. And yes, you guessed it, for sports, we got the Grizzlies. Read more
LIVE FROM THE KITCHEN: MEMPHIS MUSIC MASTERMINDS
Dripping out of every building, coming for you from every speaker, and accompanying every meal, in Memphis we eat, sleep, and breathe music. More than a century ago, musicians of all races and backgrounds came together and, for the love of music, created a sound that changed the cultural voice of the world forever. Today this approach—a fusion of styles and culture—can be heard loud and clear in the soulful music that’s coming out of Memphis. Read more
PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT VETERAN CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Adulting is hard enough for yourself. Having to build a workforce, manage it, and show positive results, well, #thestruggleisreal. But with an untapped pool of nearly one million unemployed military veterans across the United States, there might just be an easy and fulfilling way for us all to be living our best—and most successful—lives. Read more
SALT LAKE CITY 2019 PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT
"Homelessness is something you experience, not who you are."
#ProjectHomelessConnect2019 #SaltLakeCity #SiliconSlopes #Volunteer