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LAURELWOOD
CELEBRATING
the Style & Culture of Memphis
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Intentionally Different. Book a same-day appointment today! zupmed.com | 901.701.7010 | Laurelwood | 4576 Poplar Avenue Memphis | TN 38117
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DIAMONDS CUSTOM CREATIONS EXCLUSIVE DESIGNERS BRIDAL REPAIRS
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389 Perkins Extended Open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm 901.685.8417 @CottonTailsMemphis 007_LM2022_TOC.indd 2
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397 Perkins Extended Open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm 901. 685. 8464 @sachimemphis
397 Perkins Extended Open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm 901. 685. 8464 @sachigirls
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4564 POPLAR AVE. MEMPHIS, TN 38117 DESIGN SPACE PLANNING LIGHTING
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901-458-4225
WWW.AMIAUSTININTERIORS.COM
CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY & DRAPERY ANTIQUES ACCESSORIES
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Christian Louboutin
Saint Laurent
Dorothee Schumacher
Tory Burch
Gianvito Rossi
Valentino
Golden Goose
Veronica Beard
Gucci
Balenciaga
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Marco Bicego
Akris
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418 South Grove Park Road
josephstores.com
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Laurelwood Shopping Center is conveniently located on Poplar Avenue between Perkins Extended and Grove Park Road South. Hours vary by store. Please visit LaurelwoodMemphis.com for a complete listing of all the merchants in the center and each store’s details. On-site Contact: Cory Prewitt President/Marketing Director 901.761.7737 cory@laurelwoodshoppingcenter.com
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FEATURE
30 A New Home for Sissy’s Log Cabin
Community
Events: Laurelwood is pleased to offer outdoor concerts in the courtyard and special sales on property as well as fashion related events throughout the Memphis community. Please check LaurelwoodMemphis.com for up-to-date event information.
Literatini
12 A Toast to Literacy
Security: Laurelwood contracts with Security Plus, 901.574.3818
For the Kingdom
Follow Us:
16 Transforming A Community, One Child At A Time
Lifestyle
@LaurelwoodMemphis @ShopLaurelwood
Dining
22 Restaurant Iris: A Creole Wonderland
Culture
@LaurelwoodShopp
New In Town
38 Get to know the new merchants on the block and what inspired their move to the shopping center. • Ami Austin Interiors • Joseph Men
Fashion
50 Look no further for inspiration for your wardrobe. Laurelwood has something for every style. in every issue
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Welcome
64 Laurelwood Lux Vignettes Interior Design
Art and Editorial Director: Melissa Ellis Smith Fashion Editor: Augusta Campbell Contributing Writers: Amy Birdsong Golden and Kylie Putnal Photographers: Jay Adkins, Sarah Bell and Caleb Sigler Printing and Distribution: Creative Content by CMI, subsidiary of Contemporary Media, Inc. Laurelwood Magazine is published by Laurelwood Shopping Center. 422 S Grove Park Rd, Memphis, TN 38117. ©2022, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any of the materials contained herein without the expressed written consent of Laurelwood Shopping Center is prohibited.
L A U R E LW O O D
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REACH NEW LEVELS
WWW.HOTYOGAPLUS.COM
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LETTER
WELCOME TO
LAURELWOOD We are now in our eighth year of bringing you our annual publication that highlights all that Laurelwood Shopping Center has to offer. I’m glad you’re here! I’m excited to be back sharing the stories of the new faces in our shopping center as well as catching up with some veteran tenants. I believe everyone could use a little more joy these days, and I hope this edition will bring a smile to your face and remind you of all our city has to offer. In this issue, you can expect to hear how Sissy's Log Cabin will be expanding to a much needed larger space, meet the new faces of fashion and interiors, and hear how Kelly and his team have created a space and experience like no other in Memphis with the transformation of Restaurant Iris. A group close to my heart and one Laurelwood supports is For the Kingdom. You'll learn more about their vision to help transform the lives of Memphis youth and their families. We also highlight Literacy Mid-South's 8th annual Literatini, an exciting event for the local community to get involved in while supporting the Adult Learning Program of Literacy Mid-South. As always, we bring you some glitz and glam with fashion and jewelry. Through it all, the staples of the publication and Laurelwood Shopping Center remain the constant, and we are thrilled to continue bringing you the latest in food, fashion, and interiors. My hope is that the articles in this magazine spark meaningful conversations and highlight the joys of being a Memphian. Best, Cory Prewitt President/Marketing Director L A U R E LW O O D
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COMMUNITY
A TOAST TO
LITERACY Literacy is arguably one of the most important foundational skills necessary to lead a successful life. by KYLIE PUTNAL
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Photos Courtesy of Literacy Mid-South.
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iteracy is arguably one of the most important foundational skills necessary to lead a successful life. Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has spent nearly 50 years striving to provide literacy resources to people of all ages and backgrounds. “Our organization serves all of the MidSouth,” says Lucy Hughes, Operations Coordinator for Literacy Mid-South, “It was formed to help people of all ages and backgrounds achieve the critical literacy skills they need to navigate the world.” Literacy enables people to excel in school, find and succeed in employment, communicate effectively with others, solve problems, and so much more. LMS recognizes how important it is that everyone, from children to adults, has the opportunity to learn and strengthen their literacy skills. “Literacy Mid-South improves the quality of life in our community through education by providing literacy programs for adults and children as well as a network of collaborative projects with some of the Mid-South’s finest educational organizations,” says Lucy. Literacy Mid-South is engaged in many programs and initiatives centered around providing literacy resources to the community and inspiring a love of learning within every generation. “We are a group of passionate staff, volunteers, board, and community organizations dedicated to making the Mid-South a community actively engaged in continuous learning,” says Lucy. Literacy Mid-South has created several successful programs focusing on strengthening community collaboration while promoting literacy and a general love of learning. OBCARES is one program that focuses on prenatal education and demonstrates the importance of speaking and reading to one’s child from birth. LMS also leads a program called Read901, which promotes cooperation between literacy initiatives throughout the community and serves as the primary literacy information hub in Memphis, Tennessee. LMS also provides a number of other programs, including an Adult Learning Program, through which small-group and one-on-one tutoring is offered to adults, and Out-of-School Time Support, through which LMS partners with other organizations to provide tutoring to kids during the summer-time as well as before and after school.
To achieve LMS’s vision of one-hundred percent literacy, the entire community must come together to promote literacy and make it accessible to everyone. In June 2022, Laurelwood Shopping Center was one of the sponsors of Literacy Mid-South’s 8th annual Literatini. “Literatini is a martini competition!” Lucy explains enthusiastically. “Attendees sampled and voted for cocktails from top local bars and restaurants, enjoyed music, stocked up on books, took pictures at a photo booth, and placed bids on items at a locally curated silent auction at Novel Bookstore,” which is located within Laurelwood Shopping Center. Guests enjoyed the food provided by Libro and cupcakes provided by Frost Bake Shop; both businesses are also located in Laurelwood. Literatini is an excellent opportunity for the local community to get involved in the mission of LMS. Various local organizations pull together to create a fun and exciting atmosphere where people can learn about the work LMS is doing and be inspired by its dedication to promoting literacy. “All proceeds from this event support our Adult Learning Program, which connects one-on-one tutors with adults in our community reading below a 6th-grade level and/or learning English as a second language,” says Lucy. Throughout the night, guests could sample drinks from eleven local vendors: South of Beale, Global Cafe, Libro, RP Tracks, Char, Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy, Babalu, The Pear Martini, The Pocket, Magnolia and May, and Edge Alley. Each guest was given two tickets to exchange for a full-sized cocktail, which counted as a vote for that particular vendor. At the night’s end, the people’s votes were tallied, and a judge’s panel also voted to choose the competition champions. This year, The Pear Martini was crowned the 2022 People’s Choice Literatini Champion, and Babalu was named the Judges’ Choice Literatini 2022 Champion. This event is an example of the great work Literacy Mid-South is doing as it seeks out fun and unique ways to bring the Memphis community together to promote literacy. Literacy is a gift that reaps invaluable benefits, and Literacy Mid-South is doing everything possible to share that gift with everyone within its reach. L A U R E LW O O D
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COMMUNITY
For the Kingdom
Transforming A Community, One Child At A Time by KYLIE PUTNAL
F
or more than 20 years, For the Kingdom (FTK) has been transforming the lives of Memphis youth and their families. FTK instills hope and encouragement within the community by striving to meet basic human needs and by providing development and growth opportunities at its onehundred-acre camp, retreat, and conference center in Memphis, Tennessee. “We see ourselves as a character in God’s story, as a lighthouse and a place for all people to be loved and accepted,” says Torrey Bates, Executive Director at FTK. “Our motivation started by providing a camp and retreat center designed for black and brown children to go to in the summertime. As our community changed over the years, so has our motivation to be a part of the change needed in the world.” Since its establishment, FTK has been hosting various events and activities throughout the year, from adventure camps and back-to-school festivals to sports team-building camps and mobile grocery giveaways. “Caring for and providing development opportunities to youths and seniors is essential to fulfilling For The Kingdom’s vision,” Torrey explains. “We utilize strategic youth and care initiatives across our network to connect, equip, and develop these individuals. This is achieved by ancillary services that are accessible, relevant, contextual, and affordable.”
Photos Courtesy of For the Kingdom.
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This year, Laurelwood Shopping Center began supporting For the Kingdom and its mission. “As soon as I met Torrey and his wife Jennifer, I was in to help their vision,” says Cory Prewitt, CEO, and President of Laurelwood. “I truly believe that if Memphis is ever going to move past the violence and crime, we must support organizations doing good in our communities. FTK is transforming Raleigh, and it is a beautiful thing.” For the Kingdom is striving to change the lives of the people of this community by showing Christ-like love to all, engaging youths through various activities, including sports, camping, literature, and art, and encouraging spiritual development through Bible studies. For the Kingdom desires to serve its community by providing life-changing experiences, supporting unity and growth, and representing God’s kingdom on earth. “Once you meet Torrey and Jennifer,” says Cory, “it’s easy to conclude they are the real deal and want to help in every way. What they are doing by building sustainable resources is phenomenal and generation-changing. They feed thousands every month in their community, and that number will grow with the help of the Memphis community coming together.” FTK leads several pro-
grams specifically designed to support and encourage the Raleigh community of Memphis, Tennessee. One of these programs, called Feed the Block, allows FTK to address the food limitation and food insecurity affecting the community. This program provides FTK with an avenue through which it can establish constructive, caring relationships with people while addressing their need for consistent, healthy food and spreading God’s love. Through Feed the Block, FTK partners with Mid-South Food Bank to provide a monthly grocery giveaway. The program also strives to help children get three healthy meals a day by providing dinner to children who usually go to bed hungry. FTK is also launching what is called the Exodus Marketplace in an effort to provide families with an alternative, more affordable grocery shopping experience. For the Kingdom provides a loving and safe place for youth to thrive and grow and learn. It is an escape from the insecurities and inequities of the city, where people can find hope, prayer, fun, and peace and where they can come to know Christ and his love. “To alter the landscape of our city,” Cory says, “we must first support our pocket communities and build from within, and FTK is doing that in such a special way.” L A U R E LW O O D
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LIFESTYLE B Dining
WoN
Restaurant Iris:
A leDER
o er LA
C
ND
by AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN interior photos by SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY
food photos by CALEB SIGLER
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“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – A conversation between Alice and the Queen, from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland
Kelly English didn’t even mean to open a restaurant in Memphis all those years ago. As a young chef visiting Memphis from New Orleans, he met La Tourelle owner Glenn Hays. The story goes, he saw a rainbow when he was leaving the meeting. The universe must have known that Kelly was open to guidance. Six months later, he opened Restaurant Iris to much acclaim in Midtown Memphis. And fourteen years later, through some admitted wild turns, stops, risk-taking, and passion, Restaurant Iris is back. It’s new – but in a very familiar way. The new location in Laurelwood is quite the transformation. But even more impressive is Kelly’s ability to constantly reinvent and pivot. He is quick to credit his team and partners, and he says the journey has been just as important as the destination. Though perhaps not in appearance, you could say Kelly’s adventures have mirrored Alice as she battled the Jabberwocky. Her challenge was to restore the White Queen, and his latest was to restore and reimagine Iris. His Jabberwocky was a pandemic. At times it seemed “impassible” (what the Door told Alice when she couldn’t fit through the threshold). Kelly’s operations were at an impasse. With the growth in his catering and food-shipping business, vibrancy of Second Line, adoption of Fino’s, and creation of Pantà,
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he needed more for the overall business. That meant space. A lot of it. The new location has 3,500 square feet of kitchen space that acts as a commissary kitchen for all of his restaurants. “We’re also doing it this way because we feel like we can create more jobs. We had to expand Iris to keep it going, and this is a way to give our people more opportunity. Supported by my business partners, it’s about putting ourselves in that position — for our people,” says Kelly. The original Iris was a tiny, twelve-table restaurant. Everything was beautifully done, but it was sometimes seen as special occasion only, a little too precious or formal. “You don’t have to use your inside voice in here,” says Kelly regarding the new space. “Here, our target audience is everyone. We have 200 seats, and we are going to use them in some really great ways.” Kelly believes that collaboration is the future of his business. With the move to Laurelwood, he hopes to partner with as many retailers as possible. Think cooking demos with a Novel cookbook author, late afternoon cocktail dinner for a trunk show that Joseph brings to town or catering tastings with the Nicole Barre Bridal clients. “Dining isn’t transactional anymore. I want to give our clients an experience. The only thing a box does is keep you inside of it.”
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KELLY IS ALSO THE TYPE TO CHASE A RABBIT DOWN THE HOLE. LET’S WALK THROUGH THE SIX IMPOSSIBLE THINGS THAT ALICE LEARNED WHILE SLAYING HER JABBERWOCKY. YOU’LL SEE WHY KELLY AND HIS TEAM HAVE CREATED A SPACE AND EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER IN MEMPHIS.
One.
A POTION THAT CAN MAKE YOU SHRINK
The potions are aplenty thanks to Larin Culp, beverage director of the restaurant group and front of house for Iris. The bar is expansive with four TVs, a lounge, and ends with an oyster bar. “We have a 29-bottle Cruvinet system,” says Larin. “We can offer dozens of different wines by the glass. It gives us the ability to offer some nicer, higher-end wines to the bar set.” The cocktail program brings back Iris classics, along with new twists on mid-century libations.
Two.
A CAKE THAT CAN MAKE YOU GROW
“We are so lucky to have Russell with his fingerprints on the Iris classics and New Orleans cuisine along with his expertise and leadership in the kitchen,” says Kelly. “We also get along really well.” Kelly and Russell both say the new space is what Iris should have been all along. “It’s full circle for me. My first restaurant job in Memphis was at Grove Grill,” says Russell. “We are now able to bring something different and bold to Memphis.”
Four:
CATS CAN DISAPPEAR
And so can you. The restaurant boasts 4 private dining rooms. Fit for intimate dinners or up to 30 people. The larger room has a demo cooking space.
What is going to make people stick around and get dessert?
And in the main dining room, there are even privacy curtains.
Inga Theeke is the pastry chef for the restaurant group. “What drew me to working with this group is the connection with the community and the desire to really do something special for Memphis,” says Inga. You can expect New Orleans classics like bananas foster, beignets, crème brulé, with some “Memphis added too,” she says.
Need to duck in for lunch at 2 pm or plan a business meeting at 3 pm with food, beverage, and full audio visual? The Iris team is ready.
Three.
ANIMALS CAN TALK
Bigger restaurant = bigger menu. And you’ll be talking about the new options at Iris. Starting with the graband-go market right when you walk in. You can take home dressings, chicken salad, etouffees, pickles, sammies, and more. Don’t worry, your old favorites are there, but you may be surprised to find a lot of healthier options, plenty of fresh fish, and an extensive calling of veggies for sides. To make it all happen, Russell Casey, who manned the Bounty and Broad kitchen for years, was Kelly’s first and only call for the role of executive chef.
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You would never associate kids with the old Iris. Kelly and team are planning on turning the large private dining room into a daycare of sorts for a Tuesday date night. They are working on a kid’s meal, a movie night, and even teaching them how to make cookie dough. All while their parents secure a great booth.
Five:
THERE IS A PLACE CALLED WONDERLAND
A large ficus tree under a skylight. Serpentine booths that line the center of the dining room. A garden party going on in a private dining room. Crustaceans snapping on the walls. Most importantly a sophisticated lighting system that “will make everyone look beautiful,” according to Ann Parker, whose firm designed Iris.
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“Dining isn’t transactional anymore. I want to give our clients an experience. The only thing a box does is keep you inside of it.” “We stayed true to the Iris DNA, “says Ann. “It’s trippy, luxe, and layered. You’ll catch new details each time you return. But we couldn’t make it too shiny.” The mural, by Memphis artist Dorothy Collier, is a focal point with a fantastical swampy scene and grounds the space. “We wanted to inject the right amount of playfulness,” adds Ann.
Six:
I CAN SLAY THE JABBERWOCKY
Kelly might be one of the most endearing people in Memphis, whether he is talking to you on Instagram, hopping behind the bar for a bet, championing an upand-coming chef, or plotting a crawfish boil in the new parking lot of Iris. It’s the way he wants to take care of his fellow restaurant colleagues in the city and of course his employees. He just makes it work because he puts in the work. And all those twists and turns? He calls it being impulsive at times, but it’s that same gut that took the rainbow as a sign, the same heart that immediately sprung into action to help his staff and the Memphis restaurant community when dark times came. He has no fear of being first. “I always remember that I am the weirdo,” he says.
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As if the caterpillar asking Alice, “Who are you?” And Kelly answering as she did, “Why I hardly know, sir. I’ve changed so many times . . .” But just like with anyone, you grow up. “And that’s where we are,” he says.
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A
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Roberto Coin necklaces
A New Home for
Sissy’s Log Cabin by AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN
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Rendering of the new Sissy’s Log Cabin. Sissy’s celebrates their new partnership with the Memphis Grizzlies. The leadership team at Sissy’s Log Cabin spans three generations.
Sissy Jones has always been an avid collector of antiques. In 1970, she noticed a log cabin for sale down Highway 79 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She stocked it with pieces from her attic, home, and eventually - estates from the area. Word spread and Sissy’s Log Cabin became a destination in her hometown. Some years later, Bill Jones, her son and current CEO of the organization, recalled a turning point in the store’s history. “We were delivering a rolltop desk on a very hot summer day- up two flights of stairs in an un-airconditioned building. After returning to the store later that afternoon, we sold a diamond without even breaking a sweat.” Soon after, the store pivoted exclusively to jewelry. Sissy attended the Gemological Institute of America, McCarthey Jewelry Design School, Trenton Jewelry/ Goldsmith School and became a licensed appraiser. Today, Sissy remains involved in the organization. The business is still family run – going on three generations. L A U R E LW O O D
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As a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Sissy’s son Bill joined her in the family business. Their legacy of being jewelers - instead of simply merchants - begins with him in his 20’s. He manned the store with Sissy during the day, and started making jewelry in the evenings, often working until 2 and 3 a.m. Today, Sissy’s Log Cabin is the Mid-South’s largest family owned and operated jewelry store with over 100 employees. Their footprint is largely in Arkansas (Pine Bluff, Little Rock, West Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Conway). They joined the Laurelwood family in 2014 and quickly became a Memphis destination for diamonds, fine jewelry, gifts, watches, estate, and custom pieces. Employing multiple graduate gemologists and award-winning jewelers, Sissy’s is unique to the market as they are expertly trained to repair, design, and create almost any piece of jewelry. Sissy’s is widely known for their customer service and “doing the right thing.” Bill 32 | L A U R E LW O O D
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shares, “We always say, ‘The more we are inconvenienced, the more of a convenience it is to our customers.” Bill’s phone has rang more than a few times. One Saturday night he even opened the safe to help a husband who forgot his anniversary. “Our customers are everything to us,” he adds. Sissy’s started to outgrow their space located next to James Davis. The team wanted their new home to be on Poplar with a size and space big enough to build a store that could accommodate a more luxurious experience for their clients. Luckily, just the spot was merely yards away at 4542 Poplar Avenue. They broke ground in April 2022 on the new, free-standing location. Designed by architect and jewelry store designer, Jesse Balaity, the new 9,000 square foot store will be surrounded by green space and have ample parking. The building will have dedicated security and modern structural elements with designated space for Sissy’s expanded lines.
Clockwise: Sissy’s Log Cabin carries an expertly curated selection of diamond engagement rings. Sissy started her business with estate pieces and today they carry an impressive array of memorable estate jewels. Smart watch accessories are fine jewelry for everyday wear. The perfect pieces for everyday wear, LAGOS jewelry combines precious materials and extraordinary craftsmanship.
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Clockwise: Sissy’s Facets of Fire diamonds use the latest cutting technology. A custom ring in progress. Presenting a ring to clients during the design process.
“We loved Jesse’s beautiful design. But my first thought was, ‘I’ve got to go talk to Sissy,’” recalls Bill. “I told her, ‘This is where I want to go with the future look of Sissy’s Log Cabin, and we are not going to use logs anymore.’ She pulled her glasses down and looked at me and said, It’s about time.”
Memphis location – at The FedEx Forum. Sissy’s Log Cabin is now the official jeweler for the Memphis Grizzlies. The two share the same colors, so it was easy to roll out the blue carpet. Sissy’s created an exclusive, officially licensed Memphis Grizzlies jewelry line. “It’s a line meant for the fans and for Memphis,” says Bill.
However, they will never change their name. The family says it keeps them grounded and reminds them of their meager beginnings with the start in a little log cabin. When designing the new store, their priority was creating enough space to service customers, host events, and add to the experience. The design allows for boutique-like settings for Sissy’s special brands like Rolex, Tudor, Cartier, LAGOS, Breitling, Roberto Coin, and many more.
At the arena, you can find them at the Sissy’s Log Cabin Floor Seat Lounge for all floor seat ticket holders. In addition, Sissy’s will take over as the official naming partner for the first two rows of Floor Seats. The lounge features all-inclusive food and beverage and will host special meet-and-greets with Grizzlies VIPs and legends.
“Anyone can sell jewelry - we also want to create a luxury experience,” says Memphis store manager Jason Heckendorf. “It’s about the personal relationships for us. You are family when you come in.” “It’s a true privilege and joy to work with clients on heirloom pieces that celebrate life and family milestones,” says Jason. “For custom pieces, we start out with a sketch of a client’s idea. Put it in a CAD drawing and render a 3D print in wax resin. We source from our loose diamonds and gems. And the pieces come to life.” In 2022, the Sissy’s team quietly began working on another
“This is an exciting time for our family-owned company, and we are eager to grow and expand our selection and services for our Memphis clients,” Bill says. “The support we have received from our friends and partners here in Memphis has been critical to our business, and we look forward to bolstering our investment in this community with a state-of-the-art storefront and a new partnership with Memphis’ professional sports franchise.” Sissy would add that their success is also due to “the help of a few angels, of course.” Sissy’s Log Cabin is open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
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r o f a e d i A novel inner! d r o h c n u l
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Balenciaga
Citizens of Humanity
Balmain
Paige
Christian Louboutin
Tods
Vince
C.P. Company
Theory
Canada Goose
Helmut Lang
Versace
Alexander McQueen
Mizzen and Main
AG Jeans
Rag and Bone
901.730.0496
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4540 POPLAR AVE
JOSEPHSTORES.COM
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A one-stop-shop for beauty needs Visit us in Laurelwood Shopping Center!
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by Sam Henderson and Mike Lawing
Laurelwood Shopping Center | 4548 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117 901.753.0010 | vignettesinteriors.com 030_LM2022_SissysLogCabin.indd 37
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CULTURE B New In Town
GRACE
The Behind Everyday Luxury by AUGUSTA CAMPBELL / photography by JAY ADKINS
Ami Austin is the designer’s designer. She is the founder and creator of the established and award-winning design firm Ami Austin Interior Design.
Ami has been constantly surrounded by accolades and praise from her peers. “Kind”, “so sweet”, “beautiful aesthetic”, “and graceful” are words that her friends and colleagues and clients have used to describe her. Now, she has brought her alluring and well-regarded business to the heart of East Memphis in Laurelwood Shopping Center. Stylishly nestled in between Iris restaurant and Novel Booksellers, Ami Austin Interior Design shines like the Swarovski crystal chandelier in her home store. Ami describes her aesthetic as luxurious and helps her clients achieve the right balance between dramatic and classic by layering textures via fine fabrics, wallpapers, art, and any other special finishes. Her home store is open to the public Monday through Friday and is available for finding the right fabric custom bedding, reupholstery, and drapery needs, with specialized workrooms to grant all those wishes. Additionally, the showroom serves as a source for the design trade. Ami kindly answered a few questions that help reveal the grand lady behind one of Memphis’ most beloved interior design firms.
After decades in the business, why come to Laurelwood now?
Our first thought with our move was convenience. L A U R E LW O O D
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Convenience for our team and our wonderful clients. We have been very fortunate over the years to have a growing client base and making our in-person design destination more convenient for them was our priority. East Memphis is central to just about everyone and the proximity and gorgeous location with Laurelwood was everything we were looking for. We love everything about Laurelwood, the parking, the shopping, not only for our clients, but for us as well. It is a safe multi-functional destination for busy people looking for pretty things and great food.
What is the most indulgent thing that a client can do or have in his or her space? And, how would that enrich their quality of life?
I love when a client is passionate about a statement piece. Something that says something about the personality of the client or the home. It can be a fabulous original work of art, a custom rug. I would suggest that quality and taste lead the way and you will always cherish that memory. It’s fun for guests to learn something about you when they come to visit and a lot of times that comes through.
Is there a trick to keeping one’s dogs from eating pillows? Leave lots of good treats on them! 40 | L A U R E LW O O D
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FOLLOW US @JJILLSTYLE
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430 South Grove Park | Memphis, TN 38117 | 901.767.8808 | stovallcollection.com Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm Holiday Hours: Nov. & Dec. Monday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm
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901-452-2323
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kittiekyle.com
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by AUGUSTA CAMPBELL / photography by JAY ADKINS
STYLISH SIBLINGS
CULTURE B New In Town
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T
here’s a new handsome fellow in the Bluff City and his name is Joseph Men. His big sister is pretty well-known for being a decades-long fashion maven in the town and now the family-owned businesses known as Joseph Stores have expanded into high-end men’s fashion. Labels for men include Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Versace along with Memphis-designed Still Community Clothing. Accessories make the man as there are many sunglasses, scarves, wallets, jewelry, backpacks, crossbody bags, and fanny packs available to complete any look. The attractive space was designed by Meg Johnson and utilizes the masculine black, grey, cognac, and white color scheme seamlessly. The style of the boutique lends itself to the striking fashion within and caters to the discerning male shopper. Cozy leather chairs invite people in and it’s not unusual to find canine friends pawing around. Joseph Men has the younger brother energy one would expect with its current luxe street style smarts and fine fashion pedigree from the Laurelwood luxury brand. 46 | L A U R E LW O O D
Philip Jacobson, Vice President of Joseph Stores, answers a few questions about one of Laurelwood’s newest additions. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS STORE? Joseph Men is an extension of Joseph: a curated men’s store that brings the best of brands and men’s fashion to Memphis. Memphis has never had a men’s store like this and our goal is to be different than the other stores. You can come to Joseph Men for anything from great denim to Christian Louboutin sneakers, and everything in between. HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN? The response has been truly great. We were confident going in, but really didn’t know what to expect. Our customers have really been great in supporting the store. WHY LAURELWOOD? Laurelwood is home for Joseph and we wanted it to be close to our flagship women’s store. We never even thought of another shopping center. WHAT HAVE BEEN A FEW PLEASANT SURPRISES? We have sold a lot more clothing than we initially thought we would, so we have gone and found a lot more exciting brands.
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@JMCLAUGHLIN
434 S. GROVE PARK • MEMPHIS, TN • 901.666.8286 044_LM2022_NewInTown_JosephMen.indd 47
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Laurelwood | 400 Grove Park Road | Memphis, TN 901-767-4640 | jamesdavisstore.com
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COLOR FOR TWO 2022 has seen a burst of hues to celebrate life in person and in living color. On Anna: dress from Kittie Kyle, purse from Joseph, necklace from Sissy’s Log Cabin. On Keenon: t-shirt and sweatshirt from Joseph Men, ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin.
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CULTURE B Fashion
stylish
LIFE Laurelwood Shopping Center has never made it easier for everyday living to be effortlessly chic. Every store provides multiple offerings of high and low fashion and luxury at every turn. Quiet moments can be just as glamorous as a formal night out and every moment in between is celebrated with style, finesse, and charm. His and her fashion is within reach and will fill up your closet with the season’s offerings throughout the year. Independently owned boutiques outfit their stores with fashion houses that are everyday household names and up-and-coming labels, from high-end clothing and accessories to street wear style. Everything you need is at Laurelwood Shopping Center where the allure of fashion is at your fingertips.
styled by AUGUSTA CAMPBELL photography by JAY ADKINS
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BEST SELLER This girl who wears glasses knows a thing or two about style. Anna wears a skirt and top from Kittie Kyle. Boots from Sachi. Glasses from Novel. Earrings and ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin. 52 | L A U R E LW O O D
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RED, WHITE, AND DENIM All American style on our modern day face of fashion. Keenon wears a shirt and denim jacket from Joseph Men.
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STYLE ON THE GO Race into fashion with athletic fabrics and textiles that will help you get to the finish line. Keenon wears a shirt, backpack, pants, sneakers, and sunglasses from Joseph Men. Ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin.
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HATS OFF! Tip to Fashion with a stylish straw fedora and the always winning combo of gold and diamonds. Hat from Joseph. Diamond tennis necklace and gold earrings from Sissy’s Log Cabin.
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LUXURIOUS COMFORT Sleepwear is the new lounge wear and Laurelwood shows us how it’s all done. Anna wears a lounge set from Joseph. Necklace and bracelet from Sissy’s Log Cabin..
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VIRILE VIEWS This soft masculine look is all about comfort and style. Keenon wears an athletic dri-fit shirt and pants from Joseph Men. Ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin.
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NATURAL BEAUTY Immerse yourself in color if you’re going to lay in a bed of flowers. White jumpsuit, green sweater and sunglasses all from Joseph. Necklace from Kittie Kyle, gold ring and earrings from Sachi.
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STARS AND FAST CARS Zoom into style with looks that will define a classic vibe. Keenon wears a top, jacket, shorts, sunglasses, shoes and jewelry all from Joseph Men. VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU: Anna McLaughlin, model Keenon Wilson, Colors Agency James Martin, Make up artist, Joseph Scot Robinson, Hair Stylist and Owner, Pavo Salon Jacque Kay Gibert, Hair Assistant, Pavo Salon
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LET US STYLE YOU LOCALLY!
LAURELWOOD SHOPPING CENTER 4544 Poplar Ave. #101 | Memphis,TN 38117 901.207.5427 | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm @SHOPLORIJAMES
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L AU R E LWO O D S H O PPI N G C E N T E R • 9 0 1 . 6 8 4 . 6 1 74 • C H I CO S .CO M
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87954 A
GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT
G RE AT ADVENTURE ORVIS MEMPHIS
| Laurelwood Shopping Ctr | 4556 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 901-767-3592 | orvis.com | Hours: Mon-Sat: 11-6; Sun: 12-4 @orvismemphis
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LAURELWOOD LUX
If you’re looking to add one or two pieces to your home or for a complete remodel Vignettes Interior Design is the place to go. Their style ranges from contemporary to traditional and their fabric, trim and wallpaper library is one of the largest in the Memphis area. With a combined 30 years in the design industry they can make your dream a reality. Highlighted here is a David Harouni painting from New Orleans and a sofa that is a custom piece from one of their many upholstery lines.
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Blu D’or Interiors is a retail furniture store offering upholstery, lighting, rugs, case goods, original art and accessories. With shops in both Memphis and Jonesboro and a wide array of lines, we have become a go-to source for consumers and designers.
Laurelwood Shopping Center | 420 S. Grove Park Road | Memphis, TN 38117 901.207.4392 | @BluDorMemphis 456 Southwest Drive | Jonesboro, AR 72401 870.336.1435 | @BluDorJonesboro
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PRST STD US POSTAGE
PAID
Memphis, TN Permit 78
For Every Generation
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