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 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 Chaz Anthony
Meet Chaz Anthony, a Memphis-born designer and entrepreneur whose clothing line Don’t Let Mom Find Out has taken Memphis’ street style by storm! From pop-up shops in cities like Atlanta & New York, to overcoming a life-changing accident, Chaz embodies the resilience and spirit of Memphis.
What are your top 3 places you love to visit in Memphis? (restaurants, bars, hangout places, coffee shops, parks, shops, churches, organizations, etc.)
My favorite lounge is Esco. They treat me like family there. They already know what I want when I walk through the door. My favorite restaurant is Smackers on Highland. Before I got shot, I would smash four cheeseburgers sliders–easy. Now I have to settle for the salmon because it’s soft. Lastly, my favorite hangout spot is definitely my home. There is no place in this city that compares to my couch, haha.
How does Memphis as a city inspire you or impact the work that you do?
All the support that Memphis has provided my business over the years has been a huge inspiration for me to keep pushing my brand. This city loves them some DLMFO and I love that for us! That support has kept me going til this day. I still get texts sometimes from friends saying “Everyone at this event has on DLMFO”. I tear up every time lol.
What are you most excited to see happening in Memphis now?
The amount of musical talent that’s sprouting from this city is very exciting to watch. It is very easy to spot the influence Memphis has on the industry. Also, there is an immense amount of athletic talent coming from the city. For example, Kelvin Perkins from my alma mater (Southwind High School). That kid is a beast and he’s only what, in the tenth grade? Won Mr. Football in 2023. Amazing.
Is there another Memphian who has inspired you, impacted the work that you do, or who you’d like to shout out?
There’s a guy who is on the corner of Poplar and E. Parkway. Rain, sleet, snow, hail, it does not matter, he is there selling drinks to cars stopping at the light. His hustle is unmatched. I see him every day and I think to myself “I have no excuse”.
How do you hope to inspire change in Memphis?
I hope to continue to inspire creatives to create and stand behind their art proudly. I also hope to continue to inspire those who want to be an entrepreneur but are afraid to take that risk. I want people to take that risk! You only have one life—live it the way you want!
