With sculpted character lines and striking headlamps, the 2025 ES pairs daring exterior design with innovative engineering for a dynamic yet refined ride. Boasting an incredibly low center of gravity and a forward-leaning stance, the ES doesn’t just make you feel more connected to the road, it helps you hear less of it The ES features numerous components that minimize engine vibration and significantly reduce road noise, allowing you to focus on what matters most- the drive
Take one part Old Dominick. Add one part Community Foundation. Mix well to protect the Memphis Sand Aquifer. Scan QR code artwork with your phone or visit cfgm.org/GlassHalfFull to fully experience this refreshing community story.
SeptemberThe Style Issue
This month, we celebrate style . The word style has taken on a life of its own online—who has it, who doesn't have it—perpetuating the idea that style is invariably elusive for some and unfailingly natural for others. But what if style is more universal than it seems?
Belgian fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg once said, "Style is something each of us already has; all we need to do is find it." So, how do we find our style? Our style of living?
The lifelong search for and definition of our style is about choices. We all make countless choices every day: dressing children, making dinner, going to the gym. Every hour brings with it both conscious and subconscious decisions that shape our days and lives. Whether we use the word style or not, these choices show the world who we are.
In this issue, we explore style in the River City. Amy Golden explores street style with Memphians on-the-go. Art consultant Anna Wunderlich answers questions about art collecting and her stylistic process. Morgan Zanone explores the world of sneakerhead style with Edward Bogard and his inspiring non-profit organization SoGiv. Matt Gossett shares the inside scoop on a few must-have beauty products to keep handy this fall.
To an interior designer, a writer, a chef - style is important. We all define our personal style every day, not simply with the clothes or accessories we pluck from our closets every morning, but by how we lead our lives. Some spend an hour styling their outfit for dinner; others spend an hour online searching golf sites for the perfect head cover for their driver. Some slowly meander through antique shops, searching for the perfect door knob; others painstakingly research the menu before heading to happy hour. You make a style choice with every one of those decisions—a choice that says something about you.
We hope you enjoy this issue filled with an array of stylish examples from the River City!
KIT GARROTT, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
Amy Birdsong Golden, Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Maude Burrow
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeff Hulett, Sierra Daugherty, Matt Gossett
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
inside the issue
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HOW ANNA WUNDERLICH’S PERSONAL LOVE OF ART BECAME A PASSIONATE PROFESSION
An Artistic Evolution
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Anna Wunderlich, Memphis-based art consultant, offers a behind-the-scenes view of how she came to love art and what a typical day looks like for her as she dons her many hats. She also offers some advice on how to curate a personal art collection that tells a unique story.
Q: DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND, PROFESSIONAL PATH AND HOW YOU CAME TO LOVE ART.
A: As far back as I can remember art has been at the center of it all. My grandmother, Joyce Gingold, was an art teacher and an artist. As a form of babysitting, I was placed in her art classroom and carried around to countless galleries and museums. It was daily exposure, but also very much what I was drawn to as well. I studied art and art history at the College of Charleston. Upon graduation I went on to teach art for 7 years. I was also somewhat of a studio artist myself, painting and studying while teaching. I continued visiting galleries and studios and organically started helping people select artwork. No question my studio artist background and arts education experience has given me a unique perspective to share with clients.
CONTINUED >
Q: DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE AS IT RELATES TO YOUR PROFESSION. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB AND WHERE ARE THE CHALLENGES?
A: I guess the biggest challenge and what I love most is that there is no typical day!!! I have a lot of energy and thrive on a lot going on at one time - so I like that there is variety. Any given day you could find me, wearing a hard hat during construction phase of a project, developing project concepts with a branding team, climbing on furniture in an office space to measure a work of art for cataloging, visiting an artist’s studio before a show to hear about the process, visiting galleries, searching the internet endlessly on gallery websites for potential client needs, facilitating an install of carefully selected works with thoughtful placement, attending artist lectures and gallery talks, meeting with a designer to assist in expanding upon the design vision with a layer of art collecting and placement guidance, FaceTiming or Zooming with an out of town client, and, if I am lucky, wandering through an art fair seeing hundreds of works under one roof.
Design: Gwen Driscoll, Driscoll Design & Decoration. Photography: Sarah Bell, Sarah Voigt Photography
A portrait/sculpture by artist Ted Faiers which was once worn as a necklace by Anna’s grandmother now rests in a contemporary lucite shadow box on the console above Alex Lockwood’s lottery ticket snake sculpture.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BUILD A PERSONAL ART COLLECTION?
A: When working with clients, it is very important to me for an art collection to feel personal and unique and to tell a story. This is more than art as decoration or filling a space. It doesn’t mean that this has to take forever or that it can happen in an instant. It is a process and is developed with specifics for each client.
Q: DESCRIBE YOUR ART COLLECTION.
A: Luckily, my collection started with a few gifted things from my grandparents, including Burton Callicott and Carroll Cloar works as well as specialty buttons created for my grandmother Joyce by local artists like Veda Reed. This showed me the profound personal necessity to live with art. Usually when I buy art, it is different than when I work with clients. It happens by accident - most likely when I am on the hunt for others, whether in a gallery or on an artist’s studio visit. A work of art will speak to me and I just know. I don’t exclusively think about specific intended spaces, things move around, but the end result is that my collection is personal and unique. I like a lot of variety and often the unexpected.
Q: YOU HAVE CREATED A LOT OF WONDERFULLY CREATIVE GALLERY WALLS. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS BEHIND THE CREATIVITY?
A: First and foremost, there is not just one way to go about it. I think about gallery walls as mini art collections. The principles and elements of design are important to consider, like ensuring there’s a balance of scale, color, texture and medium. I find gallery walls to be more interesting when they incorporate a variety of such. Often an addition of “objets or curiosities” can add unexpected interest and mix. Ideally, the process develops organically, layering on items that work together and that tell a personal story.
Q: I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW YOU SOURCE ART AND THE PROCESS YOU REFER TO AS AN “ART TWIRL”.
A: A friend of mine in Charleston started calling a fast-paced art adventure day with me, art twirling…it does describe it well! For instance, when I visit Charleston, I have my must-do stops at galleries, artist studios, frame shops
and more, only stopping for a latte! A Memphis art twirl, spinning west to east, would include the Metal Museum, the Medicine FACTORY, Tops Gallery, Sheet Cake Gallery, Crosstown Arts Galleries, Studiohouse on Malvern, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, David Lusk Gallery, Goetze Art and Design and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Always trying my best to see what is out there!
Designer: Christian Warren, SCWD
Studio. Photography: Julie Wage Ross, Ross Creative Group
GENERATIONS OF TROUSSEAU
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS AND A LEGACY OF ELEGANCE
On Perkins across from Laurelwood Shopping Center, Trousseau stands as a testament to tradition, quality and family legacy. This distinguished ladies’ bra fitting and lingerie boutique has been a cornerstone of Memphis shopping for 75 years. Sisters Amy and Pesha, the current owners, carry forward the vision of their grandmother, Bertel Wachter Herz, who opened the first storefront in 1949. Bertel Wachter Herz was born on January 4, 1907, in Stolberg, Germany. She was the first of seven children to emigrate to the United States, arriving in New York in 1939 before moving to Memphis with her husband, Arthur Sauerbrunn. Bertel’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to open Trousseau at 1501 Union Avenue in 1949, providing sophisticated, European-style lingerie and linens to the women of Memphis. Trousseau thrived at that location for about 25 years and moved to 1775 Union, which remained open until about 2000. Known for her exquisite taste and distinguished vision, she built a loyal customer base and worked tirelessly until her retirement at age 95. Bertel passed away at 103 on March 14, 2010, leaving a legacy of integrity, loyalty and dedication.
A CHILDHOOD INTERTWINED WITH TROUSSEAU
For Amy and Pesha, Trousseau was more than just a store; it was a second home. “It was just always there. We don’t remember not knowing it,” the sisters recall. They have childhood memories of playful mischief in the store, like hiding in the round racks, startling customers and helping with small tasks such as sealing envelopes for customer accounts.
A JOURNEY BACK TO THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Amy’s path back to Trousseau took time. “Working at Trousseau wasn’t something I had ever thought of doing,” she admits. After graduating with a BFA, she joined the store in 1992. Her initial roles were behind the scenes, handling merchandise check-in and accompanying her grandmother on buying trips. Despite pursuing a master’s degree in exercise science and working as a personal trainer, Amy felt the pull of the family business and eventually returned full time. “We opened our second location, Trousseau II, and Pesha and I ran it, primarily since, at the time, our mother was managing the original store with our grandmother. It carried only lingerie, and our goal was to be more contemporary than the original store, which, after almost 50 years, had a stigma of being where peoples’ grandmothers shopped. Our idea worked, and we’ve never looked back.”
For Pesha, Trousseau’s expansion into Atlanta was a natural progression. “It was never a conscious choice to open Trousseau Atlanta. I joke that you can take the girl out of the store, but you can’t take the store out of the girl,” she explains. Even after moving
(l to r) Sisters Amy and Pesha, Trousseau owners, carry forward the vision of their grandmother, Bertel Wachter Herz, who opened the first storefront in 1949.
from Memphis 12 years ago, Pesha continued to assist with buying and other tasks. Her informal bra fittings for friends in Atlanta, combined with selling sale merchandise from the Memphis store on Facebook, revealed a market need. “Eventually, I realized that people were coming to me to buy bras not because I was selling them on sale but because I had expertise clients couldn’t find elsewhere,” she notes. Today, her business thrives on word-ofmouth recommendations, with customers often bringing family and friends for fittings.
ADAPTING TO MODERN CHALLENGES
Amy and Pesha have spearheaded significant changes to keep Trousseau’s offerings fresh. Hiring an outside ad agency, Tactical Magic, was a pivotal decision that brought new visibility and success. Creating an online presence was another major shift driven by necessity in 2020. “We struggled with the idea of having a website for many years since we believe so passionately about providing a proper in-person fit,” they explain. Despite the challenges, they embraced the opportunity to showcase their merchandise online while maintaining their commitment to in-person fittings.
A MISSION ROOTED IN CUSTOMER CARE
At the heart of Trousseau is a simple yet profound mission: “We want women to look and feel great in their clothes and have fun getting fitted for bras.” Amy and Pesha are dedicated to making every customer feel like a queen, prioritizing their needs and ensuring they leave with comfortable, well-fitting bras. “Putting a woman in the right size bra which is comfortable and pretty and helps them look great makes a huge difference in how they feel,” the sisters emphasize.
INSPIRATION AND INNOVATION
The inspiration for Amy and Pesha comes from their customers. “When a woman tells you that you have changed their life, there is no way to describe the feeling,” Amy shares. They find joy in helping women of all ages, from teenagers getting their first fitting to brides finding the perfect lingerie for their big day. Their grandmother’s legacy of resilience and customer care continues to guide them. “Our grandmother was a survivor in every sense of the word. She would never have wanted us to stagnate and only do things the way she did them,” they reflect.
LOOKING AHEAD
As they look to the future, Amy and Pesha are committed to maintaining Trousseau’s core values while embracing change. “Our core values have never changed. We pride ourselves on giving outstanding customer service and going the extra mile to care for our customers’ needs.” With Amy’s daughter Miriam managing the website and Trousseau Atlanta’s social media accounts, the family legacy continues to adapt and thrive.
In Trousseau, Amy and Pesha have created not just a store but a sanctuary where women feel valued, supported and empowered. As they carry forward their grandmother’s vision, they remain dedicated to ensuring that Trousseau is a place where every woman can find her perfect fit.
Despite pursuing a master's degree in exercise science and working as a personal trainer, Amy felt the pull of the family business and eventually returned.
“WE WANT WOMEN TO LOOK AND FEEL GREAT IN THEIR CLOTHES AND HAVE FUN GETTING FITTED FOR BRAS.”
FA S H I ON
John's Il Bisonte briefcase and MoMA Design Store blueprint drawing tube are both from the 1990s. He is a devoted classicist, naturally.
FORWARD
INSPIRATIONAL STREET STYLE IN MEMPHIS
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
Katherine
“To me, fashion has meaning. What do you want to say today? Or feel. Getting dressed up is a vital way to express myself and is a creative outlet. My mother instilled in me a discipline in creating a cohesive outfit. Color can be playful, interesting and occasionally complicated. And as Iris Apfel said, color can raise the dead.”
Opposite Page: Chioke and Natalie
“My body is the canvas; the clothes are the paint. It allows me to be myself in a multitude of ways and I love that.”
“My style is a way to INSPIRE other women to lean into their individual beauty and use fashion as an external declaration of her UNIQUENESS that is both comfortable and ALL her!”
Paul
“I wear a wetsuit to work. Fashion is not really a primary concern of mine. I tend to opt for letting things find me instead of the other way around. Buried at the bottom of endless boxes from my wife’s grandfather‘s house were two pairs of 1970s Gucci loafers. Dusty... but still with plenty of life. And a perfect fit.”
Ziggy
“My dad got me into suits, getting dressed for church. I am still wearing them, but for every day. I have nine or ten of them. Suits are a beautiful armor. Your confidence is through the roof. Hey, and always have a whatchamacallit on for a conversation piece. One pop of something will take you to the next level.”
Cecilia and Bash
“Fashion is about unveiling your inner world in a bold, thought-provoking way. It has a transformative, celebratory quality altering the experience of your life in an instant. As a business-owner and new mother, fashion represents adventure and escapism, permitting me to step into the various roles of my life with strength and a bit of whimsy.”
It’s
in the Bag
Everyday Products to Keep in Your Purse this Fall
It’s that time of year when we are back on the hustle. Everyone is back in school and on the move. You never know where the day might take you, so keeping a small “wardrobe” of skincare and makeup products on hand is crucial. You never want to be stuck out and about without options to freshen up with.
Certain products can be lifesavers after a hot yoga class or gym session. Incorporating skin care after getting in a good sweat is essential. Two products I keep on hand are the ZO Complexion renewal pads and the Hyacin Active purifying mist. Using these two products after sweating is a game-changer for the skin.
Use the pads to remove the sweat, dirt and grime resulting from burning all those calories. Then, use the mist to help balance pH levels. It is microbiome-friendly and speeds up the healing process, keeping pesky breakouts at bay. I get both of these products from my aesthetician, Jordan Strake, at Glo Medical.
ARTICLE BY MATT GOSSETT | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY BONNER
“Two products I keep on hand are the ZO Complexion renewal pads and the Hyacin Active purifying mist. Using these two products after sweating is a gamechanger for the skin.”
I’ve been trusted for over 15 years among Midsouth ladies, from weddings to events and even makeup wardrobing for the everyday. After years in this industry, I am passionate about finding the best products. If you’re looking for a certain look for everyday or special moments, check me out on Instagram @thematt_gossett. I can get you into a look you love!
Photographer: Annabella Charles
MATT GOSSETT
MORGAN
Girlactik - Jello Gloss Balm
This hydrating balm gives you a muchneeded boost when on-the-go. You get a glossy, non-sticky lip with a punch of color. You can use these by themselves or with a lip liner to give lips a more sophisticated look. Also apply this product on top of a long-wear cream lipstick to provide the hydration you need without a sticky gloss.
MOB BeautySmooth Precision
Waterproof Lip Liner
It’s always hard to find a good, budgeproof lipliner that lives up to its name. MOB Beauty is taking over with this PLASTIC-FREE vegan formula. This cool-toned neutral gives a “your lips but better” look. Use this product as a liner or fill in your full lip for a base/long-wear lip color. Shade “M1990”
Makeup by MarioSoft Pop Blush Sticks
Always have your blush handy when working with these convenient sticks. These are very easy to apply and blend with your finger or the built in brush on the bottom. You will always be ready for impromptu after work drinks with this product. Tip: This product also works double-time as you can also pop a little on the lip and then line for precision!
MEMPHIS TAKES CENTERSTAGE
ARTICLE BY JEFF HULETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
At age six, Lar’Juanette Williams was encouraged by a mentor at the Art Linkletter Totten Dance School in Memphis to compose and perform a dance that reflected her African American heritage. “They unleashed a monster,” she says. “From there I began writing theater pieces, singing with school choruses and acting.”
Lar’Juanette Williams and the Memphis Black Arts Alliance
“Had it not been for the creativity that came from our city, we would not have the blues, jazz, soul, rock, country or any of it.”
Lar’Juanette’s career in the performing arts has taken her to Los Angeles, New York and other major cities by way of the University of Memphis and the University of North Texas, where she finetuned her craft while studying Commercial Music and Communications. She admits that the initial post-graduate move to Los Angeles was intimidating. But what followed was a career filled with high-profile roles both as a performer and, later, as a producer.
After a series of trial-and-error experiences, Lar’Juanette landed her first job in the industry playing the character Effie White in the musical drama Dreamgirls. She explains, “It was a lucky break, and I received glowing reviews from sold-out crowds.” It was a providential role that she would soon perfect and reprise several times including a national tour.
Lar’Juanette dedicated time to further her education, earning a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Southern California and pursuing
advanced studies in production arts administration and performance pedagogy at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. With significant education and experience gained along her journey and guided by prayerful decisions, Lar’Juanette found herself in the right place at the right time on multiple occasions. Her career exploded with roles both on stage and behind the scenes appearing in movies Ghosts of Mississippi and Virtuosity as well as television shows such as Chicago Hope, ER, NYPD Blue and Seinfeld Faith and family prompted her return to Memphis in 1997 where she remained busy as a producer until an opportunity arose across the state. As the Associate Producer of the Historic Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, she oversaw the production of 35 mainstage productions and 20 tours, developed a theater academy and served more than 350,000 patrons in a three-and-a-half-year period.
“If we can get past the things that separate us... working together hand in hand, then we will see a healed community, creating the quality of life that we all deserve.”
Family again drew her back home to the River City in 2015 when her brother fell ill. This time, she found her way to the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, a 40-year-old arts organization in Soulsville. She recalls a chance meeting with the organization’s founder, “I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Bennie Nelson West, founder of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, and she shared that she was retiring and was looking for her successor.” Lar’Juanette was hesitant to accept but says Bennie was persistent.
Again, allowing her faith to lead, Lar’Juanette says God assured her that this was the right next step and, in fact, a dream come true. “I did not have the first clue as to how to make this happen, but the Memphis Black Arts Alliance did, and they helped find funding for me to present my work along with help and assistance,” she explains. “Now was the opportunity to take all that I’d learned throughout the years and the many places and to apply everything here in my hometown.”
In addition to providing space for Memphis-area artists to work, write, create, exhibit and promote their work, the Memphis Black Arts Alliance showcases local artists through original, local performances. The Alliance has presented more than 30 music and dance groups on the Overton Park Shell stage. Additionally, they have collaborated with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra to elevate some of Memphis’ most talented vocalists at the Sunset Symphony as well as the Magic of Memphis Christmas Spectacular.
The Alliance is an ideal stage for Lar’Juanette to share her credentialed wisdom and devoted passion about Memphis as a creative city. “We are significant and had it not been for the creativity that came from our city,
we would not have the blues, jazz, soul, rock, country or any of it.” This legacy of music started back in the 1870s, she explains when Robert Church purchased some land that is now called Beale Street. “He sold parcels to entrepreneurs who launched multi-artistic genres of musical creativity, and artists of color from all over the country flocked here to live and work.”
Lar’Juanette points out that the artistic superiority of Memphis is celebrated and honored all over the world. “We are artists and administrators, executives and producers of that art. If we can get past the things that separate us, declaring truth, and realize that none of this is without all of us...working together hand in hand, then we will see a healed community, creating the quality of life that we all deserve.”
For a listing of upcoming events, visit memphisblackarts.org
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NEW TO ME TENNESSEE
NEW TO ME TN is your local Memphis online destination for upscale furniture, lighting, rugs, art and accessories. We can help you find the perfect pieces for your home or sell the pieces you are replacing when redecorating or downsizing.
New To Me TN would like to introduce our new consultant Lizzie Campbell. Her love of antiques and interior decor and Ashley Baine's expertise are certain to make your shopping and selling experiences even more seamless.
You can shop directly from our site, Newtometn.com. There you can sign up to receive emails about our newest drops. You can also follow us on Instagram V@newtometn
Discovering Artistic Styles
A JOURNEY OF SELF-EXPRESSION
ARTICLE BY SIERRA DAUGHERTY
Art is a powerful medium of self-expression and is often used as a way to communicate one’s thoughts and emotions. Here, we delve into the stories of two Arrow Creative studio artists: Kristina Tubinis of She Is. Designs and Douglas Repetto of Mildly Happy, to better understand how they discovered and describe their own unique artistic styles. Kristina Tubinis, a textile artist specializing in macrame, has always felt her style was rooted in a bygone time. “I always felt like I was born in the wrong era,” she exclaims. Over time, her style emerged naturally. “I was always a creator, but never an ‘artist’ in my mind. I couldn’t draw, so I thought I wasn’t able to be an ‘artist;’ until I landed on something I was good at.” Kristina’s journey highlights a common misconception: that the ability to do “traditional” art, such as drawing or painting, defines one’s status as an artist. For her, true artistic expression came when she embraced what she loved and her unique talents. Her husband’s sage advice resonated deeply with her. “Do you like it? Your art is you and if you like it, then it’s art!” It is an individual interpretation of the world, where the artist’s personal satisfaction is the most important aspect. “Art is very subjective and highly individualistic,” Kristina explains. “It is an interpretation of how we see ourselves and the world. We just have to find those like us to buy it!” By staying true to her style, she has created art that not only resonates with her but also with those who share her vision.
Arrow artist, Kristina Tubinis, photographed by Jolaura Mims
In contrast to Kristina’s intrinsic style, Douglas Repetto of Mildly Happy, a multi-talented artist who works with a variety of mediums, finds his artistic voice through external inspiration. “Rather than purposefully working in any particular style, I tend to find materials and situations that speak to me and then use those as a context for exploring my interests in natural systems and living creatures,” he says. Douglas’s approach is influenced by his background in improvised music, where attentiveness is crucial. “In part, I think this developed from my early experiences with improvised music and the need to listen and pay attention to what’s happening around you.” His style is fluid and adaptable, shaped by the materials and environments he engages with. This organic method allows Douglas to explore a wide range of themes and concepts, resulting in a diverse body of work.
The stories of Kristina and Douglas illuminate the many paths artists can take while discovering and defining their own styles. While Kristina’s work is deeply personal and reflective of her inner world, Douglas’s art is an exploration of his external environment. Both approaches are valid and enriching, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic artistic community here in Memphis.
Art, in its many forms, offers endless possibilities for enjoyment and appreciation. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Kristina’s creations or the organic explorations of Douglas’s work, each piece tells a unique story. At Arrow Creative, we celebrate this diversity, encouraging our community to explore, create and find their own artistic style.
The stories of Kristina and Douglas illuminate the many paths artists can take to discover and define their style.
Douglas Repetto of Mildly Happy
Photography by Bob Bayne
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN
CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH A SHOE
SOGIV, SO GOOD
Memphian Edward Bogard is a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead” whose infatuation for shoe design began in elementary school. At the time, Air Jordans were the most sought-after sneakers and Edward deeply admired Tinker Hatfield, Nike’s creative designer.
in need. His father was a Vietnam veteran who was very creative and artistic. He was an artist “who could do Marvel comics better than Marvel.” Edward most admired his father’s drawing of Clark Kent running while transforming into Superman.
“MY INFATUATION FOR SHOE DESIGN BEGAN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.”
When at Campus School, he sketched innovative sneaker designs during math class, admittedly not his favorite subject, drawing the attention of his classmates. Edward was creating his own “Air Bogards.” The designs were so popular that he autographed his drawings and gave them to his classmates. After graduating from Overton High School, he attended Savannah College of Art and Design where he deepened his study of design.
Edward credits his parents with his innovative career path. His mother taught elementary school in Orange Mound for 35 years. She routinely took Edward’s gently used clothing and shoes, stored them in her classroom and gave them to her students
Combining these two early influences, Edward created SoGiv, a nonprofit organization and shoe company which raises awareness for worthy causes and donates 100% of the proceeds to them. The name SoGiv is derived from their slogan, “every pair sold, we give.” The first SoGiv shoe was an espadrille style shoe designed for the Memphis Food Bank in 2014. Now the shoes are slip-on runners with a laced, sock liner design and memory foam soles. For the most part, the shoes are limited edition releases and they change in design to stay on trend. Each shoe design comes in two colorways, providing two tiers of giving. The pre-release, higher level sells for $1000 a pair and the general release sells for $200.
Originally SoGiv adopted 20 causes that ranged from eradicating homelessness and hunger, finding a cure for childhood cancer and fighting heart disease to Down syndrome awareness. As they’ve grown, the number of causes they can partner with is limitless. Today SoGiv supports local schools by partnering with Memphis Shelby County Schools, creating district-wide workshops. One such workshop, Design “Shoerette,” is a Shark Tank style contest where students learn how to identify a need and solve the problem through creative footwear. Last year’s winning design came from Germantown High School with a breast cancer awareness shoe. SoGiv also partners with different MCSC schools doing SoGiv Code Crew seminars to teach students how to write code.
Each shoe’s design contains details from the cause it’s showcasing. For instance, the “Hush Y’all” shoe, designed for the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship, was created in the FedEx colorway. “The logo is symbolic of the entire world racing toward what we all believe is the finish line,” explains Edward. In this case, the finish line is the cure for childhood cancer. Each shoe design includes its own unique “SoGiv CauseCode” TM, which is a QR code that takes you to the partnered organization’s website to learn more about their mission or to become a donor.
SoGiv shoes, recently released and currently in production.
The Stax shoe and the Sweet Cheeks shoe
“EVERY PAIR SOLD, WE GIVE.”
The Stax shoe design, released in June for Black Music Month, includes musical notes and lyrics from Isaac Hayes’ song “Wonderful.” It also includes black and white piano keys on the inside medial of the shoe, plus the original tile design at the entrance of the Stax museum. Each shoe sold provides 10 students with 10 free lessons at Stax Music Academy. The legendary Bar-Kays shared their excitement for the Stax shoe, promoting it on social media. Edward says it best when describing SoGiv’s slogan, “We are changing the world through a shoe.” He feels deep pride in helping the Memphis community, but his ultimate goal is to partner with causes on all seven continents in the world.
FLY MEM – This shoe design includes the latitude and longitude of the airport’s exact location. “Welcome to Memphis” is featured on the insole design.
The SoGiv CauseCode™ featured on back pull-tab of the Down syndrome shoe directs you to the non-profit's website.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOGIV, VISIT SOGIV.ORG
“WE ARE CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH A SHOE.”
“The logo is symbolic of the entire world racing toward what we all believe is the finish line.”
