Supporting, Honoring, and Empowering Women in Memphis on the SHE 901 Tour

This past weekend, one of my favorite women in Memphis and now several more of my favorite women in Memphis joined forces to host the SHE 901 Tour. A Tour of Possibilities collaborates with ARCHd and 492 Vance, LLC, to curate an experience that celebrates Memphis’s history, art, food, and shopping, all while honoring and supporting Memphis women, both past and present. All of these women business owners are a force to be reckoned with but together they have created a movement to inspire and ignite positive change in people from all walks of life.

This fascinating and very engaging bus tour takes you through Downtown Memphis on Saturdays during the entire March. As the collaborators of the tour, all said in agreement, they are inviting participants to explore the powerful narratives of women who have shaped societies, challenged norms, and paved the way for future generations and discover the rich history and contributions of women in Memphis, both past and present.

The tour stops included Muggin’ Coffee House, Oh Sweets, Stock & Belle, Urevbu Contemporary along with three historic sites centered around women’s history. Food and snacks were provided by Feast and Graze and Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe, both women owned businessses based right here in Memphis.

I pride myself on knowing the hidden gems in Memphis and have experienced a lot of what our culturally rich city has to offer. However, it was truly great to embark on a new site, The Equality Trailblazers Sculpture exhibit overlooking the Mississippi River. Honoring the achievements and struggles of women like Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell throughout Memphis history was by far one of my favorite parts of the bus tour. "Queen" our exceptional tour guide offered insightful perspective on the often untold stories of resilience and triumph, right here in BIG MEMPHIS.

What I enjoyed about the most about the SHE 901 Tour was that I had the opportunity to intentionally support, honor, and empower all of the amazing women. Interacting with some on a more intimate level, seeing others again, and learning about new women in business was so fulfilling. I think it is safe to say we all learned so much about the stories behind their businesses and who paved the way for us to enjoy our passions and purposes as women.

The ultimate highlight of the She 901 Tour for me was being able to see Griggs Business College in real life. I've been reading and studying the historical community anchors like Griggs Business Collge in Memphis in the Brighter Side of Memphis book. We had an amazing opportunity to meet, Mrs. Carrie a 1967 graduate of Griggs Business Collegr and hear about her experience of attending this prominent college of it's time.

Griggs Business College located at 492 Vance was organized in 1916 by the late Erma Griggs. The school offered classes in accounting, secretarial science, and business administration. It is now being restored as an adaptive reuse by Stephanie Wade of 492 Vance LLC as a community hub with affordable housing units.

I suggest that you do something that honors women this month, by joining the SHE 901 Tour. Go alone or with your friend girls, book a tour here

If by chance you aren't able to book a tour, support these women owners by shopping and engaging with their business.

All photos are courtesy of Kristen Archer, ARCHd