Growing up in her native Mississippi, Tawanda Pirtle worked in the family business for decades: Todd’s Country Store, Southaven Farmers Market, and Todd’s CB. After graduating from Mississippi College for Women, she worked in newspaper sales and publishing for many years before entering real estate. But owning and running family businesses is in her blood! Today, Tawanda and her husband co-own two Memphis favorites, Feelin’ Memphis and Jack Pirtle’s Chicken. Please meet our newest FACE of Memphis, Tawanda Pirtle!
What lessons have you learned that help you as an entrepreneur?
Work ethic was ingrained in my spirit from an early age. I learned to work hard, be on time, be prepared, and serve others. Working from a young age taught me how to communicate and speak to people. I learned the value of money, how to treat people fairly and be a good listener. I learned to see the world for what it is: a beautiful place with diversity and the need for love and kindness. This is how my businesses operate today. I set the example and treat all my employees as family — with love, kindness, and understanding.
Tell us about the concept of Feelin’ Memphis. What was your initial vision, and how has it grown?
I have always wanted to own a boutique-style store and just have fun with it. The name Feelin’ Memphis came from a small retail shop I visited during one of my travels to Italy named Feelin’ Venice. I have always been drawn to the Italian feel and concept: ornate with arches and florals for the exterior, visually appealing, and peaceful.
Today’s concept of Feelin’ Memphis is very visually and sensually appealing. I light seasonal candles daily and pipe classic music throughout the store and sidewalks. I have seating areas outside the store to relax and visit, seasonal florals are potted outside for color and ambiance, and local art is displayed inside and out. We have a positive Memphis vibe that is contagious!
Feelin’ Memphis attracts locals and tourists to pick up gifts and other fun, useful novelty items and take a piece of Memphis with them. Feelin’ Memphis is truly my inner soul on display — delightful, loving, creative, and peaceful.
What are your favorite items or brands that you carry?
My favorite items are all things Memphis, where we feature our local artists, like Memphis teas from My Cup of Tea and seasonings from Central BBQ, Memphis Original BBQ, and Robinson’s Smokehouse. I can’t leave out our Memphis and 901 souvenirs, such as hats, shirts, magnets, stickers, and other items.
After Memphis items, we carry hundreds of brands, including home decor, women’s clothing, children’s gifts and apparel, novelty items, and seasonal decor. Feelin’ Memphis offers a wide variety of shopping that changes daily; we’ve got a little something for everyone.
You also co-own Jack Pirtle’s Chicken with your husband. How do you balance the demands of two very different businesses?
We are blessed to have great employees that have extended for generations. Plus, we are fortunate to have my wonderful sister, Lorie Hudson, who runs the daily operation with our teams. Our longest employees have been with us for 45+ years; their children and grandchildren work with us now.
We have been a part of countless births, high school and college graduations, and weddings. We have celebrated our employees’ successes and, sadly, honored some beloved employees’ passings. Our employees are the backbone and foundation for us to balance both of these businesses.
When you have visitors to Memphis, where do you take them?
I truly enjoy treating visitors to the local places we enjoy all the time: Arcade, South Main Sounds, Max’s, Devour, South Main Sushi, Birdie’s, Earnestine and Hazel’s, Loflin Yard, Ghost River Brewery, Central Station, Arrive Hotel, The Peabody, Blue Monkey, Beale Street, and so many more.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
With my husband Cordell, our kids, our grandkids, and great-grandkids. We love staying in our community with our friends and family as much as quiet mornings and evenings on my balcony, watching the trains, sunrises, and sunsets.
What is your best piece of advice?
Take time for yourself. If it does not bring peace, remove it from your life. If you have nothing nice to say, do not speak.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Meeting and talking to new people — I never meet a stranger. Music of all kinds, with my favorite being classic or jazz. Morning or evening quiet time with the sunrise or sunset.
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