Does Memphis have anything to offer? Anything to do? See? Anyone to be?
Mara Daniele thinks so! Mara has built a career on celebrating the culture and people of Memphis, Tennessee. Maybe Memphis doesn't need more critics, but more cheerleaders. More people committed to holding space for the areas of improvement, and also the beauty woven into the very foundations of the city itself.
Of all the world-class cities she's seen and lived in, Mara continues to choose Memphis as her home. "Every day I'm kind of pinching myself. I got to live this beautiful life abroad, but I still landed back here, and I'm happier than I've ever been." Mara explains.
Born and raised in the Memphis area, Mara spent a decade living abroad in Europe before returning home. Mara recalls being homesick for Memphis the while away.
Upon her return, Mara began carving out a space for herself as a content creator, becoming known for her stylish outfits and restaurant recommendations. Her love for originality helped her find the charm in all of Memphis' nooks and crannies. Thrifting and finding those gems is more than Mara's brand, though; it's how she fills her closet. Her personal style is influenced by her mother's own career in fashion and by growing up with parents who encouraged her curiosity and self-expression.
Mara still heeds her mother's advice: "Her rule was always, the only thing you're not allowed to wear is something that doesn't feel like you." Mara never misses an opportunity to let her outfit do the talking. She enters a room and brightens it with her eye-catching wardrobe and sunny disposition. Eventually, the process of adorning herself in clothes and accessories became less of a statement and more of a practice, where the first thing she does with her day is a creative act.
“Celebrating the Life She's Built Since Coming Home”
By Kori van der Bijl
That same instinct for storytelling carries into her work. Now a freelance marketer, Mara supports local hospitality and tourism brands in telling their stories. It's quite the balancing act, building her own public-facing brand on the side while finding strategies that work for each client's unique needs. To do so, Mara has to understand how algorithms work, what actually engages an audience versus what makes someone swipe away, and the psychology of social media.
With her, Mara brings wisdom and a healthy dose of whimsy. Her digital persona matches the cheerful softness of her presence in day-to-day life. She’s experienced her share of loss and disappointment, and her positive perspective is one she maintains intentionally. "Through this work I've met so many beautiful people in random places, and that community and unity is something I'll always celebrate." Mara maintains that choosing to romanticize your life doesn't mean you don't experience setbacks or disappointments. It just assures you always have something worth looking forward to.
Up next for Mara is finalizing her website. Once live, the site will include blog posts, a tiered newsletter, and an itinerary section. Her focus is providing an authentic, local perspective on Memphis for both visitors and residents alike, helping people cut through decision fatigue and generic content to discover the city's own quiet gems, whether they're new to town or have lived here for years.
If you need her in the meantime, you'll find her sharing a meal with her loved ones, or in a shop sorting through rack after rack of gems in hiding. Mara is determined to live a life worth coming home for, on her own terms—and to inspire others to do the same.
PROJECT CREDITS:
Mara Daniele - Model, Influencer
Mara in Memphis is a Memphis-based creative romanticizing this city in the way it deserves to be seen.
The places, people, and moments here stay with you long after you leave, and she is here to document them
in the light they were always meant to be seen in
Contact:
marainmemphis@gmail.com
Instagram: @marainmemphis
Meredith Avery - Photographer and creative director
Meredith Avery is a local Memphis photographer. Her work blends storytelling and conceptual art with a focus on
creating expressive and bold imagery that celebrates the people, culture, and creative spirit of Memphis.
Her work has recently been featured in Edible Memphis.
Contact:
Email: Hello@meredithavery.com
Instagram: @meredithaveryphotography
Kori van der Bijl - Writer
Project Contribution: Profile Writer, Prop Development, Day of Shoot Assistant
Endlessly curious, Kori van der Bijl is eager to explore as many mediums of self-expression as she can. She’s a creative writer and communications professional with a passion for baking, photography, and reading.
For Kori, it’s all about helping people follow their curiosities and celebrate each other’s work, mending the gap between who they are and who they’ve always dreamed of being.
Contact:
Korivanderbijl@gmail.com
Instagram: @koritries
Ali Hewer aka Rattlesnake Betty
Project Contribution:
Provided Studio space for artists to collaborate and painted some fun buildings and signs, including The Lorraine Motel and Joe’s Liquor Store
Ali Hewer is a local artist by the name of Rattlesnake Betty. Ali is a quirky craftaholic notorious for red lipstick and awkward laughs. Her art is inspired by larger-than-life pop icons. Her work has been displayed in The Ugly Art Co, Eclectic Eye, and Stock and Belle. She loves hosting craft nights and touching glitter.
Contact:
Email: rattlesnakebetty@gmail.com
Instagram: @rattlesnake_betty
Zack Orsborn
Project Contribution: Collage artist and illustrator
Zack Orsborn is a Memphis-based collage and mixed-media artist, creative director, and founder of Like Really Creative.
Through handmade collage, design, workshops, and community art experiences, Zack creates work that is colorful, tactile, and rooted in experimentation.
For this project, Zack created handmade collage artwork and illustrated the Peabody Hotel building
Contact:
Email: zack@likereallycreative
Instagram: @zackorsborn'
Erica Haskett
Project Contribution: Creative Assistant
Erica Haskett is a Memphis-based fine art photographer, creative director, oil painter, and educator (among many other things). Erica’s work is rooted in color, love, creativity and connection. Whether she’s photographing creative portrait session, videoing a wedding,
hosting a networking event or workshop, or spending time in her studio painting, her passion is evident in everything she does.
Contact:
Website: http://ericahaskett.com
Email: mailto:hello@ericahaskett.com
Instagram: @ericahaskettstudio
