Local Business Spotlight

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Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library is proud to present the Local Business Spotlight program, a year-long initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting the diverse small businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

This program connects local entrepreneurs with library patrons, establishing the library as a hub for knowledge sharing and community engagement. Businesses can share their stories, showcase their offerings, and build meaningful connections. Whether established or just starting out, the Local Business Spotlight Program offers a valuable platform for visibility and growth.

Current Spotlights

March 2026: Crochet with Chanielle

Collierville Burch Library is proud to feature Crochet with Chanielle as our Local Business Spotlight.

Founded by Chanielle Talbird, Crochet with Chanielle is a luxury handmade accessories brand devoted to honoring craftsmanship, celebrating individuality, and empowering women to carry beauty with purpose. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously handcrafted using responsibly sourced t-shirt yarn, resulting in accessories that are as sustainable as they are stylish.

Specializing in custom clutches, purses, and statement accessories, the brand serves professional women who appreciate timeless design, ethical production, and exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully handcrafted in small batches, ensuring individuality and lasting quality. Through a personalized custom-order experience clients are guided through a process centered on storytelling and intentional design, resulting in accessories that are not only beautiful, but deeply meaningful.

Crochet with Chanielle has participated in numerous curated markets, festivals, and pop-up retail events across the region. The brand has been featured in Memphis Voyager (October 2025) and the Greater Memphis Chamber Winter Issue ’25, highlighting its growing impact within the community.

To learn more, visit crochetwithchanielle.com or follow @crochetwithchanielle on Instagram and Facebook.

As part of her Business Spotlight feature, Crochet with Chanielle will host a special program at the library:

Crochet Creations: From Hobby to Small Business
Friday, March 6, 2026
Chanielle will share her creative journey, from passion project to thriving business, and offer insight and encouragement for aspiring makers and entrepreneurs. Her talk will be followed by a beginner-friendly, interactive crochet session. Registration required.

February 2026: Travel Leaders Collierville

Collierville Burch Library is proud to feature Travel Leaders, Collierville as our February Business Spotlight of the Month! With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, Travel Leaders is part of a globally recognized travel agency network known for delivering exceptional, personalized travel planning for both leisure and business travelers.

Located in the heart of Collierville, Travel Leaders is staffed by highly seasoned travel professionals, each bringing decades of industry expertise and a strong commitment to client-focused service. What sets Travel Leaders apart is its commitment to personalized planning and deep-rooted industry knowledge. Travel Leaders advisors thoughtfully curate each journey to reflect their clients’ unique interests, travel styles, and goals. Through long-standing partnerships with hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators worldwide, clients benefit from exclusive amenities, preferred pricing, and added value not typically available to the general public.

As part of their Business Spotlight feature, Travel Leaders will host a special program at the library in partnership with the Cookbook club:

Explore the World: 2026 Travel Trends, River Cruising & International Potluck
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
This engaging program will highlight upcoming 2026 travel trends, insights into river cruising, and an opportunity for community members to connect over an international potluck inspired by global destinations. Registration required.

Learn more about Travel Leaders, Collierville at www.GoTravelLeaders.com.

How the Program Works

The Local Business Spotlight Series Program is planned as a twelve-month initiative, featuring a different local business each month. Businesses will be selected based on their community impact, innovation, and unique offerings. Through this program, the Library continues its role as a hub of knowledge and resources for the community.

Featured businesses will be showcased through:

Business Profile: An article or interview on the library’s website and social media platforms, allowing the business owner to share their story, mission, and values with a wider audience.
Community Events: Workshops hosted by the featured business, where patrons can engage directly with business owners, learn new skills, and gain insights into what makes these businesses thrive.

How to Apply

If you're a local business owner interested in being featured in the Local Business Spotlight Series Program, we encourage you to apply! However, please note that not all submissions will be accepted, as the program is limited to 12 businesses over the course of a year.

Application Process:

Submit an application – Fill out the application form at the library or online at this link.
Selection Process – Applications will be reviewed based on business impact, creativity, and alignment with community interests.

We look forward to celebrating and supporting the incredible businesses that make our community thrive!

Endorsements: The Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch Jr. Library participates in cooperative programs with other organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, views expressed at the program, or the program presenter, performer, or their business.

Past Spotlights

2026 Business Spotlights

January 2026: Brynn Carter Designs

Founded by local artisan Brenda “Brynn” Carter, this Collierville-based business specializes in beautifully designed arrangements and bows for doors and mailboxes, each piece created to make homes feel welcoming, warm, and personal.

Brenda’s design style is rooted in southern hospitality and a lifelong love of creating inviting spaces. For her, décor is about more than appearance, it’s about how it makes you feel. Each design begins with an idea or emotion, inspired by the season, timeless neutral tones, or a vibrant burst of color. Carefully selected greenery, florals, textured ribbons, and accents are layered until the piece feels just right. Her goal is to create décor that feels timeless yet personal, offering a sense of welcome and comfort.

Beyond her creative work, Brenda is committed to giving back to the Collierville community. She has donated items for teacher appreciation events, contributed supplies to the Page Robbins center, and supported local churches.

Learn more about Brynn Carter Designs at www.brynncarterdesigns.com

2025 Business Spotlights

June 2025: Music Box Collierville

Founded by Yelena and Alex Ovando, Music Box is more than a music school, it's a dynamic community hub where students are encouraged to experience music as a language to be heard, read, written, and shared.

With instruction in piano, guitar, voice, drums, ukulele, music production, and technology, Music Box offers private lessons, group classes, performance workshops, and free community events tailored to all ages and skill levels.

July 2025: MidSouth Okinawan Karate

Locally owned and operated, MidSouth Okinawan Karate is led by Sensei Wendy Cohen, a 5th Degree Black Belt with over 35 years of experience in traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate. A Certified Senior Instructor in the Seibukai system and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in the Ryukonkai Weapons system, Sensei Wendy brings deep knowledge, discipline, and a passion for empowering others through martial arts.

MidSouth Okinawan Karate offers personalized training for adults, including group classes, onsite personal instruction, and self-defense seminars, all designed to help students develop physical and mental strength. As part of our spotlight, MidSouth Okinawan Karate hosted special programs at the Library throughout the month of July.

August 2025: Inquisitive Mind Tutoring

Founded by Inaara Panjwani, Inquisitive Mind Tutoring (IMT) has quickly become a cornerstone in Collierville’s educational community, offering personalized academic support for students in grades K to 12. With both in-person and virtual tutoring options, IMT is known for its student-first approach. Their dedicated team of tutors provides tailored instruction to meet each learner’s individual needs.

September 2025: Smash Studios Photography

Smash Studios Photography, owned and operated by Collierville native Ashley Isbell, is more than just a business, it’s a lifelong passion. What began as a high school hobby, funded by babysitting money and fueled by an entry-level DSLR, has grown into a full-time photography career capturing life’s most meaningful moments.

Ashley has built Smash Studios Photography into a thriving local business known for storytelling through the lens. From weddings across the Mid-South to newborn, senior, family, branding, and headshot sessions, Ashley captures each moment with heart, artistry, and intention.

October 2025: POPPZ

Known for their imaginative flavors, handcrafted popcorn, and strong community spirit, POPPZ has quickly become a local favorite for families, students, and snack lovers.

More than a snack shop, POPPZ is a community-driven business. They provide first jobs for local teens, support schools, and give back through partnerships with St. Jude, the Humane Society, and more. Their location in Carriage Crossing reflects a mission to help revitalize the area and create a fun, welcoming destination.

Learn more about POPPZ at poppzdrinks.com.

November 2025: Canela Bites

Founded by Fernanda Gutierrez, Canela Bites is a beloved local bakery celebrated for its artisanal, Latin-inspired pastries and beautifully handcrafted sugar cookies. A Food Chemistry Engineer with a lifelong passion for baking, Fernanda infuses every creation with artistry, flavor, and heart.

Fernanda is an active presence in the Collierville community, sharing her passion for baking at local fairs, farmers markets, and community events. Through Canela Bites, she continues to bring people together with her beautifully crafted and delicious creations.

Follow Canela Bites online to explore their sweet creations and stay up to date with the latest offerings:

Instagram: @canela.bites
Facebook: Canela Bites

December 2025: Maroon Brew Co.

Founded by Collierville resident Maggie Emerson, Maroon Brew Co. is proudly 100% female- and mom-owned. From its inception, the brewery was designed with the community at its heart. Every detail, from the name “Maroon” to the photos on the walls and even the names of the beers celebrate Collierville’s hometown pride.

Together with her husband Gerald and the Maroon Brew team, Maggie serves up locally inspired craft beers alongside gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, chicken, and shareable plates. The brewery also supports a wide range of local sports teams, school groups, and charities. A special highlight is “Loni’s Lemonade,” created by Maggie’s daughter, with proceeds donated each month to local nonprofits. In recognition of its sustainable practices, the Collierville Environmental Council has honored Maroon Brew Co. as a Green-Minded Business.

Learn more about Maroon Brewery at maroonbrewco.com