Business in Blue

You’re not going to want to miss this episode of Business in Blue.
Avery Louise Amstutz, founder of Byway Coffee Co., joined Leia in the studio to discuss her entrepreneurship journey to owning (and selling) four start-ups of her own and explain why she believes her endeavors warrant so much success. She is a born and bred Memphian that ensures the focal point of her businesses impact the people and their experiences.
Byway Coffee Co. is a mobile coffee truck business operating out of two vintage airstream trailers dating back to 1973 and 1968 that Avery gutted herself. The presence of the trucks and the meaning of the Byway name itself exemplify how the road less traveled is often more exciting —truly signifying Memphis in its big city, small knit community feel.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
Podbean: https://fcbemktgcomm.podbean.com/
Business in Blue: www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib/podcast.php

We’re BACK!
To kick of Season 5 on Business in Blue, our host, Leia Harper welcomed Kontji Anthony — FCBE alumna; entrepreneur, founder and co-owner of Youdle; and TV Host of WREG News Channel 3 — to the FCBE Media Studio.
The soul and richness of Memphis have kept Kontji here for more than 20 years. In fact, her love for the city inspired her to create Memphis' No. 1 lifestyle television show on WREG, Live at 9. The show, Kontji’s dream project, shines a spotlight on the positive stories that make Memphis special, from business, entertainment, arts, food and more.  
As one could guess, there is so much more than the glitz, glam, lights and cameras. Listen in as Kontji shares entrepreneurial insights, personal branding advice and explains why authentic, in-person networking is still more powerful than hiding behind a keyboard. Tune into WREG Channel 3 every weekday morning to catch Kontji on Live at 9!
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
Podbean: https://fcbemktgcomm.podbean.com/
Business in Blue: www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib/podcast.php
 
 

To bring season 4 of Business in Blue to a close, our host Leia Harper sat down with her dear friend and UofM alum Mario Hendrix, chief program officer of Bridges USA. Located in Uptown Memphis, Bridge Builders aims to help local youth and teachers grasp their leadership skills and improve self-confidence through various experiential education programs. Listen in as Mario talks about how the University of Memphis serves as a cornerstone in our city and how Bridges is bridging the gap in fostering the next generation of leaders.
To explore Bridges USA opportunities, visit bridgesusa.org/explore.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok

Our host, Leia Harper, had the opportunity to sit down with UofM alumna and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Crosstown Concourse, Erin Shelton.
Tune in as Erin shares the story behind transforming the former 1.5 million square foot Sears distribution center into the vibrant Crosstown Concourse—Memphis’s iconic vertical urban village. From nonprofits and apartments to restaurants and creative spaces, discover how this innovative hub was designed to connect business, art and community.
Hear how their mission, “life is lived better together,” comes to life every day—and why Crosstown Concourse has become the city’s largest coworking destination, where entrepreneurs collaborate, create and experience the best of Memphis all in one place.
To learn more about upcoming events held at Crosstown Concourse, click here.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok

This week on Business in Blue, host Leia Harper welcomed Clark Schifani—a fifth-generation FCBE alumnus and Director of Sales at Old Dominick Distillery—to the FCBE Media Studio. Tune in as Clark shares valuable insights from his career in the hospitality industry, along with fun “did you know?” trivia about the origins of the iconic Old Dominick brand.
A key focus of the conversation is Old Dominick’s commitment to authenticity. Through their new “Making It Memphis” initiative, the distillery is doubling down on highlighting and supporting local vendors, ensuring the city’s unique culture remains front and center in everything they do.
At its core, Old Dominick strives to be hospitable to the true heartbeat of the city. Their partnerships with organizations like Welcome to Memphis, Memphis Tigers Athletics and the Blue Suede Brigade reflect that mission and their deep-rooted connection to the community.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Let’s give a roaring Business Tiger welcome to UofM alum and assistant director of the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, David Rose. In this episode, David discusses the power of entrepreneurship and how the Crews Center serves a vital role not only on the UofM campus, but to the City of Memphis. He shares how entrepreneurship is all about failing forward, learning fast and taking action on your ideas. The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship is available to all UofM students and community partners, alike. Its mission is to provide education, training, support, mentorship and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.. Whether you’re just beginning to develop your entrepreneurial mindset or you’re well on your way to launching the next Fortune 500 company, the Crews Center provides a space to innovate and create freely. 
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram

In this episode, Business in Blue host Leia Harper sits down with Alicia Dixon, co-owner and founder of Groovy Gratitude, a wellness café located in Uptown Memphis that blends music, mindfulness and community engagement into its brand.
Groovy Gratitude is more than just a juice bar—it serves as a beacon of wellness and balanced living in a community that has historically had limited access to healthy food options. In addition to offering a varied and delicious menu, Groovy Gratitude also prioritizes social nourishment, creating a welcoming space that fosters connection and community.
Listen in to learn more about Alicia’s journey launching and operating this successful entrepreneurial venture.
Groovy Gratitude is part of the Dixon White Restaurant Group, co-founded by Alicia and her partner, Marquis White.
To learn more about Groovy Gratitude and to stay in the know about their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram @groovy_graitutde or visit groovygratitude.com/events.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube

SEASON FOUR!
It’s season four, and we’re so glad you’re here. To kick off 2026, our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with artist, entertainer, fashion designer and entrepreneur of Brezerk, Brezay. Brezerk is more than just a creative label, it is a brand embodying all things Memphis and Brezay herself. Listen in as Brezay, a “Home Made” icon, shares her entrepreneurial experience of how staying authentic catapulted her brand to success.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube

SEASON THREE FINALE!
We were thrilled to welcome University of Memphis (UofM) President Bill Hardgrave to our studio as our final special guest. In this candid interview with our Business in Blue host Leia Harper, he shared how higher education completely changed the trajectory of his life. As only one of two people in his family to ever graduate high school – with “hooper dreams” on the forefront – learn how he rose to each of life’s challenges to ultimately become University of Memphis’s 13th president.  
As one can imagine, leading the University is no simple task. In this episode, President Hardgrave shares some of the challenges he has faced since assuming this role and his strategies for navigating them. He also explains what he considers to be UofM’s most noteworthy accomplishments during the last few years. But, perhaps most importantly, Bill explains how he believes that his number one responsibility as president is to ensure a successful outcome for every UofM student and to make a positive difference in each of their lives. “There are 22,000 opportunities to make a difference,” Bill explained.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
 

Our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with professional dancer, choreographer, author and owner of L.Y.E Academy, Ladia Yates. From working with celebrities like Usher, Missy Elliott and Lil Baby to large corporations like Nike and Red Bull, Ladia remains humble and encourages her students follow in her footsteps. Through her avid social media presence and talented instructors, Ladia is leading the way to put Memphis on the map as a dance city.
In Ladia’s recently published book, The Rise of Ladia Yates readers dive into her personal dance journey, the trials she’s faced and how she has become the business
 
leader that she is today.  
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok