Celebrating Memphis craft, community and service, the Women’s Exchange of Memphis endures as a proud reminder of the power of women working together to create and serve others.
On a recent Tuesday at the Women’s Exchange, tucked back on Racine Street in the heart of midtown, the sewing room was buzzing, families were gathering for lunch in the iconic Tearoom and multiple generations of women were shopping for hand-sewn infant and children’s clothes, blankets, bonnets and gifts.
Since its founding in 1885, The Women's Exchange of Memphis has been an integral part of the River City and remains committed to its mission of "helping others help themselves” by showcasing and selling the handiwork of hundreds of consignors and by training and employing highly skilled seamstresses.
In its early days, the Exchange operated in a remote corner of The Peabody Hotel. Women would contribute their handcrafted goods and, in return, the Exchange would sell these items to benefit both the artisans and the community at large. This spirit of service and empowerment quickly gained traction, attracting women who were passionate about supporting one another and their city. The combination of philanthropic endeavors and the promotion of Southern craftsmanship has remained at the heart of the Exchange.
Over the years, it has evolved from a small, informal operation into one of the city’s most cherished institutions run by a handful of employees and a dedicated team of 125 volunteers currently led by President Denise Stewart.
“We are not a pop-up shop,” says Executive Director Dena Nance. “We are mentoring consignors to develop and sell their crafts and build their brands.” All proceeds are reinvested into the nonprofit organization which also coordinates two major fundraisers each year including the WE Consign Treasure Shop to kick off the new year and the popular Christmas Shop, open from late October through December.
Families across the country collect the delicate handmade batiste gowns sewn with love in the storied sewing room. Sewing Room Manager Sandy Moore sources the finest fabrics, threads and details to make each gown an heirloom. Many of her creations are passed down through generations. “That is what makes us special,” says Barbara McKinnon, past president of the Exchange. “These gowns stay in families, and they bring them back to Memphis. We have clients all over the country who appreciate the kind of craftsmanship and hospitality we offer.”
There are no fancy machines in the sewing room, just a vintage sewing table with a few machines, delicate fabrics and lace, hand-carved mother of pearl buttons, a rainbow of threads and hand-cut patterns as well as committed artisans. The designs are enduring – as most any Memphis mom or grandmother can identify the “Ne m’embrasse pas” (embrace me not) dress, the iconic “left/right” gown or the pom pom sweater.
Also integral to the Women’s Exchange experience is the Tea Room which opened in 1962. Chef Rev Bailey and his staff offer a unique lunch menu five days a week, the most popular being “Tenderloin Tuesdays” and “Catfish Fridays.” Every Tuesday the culinary team recruits an up-and-coming chef to sample their goods at “Tasting Tuesday” events.
Consistent with the women’s mission to coach and mentor Memphis youth, the Tearoom provides internships to high school students who learn practical work skills like preparing food and serving customers. It is a safe environment for training and interacting with diners.
Through its continued focus on craft, community and service, the Women’s Exchange of Memphis stands as a proud reminder of the power of women coming together to create, empower and support one another.
"We are not a pop-up shop," says Executive Director Dena Nance. "We are mentoring consignors to develop and sell their crafts and build their brands."