Memphis entrepreneur fosters, empowers creative community

In 2012, native Memphian Josh Horton launched Hieroglyph, a local apparel and accessories brand. Recognizing the need for creative people to have a place to connect and find support, he launched the annual Creative Works Conference, attracting attendees from all over the world for the three day event. Not limiting things to the conference itself, Horton intends for Creative Works to serve as a community building space where creative professionals can find support and year long programming, events, and workshops to assist them in developing and implementing their own businesses.

"Memphis is not the best place for creatives as it can be difficult for creative people to find funding for their ventures." says Horton. "Things like Creative Works empower creative people and give them access to the amenities they need, helps them understand that they are valued here and I hope to see this bleed out into the community as a whole." 

Taking advantage of one of the local entrepreneurial resources, Horton's office is in Emerge Memphis, a non-profit organization that provides office space and other resources for start-ups. Horton claims Memphis' current biggest resource is the city itself "Being in a place that has such an incredible place in American History, that has such a great story is phenomenal. And Memphis needs creatives." Horton received his BFA in graphic design from U of M and headed to Seattle after graduating where he found success. "I had the coolest job in the country, but I fired myself from my job in Seattle so I could come home to Memphis to make a difference. Portland doesn't need me, Brooklyn doesn't need me. Memphis needs me." 

Aside from Hieroglyph and Creatives Works, Horton is building a yet to be named design studio and branding agency that seeks to improve the quality of life of people in Memphis. To that end, Horton has supported community initiatives including the Overton Park Conservancy, Common Ground, the Coliseum Coalition/Roundhouse Revival, Just City, and City Leadership.