Meet Charlee Crump & Nisha McBride | Podcasters & Content Creators

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlee Crump & Nisha McBride and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlee Crump & Nisha McBride, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hello! We’re Charlee and Nisha, two best friends originally from Memphis, TN. We’ve been rocking with each other for almost 20 years now! Our friendship began in our freshman year at the University of Memphis, when we met in an African American Literature class. What started as two classmates bonding over books quickly turned into a sisterhood.

As we got to know each other, we discovered a mutual love for reading, especially Black Urban Fiction. Those stories felt like home to us, raw, honest, and full of heart. They reflected parts of our world that we didn’t always see in mainstream books. That shared passion brought us even closer, and it’s been the foundation for so much of what we’ve built together since.

Growing up in Memphis gave us a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and storytelling. It shaped our voices and our values. Our roots and experiences continue to shape how we present ourselves in the world and how we celebrate Black stories, joy, and community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our art lives at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and community. Through Refined & Ratchet, we celebrate the beauty, brilliance, and complexity of Black life primarily through the lens of black fiction and romance. Whether it’s through our podcast, book discussions, or content that mixes literature with fine dining and fun, we’re creating a space where being well-read and well-rounded isn’t a contradiction; it’s the standard.

What sets us apart is our voice and our vision. We don’t water ourselves down to fit into traditional literary spaces we bring our full selves, our culture, our accents, our experiences. We’re proud to center books that often get overlooked and to build community around stories that feel familiar and deeply rooted in our lives.

We are only six months into the Book Space on BookTok and Bookstagram, but we are slowly becoming a household name in this industry. We still have a lot of growing and learning to do, but we don’t mind building the plane while we fly it.

Getting here wasn’t easy. We didn’t have a blueprint; we just had a shared passion and the willingness to figure it out as we went. There were times we doubted ourselves or wondered if anyone would care about the books we loved. But we stayed true to our vision, leaned on each other, and pushed through. The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that you don’t have to wait for permission to create. You can build your own lane and people will show up when it’s authentic.

What we want the world to know is that Refined & Ratchet isn’t just a brand it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that you can be smart and spicy, intellectual and unapologetic. We’re here to redefine what it means to be well-read and deeply real.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of our go-to spots is our old faithful Yard House in Addison. We know, we know… it’s not exactly fine dining, but it’s one of those spots we love and always find ourselves going back to. The food is solid, the vibe is consistent, and it never disappoints.

Lately, we’ve been loving Winsome Prime in Dallas. Their Happy Hour is top-tier great food, strong drinks, and a chill, upscale atmosphere. If we had guests in town, this would be our go-to place to impress.

If you’re trying to soak up some culture and catch a vibe, we recommend checking out Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum. From local shops to live music and murals, these areas give you the soul of the city.

And when the weather is nice, you’ll probably catch us hanging out at Klyde Warren Park during the spring and summer months. Whether it’s grabbing a bite from one of the food trucks or chilling on the lawn near the restaurants, it’s one of our favorite places to relax and people-watch.

Another place we like to visit is the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), and it is across the street from Klyde Warren Park. We go there to unwind and learn about history and culture. It is a great experience and everyone will enjoy it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to give a big shout-out to Billie J. Ross, the owner and lead stylist at Exclushear Hair Salon in Arlington, TX! Billie is a phenomenal stylist and salon owner who truly understands the art of healthy hair care.

She specializes in maintaining natural hair and is known for her flawless silk press styles that keep your hair healthy, strong, and beautiful. But Billie doesn’t just stop at the chair she’s also a dedicated salon coach, offering courses for other stylists looking to level up. Whether it’s curating a high-quality salon experience, finding your niche, or learning how to maximize your clientele and income, Billie is out here helping others win.

We see you, Billie, and we’re giving you your flowers!

Website: https://www.refinedandratchet.com

Instagram: RefinedAndRatchet

Facebook: RefinedAndRatchet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RefinedandRatchet/videos

Other: Charlee IG: @PlotTwistCharlee
Charlee TikTok: @PlotTwistCharlee

Nisha IG: @NextChapterNish
Nisha TikTok: @NextChapterNish

Image Credits
D. Scott

IG: @picsfromdscott