OXFORD, Miss. — The South's most charming city is welcoming a new late-night food attraction to the neighborhood. The Blend is a craft, build-your-own milkshake bar and is adding competition to the sweet tooth scene in Oxford.

Out of the way, Yaya's, Crave and Insomnia — The Blend is adding a unique flair that Oxonians have never experienced. The menu includes ten handmade milkshakes which use local dairy from farmers in the LOU community. There is also a build-your-own option where you can create the milkshake of your dreams. The possibilities are endless.

Kelsie Ann Hodges, a UGA and Ole Miss alumna, is the owner of The Blend and is excited to be returning to Oxford to open her first business venture. Hodges studied accounting in college and worked for KPMG for years before deciding to pursue her passion project: The Blend.

"My nine-to-five job wasn't sparking joy in my life, so I decided to do something spontaneous. I'm excited to be opening a business in a city I love so much," Hodges said. "Plus, I wanted to show my girls that they can combine their passion with their purpose and follow their dreams."

Hodges is married to Brad Hodges, who is in the the Marines, and is the mother of Sophia, 2, and Anna Wright, 4. She is also the self-proclaimed dog mom of her golden retriever, Archie.

Hodges was inspired by her family, Ole Miss and Oxford icons to create the different milkshake flavors. A few of the classic menu items include Swayze Strawberry and Landshark Shake. The Blend will be open Monday through Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

"Oxford is the perfect college town, and we want The Blend to help students out during those late nights studying or out on the Square," Hodges said.

The Blend will be opening soon. In the meantime, follow The Blend on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TheBlendOxford to keep with the latest promotions and visit our website: https://theblendoxford.wordpress.com.