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  • The Late Robert Daigle – A Look Back at Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette

    The Late Robert Daigle – A Look Back at Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette
    2025/05/23
    Robert Daigle on Why He Invested in Upper LafayetteOriginally recorded in October 2013 /Aired on Upper Lafayette On the Move This episode of Discover Lafayette takes us back to an insightful conversation with the late Robert Daigle, the visionary managing partner of River Ranch Development Company and the developer of the Village of River Ranch, a 320-acre traditional neighborhood development that reshaped residential life in Lafayette. In October 2013, Robert addressed an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting to share why he and his team chose to invest in the northern part of Lafayette Parish—an area traditionally overlooked but ripe with potential. His message, filled with clarity and foresight, remains strikingly relevant today as growth continues to expand beyond I-10. David Welch, Robert Daigle, Jan Swift, and Lewis Stirling at an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting in 2013. Robert’s personal connection to Upper Lafayette, having grown up on Louisiana Avenue across from the municipal golf course, sparked his early interest. But sentiment alone didn’t drive his decision. He outlined six strategic reasons that led to the launch of Couret Farms, a smart growth community designed to meet the needs of a modern workforce and lifestyle needs in the northern part of Lafayette Parish: Job Growth – Post-hurricane recovery and shifting insurance priorities led to a surge in businesses relocating north of I-10. Proximity to job centers, including major employers like Halliburton, made Upper Lafayette a natural location for residential development. Real Estate Value – With South Lafayette experiencing saturation and skyrocketing prices, the undeveloped, high, and beautiful land in Upper Lafayette offered both affordability and opportunity. Lack of Competition – As with River Ranch, Daigle sought to create a unique offering. At the time, Upper Lafayette had no smart growth communities, positioning Couret Farms as the only game in town. Community Support – Daigle emphasized the importance of being "wanted." In Carencro, support from Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and a cooperative endeavor to extend utilities exemplified the kind of local partnership he considered essential to success. Access to Retail and Services – Developments flourish when services and shopping are nearby. Daigle cited the Target center and Super 1 Foods as game-changing additions that signaled a tipping point for further investment. Public Education – The long-standing challenge of underperforming schools in Upper Lafayette had been a deterrent. But the winds of change were blowing. Daigle’s commitment to establishing a charter school within Couret Farms showed his belief that quality education is not just a necessity—but a catalyst for community transformation. Robert Daigle breaking ground at Couret Farms, along with Kevin Hawkins and Bobby Hines. Robert closed his talk by urging the community to prioritize education reform, emphasizing that the future of Upper Lafayette hinged on the success of its schools. His legacy continues to inspire development rooted in thoughtful planning, civic cooperation, and long-term community investment. This timeless interview reminds us that true visionaries see not just what is, but what could be—and are willing to take the arrows that come with being pioneers.
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    1分未満
  • Artmosphere Opens Up Under New Leadership – Meet Justin Bennett and his Booking Agent and Sound Engineer, Moose Harris

    Artmosphere Opens Up Under New Leadership – Meet Justin Bennett and his Booking Agent and Sound Engineer, Moose Harris
    2025/05/17
    Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue. Moose Harris, Justin Bennett, and Jan Swift at recording Discover Lafayette at RADER. Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter. Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his wife Marcela, a talented chef, made their way to Lafayette after the early waves of the pandemic. A former journalist and public information officer for New York City Emergency Management, Justin brings a rare blend of communication savvy and passion for grassroots music culture. His wife, Marcela, runs Lana’s Empanadas food truck—named after their dog!—and previously helped launch the kitchen at Mercy Kitchen. Together, they’ve embraced Lafayette as home and are now pouring their heart and soul into revitalizing Artmosphere. Moose Harris, born and raised in New Iberia and a seasoned music producer, performer, and radio personality, has deep roots in the Louisiana music scene. From his classical and jazz studies under legends like Ellis Marsalis to his frontman days in the Reggae Ska Conspiracy, Moose brings both creative insight and a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with Artmosphere under its previous ownership, he already knew the venue inside and out—literally holding the keys before Justin ever stepped through the door. What they’re creating together is something special. Gone are the days of Artmosphere being an undefined multipurpose space. "As Justin clearly puts it, this is first and foremost a music venue." A place for curated, intentional nights of music that make sense together—no more scattershot open mic lineups. Under their guidance, Artmosphere is becoming a home for touring artists and a launching pad for local talent. And while the name is slated to change soon, the vision is clear: create a sustainable, artist-respecting space with good music, good food, and good drinks. And about that food—Justin’s East Coast roots are making their mark. From his Italian grandmother’s Sunday sauce to a hearty Irish shepherd’s pie and the promise of Lafayette’s best-poured Guinness, the kitchen is set to impress. Marcela is helping build out the kitchen and train staff, sourcing from local farms to ensure seasonal, delicious offerings. It’s all about quality—from the music to the meatballs. During Festival International, the team soft-launched Artmosphere with eight wildly different events in five days, showcasing everything from hip hop and zydeco to burlesque and R&B. Every act was carefully chosen, every night was intentional. And it’s just the beginning. Moose is already booking shows into the fall, and together they’re building a community around the venue, one great night of music at a time. Soon, a new name will be unveiled along with a new website, including a music blog produced in collaboration with UL Lafayette journalism students. It’s all part of a bigger mission: to make Lafayette a must-stop destination for national touring acts and to elevate the local scene with the respect and support it deserves. We’re grateful for what Justin and Moose are doing—for their commitment to musicians, to our cultural economy, and to downtown Lafayette. It’s time for this. And we’re lucky to have them here. For more, visit Artmosphere’s Facebook page or email benett.management@yahoo.com if you’re interested in performing or getting involved. Stay tuned for the name reveal—we’ll be the first to share it!
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    54 分
  • Celebrating 25 Years of Miles Perret Cancer Services

    Celebrating 25 Years of Miles Perret Cancer Services
    2025/05/09
    In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we honor the 25th anniversary of Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit that has supported more than 27,000 families in Acadiana over the years facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Joining us are Executive Director, Tim Rinaldi and Community Liaison, Sherry Hernandez, two passionate leaders dedicated to advancing the mission and heart of this vital organization. The organization was founded in honor of Miles Perret who tragically died at the age of eight years of age in 2001 from glioblastoma. From this experience, his parents, Hank and Debbie Verret, had the vision to help others in Acadiana fight, survive and live with cancer with dignity and to have access to the services they may need. Miles's legacy lives on through a mission of compassion. The organization provides 100% free support services—from wigs and nutritional supplements to transportation assistance and wellness programs—without income restrictions. Tim Rinaldi shares his deeply personal journey to leading Miles Perret—rooted in his family’s long-standing ties to oncology care—and how faith, entrepreneurship, and a calling to serve intersected to bring him home to Acadiana. He offers insight into the organization’s commitment to both strategic impact and compassionate care, and how building a sustainable, team-driven culture remains central to his vision. Sherry Hernandez, who has served with the organization for eight years, reflects on the full-circle moment that led her from for-profit public relations to her role at Miles Perret. Her lifelong passion for community engagement and her personal experiences with cancer have fueled her dedication to connecting families with resources—at no cost and with no income verification required. Listeners will learn about the many services offered by Miles Perret, including nutritional supplements, wigs, medical supplies, transportation assistance, and a growing wellness program that includes yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and soon, a teaching kitchen. All services are 100% free to cancer patients and their families. We also explore the Games of Acadiana, the nonprofit’s largest and most iconic fundraiser, now celebrating its 25th year. What began as a friendly competition among the Perret brothers as they looked at how to honor Miles' legacy, has evolved into a beloved tradition, including a Birthday Bash Kickoff on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind the Bayou Church, followed by a two-week virtual scavenger hunt through the GooseChase app. Participants can complete missions for a chance to win prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, all while raising awareness and support for the organization. The green space along Settler’s Trace Boulevard (behind the Bayou Church) will be transformed into a hub of excitement with fun games, engaging activities, and interactive attractions including an obstacle course, inflatable mini golf, and a monster fun jump. Cancer survivors will be honored with an inspiring Survivor Walk and the crowd will celebrate together with a delicious birthday cupcake. Other key topics include: The founding story of Miles Perret, named after Hank and Debbies's son whose legacy lives on in every service offered The organization's decision to forgo government funding to remain nimble and community-focused The importance of monthly recurring donations and employer-based giving programs Plans for a new facility and expanded wellness services, including a chapel and increased access to nutritional support Whether you’ve participated in the Games of Acadiana, supported the Camellia Crossing Glow Run, or are learning about Miles Perret for the first time, this episode highlights how deeply rooted the organization is in the fabric of Acadiana—and how each of us can play a role in their mission of neighbors helping neighbors. To get involved, donate, volunteer,
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    44 分
  • John Munsell, Author of “Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution

    John Munsell, Author of “Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution
    2025/05/02
    John Munsell, CEO of Bizzuka, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, which offers a practical guide for businesses looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture. John Munsell is a true pioneer in the world of AI, having spent over 10,000 hours mastering how businesses can use AI to achieve extraordinary results. His newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, offers a practical guide for organizations looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture, presenting actionable frameworks to facilitate effective AI adoption across all levels of a company. John shared the journey of Bizzuka’s evolution from a web development firm into a digital marketing agency and, ultimately, an AI strategy powerhouse. A pivotal conversation with colleague Jared Allardyce prompted him to sell off his prior business holdings and focus exclusively on the emerging opportunities in AI. Recognizing the profound shift on the horizon, John committed himself to studying how AI could genuinely solve market problems. Through weekly CXO AI Roundtables, he taught executives how to analyze AI tools, leading to Bizzuka’s full transformation into an AI training, coaching, and consulting enterprise. "We had been using AI and I thought this was going to be the next frontier. At Bizzuka, we shifted to try to figure out what problem the market wanted solved with AI. So I spent a year studying that and had this thing called the CXO AI roundtable, where every Friday I would teach various C levels what I was doing in certain aspects of AI I would analyze AI note takers or I would analyze different AI tools, graphic design, copywriting, whatever it would be. And eventually I figured out what the problem was that the market wanted solved." John explains that today’s businesses are mostly riding AI “tricycles”—using tools at a surface level—without realizing the enormous potential awaiting them when they advance to higher levels of AI proficiency. To help bridge this gap, John developed the AI Strategy Canvas and a unique system called Scalable Prompt Engineering, enabling businesses to build scalable, repeatable AI frameworks that improve efficiency across departments like sales, marketing, HR, operations, and legal. John’s passion for training the Louisiana workforce led to a key partnership with LSU after meeting with Roy Haggerty, Executive Vice President and Provost of LSU. He now serves as an adjunct AI instructor at LSU, teaching businesses how to develop and execute AI strategy an utilize the AI Strategy Canvas® to help their teams master Scalable Prompt Engineering® to get the best results out of AI with maximum efficiency. The frameworks John developed are now required training for all undergraduates pursuing an AI designation. John emphasizes that while universities often focus on teaching how to build large language models (LLMs), the greater workforce need is learning how to use these models effectively. John Munsell teaches companies to prioritize AI safety, security, and ethics. He cautions against uploading sensitive information into free versions of AI tools without understanding the risk of that data becoming part of public training models. Teaching companies how to safeguard proprietary information is a foundational part of Bizzuka’s AI Skills Builder training, which also ensures employees across various departments learn AI skills customized to their job functions. In our conversation, John detailed how businesses can use different AI models—like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity—for specialized tasks such as deep research, proposal writing, and sales prospecting. He described how he uses AI note-takers like Fathom to generate highly personalized client proposals, saving significant time while ensuring each proposal reflects the company’s brand voice and the client’s specific needs.
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    1 時間 7 分
  • Lafayette Travel: Celebrating 20 Years of Eat Lafayette & the Culinary Culture of Acadiana

    Lafayette Travel: Celebrating 20 Years of Eat Lafayette & the Culinary Culture of Acadiana
    2025/04/25
    Discover Lafayette welcomes Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission's CEO Ben Berthelot and Jesse Guidry, Vice President of Communications, two of the most passionate advocates for Lafayette’s cultural and culinary identity. “You don’t have to go to a museum to experience our culture – you can be immersed in it. You can eat it, dance with it, and live it." Together, they explore the evolution of the Eat Lafayette campaign, which began over 20 years ago under the tutelage of Charlie Goodson of Cafe Vermilionville. Origniating with just 18 restaurants participating, Eat Lafayette has grown into a powerful initiative celebrating the unique flavors of Acadiana. The conversation dives deep into the importance of supporting locally owned restaurants, especially in a changing economic and tourism landscape. Restaurants wanting to participate in Eat Lafayette can visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/eatlafayette/registration/ to sign up. Ben and Jesse share how Lafayette has become a destination for food lovers, and how LCVC continues to adapt, from creating searchable dining districts throughout Lafayette Parish on Eat Lafayette's website, to launching an upcoming Eat Lafayette mobile app expected to launch this summer that will spotlight local eateries and experiences for locals and tourists alike to rely upon. "It will be a one stop shop for all locally owned restaurants. It's an initiative that we're going to be launching by way of an app that's layered with some other things that we do with Lafayette Travel. But the goal would be when you download this app, you will have a direct source to locally owned restaurants in Lafayette." Lafayette Travel has established new collaborations such as the Acadiana Eats Festival to support our local restauranteurs. It also engages in year-round culinary promotions as a way to sustain mom-and-pop businesses as cultural ambassadors, as they are keepers of our local tradition. "Partnering with Acadiana Eats Festival is a great benefit in terms of promotion for local restaurants as well as that festival. The restaurants are able to sell their food and make money. We're trying to find different ways to partner with what is already existing in the community and how we can lift those things up. We're going to put our force behind this and our marketing, and leverage KLFY's presence and Gerald Gruening who is known for his passion for locally owned restaurants. That's just one example of some new things that we're doing, partnering with different festivals and other events throughout the year, and developing the new app." Key Topics Covered: The origin and growth of Eat Lafayette Why now is a critical time to support local restaurants How Lafayette’s culinary identity contributes to tourism and economic development The creation of a new app to help users discover local dining by location, cuisine, and occasion Strategies for year-round restaurant promotion Challenges facing restaurateurs today: staffing, rising food costs, and competition The power of community collaboration through events like Festival International Lafayette’s potential as a top U.S. destination Fun personal insights from Ben and Jesse, including hobbies like home cooking, dance, and coaching Visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/food-drink/local-restaurants/ for a listing of all locally-owned, Louisiana-owned, and national favority restaurants in our community. Notable Quotes: Ben Berthelot: "One of my favorite quotes is by a colleague in Irving, Texas, which has really grown. She says if you build a place that people want to visit, you'll build a place that people want to live. And if you build a place where people want to live, you'll build a place where business wants to be. And if you build a place where business wants to be, then you're back to a place where people wamt to visit. It is a cycle. That's how I think and how I want to lead our organization...
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    46 分
  • LFT Fiber’s Michael Soileau and Scott Prather

    LFT Fiber’s Michael Soileau and Scott Prather
    2025/04/17
    Michael Soileau and Scott Prather of LFT Fiber: Bringing Community-Owned Connectivity to Lafayette and Beyond This episode of Discover Lafayette features Michael Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber (formerly LUS Fiber), and Scott Prather, Public Relations Manager for the community-owned fiber utility. Together, they share the powerful story of how Lafayette’s local investment in fiber optics two decades ago has blossomed into a cutting-edge broadband network that now reaches into rural and underserved communities across South Louisiana. It also underscored Lafayette's long-standing commitment to serving as a leader in our region, state, and nation in providing top-notch services to our citizens. A Full-Circle Moment Michael Soileau, a Mamou native, reflects on how the expansion of LFT Fiber into Evangeline Parish—one of Louisiana’s most underserved and impoverished regions—feels personal. Thanks to strategic federal grants secured with the help of former Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet during her time with Acadiana Planning Commission, LFT Fiber is fulfilling its mission to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. Celebrating 20 Years of Fiber Innovation Lafayette was one of the first cities in the country to build its own fiber optic network. What started as a utility communication system quickly evolved into a public broadband network. On June 16, LFT Fiber celebrates the 20th anniversary of the citizens’ vote to support this bold initiative. Expanding Across Acadiana Through federal funding programs such as the GUMBO grant, LFT Fiber has expanded into seven parishes: Evangeline, Iberia, Vermilion, St. Landry, Eunice, Jennings, and Acadia, focusing on homes that previously lacked access to true broadband. While they don’t yet serve 100% of these areas, the goal remains to connect as many people as possible. Workforce and Community Investment LFT Fiber employs 94 local professionals and partners with Lafayette-based contractors for construction and installation. Community pride runs deep, and their mission extends beyond internet access—they support local nonprofits, events like Festival International, and schools through digital access and sponsorships. Connection Essentials: Making Internet Affordable Recognizing that not every household can afford premium internet, LFT Fiber recently launched Connection Essentials, a $25/month plan offering 60 Mbps service to families receiving federal assistance with a student in the home. The plan includes a modem and is currently being rolled out in Evangeline Parish, with expansion underway in Lafayette and beyond. The "Connection Essentials" plan provides internet speeds 60 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for $25 per month, with unlimited data usage and no overage fees. Customer premise equipment is included at no additional cost. A one-time installation fee of $49 will be charged at the time of service activation. Everyday Pricing ("EDP") has also been introduced at affordable rates offered at 1 GBPS for $85.00 per month or 500 MBPS for $65.00 per month. "A commitment to fair, consistent pricing with no gimmicks, no surprises, and no limited-time promotions that leave you guessing." Digital Literacy and Safety Providing access is only part of the mission. LFT Fiber is actively partnering with school districts, library systems, and nonprofits to improve digital literacy, helping families understand how to safely and effectively use the internet for telemedicine, education, job searching, and more. Collaboration as a Core Value The recent Connectivity Summit, hosted by LFT Fiber on April 2, 2025, brought together business, nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders to discuss shared challenges and foster partnerships. These summits help generate the kind of serendipitous, five-minute conversations that spark long-term innovation and community growth. On the Connectivity Summit, Michael Soileau shared,
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    55 分
  • Team Gleason – 4th Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival Fundraiser for People Living with ALS- April 24, 2025

    Team Gleason – 4th Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival Fundraiser for People Living with ALS- April 24, 2025
    2025/04/11
    Discover Lafayette welcomes Dale Clark, Ursula Quoyeser, and Harriet Hoag to discuss the upcoming 4th annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival ("F5"). This event raises funds for the Team Gleason Foundation, which supports individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”). Team Gleason, through its diverse and broad-reaching programming, brings assistive technology, equipment, and robust support services into the hands of ALS patients – to help individuals with ALS not just survive but thrive after a devastating diagnosis. Each of our guests has either been personally affected by ALS or has supported a loved one with the disease. Event Details: Date: April 24, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA Tickets: $45 Website: https://teamgleason.org/f5/ Attendees can enjoy great food, beer, and wine while supporting a worthy cause. F5 is a cooking competition where teams compete in four categories: Fin, Feather, Fur, and Dessert. Awards will be given to the best dishes, a "People’s Choice" winner, and a "Team Showmanship" winner chosen by a panel of judges. Additionally, a silent auction will offer a selection of valuable items. Teams also compete to raise the most funds for Team Gleason, with prizes awarded to top fundraisers. About Team Gleason Foundation: In January 2011, New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS. Faced with this devastating diagnosis, Steve embraced a new mission: to show that people with ALS can not only live but thrive and to inspire others facing similar challenges. “People were simply expected to fade away quietly and die, that was not acceptable to me. That is not OK.” Steve and his wife, Michel Varisco, founded Team Gleason, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with ALS lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Team Gleason has provided over $55 million in resources to individuals with ALS. Their work includes supplying mobility equipment, power seat elevators, speech-generating devices, and essential home modifications. Personal Impact of Team Gleason: Ursula Quoyeser’s Experience Ursula has received significant support from Team Gleason. These resources have been life-changing, enabling her to maintain independence. Ursula reflects on how Team Gleason anticipates needs before they arise, ensuring that people living with ALS receive assistance promptly. One of the most important things that Team Gleason provides is pathways of communication to connect ALS families with each other so that resources that are no longer needed are generously shared. Many of you know Ursula as a superstar Volleyball coach! She is still a superstar and it is an honor to share her story so that the Team Gleason message may be distributed to a wide audience! Harriet Hoag’s Journey Harriet’s late husband, Monty, was diagnosed with ALS during the height of COVID-19, making the journey even more isolating. Doctors struggled to diagnose him, but Harriet’s own research led them to Baylor Hospital, where they received confirmation. She credits Team Gleason for providing invaluable resources such as a speech-generating device that allowed Monty to communicate with their granddaughter even in his final days. Dale Clark’s Commitment After being diagnosed with ALS, Dale was inspired to help others in the ALS community. Witnessing the challenges faced by fellow patients at his clinic in Houston, he saw the opportunity to make a difference. His dedication, alongside generous contributions from local companies like Badger Oil and Gas and Service Chevrolet, has helped F5 grow into a major fundraising success. For a more in-depth interview we did in 2024 with Dale and Ursula, listen here. Dale Clark says, "100% of the money goes to Team Gleason. In fact, we tell people to mail their check to Team Gleason so we don't have to handle any money. The Importance of Fundraising: Over the past three years,
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    1分未満
  • Kiki Frayard – Founder of Kiki, Children’s Book Author, Philanthropist, Lafayette Icon

    Kiki Frayard – Founder of Kiki, Children’s Book Author, Philanthropist, Lafayette Icon
    2025/04/04
    Discover Lafayette is thrilled to welcome Kiki Frayard, founder of Kiki, a boutique store known for its exquisite selection of fine jewelry, fragrances, handbags, and other carefully curated items from designers across the world. While Kiki is known for offering unique designs, Kiki says, "Anybody can walk in to buy fun or lower price point jewelry at $75 to $250. We also offer jewelry up to $65,000." In addition to her successful retail business, Kiki recently ventured into children's literature with her book Lila Says No, cleverly illustrated by Aileen Bennett. Her passion for beauty and creativity extends beyond retail, as seen on her vibrant Instagram page, where she shares colorful and inspirational table settings for various events. Kiki, an Opelousas native, has strong ties to the Lafayette community. She is the sister of Marilyn Castle, retired 15th JDC judge, and Joan Dubuisson of Cox Business. She graduated from UL-Lafayette with degrees in Art History and English, initially intending to become an art teacher before discovering her passion for advertising and retail. Her career has been a fascinating journey, including stints as a nightclub singer in New Orleans, a radio advertising executive, and an ad agency owner. Working alongside advertising legend George Graham, Kiki honed her skills in creative writing and marketing, ultimately paving the way for her entrepreneurial success. Kiki opened her boutique in River Ranch after gaining invaluable retail experience from Molly Flanagan, owner of Molly’s. She and her daughter, Katie, built the business together, expanding to Baton Rouge and establishing Kiki as a premier shopping destination. A life-changing car accident in 2007 prompted Kiki to embrace retail fully, leaving advertising to focus on her boutique. She and Katie meticulously designed the store, ensuring an elevated shopping experience comparable to high-end retailers in New York and beyond. Kiki says, "We knew we wanted to do something nice. We didn't want it to be a hodgepodge of display cases and just thrown together. We really wanted it to be the nicest store in Lafayette. "We had a vision of doing jewelry with designers in mind so that every case was dedicated to a designer. The handbags were displayed one on a shelf to make it seem really special so that everything seemed a little elevated. That worked when people walked in the store. Also, with most merchandise, if you don't turn it, you got to put it on sale, you've got to get rid of it, you got to turn. But jewelry isn't like that. We could have an expensive piece of jewelry and it could be there for two years, and then someone comes in and and buys it. So you don't have to discount quite as much. The same thing with perfume." Beyond retail, Kiki has made a mark in the Lafayette community. She played a crucial role in the development of Lafayette's downtown playground, recognizing its value in revitalizing the area. Her passion for community enrichment continues to shape her contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Kiki’s love for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys setting stunning tablescapes for family gatherings. Her collections of fine china and linens reflect her impeccable taste and appreciation for beauty. Her foray into children's literature has been met with great enthusiasm. Lila Says No is resonating with parents and educators, with notable endorsements from child psychologist Carolyn Helm. The book received a glowing review rom Kirkus as "quirky and entertaining, with a kid and parent-savvy message." Kiki’s deep admiration for children’s literature and her collection of over 500 books inspired her to finally write her own story, with more books potentially on the horizon. Though retired from store ownership, Kiki remains an integral part of Kiki, still attending market trips and influencing the store’s aesthetic.
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    46 分