Buff City Soap

Self- care- the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.

As we become more aware of our health and wellness everyday, we are constantly evaluating labels of what we eat, staying on top of vitamins, rotating through health shots, juices and shakes all while monitoring our skin care and cosmetics. So why not take it to the next level with our Soap? Not just any soap- our Local Business Spotlight welcomes one of Lafayette’s newest additions- Buff City Soap.

As I sat down with Katelyn Lauseng, one of the owners of this family run business, we dove into this amazing business spotlight that just opened their 5th location in Lafayette this August. They are “colorfully” introducing us to the most amazing plant-based product lines locally!

Buff City Soap was born from this self-care-body-awareness-era that we are growing full throttle in. There was a need to fill in this specific genre as people inherently have become more aware of what they are not only putting into their bodies, but on their bodies as well. “We make handmade, plant-based products that not only smell amazing, they are good for your skin too!”- She says.

Her parents along with herself and her brother are all owners of the now six locations! Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe, Alexandria and coming soon to Hammond. We of course are thrilled for our Lafayette addition. Tucked in prime real estate off of Ambassador Caffery in the same block of Costco and Marshalls, Buff City Soap’s stunning “makery” is now added to the list of necessities in Lafayette.

Community and Family are such a beautiful core drive for them and their business. They seem to share a solid goal alongside their bond, to not only create a wonderful guest experience through their top notch staff on board, but there is a genuine passion behind providing a product they believe in.

Let’s Dive into the fun- the products, the ingredients and the process.

Products:

They offer on average 15 different products with customizable scents reaching over 30.

To name an impressive few:

• Laundry Soap

• Scent Booster

• Bar Soaps

• Shower Oil

• Bath Bombs

• Bath Truffles

• Shower Fizzies

• Body Butter

• Body Scrub

• Shave Soap

• Beard Balm

• Beard Oil

• Lotion Bars

• Bath Salts

It was so informative to learn the level of ingredients they provide truly give them a stand out performance compared to other shops that are around the states. What are some of these key factors you ask?

Buff

City Soap stands out as a leader in creating products that are free of Harsh Chemicals, Detergents, Dyes and Animal Fats. However, ingredients aside, it is an “experience” to be had the moment you walk through doors. Imagine a colorful candyland of heavenly aromas and smiling faces. I can’t help but compare the bright and open floor plan to an adult aromatherapy dreamland that fell into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Of course at Buff City Soap, they target your senses in a completely different element that triggers the same happy gene. Future relaxation at its finest.

What also builds more of an immersive experience: Customers have the chance to see the whole making process live in the Soap Makery. Located in the center of the store, customers can follow the process of creating the most sought after delights, made by their team of Makers, daily. They give their customers a chance to choose scent and some color options for the masterpiece. Something that has become quite popular is having different organizations come in and create products in their brands colors. The studies on team building are through the roof and I can’t think of a better way to bond in zen and creativity.

As they continue to connect with the local community I was thrilled to learn that they offer Bath Bomb Making parties in store. Katelyn shared that guests can come in and create and customize their own bath bombs to take home! Perfect for a kids birthday party, girls night out, corporate event or just a unique experience with a group of friends and family!

It was so special to learn that they also offer Give Back Nights for Non- Profit Organizations where a portion of our sales go right back to that organization.

Another unique discovery at Buff City Soap is each “Makery” or location creates a ‘Local Line’ where there skilled makers curate a line of custom products that are exclusive to their unique “makery”. What allows a business to stand out and shine is its ability to learn their community and offer something unique. They do a phenomenal job of staying so current and fresh with offering seasonal scents every Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in addition to their location specific magic found in our very own 337.

In a store of so many wonders, discovering that their laundry detergent is a huge fan favorite and a top one of Katelyns.

She says, “My Favorite Product is our entire Laundry Line! Laundry Soap, Dryer ball and our new scent booster. Being a mom, it was important to me to ensure my child was getting the best in everything! And I do a lot of Laundry in my house! I love the fact our Laundry Soap only has 3 ingredients (Washing Powder, Citric Acid and Coconut Soap) so it’s safe for delicate skin and that I have the option to customize it with the different scents we offer.”

What is so special about this is it showcases the investment in their line as well as their families health and well being. The everyday bustle of life can easily fall into neglecting something as important as laundry detergent. They give their customers a chance to target the whole family’s wellness and safely bring a line into their lives that they can “truly” trust.

As we continued on our journey of all things Buff City Soap, it was so special to come across a moment that impacted her from a customer. It was one of those moments where the rainbow found its pot of gold and the reason for creating this business was right there…BOOM!

She recalls a guest coming in who in the past has been using commercial soap products and hasn’t had the best skin reaction. After using their products they were thrilled because they finally found something they can use that smells amazing and works for them. Business Mission accomplished.

The energy is clear and directly sincere when their message as a family is, they wanted to create a high quality product, with simple ingredients, while educating their customers. They strive to have them leave the store with a product they will love and have a connection with.

From the in-store team who takes pride in creating clean and rewarding products for their customers, to the mission of being the premier provider to offer high end soap products. Lafayette is so happy to welcome them with open arms.

The feeling is mutual as they were so fond of the community here and knew right away that this was their next home. It always brings a smile to hear a new business feel so loved and supported here. Our “Joie de Vivre” carries on in all who call this area home. Buff City Soap is rapidly becoming a staple here in our 337 and I know they will continue to impact our community, with one plant- based epic product at a time.

We are what we eat you are what you eat ” In a world of constant shifting and manufacturing of where our food comes from and the long list of what is in it – what has been done to it – and do I feel this is the best for my body We land on the new world of quality choice and custom selection This is the story of pure innovation from Coastal Plains Meat Company and their master accomplishment of “Pasture to Plate.”

When I came across this company I was drawn in by the custom box option for me to order a variety of quality beef, locally sourced and delivered to my door. What I learned from my conversation with David Billings, one of the owners of Coastal Plains Meat Company, was that this was a mission to create a brand developed on values, and fueled by a vision of true innovation. The combat Veteran owned business’ drive to lead the Louisiana beef movement has been accomplished. They are not only giving back to the community, they are helping Veterans find education and employment, while giving our local farmers a safe and sustainable environment to source their cattle.

INNOVATION MILESTONE #1

– Create a Local Branded Program

Coastal Plains Meat Company’s founders, Chip Perrrin and David Billings, knew they needed to create a strong brand that would stand tall, while representing who they are and their goals. They knew full well which direction to grow and it all began as they developed, registered, and trademarked – The Louisiana Beef Brand.

This can be found all over their website, marketing materials down to the boxed packaging their customers receive with their custom order. The brand is something they wanted to articulate the initiative they call “Pasture to Plate” – This is something born and bred for the consumers that want to know where their beef comes from

As an avid foodie and someone who finds cooking is a love language, we both agreed that most consumers now are very keen to know what is in their food and how it is made.

- David Billings

These southern Cowboys are truly leading this movement here in the South The Louisiana Beef Brand was their driving mission to create the first consumer connection – to the farm Do you have chills like I do? As this is only the beginning of my journey from “Pasture to Plate” – the level of enthusiasm and genuine passion that David brings in this conversation, is something that should be bottled for every new business.

INNOVATION MILESTONE #2

– Bringing the Pasture to the Plate

“The whole idea/story behind “Pasture to Plate” was for them as a company to relieve the bottleneck in the supply chain locally, for locally sourced and produced meats ” - David Billings

They pride themselves on hitting the ground and going to the farmers directly. They work alongside them, with the ranchers and a variety of sale barns around the state where they buy their beloved cattle They then bring the cattle into their state of the art facility in Eunice, La This is how they, as a whole, are able to provide an in demand product for their community

I was so moved when I ran into a lovely farmer who works with Coastal Plains. She raises her cattle and wants their purpose to be fulfilled in the most humane way possible. She told me that Coastal Plains Meat Company has built their facility to work in terms with “The Temple Method.” Temple Grandin created a method that rocked the cattle-handling system back in 1991.

This system starts at the blueprints, so it is not a shock that Coastal Plains started from the beginning The enhancements for the facilities target a tranquil approach to the harvesting process The designs are there to create a calm for the cattle from how they are received and greeted: their pens and walkways are created to not startle these lovely creatures. Her work has been well received around the world. What an impressive step these cattlemen have taken for the animals they respect and share.

INNOVATION MILESTONE #3 – “By local, Buy Local.”

David shares how he coined the phrase, and the uber popular hashtag, “By Local, BUY LOCAl ” This dives into the underbelly of truly buying local. The importance of purchasing from local companies that are producing here in Louisiana. He emphasizes that just because you purchase something locally, doesn’t mean it originated here in the community

I mean, I know we are all focused on “Made in the USA” – but how many items are not? They are offering a huge opportunity to fully support your local businesses while offering a top-tier product Supporting the true products and the local producers. The ultimate service in giving support to our communities, while feeling safe in that purchase.

INNOVATION MILESTONE #4 – Launching their ecommerce platform.

Bringing Coastal Plains to life by developing an ecommerce platform is where they connected all the dots of their beautiful vision It is here that they can directly make contact with the consumer.

As a meat production facility, they strongly bring products through the wholesale area. They work with restaurants that carry their delicious delights and market their logos, but now it is time for the true pasture to plate experience – their ability to make a direct connection with “us.”

Their focus lies in this “circular” environment. They have been able to do this almost seamlessly. They are connecting the Louisiana consumer directly with the local farming in the state Coastal Plains Meat Company procures the beef , they produce the product, and share this full circle moment with our families.

I told David that when I first came across Coastal Plains Meat Company that I thought it was almost “too good to be true ” He starts to laugh a bit and shares with me a rumor that would be in line with my initial thought process – a China run company

They make buying direct effortless on their website and with a partnership with UPS, they are able to deliver anywhere in the state of Louisiana. The box options are incredibly packed to cover whatever you and your family’s cravings desire

They offer boxes grouped as follows – Bold BBQ Box, Ground Beef Box, Beef Patty Box, Louisiana Link Box, Slow-N-Low Box, Smokin’ Box, Black Label Steak Box, and drumroll….. Their newest innovation of Live HARD.

They also have an option for the “undecided fan” to call them directly and let the team help you create a custom box for your heart’s desire

Live Hard is followed by “Eat Like a Warrior”- as they have manufactured a ground beef blend with heart and liver The result of this is 57% higher iron content, 23g of protein per serving with 24% fewer calories. This makes for a wonderful partner in a balanced diet You can find this now at our other Local Business Spotlight, The Refined Pantry alongside Parish Rice.

Veteran Owned and operated

– Giving back to their Military Roots.

“The Mission is to empower, mentor, and partner with current and future veterans in the Louisiana beef cattle industry. With the assistance of organizations like Acadiana Veteran Alliance, Bunker Labs, and Farmer Veteran Coalition, that Mission will be realized day one and provide the workplace fuel for economic success. ”

- Coastal Plains Meat Company

Their mission as Veteran’s and Cattlemen was to empower and hire veterans Their experience in both “fields” has led them to see the benefits in agriculture as a career outside of the military. This drive led them to work with LSUE and unleash the largest grant the college has seen Veterans can go back to school in the newly streamlined two- year program in agriculture. The company itself has 40% employees that are proud veterans, a goal they are shocked to have so early on and a goal they plan on breaking

Whether it be – Utilizing sustainable practices in beef cattle management to ensure the highest compliance with quality and safety, serving our communities with locally sourced beef, and giving back to Louisiana through impactful workforce development in agriculture – All the way to the accomplishments of starting the Louisiana Beef movement; creating a space for farmers to have a source, and the consumer to have a product of the highest quality

These gentlemen and their team at Coastal Plains Meat Company have impacted our community in so many meaningful ways. They are testing the new waters of innovation in a timeless industry, and for that, they are immensely unique https://www.coastalplainsmeatcompany.com/ https://www facebook com/coastalplainsmeatcompany

Thank you all for your service, love for our country, and the State of Louisiana.

Written by: Elisse Nielson

“Simplifying your life is my main goal by creating functional spaces to fit your lifestyle. I want you to LOVE your home even more.”

Home Sweet Organized began working with Garage Solutions years ago, and Erica Doyle, owner of the organization company, described it as a great partnership In January of 2023, the businesses officially merged together, allowing Home Sweet Organized to operate in a custom space.

“This partnership has been going amazing these last couple of months, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds,” Erica said.

"From closets and pantries to flooring and custom garage designs, our team has the knowledge, expertise, and resources to help you get the most out of your space "

Erica explained that organizers are able to go to the home to measure the closet, design a dream space, then remove the old closet and install a custom-made closet. After the closet is installed- they organize it!

The fantastic team also designs and builds custom pantries, mud rooms, office spaces and playrooms

The website for Home Sweet Organized offers a link for free consultations, and the company posts great organizational product recommendations on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Written by Celeste Denova

For free consultation click here.

Through this relationship, Tammy is able to provide affordable variations of more expensive designer pieces, while not turning people green Instead of paying $100 on a ring, Tammy offers similar styles for $30. Shining as brightly as the jewelry she sells, Tammy’s passion has truly gifted Lafayette with beautiful pieces.

What makes an outfit are the accessories worn to create a personal look Having been used for centuries, jewelry can come in all shapes, sizes and colors, yet what makes a piece valuable is the attention to detail in creation.

Living in Youngsville, Tammy Ronsenet decided to create her own pop-up jewelry store to be named – Agape XL. Through her breathtaking pop-up, Tammy provides Acadiana with many varieties of well-crafted, beautiful pieces of jewelry, at an affordable rate. Having built sturdy relationships within the jewelry world, Tammy was able to find a source to create custom-made demi-fine jewelry for her business.

When Tammy isn ’ t searching for her newest additions to the collection she is planning the next event or pop-up.

Frequenting store openings to display her pieces, businesses in Lafayette are able to support each other as well as provide ample choices for patrons. To be a fly on the wall when she sets up her space would be one for eyes. She carefully takes out her displays and works through the process of laying out her space for the eager patrons to see It's so special to see her take a step back and observe- she is always evolving and each piece has a home.

Originally beginning in 2021, Tammy Ronsenet excitedly recounts,

The word Agape roughly means the love of mankind. The word is meant to represent the love God shares with humans and the reciprocal love towards him. In naming her business Agape, Tammy sought to honor the love and devotion behind the word Getting along with anyone she encounters, Tammy seems to truly live by the word agape.

Having an unyielding passion for jewelry of all kinds, her very goal is to inspire confidence and beauty in each woman in Acadiana.

Agape jewelry is only available through pop-up shops presently, but she plans to expand her business. Tammy expressed she is reinvesting at the moment so that she can expand online Having many people in the industry already supporting her as well as many satisfied clients, Agape can only grow.

As every detail is so crucial, it is the eye who searches them out. Each bag she pulls, each necklace she places, was thoughtfully found to share with our special part of the world. She radiates a love for her business of bringing beauty, and has the most adoring support from her family

Editor-in-Chief

Her attention to detail and eye for quality is unmatched as she spends hours searching online for the latest trends in pieces Tammy noted that hearts are going to be big this year and that bracelets are coming to her collection.

Tammy is constantly adding to her collection, from the daintiest rings to the most bold necklaces. In addition to her custom-made pieces, Tammy also purchases from her seller account as well as her contacts overseas

WHERE THERE IS A DREAM THERE IS A WAY, AND WITH THE WILL TO BE AN ORIGINAL FORCE, MAGIC IS BOUND TO HAPPEN. THAT LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE MOMENT WAS JUST THAT WHEN THE UNSTOPPABLE BRAND MOTIER CAME TO LIFE.

With every brand there is an origin story that showcases the mission that lies ahead. In the world of fashion, the question is how does one find their originality- their voice? What is the message that lies in the clothing? How does an up and coming “local” brand put themselves on the map?

Well- This highly motivated and inspiring innovator behind Motier Lafayette has done just that.

Ezra Angelle started the brand Motier, and with a lack-luster budget, he hosted his premier launch out of his bedroom in 2014. His first batch of forty hoodies sold out in one day through promotion via Instagram and Snapchat. Welcome to the era of innovative marketing and the use of social media!

Ezra had always wanted to own his own business. His drive was only fueled by inspiration from lines by skateboarding brands such as Supreme, Stussy, and The Hundreds Ezra knew that using the skills he had learned through earning his college degree in marketing and from his mother’s T-shirt embroidering and screen printing business, he decided to just go for it.

EZRA SAYS, “HE KEPT HIS HEAD DOWN, WORKED VERY HARD, AND STUCK TO HIS PLAN WHICH ALLOWED US TO EVENTUALLY LAUNCH ON AUGUST 11TH, 2020.”

The official flagship store of Motier Lafayette opened at 340 Kaliste Saloom Rd., and the community fell head over heels in love with this athleisure brand that is setting new standards in this competitive industry.

Combining the urban streetwearyouth culture of Los Angeles and New York, with a distinctly southern Louisiana flair, MOTIER is Lafayette’s one real, truly authentic casual and athleticwear-clothing-brand for everyday lifestyle. Their quality, locally-made goods, starting with T-shirts and hoodies, and eventually expanding into just about everything else, are carefully produced by hand in limited quantities and sell out extremely fast. This should be evident by the amount of people that can be seen anywhere around Lafayette sporting the T-shirts and other items, as well as around the world, as the brand has quickly spread by word of mouth and has even shipped to places like Hawaii and Germany The clothing offered by Motier is designed to be practical, focusing on what people around Lafayette need and would like to wear everyday, with each item in a collection being easily matched with another to make an array of outfits. They made their first pair of shorts in 2018, and have followed that with jackets, sweaters, pants, hats, skirts, and more. The products offered by Motier appeal to a very broad demographic, being popular with men and women of all ages.

Their Summer Collection included bathing suits, slides, and beach towels; Club De Motier, a country club themed collection, included polo shirts, umbrellas, golf towels, and even golf balls. A brilliant way to bring their fans deeper into their world

Perhaps their most important collection, one that they do every year, is their Roots collection. This collection explores the meaning behind Motier, which is actually named after the great Marquis de Lafayette, and as such, is heavily rooted in Acadian culture.

Last of the year- their holiday collection that had the utmost focus on quality and unparalleled craftsmanship. The vision, the color palette and the campaign is a stunning collection of work to wrap an impressive year of Motier

This makes Motier Lafayette not only a great brand, but also a very pleasant experience to shop at, as the guest feels valued.

From the moment you pull up to the store front and make your way into the ever evolving space, take note of the music, the custom aroma that fills the space, the friendly hello that doesn't feel forced, the eclectic artwork and unique assortment of everything Motier. Touch every piece and feel the difference in fabric and the layout in each design, look at the details- the pocket placement, the cuffs or no cuffs, the innovative use of Zippers and buttons and then discover they are all hand-died and locally printed Is the neckline detail designed for comfort or for functionality?

The phrase “ It is all in the Details” rings diligently true here. Every angle of each design has been acknowledged and meticulously thought of, and provided with the vision of originality, no two pieces are alike.

What is so special and well valued at Motier, besides the “painted story” so far, is the team. Ezra is very vocal that his staff are all involved in the “making of” process. The team work and effort from design to fabric selection is a group effort and he highly respects their options.This is a true sign of a promising designer and brand innovator- and with Ezra being an under thirty year old entrepreneur, with a natural eye for detail and creation, it is no wonder they are reaching demographics all over the world. Their target reach is all ages and they are eager to get a hold of an “original” Motier collection piece. With zero signs of slowing down I am sure we are all eager to see what this Local Business Spotlight- Motier- will bring in the new year.

Written By: Michael Comeaux and Elisse Nielson