225 Magazine [March 2022] by Baton Rouge Business Report

MARCH 2022 • FREE ST. PATRICK’S DAY 16 THE FLOWER FEST 63 CHELSEA’S LIVE 83

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WOMEN WHO MAKE AN IMPACT Thank you to our female providers for prioritizing top-quality care every day.

Catherine Riché, MD

Marissa Burnett, PA-C

Brooke Fenn, PA-C

Kelly Boussert, MD

Kaitlyn Carroll, PA

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Beth Schmidt, NP

Rachel Chetta Whitley, PT, DPT

Susan Mitchell, LOTR, CHT

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Megan McCollum, PT, DPT

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Chelsea Richard, LOTR

Brandy Faucheux, LOTR, CHT

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Elizabeth Hardy, NP

Rachel Jillson, PT, MPT, Cert. MDT

Jessica Chenevert, PT, DPT

Elizabeth LeBlanc, LOTR

Maddie Drake, PA-C

Eva Dodge, PA-C

Emily Territo, PA-C

Lindsey Harvey PT, MPT

Michelle Plauche, LOTR, CHT

Shannon Brown, PA-C

Ellie Brandon, PA-C

Camille Comeaux, PA-C

Kelly Hunt, ANP-C

Kasie Nelson, PA-C

Leslie Jones Mancuso, PT, DPT, OCS

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Rachael Robinson, LOTR, CHT

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Julie Jarreau, LOTR, CHT

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CONTENTS //

Features 16 Which krewe is making slam dunks on the parade route 19 Who is leading social bike riding groups 68 How you can shop local makers all year long 76 Where to find Baton Rouge’s newest rooftop bar And much more…

Departments 12 19 27 28 63 71 83 92

What’s Up Our City I am 225 Cover story Style Taste Culture Calendar

ON THE COVER

25 Unique Workouts

Local band The Nocturnal Broadcast at Chelsea’s Live in January

Women Impact S P E C I A L A DVERTI S I NG S ECTI ON, PAG E 4 3

MAKING AN

COLLIN RICHIE

GYM FIT GAVE 225 its own personal Cirque du Soleil show for this month’s cover shoot. The local fitness studio’s co-owner David Gabel demonstrated his trapeze skills alongside Christa Kelley—all while assuring us that anyone can learn to practice circus arts. Staff photographer Collin Richie captured all the action. For more interesting and inspiring workouts around town, turn to our cover story on page 28.

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

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Cox Homelife is available to residential customers in select Cox service areas. A high-speed Internet connection is required. Cox Homelife Security service plan required for professional monitoring services for intrusion, smoke/fire and related system components. Applicable monthly service charges, installation, additional equipment, taxes, trip charges and other fees may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other restrictions may apply. Local ordinances may require an alarm user permit or external lock box. Cox Homelife Service provided by Cox Advanced Services: Arizona, LLC – Alarm Lic. #18141–0 & ROC Lic. #310876; Arkansas, LLC – Lic. #E 2014 0026 & #CMPY.0002278; California, LLC – Alarm Lic. #7196 & Contractor’s Lic. #992992; Connecticut, LLC – N/A; Florida, LLC – Lic. #EF20001232; Georgia, LLC – License: Bryan David Melancon #LVU406595; Idaho, LLC – Lic. #024933; Iowa, LLC – Lic. #C121646 & #AC268; Louisiana, LLC – Lic. #F 2006; Nebraska, LLC – Lic. #26512; Nevada, LLC dba Cox Homelife – Lic. #78331; Ohio, LLC – Lic. #5318–1671; Oklahoma, LLC – Lic. #2002; Rhode Island, LLC – Lic. #9314; Kansas, LLC – Topeka Lic. #109 & Wichita Lic. #2015–36492; Virginia, LLC – DCJS Lic. #11–7776 & DPOR Lic. # 2705164725 ©2022 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MAG107433–0108

Cool down I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT the best part of a workout is the end. In those last few moments, when you begin your cool down, it’s a chance to catch your breath. When the adrenaline of a cardio session wears off, you’ll finally be able to wipe the sweat off your face. How satisfying is it to cleanse the mud off your sneakers after a hike, or rinse the salt and sand out of your hair after a swim in the ocean? You can relish in knowing you’ve completed something challenging, maybe even grueling. That you’ve done something good for yourself, and for your mental and physical health. Washing all of that off after a workout, to me, feels like rebirth, revival and renewal. Because I know I’ll be stronger and even more prepared to do it all again the next day. I thought about that feeling as we were preparing this month’s cover story, interviewing people who lead classes in sports like paddleboarding, circus arts, pickleball, pole dancing and goat yoga. These classes aren’t just about fitness. They’re about empowerment. They provide an escape from the chaotic world around us. And I think our region is so much better off thanks to them. The sweet relief that comes at the end of a workout feels like a perfect metaphor for what we’ve all been through the past two years of the pandemic. Issue March 2022 Ad proofof#1 As weDate: approach the two-year-anniversary those first • Please by e-mail fax with your approval or minor days ofrespond lockdown inorLouisiana, I’m trying torevisions. think less about • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

what life would be like if the pandemic had never happened—and more about how I can become stronger because of it. In her editor’s letter this month, one of my favorite magazine editors—Laura Brown of InStyle—shares photos of all 84 covers the magazine has shot during the pandemic. She talks about how hard it has been to produce photo shoots amidst ever-changing safety precautions, cancellations and COVID-positive crew members and subjects. “The ground was constantly shifting beneath our feet,” she writes. “The great ruse of magazines is that we make it look like the magnificent women we feature just glide onto our pages. They do not. Especially not now.” I feel that. It is true not just for InStyle, but for 225 and our sister publications inRegister and Business Report, and, well, every news outlet. In fact, nearly two years in, the wildly spreading omicron variant seemed to make producing these last few issues of 225 harder than it was even back at the very beginning of COVID. Just when it felt like we had a handle on working through the pandemic, the ground shifted beneath our feet again. I’m sure you can relate, no matter what your job is—or however you’ve had to reshuffle your family’s life over the past 24 months. As the omicron wave subsides, it’s impossible to know what’s next, of course. But I’m still taking this moment to breathe. To reflect on the moments I’m proud of—and the ones that made me stronger. To good health and wellness,

Ringleaders

This month’s photo shoot at Gym Fit is one of the most memorable I’ve been to for 225. Thank you so much to co-owner David Gabel and his crew. They demonstrated seven different types of circus arts for us, including swinging from a trapeze and gliding in an aerial cube. We didn’t have room for all the photos in the magazine, so be sure to head to 225batonrouge.com this month to see the rest.

DIGIT

339

The number of photo shoots staff photographer Collin Richie and his team have undertaken for the print edition of 225 since the beginning of the pandemic. I want to give a tremendous shoutout to all of 225’s photographers and writers for finding ways to safely cover the community the past two years!

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor

Your

lucky charm

for all your real estate needs 8

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

CALL FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS. BUYING • SELLING • PROFESSIONAL ADVICE 225.218.0888 • DELRIOREALESTATEBR.COM

COLLIN RICHIE

EDITOR'S NOTE //

Everything your growing child needs is close to home.

You’re never far from the care your child needs at Ochsner. We offer general pediatrics at our new Bluebonnet South location plus specialty providers across the Baton Rouge region to help your family face anything, minor or major.

To schedule an appointment, call 225-240-4713 or visit ochsner.org/batonrouge.

Dr. Truc Dinh

Same-day, next-day and video visits are available!

Ochsner Health Center – Bluebonnet South 10150 Bluebonnet Blvd | Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Ochsner Health Center for

Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #1 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Dr. Ritchie’s

PET TOOTH TRUTHS Myth: My dog’s appetite seems fine—so there’s nothing to worry about, right? REALITY: Does your dog have bad breath? Don’t expect your pet to show you that they have oral pain. Pets are very good at masking signs of pain, and when they are faced with a decision to continue to eat or starve, they almost always chose to keep eating. If your pet has bad breath it’s likely that what you are smelling is tissue and bone destruction. It’s important to schedule a checkup and get ahead of more serious issues.

Myth: My pet has a broken tooth, it’s fine to monitor at home? REALITY: If caught early enough the tooth may not require significant oral surgery to extract and may be saved with root canal therapy. If the tooth’s fracture has reached the pulp chamber there is 100% chance the tooth will die. This can lead to abscess formation, draining tracts, and cause disease of adjacent teeth. It’s important to schedule a checkup as soon as you notice any changes with your pet’s teeth.

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: Penny Font Editor: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez Managing Editor: Laura Furr Mericas Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson Digital Content Editor: Dillon Lowe Staff Photographer: Collin Richie Contributing Writers: Cynthea Corfah, Olivia Deffes, Tracey Koch, Benjamin Leger, Elle Marie, Domenic Purdy, Zane Piontek, Meg Ryan, Poet Wolfe Contributing Photographers: Ariana Allison, Amy Shutt

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Erin Pou Account Executives: Manny Fajardo, André Hellickson Savoie, Jamie Hernandez, Kaitlyn Maranto, Audrey Taunton Advertising Coordinators: Devyn MacDonald, Brittany Nieto

CORPOR ATE MEDIA

Editor: Lisa Tramontana Content Strategist: Allyson Guay Multimedia Strategy Manager: Tim Coles Account Executive: Judith LaDousa

MARKETING

Marketing & Events Assistant: Taylor Falgout Events: Abby Hamilton

ADMINISTR ATION

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher Business Associate: Kirsten Milano Office Coordinator: Tara Lane Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Dental care is vital to the overall health of any animal. The Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital is home to the only board certified Veterinary Dentist and Oral Surgeon in the state of Louisiana, Dr. Curt Ritchie. Dr. Ritchie has been teaching veterinary dentistry at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for nearly a decade. He and his staff help patients everyday with basic dental and preventative care to very advanced, complex oral surgeries.

Production Manager: Jo Glenny Art Director: Hoa Vu Senior Graphic Designer: Melinda Gonzalez Graphic Designer: Emily Witt

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre Audience Development Associate: Jordan Kozar A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC Chairman: Julio Melara Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto Vice President: Penny Font Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone Chairman Emeritus: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr. Circulation/Reprints 225.928.1700 email: circulation@225batonrouge.com 9029 Jefferson Highway, Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225-214-5225 • FAX 225-926-1329 225batonrouge.com

5215 PERKINS RD 225.766.0550

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[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

©Copyright 2022 by Melara Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved by LBI. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Business address: 9029 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Telephone (225) 214-5225. 225 Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material—manuscripts or photographs—with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

F E E D B AC K / / W H AT ’ S O N L I N E / /

The most-liked

COLLIN RICHIE

2. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne has landed some of the biggest NIL deals in the country

COLLIN RICHIE

1. Peter Sclafani, longtime restaurateur behind brands like SoLou, expands his empire

On our cover

COURTESY LSU ATHLETICS

The most-read

998

3. A Netflix documentary star is traveling to Baton Rouge to tailor his wardrobe “I watched Cocaine Cowboys several times and have always been impressed by how Jorge Valdés dresses. It’s no surprise to see he works with Manuel Martinez.” —@parker111275 via Instagram

“Joey B. is headed to the Super Bowl Congratulations, Joe!” —From our Jan. 31 Instagram post on @225batonrouge

“In high school, I watched Kim Mulkey play at Louisiana Tech. She was fun to watch as a player and was just feisty. After serving in the USAF and graduating college, I continued keeping tabs on Coach Mulkey through my brother. It didn’t matter what part of the country I resided in, I followed her and have always been a true fan. In my opinion, she is second to none!” —Stacy Hollister via Facebook

Analytics and comments are from Jan. 1-31, 2022. Comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.

SEAN GASSER

Vote, vote, vote! You get to decide who wins this year’s Best of 225 Awards! The ballot is open March 3-April 7 at 225batonrouge.com/bestof225. This year’s nominees were determined by the write-in nominations submitted by 225 area residents during January and February. Now, your votes will decide who will be crowned the winners in 225’s July 2022 issue. Plus, when you cast your vote, you will be automatically entered to win $1,000 from Campus Federal Credit Union. See the terms and conditions, read our FAQ, and submit your ballot on our website.

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Generations of care

We’re here for you and your family through the stages of life, with the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield. The Right Card. The Right Care.

01MK7677 02/22

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March The new road trip Pedal Pub takes off in Baton Rouge THERE IT GOES, that zany, canary yellow-trimmed vehicle powered by the raw enthusiasm of 16 passengers. Pedal Pub is off and running in Baton Rouge. Part of the boozy bike movement gaining popularity nationwide, the franchise opened in the Capital City in late 2021, specializing in BYOB group bike tours in downtown Baton Rouge. Participants sign up for excursions aboard a Dutch-designed vehicle that holds up to 16 riders and includes up to three stops at bars, restaurants or historic sites. It also includes a trained pilot who helps brake, steer and keep things moving. Take a seat at the “bar” (the table in front of you), bust out the restoratives, and pedal away. Eleven spots actively pedal, while five just enjoy the ride. There’s room for nibbles or catered fare, and you can fire up your playlist on the Bluetooth. Business partners and friends Herb and Chandra Piert and Karl and Ashley Thomas are responsible for bringing Pedal Pub to Baton Rouge, a venture that was more than a year in the making. The Lake Charles-based owners discovered Pedal Pub in fall 2020, after the Pierts escaped to Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, the Category 4 storm that made landfall in southwest Louisiana in August of that year. While in Houston, they joined other family members on a Pedal Pub excursion. “At first, I was hesitant, but it was something new and different,” Herb Piert says. “Two hours later, I was asking the driver, ‘Can we go another block?’ And at that point, my wife and I both said, ‘We’ve got to bring this to Baton Rouge.’” The four business partners believed the Capital City was ripe for this kind of amenity, Piert says. The Thomases are Baton Rouge natives, and they appreciated the major changes in the city’s downtown. The two couples believed it was the right concept for a city with expanding tourism. “New Orleans already has so much going on, and with all the new restaurants and bars in Baton Rouge, we thought this would really add to what’s available,” says Piert, who works by day as a Lake Charles golf pro. After securing permits from the East Baton Rouge Metro Council and the Baton Rouge Taxicab Control Board, Pedal Pub opened a storefront last November on Government Street near St. Ferdinand Street. Patrons meet there, or at another designated pick-up location, and embark on a tour of downtown at a leisurely 3 miles-per-hour pace. The average tour is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The routes have generally been chosen to give the bike room to pull over for car traffic. Riders can bring along beer and wine (but no hard alcohol). And guests don’t have to drink to enjoy the fun, Piert says. Young people can book the bikes as long as they have an adult on board. “We’ve had families rent it for scavenger hunts,” he says.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

TRY IT OUT COLLIN RICHIE

Working alongside two other business partners, Ashley and Karl Thomas brought Pedal Pub to Baton Rouge.

You can spot Pedal Pub along the streets of downtown, and watch for it at local festivals and events, where demo rides are available. pedalpub.com/baton-rouge-la

W H AT ’ S U P / /

Peelin’ out

DIGIT

$500 million

STOCK PHOTO

The amount Gov. John Bel Edwards proposed that the state fund for a new Mississippi River bridge. The current bridge is a notorious chokepoint, slowing truckers and motorists traveling east-west along Interstate 10. The $500 million figure represents a portion of the total bridge cost, which was estimated at more than $1.2 billion before inflation. The balance, Edwards hopes, will be covered by private investment.

COLLIN RICHIE

RESTAURANTS AND BOILED seafood vendors are seeing a robust crawfish season, now in full swing. The mild temperatures south Louisiana saw in October, November and December helped hatchlings grow quickly, resulting in strong yields in January, when consumers first expect to find boiled crawfish on the table. “They had a good head start on growth,” says Mark Shirley, an LSU AgCenter agent based in Abbeville. “Being a crustacean and coldblooded, water temperature greatly influences how fast they grow.” Before farm-raising took off in the middle of the 20th century, crawfish were harvested in the wild from the Atchafalaya Basin in the late spring and early summer. Pond-raising has extended the season from January to June, Shirley says. The peak of sales is usually Easter weekend. A mix of sizes defines the first part of the season, when traps yield both mature and younger crawfish. But the more the weather warms throughout the spring, the bigger the crawfish. “At a certain point in the season, we serve only select (larger) crawfish,” says Joey Faciane, executive chef of Sammy’s on Highland, a popular spot for boiled crawfish. During the season, Sammy’s serves between 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of crawfish on weekend nights. As of late January, Sammy’s had been able to keep prices even with, or better, than last season. But Shirley cautions diners that farmers are paying more for materials, and prices for mudbugs could be higher this year. “Consumers need to appreciate that, just like everything else, farmers are paying more for bait, traps, fuel, labor—all the inputs required to bring the product to market,” he says. “Don’t begrudge the farmers. It’s still reasonable, and it’s important to eat local.”

STOCK PHOTO

The 2022 crawfish season is strong, but prices could be higher

IN R COLL

INGREDIENT WATCH

Hibiscus

Named as one of Whole Foods Markets’ top 10 food trends of 2022, hibiscus is known for its lively sweet-tart flavor, vitamin C content and dramatic hue. Where can you find it in Baton Rouge? Lots of places. Many local specialty coffee and tea shops serve hibiscus tea. Red Stick Spice Company sells it loose for brewing at home. Find it dried and in bulk in local Latin American supermarkets. Sample bottled tea from local brand SOBA Hibiscus. And pick up fresh, dried hibiscus blossoms and other small-batch hibiscus products from Lena Farms, a regular Red Stick Farmers Market vendor.

STOCK PHOTO

IE ICH

“We’ve identified a small group of people who we believe are directly involved in criminal behavior.” —Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul, while introducing the new Operation Red Stick to the East Baton Rouge Metro Council in late January. The program is a collaboration among law enforcement offices intended to combat the city’s record-breaking homicide rate, the result of 149 murders in 2021.

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

W H AT ’ S U P / /

W H AT ’ S N E W

Buzz feed

Compiled by Poet Wolfe

Garden party IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Local gardens to see new spring blooms

COURTESY LSU AGCENTER BOTANICAL GARDENS

MARCH 26, 2022 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

ON SALEAd NOW AT#1 TOUCHATRUCKBR.ORG IssueTICKETS Date: Feb 2021 proof • Please respond by e-mail or fax with#IDIGTOUCHATRUCK your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless revision requests are received within 24 hours. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Botanical Gardens at Independence Park Walk down a path shaded by crepe myrtle trees, explore each flower garden and watch as butterflies settle over nectar plants in the Goodwood neighborhood. brec.org

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Tucked away among the medical buildings along Essen Lane, you’ll have the opportunity to hike through the woodlands and spot gardens scattered down the walking paths. lsu.edu/botanic-gardens

PHOTOS BY ARIANA ALLISON

Your ticket includes food, fun, and everything you DIG about trucks! Main attractions include the Dig Zone, petting zoo, a scavenger hunt, and the hands-on experience with big trucks, heavy equipment, and emergency vehicles that we have grown to love.

KELLI BOZEMAN

BREC STATE FAIRGROUNDS THE EMERGE CENTER QUIET HOURS 9-11 A.M.

HIGHEST QUALITY WITH COMPETITIVE PRICING! At Ducote’s Restaurant & Bar Equipment, we specialize in supplying the foodservice industry with a broad selection of the top-quality equipment and supplies you need to successfully run your operations and efficiently serve your customers.

4433 Florida Blvd • 225-344-4240 ducotesrestaurantsupply.com OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Here’s the tea

#38003 #AM-50-BAJ

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

INSIDE RED STICK Spice Company’s Mid City store, shoppers can now order a caffeinated drink and sit down in the new SoGo Tea Bar. The company created homemade recipes for each beverage on the menu, from refreshing sips like iced matcha lemonade to traditional drinks like chai lattes. redstickspice.com/pages/sogo-tea-bar

Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #2 W H AT ’ S U P / /

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

For more than flowers

LUIS AYALA / COURTESY HILLTOP ARBORETUM

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR David Vinyard of LSU’s Department of Biological Sciences is studying how the process of photosynthesis can be used as a renewable resource. Vinyard is working to discover ways energy can be created through photosynthesis rather than fossil fuels and chemical elements. This new technology will utilize natural elements to quickly create necessities like fuel. lsu.edu/science/biosci

Hilltop Arboretum Just south of LSU’s campus is the perfect place to escape. Watch as lilies and lily pads gently rock back and forth in the ponds. lsu.edu/hilltop

SPRING CLEANING

g n i pp o sh

Pour over YOU STILL HAVE some time to catch The Glassell Gallery’s “8 Fluid Ounces” exhibit. The exhibit, which opened last month and explores the concept of a cup, runs through March 9 at the LSU gallery downtown. Come check out ceramic vessels created by different artists. design.lsu.edu/student-life/ galleries/glassell-gallery

Crawfish in a dish Three ways to enjoy crawfish this month at local restaurants

Crawfish etouffee at Sammy’s Grill

Crawfish pies at Tony’s Seafood Market and Deli

Shrimp and crawfish bisque at Willie’s Restaurant

Dine-in for this seasoned roux with crawfish tails served over rice. sammysgrill.com

These famous pies boast melted cheese over butter-sautéed crawfish tails cooked in a golden brown pie shell. tonyseafood.com

The cream-based bisque with shrimp, crawfish, chives and celery is just the thing to warm your soul. williesbr.com

DIGIT

250

NUMBER OF NAME, image and likeness partnerships signed by LSU student athletes in the first six months since the NCAA passed the new rules. Among the more than 500 LSU student-athletes, the school says many NIL deals have centered around football and gymnastics. lsusports.net

Corporate Blvd at Jefferson • 225.925.2344 townecenteratcedarlodge.com • 225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

W H AT ’ S U P / /

Play ball

ROLL WITH IT

The Krewe of Ancient Athletes is ready to bounce in the long-awaited return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade

The 35th Wearin’ of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Saturday, March 19, at 10 a.m. Find the route map and info at wearinofthegreen.com.

By Zane Piontek

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

COLLIN RICHIE

IT’S MID-MARCH IN Baton Rouge. Winter is fading, the temperature climbing into spring territory, and the city teems with green in observation of the local sacrament that is St. Paddy’s Day. Somewhere along the Wearin’ of the Green parade route, whistles and the sharp percussive punches of basketballs hitting pavement can be heard. Following the sounds proceeds a group of men young and old. Some of them sport referee uniforms, dark glasses and mobility canes. They take shots on the basketball goals fastened to the back of their parade float, encouraging the crowd to toss back the bright orange balls and do the same. This is the Krewe of Ancient Athletes. “For a long time, we weren’t sure if they were laughing with us or laughing at us,” says Baton Rouge Ancient Athletes Society board member Kerry Beuche. “But it’s fun to see them having fun watching us. … It’s one of our favorite events of the year.” It’s been a while since those bounces and whistles have been heard on the streets of Baton Rouge. As was the case for so many other traditions that define the city, the yearly Wearin’ of the Green Parade has been on hold for the past two years as the pandemic has strangled social gathering. Now, Red Stick denizens yearn to reprise this favorite tradition, and the Ancient Athletes are right there with them. If all goes according to plan, the parade will return this year two days after St. Patrick’s Day. The morning of Saturday, March 19, it will roll along its historic route through the Garden District and Perkins Road Overpass area. It will mark the 35th edition of the Wearin’ of the Green, which the Krewe of Ancient Athletes has walked—or dribbled—in every year since the first parade in 1986. That first procession was five years after the club’s inception in ’81, and the parade was a good representation of the group’s equivalent athletic and social orientations. The basketballs and referee costumes give a nod to the group’s history as a men’s athletic club. The group aims to offer companionship with like-minded sportsmen and opportunities to compete in sports like basketball, flag football and golf. And their St. Patrick’s Day antics—all for the crowd’s entertainment—indicate the club’s lighthearted social side, complete with regular events like family nights and “Long Neck Lunch Clubs” at Uncle Earl’s on Perkins Road. “The value, to me, is the social aspect. One hundred percent,” Beuche says. “I’m an old washed-up athlete like everyone else, and I still enjoy playing. But I much more enjoy the cold beer after the game—the camaraderie with the guys— more than anything.” With the ebbs and flows of the pandemic mercurial as ever, there’s been so much uncertainty about the parade over the last two years. But as Adams says, it’s a “rite of springtime” in Baton Rouge. “The entire community is looking forward to it,” says Pete Adams, a founding member of Ancient Athletes. “Hopefully we will turn a corner with this crazy COVID thing and start getting back to normal. And this would be a great step in that direction.” brancientathletes.com

Krewe of Ancient Athletes members Jordan Faircloth, Patrick Walker and Kerry Bueche

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I N S I D E : NIL and influencer marketing with MatchPoint Connection

Let’s ride

Local cycling groups are expanding across town and promoting a bikeable Baton Rouge

B Y CY N THE A COR FAH // P HOTO S B Y CO LLIN RICHIE

AS BATON ROUGE becomes more bike friendly, riding groups continue to grow around town. Bike Baton Rouge aims to have social riding groups in every Baton Rouge neighborhood, and it is already on its way. Here are some of the social riding groups fostering communities around the Capital Region.

OUR CITY //

“By the end of the ride, you’ll have 20 new friends.” —Downtown East Social Ride leader Samantha Morgan

Downtown East Social Ride For a themed bike ride with a story and tour of local landmarks

SAMANTHA MORGAN STARTED Downtown East Social Ride in 2019 a few months after she moved to the area. Morgan wanted to ride around the city with other bike enthusiasts and see some of the notable buildings that make Baton Rouge special. Since founding the group that May, the Downtown East Social Ride community has grown to 450 members in its Facebook group and 30 regular riders. “You don’t have to have a friend to go with you. By the end of the ride, you’ll have 20 new friends,” Morgan says. The group meets every Monday at 6 p.m. (weather permitting) outside of City Roots at Electric Depot. Each ride is different. Bike routes change weekly so riders can stop by different restaurants, landmarks, public art and historic buildings. Morgan curates themed rides, such as hot chocolate days, pizza rides, and historic tours detailing the civil rights movement and Jewish history. For one ride, the group went to the Jewish cemetery and dropped rocks off at the cemetery as part of a Jewish tradition. The rides are casual and slow-paced, traveling an average of 7 to 10 miles in distance. They usually end around 8 p.m., but riders don’t have to stay for the whole ride. “It’s not a workout. It’s a social activity that has a workout element to it,” Morgan says.

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

COVID MAY COME IN

SPICY OR MILD... but you don’t know which kind you’re going to get.

You may have heard that Omicron is “mild” or that you should get it to “get it over with.” But you can’t choose which type of COVID-19 you get. Many people in Louisiana are still getting severely ill, and the risks of Long COVID are real and significant.

SO GO AHEAD, ORDER YOUR FAVORITE FOOD WITH A LITTLE KICK, BUT DON’T TAKE A CHANCE WITH COVID-19.

To find a vaccine location near you, visit vaccines.gov. If you have more questions - that’s okay! Call the Department of Health’s COVID Vaccine Hotline at 855-453-0774 to speak with a trusted medical professional.

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

OUR CITY //

Capital Heights Social Ride For a laid-back ride with locals in the Capital Heights neighborhood CYCLING IS FOR everyone. The Capital Heights Social Ride group is a blend of people of all ages, from children to retirees. The membershipfree club rides every Wednesday (weather permitting) at 7 p.m. It meets at Ingleside Methodist Church in the parking lot on the corner of Capital Heights and Glenmore Avenue. “We like to show people how to get to places by bike if they’re unfamiliar,” ride leader Dominic Miserendino says. Rides typically last 8 to 15 miles with occasional stops at local spots for food and drinks. The group has ridden to local golf courses, Torchy’s Tacos, The Vintage, Bengal Tap Room, Cypress Coast Brewing Co. and Tin Roof Brewing Co. During the ride, group members look out for each other. They keep an eye out for potholes, bumps and other hazards. Miserendino recommends riders have lights on their bike for safety if they plan to ride after dark. “We’re very friendly, open and informal,” Miserendino says. “Just show up with a bike on a Wednesday night.”

“We like to show people how to get to places by bike if they’re unfamiliar.” —Capital Heights Social Ride leader Dominic Miserendino

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

OUR CITY //

UPCOMING SHOWS

Geaux Ride For an upbeat downtown night ride with music and lights GEAUX RIDE IS like a party on wheels. The downtown bicycle shop offers bike tours, bike rentals and community rides every week. The Geaux Ride bikes are dressed in glow-in-the-dark lights and riders can jam out to music blasting from a portable speaker on loan from the shop. Local entrepreneur Charles Daniel started Geaux Ride in New Orleans in September 2016. He wanted to create a positive outlet for the community to have fun and be active. After the business started growing and he saw a need for something similar in Baton Rouge, he brought Geaux Ride to the Capital Region. “I want Geaux Ride to be a staple for Baton Rouge, one that promotes healthy lives and brings diversity to the downtown area,” Daniel says. On Thursdays at 7 p.m., Geaux Ride hosts a free community ride for the public. The group often stops at local businesses and wraps up the ride around 9:30 p.m. Riders can rent bikes from the shop for $20 an hour and $30 for two hours. Geaux Ride also hosts group tours on Friday and Saturday nights at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. The tours include music and each person receives glow-in-the-dark accessories. Tours are open to the public with 30 bicycles available. “I want to cater to people who don’t ride that often,” Daniel says. “I want to bring physical and mental health awareness, as well as that nostalgic feeling people feel when they ride a bike that makes them smile, laugh and brings them to a good place.”

ONLINE downtowneastsocialride.com geauxridebikes.com Find Capital Heights Social Ride on Facebook

“I want to cater to people who don’t ride that often.” —Geaux Ride leader Charles Daniel

More social riding groups Ascension Soul Riderz City to City Riderz Dynamic Geaux Riders Slo Rollin Riderz Tuesdays on Wheels United Riderz Find the groups on Facebook

MARCH 11 | 7:30 PM Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970’s, is now more alive and compelling than ever. This 5-time Grammy Nominated ensemble is exploring new musical territory and bringing an exceptional musical performance to stages everywhere.

Georgia on My Mind MAY 13 | 7:30 PM

Ray Charles, a Georgia native son, was an American treasure. He transcended racism, cultural upheavals, and spread his music based on Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country around the world... he was a genius! This show celebrates Ray’s music with an all-star cast of Emmy, Grammy, and NAACP Image award winning performers.

M A N S H I P T H E AT R E . O R G • 2 2 5 - 3 4 4 - 0 3 3 4 Supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal agency. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, funded by the East Baton Rouge

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #3 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

OUR CITY //

The money match Local business MatchPoint Connection navigates the wild worlds of NIL partnerships and influencer marketing By Maggie Heyn Richardson LSU GYMNAST Olivia Dunne has made big news for inking deals with brands that want to capitalize on her name, image and likeness (NIL). She’s just one of many athletes in Louisiana and around the country landing NIL partnerships, thanks to new rules established by the NCAA in June 2021. Since then, athletes have seen a bevy of opportunity. Before the 2021 season, LSU quarterback Myles Brennan scored deals with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Hollingsworth Ford. Recently, LSU wide receiver Kayson Boutte and women’s basketball point guard Alexis Morris signed partnerships with Gordon McKernan Injury Lawyers. The ability of college athletes to cash in on their NIL is a tectonic shift in the worlds of sports and marketing, creating a dynamic environment that’s changing all the time. One Baton Rouge company, MatchPoint Connection, finds itself perfectly positioned to serve as matchmaker.

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[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

• ............

Two years in the making, the MatchPoint platform connects brands with talent. And it’s not just athletes. Say you’re a blogger, a model or a musician with significant clicks. Create a profile on MatchPoint, and get connected with brands eager to partner. Now that college athletes can legally get into the game, MatchPoint has seen business explode. MatchPoint now hosts about 5,000 influencers from 47 states, along with 550 brands, says CEO Brian Oliver. “We were in the right place at the right time for NIL,” Oliver says. “Since July 1 of last year, we’ve been nonstop. We’re seeing new deals every single day.” MatchPoint functions a lot like a dating app. In fact, founders say the free-to-join platform is the only two-way marketplace so far in which both influencers and brands shop for best-fit relationships. Influencers can polish their profiles and make a pitch to brands. Everything flows within the app, including the negotiated deal between the two parties.

OUR CITY //

No surprise, football players are a high-profile subset of the athletes garnering NIL deals through MatchPoint. But last fall, the company also created a division targeting female athletes, which it sees as a growth category. One of MatchPoint’s better known clients is LSU gymnast Sarah Edwards, who has completed 14 NIL deals since working with MatchPoint, with brands that include Orange Theory, Paris Parker Salon, Game Coin, Red Stick Social and the local boutique Chic, according to Oliver. “We created a new department for women influencers,” Oliver says. “It’s well-organized, communicative and is working to help influencers create value for themselves.” Earlier this year, the company also announced its new NIL MatchPoint Marketing Fund, in which MatchPoint acts as a third party to establish larger, longer term NIL deals between athletes and high profile brands. LSU is its first school of focus. In fact, the deal between Boutte and Gordon McKernan Injury Lawyers was developed through this channel. In these relationships, following NCAA compliance is key, Oliver says. Part of

Looking to try something new? Swing into action with

the company’s role is to provide compliance documentation to the NCAA. In another new project, MatchPoint is building out a collective that will allow individuals and businesses to contribute to LSU athletes through a nonprofit fund. Athletes will receive money after they meet a charitable deliverable that could include making an appearance at a children’s hospital, serving food in a homeless shelter or signing autographs that the charity could later auction, Oliver says. The last few months have been fast-moving for MatchPoint and Oliver fully expects to see new facets of the NIL world emerge. “We could see high school athletes getting into the game,” he says. “One thing is for sure: It’s going to keep changing.” matchpointconnection.com

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Fast Paced + Low Impact + Easy to Learn

COLLIN RICHIE

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WWW.ROTOBR.COM 225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

This Month [ M A R C H ]

@ BREC NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE IN THE PARK

Baringer Road Park March 4 | 5:30 p.m. Plank Road Park March 18 | 5:30 p.m. Gus Young Avenue Park March 25 | 5:30 p.m.

ROLL/WALK/RUN

Forest Community Park

POP-UP + UNPLUG

Forest Community Park March 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

SPRING GREEN AT THE ZOO

BREC SUMMER CAMP REGISTER TODAY!

brec.org/summercamp

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo March 12 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

SATURDAY MORNING STUDIOS: SHEL SILVERSTEIN

March 5 | 10 a.m.-noon

ROCKIN’ AT THE SWAMP

Milton J. Womack Park

MARDI GRAS FUN RUN

March 12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

STEM EXPANSION

Perkins Road Community Park

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

March 19 | 10:30 a.m.-noon

March 5 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

PLUS NIGHT

Highland Road Park Observatory

GEAUX FISH CATFISH RODEO

March 12 | 7-10 p.m.

SOLAR VIEWING

Howell Community Park

Highland Road Park Observatory

March 19 | 3:30-7:30p.m.

March 5 | 7:30 a.m.-noon

SUNSHINE SOCIAL: LEAPING LEPRECHAUNS

Highland Road Park Observatory

SCIENCE ACADEMY

March 18 | 6-9 p.m.

SENSORY BUNNY

Highland Road Park Observatory

Jefferson Highway Park Ballroom

March 19 | noon-2 p.m.

March 5 + 12 + 26 | 10 a.m.-noon

SPRING ESPORTS TOURNAMENT: NBA 2K22

Zachary Community Park

ART UNWINED: HANAMI (WATCHING BLOSSOMS)

March 19 | noon

CAMPING 101

Milton J. Womack Park

Red Oaks Park

March 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

CONTINUOUS EGG HUNT

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

March 19 | 3-5 p.m.

Independence Community Park March 11 + 25 | 6-8 p.m.

Anna T. Jordan Community Park

March 25 | 6-8 p.m.

Highland Road Community Park March 26 + 27 | 3 p.m.-10 a.m.

Independence Community Park March 26 | 3-5 p.m.

BREC.ORg/thismonth BREC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, veteran status or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

I AM 225 //

More on 225 Theatre Collective The company’s next event, “A Night of Monologues,” is March 12. Local thespians will deliver classic, contemporary and even some original monologues at Bee Nice Music in Capital Heights. Admission is free. Schedule a future audition or find out more about the company at 225theatrecollective.com.

Stephanie Bartage Through a mothers’ group on Facebook, Bartage met fellow thespian Victoria Brown, a New York native and graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, and the two quickly struck a personal and creative bond from which emerged 225 Theatre Collective. Their new company strives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the theatrical arts. Bartage and her teammates—co-founder Brown, acting coach and social media manager Jordan Hebert, and technical director and graphic designer Ashley Schmid—want no one to approach their auditions with trepidation that they will be judged on anything but the quality of their performance. The company’s first production was a soldout stage reading of Simon Levy’s theatrical adaptation of The Great Gatsby in January at The Guru on Government St. The main character, Jay Gatsby, was portrayed by Marq Parks, a local

Black actor and LSU theater graduate. It’s in line with one of the core goals outlined in the group’s mission statement: “to look past stereotypical casting and to provide opportunities for diversity on stage.” “We have people of color on our cast that never would have thought they would be cast as that role,” Bartage says. “We’re very proud of that.” So far, Bartage says, the enthusiasm with which the community has received 225 Theatre Collective has been encouraging. Even before the Gatsby show hit the stage, Bartage was fielding questions about what the group’s next production would be and whether they would be holding workshops in the future. She says it’s become apparent that their mission—and its importance—is resonating.

—ZANE PIONTEK

“I want 225 Theatre Collective to be a space where people feel included, feel safe and just feel like they have a chance.” 225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

COLLIN RICHIE

WITH A NEWFOUND home in Baton Rouge and degree in theater performance in her pocket, Stephanie Bartage set out in 2019 in hopes of striding the stages of local theater houses. Like most budding thespians, she auditioned ravenously, and, again like most budding thespians, she met a lot of rejection. It wasn’t so discouraging at first. She knew any aspiring performer must come to terms with rejection, and that sat just fine with her. Nature of the game. But last spring, when she felt she’d positively crushed an audition only to find out she still didn’t get the role, she began to suspect it wasn’t her talent losing her roles. She says she wondered if it was because she was Latina. For her, that was the “final straw,” and the moment she became determined to carve out more space for people of diverse races and ethnicities. “I was like, ‘You know what? Why not open my own theater company,” she says.

C OV E R S T ORY

Moveit

25 unique ways to workout in the Capital City THERE’S MORE TO fitness than the treadmill. And these days, gym time doesn’t even necessarily have to be inside a gym. You can swing from a trapeze as you learn circus arts. You can practice yoga on a farm, all while goats climb on your back. You can try your hand at pickleball, the nation’s fastest growing sport. Yes, you can find all of these activities—and more—in Baton Rouge. You just have to know where to look. Because working out can and should be fun. More importantly, it should be whatever you want it to be.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, America’s Health Rankings, WebMD, BetterHealth Channel, Healthline, Piedmont, Columbia Association, Pumped Up SUP, Super Fly Honey, RX Resource, MedAlertHelp

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

By Maggie Heyn Richardson,

Domenic Purdy and Meg Ryan Photos by Collin Richie SIDEBARS BY DOMENIC PURDY

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Bre’Lyn Calhoun, instructor at Indulge Fitness, demonstrates aerial acrobatics on a lyra hoop.

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

C OV E R S T ORY

DIGIT

150

Minutes per week is the recommended amount of time an adult should spend exercising. That averages to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts as exercise.

TRY IT GymFit Adventure Community Center offers classes in circus arts for all ages. Kids and adults can hone their aerial skills in various classes with silks, straps, trapeze and slings on every weekday and Sunday mornings. GymFit is at 4343 Rhoda Drive (just off Airline Highway). gymfitbr.com

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

David Gabel and Aimee Fairchild demonstrate trapeze at GymFit.

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Aerial acrobatics instruction is offered for adults and children alike at GymFit.

Just like a circus

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Explore circus arts and more at GymFit Adventure Community Center

BETWEEN THE METALLIC clang of free-

standing weights, the monotonous whirl of the treadmill and the heavy exhales emanating from all corners of the “iron paradise,” the atmosphere of the typical gym is seared into our minds. But the conventional workout isn’t for everyone. Enter GymFit Adventure Community Center. The facility does feature a fully operational weight room, indoor and outdoor pools, and rooms for spin, yoga and cardio classes. But the first thing guests see when they walk in is a series of “adventure rooms.” These spaces house the various circus arts the community center prides itself on. Walking into an aerial class, GymFit feels more akin to a dance studio. Students and teachers of all ages are lifting themselves or their partners up on suspended silk ropes and trapezes, using their upper body strength. Once suspended, an aerialist swings with the poise of a ballerina, extending their arms and contracting them as they rotate slower and faster in a dance not unlike something out of a Cirque du Soleil show. “We’re more than just your typical gym,” says Joshua Roberts, owner and founder of GymFit. When Roberts created GymFit in the summer of 2012, he sought to build a place that was about more than working out. He wanted to create a community, and “a one-stop-shop” in the vein of the YMCAs he grew up in. A big part of creating a community, Roberts says, was slowly introducing different activities like the

aforementioned circus arts, which began humbly as an adult tumbling class and later grew to incorporate acrobatics and aerial workouts. David Gabel, co-owner of GymFit, played a significant role in creating the various circus arts classes. A competitor on seasons two, four and six of American Ninja Warrior, Gabel used his training to transition into teaching classes on trapeze and aerial silks, both of which utilize upper body strength to suspend oneself on hanging apparatuses. Kids and adults are taught how to pull themselves up using silks, swing from a trapeze and perform with aerial silks, either solo or with a partner. Gabel’s students and instructors use these former racquetball courts as their playground. Gabel’s mantra: “Let’s do silly and amazing things.” “It doesn’t matter how weak you are at the start, you eventually become so much stronger,” Gabel says. “(Students) will be amazed at their fitness and strength. They start to enjoy what their bodies can do.” Gabel and Roberts say they are still surprised at the diversity of people they see coming to their classes. They recall a 51-year-old man who could barely do a pull-up when he joined. He now performs on aerial silks. They cite a preteen who recently taught a 30-yearold man how to do a flip. “It kind of gave me goosebumps,” Roberts says. Another student, Rachel Mason, has begun to rethink what working out can be because of the aerial classes at GymFit. She says she went from someone who “hated the gym and could barely stand the treadmill for more than 5 minutes” to performing aerial tricks with Gabel as a partner. And that is what Roberts sees GymFit as: an avenue to help both kids and adults on a journey to fitness, even if it is by unconventional means. “We want (to) draw more families, more adults and more kids to try these things out,” Roberts says, “and hopefully discover a new passion.”

—DOMENIC PURDY

CARDIO NO AUDIO at JiggAerobics

The Louisianaborn fitness system seen on Shark Tank is like a personalized dance party. JiggAerobics gets your heart beating and feet thumping. The customizable workout is available to book for private parties, team building or with friends. Also available are virtual dance parties with the same energy and cardio workouts. jiggaerobicsfitness.com

BMX AND SKATEBOARDING at BREC’s Extreme Sports Park The BREC Perkins Road Community Park features a 30,000-square-foot concrete skate park, a 333-meter Velodrome and a BMX track for extreme athletes of all ages. Skaters can ride from sunrise to 10 p.m. most nights and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Find it on Facebook

TRAMPOLINE PARKS A great way to get your blood pumping (and a fantastic energy outlet for kids and adults alike), trampoline parks offer active family fun. Right near the Mall of Louisiana is DEFY Baton Rouge (defy.com) with its wall-to-wall trampolines, trapeze and foam pits. In Denham Springs, give Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park (airborneextreme. com) a shot.

ARCHERY AND AX THROWING at Gotham Archery and Axe Throwing Archery and ax throwing are fun, out-of-the-box experiences. Try an hour-long introductory course in both. Everything you need to hit the bullseye is included in the $20 archery or $25 ax-throwing packages. gothamarcherybr.com

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

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TRY IT

Ready to rumble

TITLE Baton Rouge is at 9659 Antioch Road. Classes are offered daily. Find the schedule at titleboxingclub.com/batonrouge-long-farm-la.

Experienced and amateur boxers alike can thrive at TITLE Boxing Club

ROWS OF HEAVY bags sway gently as gloved hands deliver rhythmic, one-two punches. But it’s not beefy boxers doing the pounding. A room full of regular folks are taking shots, exorcizing the day’s demons while pushing their physical limits in an intense, total body workout. And boxing isn’t all that’s offered here. After several minutes on the bags, class members head for a series of isometric stations that also improve cardio and build strength. Part of the boutique gym boom that’s swept the nation, fitness boxing— like the kind offered here at TITLE Boxing Club Baton Rouge—has become wildly popular. Toss out images of face-saving headgear and bulging mouthpieces; no-contact fitness boxing is designed to be fun as well as welcoming to newbies. The majority of TITLE Baton Rouge’s members are women between the ages of 25 and 45, owner Lance LaMotte says. “You don’t have to have any kind of boxing experience when you walk through the door,” he adds. “Our instructors meet you where you are, and you get great benefits no matter your fitness level.” LaMotte, a Baton Rouge cardiologist, and his wife, Kim, an attorney, opened the TITLE Baton Rouge franchise in Long Farm in September 2020. Their decision was inspired by a fitness boxing class Lance took while the two were on vacation. “I like to workout whenever we travel,” LaMotte says. “And when I took this boxing class, I immediately noticed the difference from other forms of exercise. It was a total body workout like nothing I’d ever done. I said, ‘This is it.” Opening a side business in the fitness space had long been a personal dream for LaMotte, who gets up every day at 4 a.m. to exercise before seeing patients. Performing basic boxing drills, like punching the heavy bag on quick feet, delivers an all-around workout that trims the core and improves agility and balance, he says. Fitness boxing has another upside, LaMotte adds. It’s shown to be of benefit to those with Parkinson’s Disease. TITLE even offers a special class for Parkinson’s patients. —MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

no.

LES MILLS BODYCOMBAT at Spectrum Fitness

Punch and kick your way through this high-intensity workout that combines karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay Thai. The driving music and powerful instruction will get your blood pumping at the Perkins location of Spectrum on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. spectrumfitness.com

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

The majority of TITLE Boxing Club’s members in Baton Rouge are women between the ages of 25 and 45.

FITNESS KICKBOXING at BR Krav Maga At three locations, you can take part in 30-minute workouts that consist of 10 three-minute rounds. The high-energy workouts are designed to keep your body guessing from start to finish, combining various techniques to get your heart racing for targeted strength and fat burning, as well as a chance to improve hand-eye coordination and agility, all in one workout. batonrougekravmaga.com

POWER GROUP TRAINING at Iron Tribe Fitness Train like an Olympian with the POWER class, held at Iron Tribe’s two locations. POWER helps build strength across the entire body with a blend of strength training, cardio, gymnastics and weightlifting. It utilizes the barbell in most of its workouts to build muscle while burning fat and improving metabolism. The workout incorporates Olympic powerlifting techniques in movements like the squat, deadlift and bench press. irontribebatonrouge.com

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IT’S RARE THAT a sport can bring five generations together. But on a recent Sunday morning at BREC’s Greenwood Community Park in Baker, athletes of all ages are playing pickleball. To a soundtrack of ’80s and ’90s music, men and women crisscross the court, volleying the ball back and forth. Though you might not have heard of it until recently, pickleball’s origins date back to the ’60s. The game shares much of its DNA with tennis, with similar mechanics and scoring. It is even played on tennis courts, with some slight modifications. At Greenwood, tennis courts set for demolition were instead reformatted to meet the demand for pickleball. “The easiest way to describe pickleball is miniature tennis played with a plastic paddle instead of a racket and a wiffle ball,” says Kyle Chittenden, the pickleball director at The Legacy at Bonne Esperance. Chittenden is also part of Baton Rouge Pickleball, a group attempting to start a local competitive league. Despite only having an estimated 500,000 players in the U.S. five years ago, the number of “picklers” grew to about 2.5 million by 2021. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Just last month, publications from New York Magazine to The Seattle Times speculated on the sport’s future. In the Capital City, pickleball is now offered everywhere from BREC parks to the YMCA. “Our end goal is to bring in new players. Some people just want some

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In a pickle

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It’s the nation’s fast-growing sport, and in Baton Rouge, it’s attracting Gen Zers and Baby Boomers alike

sort of activity where they can get exercise and socialize,” Chittenden says. “And COVID has kind of been a great thing for pickleball because it is naturally distanced; you play about 6 feet apart from one another, the balls are plastic so they’re easily sanitized, and you never have to make contact.” After trying to get involved with BREC’s basketball league at age 53 as a way to keep himself active, Robert Kelly, BREC’s pickleball coordinator, fell into pickleball. “Pickleball is the only sport that I know of where multiple generations can compete and have fun in the same sport,” Kelly says. “In March, I’m having a fun tournament where grandmothers are competing with their granddaughters. And they’re excited about doing that.” For one semi-retired couple, the Hostetlers, pickleball is a way to keep active when not managing their small business. “It’s a really tight community that’s really geographical,” Lisa Hostetler says. “Here at Greenwood, we’re all good friends, we travel to tournaments together, and there’s a lot of really good socialization out of it.” Across a dozen courts around town, college students face off against opponents sometimes three times their age while words of encouragement volley across the low-hanging net between. “That was awesome,” says one Greenwood pickler to her opponent. They both laugh and continue their match. Later, they’ll offer newcomers their spare paddles—and a chance to try the sport for themselves.

BREC offers pickleball memberships across its various facilities starting at $7 a month. Facilities like Highland Road Community Park and Plank Road Park offer opportunities either once or twice a week in indoor venues. Greenwood Community Park’s dedicated courts are open to the public for $2 of unlimited play, seven days a week. Other BREC facilities with tennis courts offer pickleball lanes, as well. Visit brec. org to learn more, or contact BREC’s Pickleball Coordinator, Robert Kelly, at robert.kelly@ brec.org. Information on other facilities, including The Legacy at Bonne Esperance can be found at places2play.org, and you can also find Baton Rouge Pickleball on Facebook.

—DOMENIC PURDY

TOPGOLF

Topgolf brings the social-bowling-alley experience to golf: Beer, small plates and high-def TVs pair nicely with the flexible competition of the driving range. Topgolf is open seven days a week, until 11 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday, and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. topgolf. com/us/baton-rouge

BREC’s Greenwood Community Park is now one of many spots to play pickleball in Baton Rouge.

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Goat yoga does the body—and mind—good

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EEP BREATHING, STRETCHING and pet therapy rolled into one—sounds like the perfect remedy for a world that continues to feel upended. Welcome to goat yoga at Old Rusty Gate Farm. Participants come from around Louisiana and even southern Mississippi to attend the occasional classes. Yoga instructor Kristy Craig opens by inviting everyone to get comfy on their mats, explaining how goat yoga works. It’s not complicated. Throughout the traditional yoga class, cute Nubian dairy goats that live on the farm walk among you, sometimes sitting on your mat or nuzzling your face. The goats don’t actually do yoga, although they can be held on your back as you perform a plank or cat-cow pose. The magic simply lies in being around the cuddly creatures, who are friendly, funny and comfortable with people. The class is the brainchild of Sophia Allen, 17, and her mom, Sarah. It stemmed from Sophia’s longtime

hobby of raising and showing goats in 4-H competitions. A few years ago, as goat yoga was trending in some parts of the country, the family decided to host their first goat yoga class. They recruited Craig, an instructor at Ztime Fitness in Walker, to teach it. They donated the proceeds to a church fundraiser. Today, the microenterprise helps Sophia care for her herd, which now includes 11 Nubian dairy goats. She also makes goat milk soap. Goat yoga classes take place outdoors under a pavilion at the family farm every few months. They’re designed to be accessible to beginners. As Craig guides participants through movements and poses, the goats mill about, interacting with the humans in cute and unexpected ways. As attendees ease themselves into Downward Facing Dog, for example, they might be met with a goat kiss. “It’s really beautiful to watch the whole thing take place,” Sarah Allen says. “People don’t realize how therapeutic it is.” The next class will be held in April in time for Easter. “We may even throw some rabbits in there,” she says.

SOUND BATH AND YOGA at Ke Care Yoga & Wellness

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Old Rusty Gate Farm’s goat yoga classes at 12802 Florida Blvd. in Livingston are by reservation only. To find out more about the April class and upcoming events, follow the farm on Instagram at @oldrustygatefarm.

Relax and unwind during lessons with certified yoga instructor and life coach Keke Morgan. If meditation is more what you need, try the sound bath, an immersive meditation using specific instruments to help relaxation and healing. kecareyogawellness.com

EXHALE CLASS at Yoglates Exhale is Yoglates’ spin on Hatha yoga. The 45-minute class combines dim lighting, calm music and cool towels to emphasize active recovery. Try the rejuvenating class Thursdays at 6 p.m. or Sundays at 4 p.m. theyoglates.com

ENGLISH AND WESTERN RIDING LESSONS at BREC Farr Park Equestrian Center Learn how to ride for the first time or hone your skills. Lessons are offered for students ages 6 and up at multiple difficulty levels. Lessons are available by appointment between Tuesday and Friday. brec.org

Alongside her mom, 17-year-old Sophia Allen came up with the idea to start goat yoga classes at Old Rusty Gate Farm.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

DIGIT

20-30%

Increase in the death risk for the physically inactive. Inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable disease mortality.

KEY WORD Endorphins Chemicals released during exercise that reduce perception of pain and trigger positive feelings. That’s why workouts are often described as “euphoric” or a “runner’s high.” These chemicals help ward off anxiety, boost selfesteem and reduce stress.

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Flying high Build confidence while burning calories with Indulge Fitness’ classes in aerial acrobatics and pole dancing

DIAMONIQUE JAMES BELIEVES a workout benefits more than your physical health. The owner of Indulge Fitness enjoys seeing her clients’ self-confidence bloom in an inclusive and empowering space. “I love women of all different backgrounds being able to come together and have a peaceful, powerful environment,” James says. The fitness studio opened in the Broadmoor area in March 2015, offering classes in aerial silks and lyra hoop, pole dancing and flexibility. The goal was to provide a unique workout but also encourage participants to believe in their inner strength. The class has been particularly empowering for women, Indulge’s predominant audience, but James says the studio welcomes men to participate, as well. James, utilizing her aerial silks training from LSU, calls the workouts “beautiful, expressive ways to stay healthy.” “I personally lost over 30 pounds by doing only the exercises offered at Indulge Fitness,” she says. “Aerial silks and pole dancing were more appealing ways to burn calories than traditional workouts. You often don’t realize how many calories you’re burning because it’s so much fun.” James says a one-hour class burns about 400 Indulge Fitness classes calories, builds muscle and are offered Monday improves flexibility. Plus, through Saturday, along the inclusive environment with private lessons and welcomes everyone, no parties. Customers can matter their skill level. purchase membership packages or individual James says many clients classes. The studio is at come in thinking the skills 1543 Delplaza Drive, Suite will be impossible, but after 3. indulgefitness.net accomplishing a few moves, they return to each class motivated to learn more. After signing up online and filling out the necessary paperwork, participants are asked to come to class with no lotion on their skin (for better grip) and wearing shorts (for pole dancing) or leggings (for aerial silks). A certified instructor starts with a beginner-friendly stretch followed by a tutorial on climbing the pole or silks for upper body strength and body awareness. Then, clients learn poses or choreography for their individual skill level. All five of Indulge Fitness’ experienced instructors put the clients’ needs and strengths first to make each class rewarding, James adds. “We believe diversity is a strength,” she says, “giving clients many classes and options to choose which classes fit their personal needs best.”

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—MEG RYAN

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In circus acrobatics, artists can swing or spin from the lyra aerial hoop, as seen here with Indulge Fitness instructor Bre’Lyn Calhoun.

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ASK THE EXPERT ARE YOU 50? HAVE YOU HAD YOUR COLONOSCOPY? KNOW THE FACTS FROM OUR EXPERTS Q. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AT-HOME COLON CANCER SCREENING TESTS AND A COLONOSCOPY? Instructors at Indulge Fitness

Why pole dancing workouts? Regular practice improves: + Coordination + Upper body strength + Abdominal muscle toning + Self-perception and self-esteem

A. At-home colon cancer screening tests (Cologuard and FIT testing) are decent at detecting colon cancer but not good for detecting polyps, the precursors to colon cancer. If you have a positive athome colon cancer screening test, you need a colonoscopy to investigate why it is positive. False positives do occur. A colonoscopy is an outpatient colon cancer screening procedure that is good for detecting both colon cancer and polyps. Furthermore, during your colonoscopy your gastroenterologist will remove any polyps that are found, so that the polyps never have a chance to become a colon cancer. By detecting and removing polyps, a colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer. Because of this, a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard test for colon cancer screening.

Q. WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR COLON CANCER SCREENING?

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LINE DANCING at BREC

Grab a partner and join in on a line dancing class across the multiple BREC sites. Hop in for a choreographed dance with a small group in a fun, low-impact workout that gets your blood flowing. Join in on Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. at Alsen Park, Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at Anna T. Jordan Community Center, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at North Sherwood Forest Community Park for Steps in Motion Line Dance Class. brec.org

A. Typically, insurance will pay for one colon cancer screening test. That means they will cover either an at-home colon cancer screening test or colonoscopy. Not both. If you have a positive at-home colon cancer screening test, you will have to pay for the required follow-up colonoscopy out-of-pocket.

IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF POLYPS OR A FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER, COLONOSCOPY IS THE ONLY FORM OF COLON CANCER SCREENING THAT IS RECOMMENDED. For questions or to schedule a colonoscopy consultation with one of our gastroenterologists please call (225) 246-9240.

TREAD WORKOUT at TreadBR The Perkins Road studio’s signature class will take you from the treadmill to the floor for an hour’s worth of upbeat cardio, sculpting and strengthening. Classes are offered mornings and evenings Monday-Friday; and in the mornings on Saturdays. treadbr.com

MAIN CLINIC 7373 PERKINS ROAD BATON ROUGE, LA 70808 l (225) 769-4044

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19.7%

of adults met the federal physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of exercise a week in 2019.

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BREC's Sydney Parish demonstrates kayaking at Greenwood Community Park in Baker, while Hisa Turner (pictured at right) takes out the paddleboard.

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Water workout

There are ample opportunities to explore the waterways of Baton Rouge

THE BEST KIND of workout is one that’s filled with beautiful distractions. Hop aboard a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for a workout that freshens your mind while also elevating your heart rate, strengthening your muscles and helping you learn and perfect a new skill—all against a peaceful backdrop. Get started with this engaging form of exercise through Baton Rouge’s park system, BREC, which rents kayaks and canoes and hosts paddling events through its popular Outdoor Adventure division. Sign up for a Kayaking 101 class and learn the basics of the sport on a shallow lake or pond around town. As you advance your skills, join a Paddle Away class, a guided adventure exploring a local bayou or river. And when you really feel comfortable, move to the Expedition Paddle level, in which a guide takes you to faster moving currents outside East Baton Rouge Parish. Vessels are provided, or you can bring your own. Over the last few years, BREC has made progress developing a “Blueway Map” for the parish, a system of connected waterways accessible to paddlers. BREC’s newly renovated boathouse at Greenwood Community Park, which is open seasonally, features kayak, canoe and SUP rentals. Milford Wampold Memorial Park has a boat launch that allows paddlers with their own vessels to explore the LSU Lakes. Similarly, Highland Road Community Park has a boat launch that gives access to Bayou Fountain. And we can look forward to the future. New boat launches are underway at Manchac Park, and in the forthcoming Airline Highway Community Park. The master plan for the LSU and City Park Lakes also calls for major improvements to the health of this water system along with recreational kayak, canoe and SUP rentals.

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

Why paddleboarding? Regular practice improves: + Core muscles and abdominal strength + Stamina + Vitamin D intake + Stress reduction

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PADDLEBOARD RENTALS AND LESSONS at Muddy Water Paddle Company

Hop on a paddleboard and hit the water with Muddy Water’s lessons, starting at $35 an hour. Once you’ve gotten used to the sport, rent a board for $65 a day. You can also book group lessons and parties. muddywaterpaddleco. com

ROCK CLIMBING at Uptown Climbing A dedicated rock climbing facility, Uptown offers a 90-footlong bouldering wall, as well as over 60 rope stations to engage your body in ways you never thought was possible. With its various rock walls designed for both speed and strength training, the facility on Coursey Boulevard has everything amatuer and seasoned climbers need. uptownclimbing.com

HAPPY’S RUNNING CLUB Meet like-minded individuals with an interest in staying active while having a little fun at this non-committal social-running club. The group gathers every week at Happy’s Irish Pub on Tuesday at 6 p.m. And if running isn’t your thing, you can always walk, bring your dog on a leash or stay back and drink a beer with the Virtual Running Club. happysrunning.com

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Body Sculpt Barre Studio offers classes daily in Prairieville, Central, Brusly and Zachary. Book a class or find info at bodysculptbarrestudio.com.

Shelly Saurage launched the Prairieville-born Body Sculpt Barre Studio in 2013.

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600-1,000

The amount of calories a person can burn during an hour of Zumba. It also works as a total body toning workout with high- and low-intensity segments.

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Barres and besties

Body Sculpt’s classes are a chance to get social—at the bar or the barre studio

BARRE WORKOUTS ARE a big thing these days. Triggering memories of ballet lessons, the classes use a mounted barre as the centerpiece of a regimen of targeted, isometric movements that tone and strengthen the glutes, quads, arms and core. At locally owned Body Sculpt Barre Studio, barre basics are combined with cardio, strength, yoga, Pilates and other exercises, says founder Shelly Saurage, who started the Prairieville-based company in 2013. It’s now grown to include a second location in Central and franchise locations in Brusly and Zachary. “One of the things that separates us is that none of our classes ever repeat,” Saurage says. “I train our instructors to follow a certain road map, but how they stack it is up to them. Depending on the cues they receive from the class, they’ll toggle back and forth between really challenging and less challenging work.” Moreover, Saurage says her business balances enhancing fitness

with building community, both within the walls of the gym and across greater Baton Rouge. A former primary school teacher, she’s never out of ideas for high-energy activities and special events. Saurage regularly coordinates onsite popups at restaurants to encourage her audience to try locally owned small businesses. She and her team have also held group workouts at community events like Live After Five. And she has coordinated drives and fundraisers to support organizations that include Woman’s Hospital, the Bella Bowman Foundation and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Such social gatherings provide Body Sculpt Barre’s members a social outlet that boosts their mental health, Saurage says. “Our clients are the most amazing, and we strive to be a support system for them,” she says. “I’m all about women supporting and empowering women.”

—MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

SWEAT-BURNSCULPT SESSION at Evolve Studio In a workout that combines Evolve’s two signature classes, SWEAT-BURN-SCULPT starts with 30 minutes of heart-pumping, sweatburning work with “Burn.” It finishes with 30 minutes of “EvolvePilates” to shape and sculpt your body. Classes are offered Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. evolvestudiosla.com

ZUMBA FITNESS MASHUP at Sweatbox Combining highenergy music from around the world and the signature dance workout of Zumba, this Fitness Mashup brings Afro-beat sounds together with hip-hop dance moves for a workout with soul every Wednesday at 7 p.m. sweatboxbr.com

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

J Lane Boutique you. beautiful. Be

OWNER: Jessica Landers

With almost 4 years of styling the beautiful women in our community, our passion and love for fashion continues to grow. When you shop with the ladies at J Lane Boutique, our goal is to make you feel BEAUTIFUL in your own skin. THANK YOU to my beautiful team of women that are making my dreams a reality every day, and to all the women who have supported J Lane Boutique. Cheers to another successful year!

“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.” 14350 Wax Rd., Suite 108 • Baton Rouge, LA • 225-218-4412 •

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S P E C I A L A DV E RTI S I N G S E C TI O N

Women Impact MAKING AN

Creating change, setting an example, mentoring others, ensuring a family legacy … there are many ways to make a difference, and these women do it in their professions, their workplaces, their homes, and their community.

SPONSORED BY

A public awareness campaign for the Iris Domestic Violence Center was made possible in part by the support of the women featured in this special section. 225 chose to publish this special advertising section to celebrate Women’s History Month.

PEC I A L A DV E RTI S I N G S E C TI O N Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER •SANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

16TH ANNUAL

ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY

FREE KICK-OFF PARTY SATURDAY, MARCH 5 AT 4:00 P.M. THE MAIN LIBRARY AT GOODWOOD Gw en Ro la nd

East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s sixteenth annual One Book One Community initiative will showcase Gwen Roland’s 2006 memoir Atchafalaya Houseboat: My Years in the Louisiana Swamp which includes photographs by nature photographer, C.C. Lockwood. The entire two-month series will highlight the book, as well as other topics such as nature conservation, Louisiana wildlife, birding, and nature photography.

For a detailed schedule, visit the Events Calendar at ebrpl.com For more information about the One Book One Community selection and program, go online to the InfoGuide at ReadOneBook.org.

Delicious food & refreshments, crafts, live zydeco music from RJ & Kreole Smoove, plus community organizations celebrating Louisiana landscapes, nature, cultural heritage, & more!

UPCOMING EVENTS ATCHAFALAYA HOUSEBOAT AUTHOR TALK AND Q&A WITH GWEN ROLAND Saturday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood & Virtual Program

PASS IT ON: SKILLS & STORIES WITH AUTHOR GWEN ROLAND Sunday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m., Main Library at Goodwood & Virtual Program

14 Branches Open Conveniently 7 Days a Week Available 24/7 Online

7711 Goodwood Blvd. • ebrpl.com • 225.231.3750

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SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

EXECUTIVE & MENTOR

Susanne Hall UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Susanne is vice president for Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED’s west region and has been with the company for 25 years. The New Iberia native graduated from University of New Orleans with a degree in accounting. She and her husband Steve are parents to daughter Caroline.

PASSION AND PURPOSE She says her passion is servant leadership, and she is a role model for women in business as she is one of the highest-ranking female operators in the country for her company. She is proud to be able to mentor other women, she says, “so they can reach their goals and achieve their dreams.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Susanne is very driven, goal-oriented and focused to achieve, but she is also authentic, sincere and giving. She has such a great heart for others, her community and workplace and with her many accomplishments, she remains humble and that is truly an inspiration.” — Joya Crawford, co-worker

FAVORITE • Place: Her second home in New Orleans, where she loves spending time with her family and enjoying the New Orleans culture

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Always push to be better.

Never be content.”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RUM & SUGARCANE ENTHUSIAST

Olivia Stewart UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Olivia comes from five generations of cane farming and sugar production in Pointe Coupee Parish. After pursuing an art career for 10 years around the world, she moved back home in 2020 to take over her family’s latest pursuit: distilling rum at her company Three Roll Estate.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Olivia’s roots run deep in the fertile soil of the Mississippi River valley. Born and raised in the sugarcane fields, she has dedicated her life to improving the status quo. Her dedication to Louisiana shows in her striving to improve the quality and equality in the agriculture and spirits industry.

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Olivia’s leadership style and approach to each of her tasks at work shows what a caring person she is. Striving to uplift the local community is always on the forefront of what she is doing, because Louisiana’s culture and people are so important to her. Olivia truly is the sweetest girl I know (pun intended).” — Matt Street

FAVORITE • Way to spend a weekend: Riding horses and tinkering around on the family farm with my fiancé

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”

— Coretta Scott King

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

PHYSICIAN & ACTIVIST

Katherine Dronka UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Katherine is a full-time optometric physician and owner of a state-of-the-art vision and medical practice. Her private practice, Eagle Eye Care in Denham Springs, is a salute to her late father, Colonel Paul Dronka. She practices full-scope surgical optometry, including laser procedures such as glaucoma treatment and the removal of secondary cataracts.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Katherine hopes to continue her medical mission trips, especially to Spanish-speaking nations, as she is bilingual in medical Spanish. She also plans to continue learning sign language to provide ocular health assessments to the deaf and hearing-impaired. “I believe in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth,” she says. “To never stop learning, growing, or challenging yourself. There is far too much in this world to explore to be bored. You will never know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Dr. Dronka is a treasure to all her know her, personally and professionally. She is a true pioneer for full-scope surgical optometry care and especially for women in her industry. She treats all of her patients with the utmost respect and quality care.” — Laura Smith, coworker and friend

FAVORITES • Band: Death Cab for Cutie • Way to spend a Sunday: Going hiking with her dogs • Passion: Selfless service

“

”

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Enjoy the journey.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

BUSINESS OWNER & ADVOCATE

Ellen Pino UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Ellen, a Baton Rouge native, is the owner of Avant Tous Beauty, as well as a wife and mother to three young daughters. “We are a cheer (leader) family and spend countless weekends traveling with cheer events,” she says. “When we’re not competing, we travel as a family to experience new adventures as much as possible.”

PASSION AND PURPOSE Ellen supports many charitable organizations, but cancer awareness is close to her heart because through her work, she is able to help many women feel “normal” again. “Women battling cancer lose a huge part of their identity,” she says. “Many lose not just their hair, but also their eyebrows and lashes. We can help them with extensions, enhancing new growth or microblading. Handing them a mirror and seeing their tears of joy and their feeling of rebirth … it’s truly magical.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “When I think of Ellen, I think of a bright light. She is always happy, motivating, encouraging, and able to bring out the absolute best in others.” — Sarah Smith, friend

FAVORITES • Place: “Anywhere new! There is so much life to live and world to see.” • Way to spend a Sunday: “Church with my family, a great lunch on a patio somewhere with live music, followed by tennis with friends.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

God did not put you where you are by accident...

perhaps this was the moment in which you were created. So if not you, who? If not now, when?”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

REALTOR, MANAGER & ADVOCATE

Jennifer Waguespack UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jennifer has worked in real estate since 2000, and credits her success to the fact that she loves every aspect of the industry and surrounds herself with great people. She and her husband Todd have two sons (Charlie and Jack Henry), and busy careers. As director of sales at Level Homes, Jennifer works with Todd, who is a partner in the company—so work, life and family balance can be tough.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Jennifer is on the executive leadership board for the 2022 Capital Area Heart Walk. “To be able to help save a life by sharing the AHA’s message and statistics for everyone is so powerful. Knowledge is power, and together we can help our community become healthier and stronger,” she says. She is also passionate about mentoring. “I try to help someone on my team every day learn something new and become better at what they do.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Her passion and commitment to our mission of building healthier lives has provided great momentum in the Capital Area.” — Kerin Spears, vice president, Greater Louisiana, American Heart Association

FAVORITES • Book: Grit by Dana Buckworth • Song: Forever Young by Rod Stewart • Way to relax: “I enjoy golfing with Charlie, cooking up a great dinner with a glass of wine, or if we’re in Grand Isle, I love fishing with the family.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Time is a thief.

At the end of the day, yesterday is gone, so don’t look back.”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

INNOVATOR & PEER MENTOR

Ursula White Chapman UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Ursula is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Science at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. She and her husband Troy are the proud parents of a baby girl, Ava.

PASSION AND PURPOSE As the director of the Physiology of Human Adipose Tissue Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, she is committed to understanding the triggers and health consequences of chronic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Her mission, she says, is to make a sustainable impact on humanity through providing service to her peers as well as supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Ursula is a great colleague and a great asset to many research teams. She is highly intelligent and driven, and a natural leader. She is well-respected, and her research is internationally recognized.” — Jacqueline Stephens, PhD, colleague, mentor and friend

FAVORITES • Book: Just about any autobiography. • Way to relax: “Decluttering and reorganizing my thoughts and ideas to recharge for the days ahead. I love family gatherings, spontaneous getaways, and trips to the beach.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

You reap what

you sow.”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

2021 LOUISIANA STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Nathalie Roy UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Nathalie teaches Roman Technology and Myth Makers at Glasgow Middle School. Merging STEM and the ancient classical world, her classes reproduce the products, processes and stories of the Greeks and Romans through hands-on labs and experimental archaeology. “I target curious students who want to learn about classics in a unique way,” she says.

PASSION AND PURPOSE “Staying in the classroom as a teacher is a conscious choice for me. I love spending my days with young people … they are infinitely funny and inspiring. I’ve been recruited for higherpaying administrative jobs in education, but I feel strongly that teaching, loving and building relationships with students is the best service I can do for my city, state, country and world.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Ms. Roy makes everyone around her strive to be the best version of themselves because she believes in them.” — Erin Carter Howard, principal at Glasgow Middle School

FAVORITE Way to relax: Researching and traveling to our nation’s National Parks and historic monuments. “Every one of the hundreds I’ve visited has been a deeply moving experience. Our country is full of so much history and hope,” she says.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences,

we all share the same proud title:

Citizen.” — President Barack Obama

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

BUSINESSWOMAN & MENTOR

Jerry del Rio UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jerry loves people. She has been married for 63 years to her high school sweetheart, and they have four children and 13 grandchildren. She briefly worked as a registered nurse, but found that her true calling was real estate. “To be successful, you must be available 24-7. That’s just the truth,” she says.

PASSION AND PURPOSE “I am a hands-on leader,” Jerry says. “I enjoy providing oneon-one guidance to each of the 15 agents within my company and passing along what has helped me to become successful over the years. One day when I retire or sell my business, I want to know that I have trained them well so they can succeed as professional agents themselves.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Jerry is devoted to her agents and clients. She is their biggest cheerleader and a huge mentor to her realtor family. She exudes unparalleled market intelligence in real estate.” — Robert Johnson, office manager, Del Rio Real Estate

FAVORITES • Way to relax: Reading. “I’m an avid reader, and I read a book before I go to bed every night to help me fall asleep.” • Book: Century Trilogy Series by Ken Follet

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

The Golden Rule:

In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

ENTREPRENEUR & MENTOR

Rachel Eggie Gibbs UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Rachel will never forget the year 2020. Less than a month before opening her first salon, EGGIE Salon Studio, she found out she was pregnant with her (and husband Micah’s) first child. Though some may consider this highly stressful, Rachel thrives on chaos and enjoys the blessings this life gives us. Addison is their first child of hopefully many more, she says, and her Goodwood salon location is also only the beginning of what she has envisioned for her company.

PASSION AND PURPOSE “I have such a passion for growing stylists and teaching them that you can build the life you want to live in the cosmetology world,” she says. “By empowering them, they are better stylists behind the chair and they can give that confidence to our clients.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Rachel is a born leader, and her positivity and passion radiate throughout the salon every single day. Her love for her work extends beyond the chair, beyond the salon doors, and beyond our community. I am proud to be a part of her talented team.” — Mimi Sommers, EGGIE Salon studio manager and best friend since high school

FAVORITES • Book: Shut up and Listen by Tilman Fertitta and The Five Love languages by Gary Chapman • Song: Currently This Is Me from The Greatest Showman • Way to spend a Sunday: “Going to church and relaxing the rest of the day as a family. Our weeks are go, go, go, so to have that family day is my favorite.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Stop being afraid of what could go

wrong and start

getting excited

about what could go right.”

— Tony Robbins

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

ENTREPRENEUR & MOTHER OF FOUR

Jarratt Haviland UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL As owner of Sugar and Bronze, Jarratt Haviland operates her own business in addition to teaching master classes on sugar hair removal both in-house and at conferences around the world. She has served as the International Director of Education for Ke Ko Botanicals for two years and just recently purchased the company. She supports many local charitable organizations and philanthropic events, including BUST Breast Cancer.

PASSION AND PURPOSE “Making an impact starts in your own circle,” she says. “Teaching our children how to treat others by embodying kindness and generosity, teaching our employees that every person who walks through the door is the Queen or the King and should be treated as such, making sure people know they matter … that’s where it all begins. Every big wave starts with a small ripple.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Jarratt is one of the hardest working women I know! She runs an amazing business while balancing her life of being a wife and mom so well. She has such passion for what she does and as a boss, her generosity to her employees is admirable. I’m proud to call her a friend.” — Rachel Eggie, friend

FAVORITE • Thing to do: “Watch my kids do something they love. From soccer, to silks, to swim, I love their confidence and joy when they’re engaged in something they’re passionate about.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Expect the best. Prepare for the worst.

Capitalize on what comes.” — Zig Ziglar

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

BAKERY OWNER & ENTREPRENEUR

Robyn Selders UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Cupcake Junkie owner Robyn Selders recently received a message from a customer that read, “You can tell when bakers and chefs cook with love … that’s what you do.” It touched her because this is exactly how she wants her customers to feel. “I want my ‘Cupcake Junkies to taste the love and effort I’ve put into preparing their sweets,” she says. “It’s a way to play a role in their joyful occasions. I carry that in my heart as I prepare my orders each day.”

PASSION AND PURPOSE Robyn is happy to relieve some of the stress from her customers when they are planning their events. After all, in south Louisiana, the food or cake is often the centerpiece of the celebration, so that’s half of the planning. Robyn also appreciates it when people in her community say they are proud of her. “I’m happy to be an example to others that dreams come true through faith and hard work.”

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Robyn has a beautiful heart and generous spirit. I am always inspired by her determination, talent and mentorship of the next generation of local bakers.” — Danielle Mack

FAVORITES • Way to spend a Sunday: Worship, eat fabulous food, and watch movies • Way to relax: Play with my handsome and loving schnoodle, Cubby!

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Taste and see that

the Lord is good”

— Psalm 34:8

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

ENGINEER & ADVOCATE

Jessica Reich

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jessica has an electrical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has held various roles at ExxonMobil. She lives in Baton Rouge with her husband Kevin, also an engineer.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Jessica is president of the Women’s Interest Network (WIN) with ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge, which aims to support and empower professional women. WIN hosts a yearly event called “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” where girls from local schools come together to learn about STEM, meet women from ExxonMobil, and enjoy a variety of science and math activities. The event is incredibly rewarding and always a lot of fun!

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Her impact is much more diverse and far reaching than many would expect. Not only does she help set the mission and vision of our Baton Rouge area WIN—which supports ExxonMobil employee members—but she also sets the direction for how and where we spend our time in the community, ensuring that we share our experiences, role model our opportunities with STEM, and serve those around us with a positive and encouraging spirit.” — Kristin D. Thomas-Martin, Plant Manager, Baton Rouge Plastics Plant

FAVORITES • Book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah • Song: Speechless by Day + Shay • Way to spend a Sunday: Walk around the LSU lakes and have dinner with friends and loved ones

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Happiness is the journey, not the destination.”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

BUSINESS WOMAN & ROLE MODEL

Haley Herrington UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Haley owns the Baton Rouge HerringStone’s Boutique, which carries trendsetting, stylish women’s fashion items. The company was founded by her mother and aunt in 1989 in their hometown of Monroe. After earning a degree from ULL, Haley spent four years in Los Angeles, then moved to Baton Rouge in 2019 to take her place in the family business.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Celebrity stylist was her original goal, but being away from home was harder than she imagined. “I learned to love what I do by seeing how passionate my mom and my aunt are,” she says. Today, Haley enjoys building confidence in others and serving as a role model for young women in the fashion industry and the retail business.

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Haley is one of the hardest working, most persevering women I know. She brings such a positive energy and overwhelming light to any room she enters … she is a giving, thoughtful and creative person who shines when she is faced with a challenge.” — Brittany Barkley, friend

FAVORITES • Book: The Five People You Meet in Heaven • Way to relax: Sitting by a fireplace and looking out at snowy mountains

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

“

Breathe…

it’s all going to be okay.”

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

AESTHETIC EXPERTS & ROLE MODELS

Brittany Lipoma MPAS, PA-C

Amanda Brackin

CERTIFIED LASER TECHNICIAN

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL These women from Aesthetic Medicine & Anti-Aging Clinics of Louisiana make an impact on many people’s daily lives. They care for their patients with passion, strive to give them the results they seek, and help them feel better about themselves.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Brittany, Amanda and Ellen are role models for other women in their industry. They take pride in their work and research new treatment techniques to help bring patient experiences to the next level—with results that speak for themselves. Aside from their professions, they support many charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society, Companion Animal Alliance, National Alopecia Areata Foundation and others.

WHAT OTHERS SAY Their patients have described them in this way: (About Brittany) “She brings a bright, kind and always progressive touch to her amazing work.” (About Amanda) “She is an experienced, loyal, and comforting expert in all things skin and aesthetic.” (About Ellen) “She’s fun-loving and a positive light to all she guides in her work.”

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion

come together.”

Ellen Radle LICENSED AESTHETICIAN, CERTIFIED LASER TECHNICIAN

SPE C I A L A DV E R T I SI NG SE C T I ON

BUSINESS OWNER & MENTOR

Danielle Brecheen UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Danielle began working in the family business in 1985, helping her mother with typing and filing. Over the years, her responsibilities increased from generating orders, to purchasing, to sales. When her sister left the business in 2017 and her parents passed away a few years later, Danielle took over Brecheen Pipe & Steel. She currently serves as president of the corporation.

PASSION AND PURPOSE Very few women sold industrial products to chemical plants and refineries when Danielle began her career. “I had to work faster, harder and smarter than my competitors to prove myself,” she says. Today, she helps other women succeed in this male-dominated industry by sharing her experiences and helping them make connections with customers.

WHAT OTHERS SAY “Danielle is fantastic in her knowledge and the work that she does. When it comes to certain materials in the refinery industry, she’s one of the first people I think about.” —Stanley Favalora, Valero

FAVORITE • Way to relax: Barbecuing in my back yard, sitting in my rocking chair and rocking away. I also enjoy going to Saints and LSU games.

“

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

One never achieves success by watching time pass by. One must engage

never stop improving oneself

to meet the never-ending challenges that life brings our way.”

CHEF AMANDA SCHONBERG Chef Amanda Schonberg is the owner and operator of Chef Schonbergs Sweets, a cloud bakery specializing in alcohol infused desserts and gourmet confections. Her award-winning desserts have been featured both locally and nationally by companies such as Wilton, NBC, Fox and Yelp.

CHEF CELESTE Chef Celeste has owned and operated culinary businesses in downtown Baton Rouge for over 20 years. Her most recent ventures include My Louisiana Kitchen, Chef Celeste Bistro, Senior Seasonings products and hosting “Eat this TV” and “Southern Exposure”.

From 20 plus years of owning businesses in downtown Baton Rouge, to running a successful baking business and taking over the internet, to revitalizing Scottlandville one meal at a time.

These are the women of 225 making an impact.

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

CHEF VICTORY Deidre “Chef Victory” Brown owns and operates Straight Outta Scotland, a local carry-out restaurant in the Scotlandville community, as well as Victory Catering. Chef Victory has received the 2021 Juneteenth “A Celebration of Freedom Award”, which honors black local businesses in the Capital City area.

“Enjoy the process... it makes you who you are!” — CHEF CELESTE

HOW IT BEGAN For 40 years, Iris Domestic Violence Center, a nonprofit domestic violence service organization, has provided support to victims of domestic and dating violence. The agency began in 1979 with the purpose of opening an emergency shelter for battered women and their dependent children in the Baton Rouge area. Iris now services eight parishes including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, Ascension, and Livingston.

OUR IMPACT Domestic violence is a social issue that can impact anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, education, or income level. In an effort to assist victims of family and dating violence, Iris Domestic Violence Center offers the following services: • 24-Hour Domestic Violence crisis response hotline • Emergency safe house shelter • Safety planning • Legal advocacy • Housing intervention services • Job placement assistance • Childcare assistance • Acquisition of mainstream benefits • Community education

GET INVOLVED The mission of Iris is to empower survivors, prevent relationship violence, and promote justice for victims of domestic and dating violence, their children, and our communities. For anyone looking to get involved in assisting our agency, we welcome volunteers, financial contributions and donations of needed items.

SCAN TO GET INVOLVED

If you suspect a friend or family member is a victim of family or dating violence, take action!

24 HR CRISIS LINE 225-389-3001 OR 800-541-9706 | INFO@STOPDV.ORG

WWW.STOPDV.ORG

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Lafayette & Lake Charles (225) 927-7546 www.williamsoncosmeticcenter.com

I N S I D E : Spring trends / Tour the new Local Supply

‘Out of this world’ The Flower Fest takes flight in year two BY O LIVIA DE FFES

LEEKAY PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY THE FLOWER FEST

Last year’s Best in Show winner:“Cajun Momma” by Paige Lute of Oak and Willow Floral Design

STYLE //

Memorable moments

Some of the scene-stealing creations from last year’s event:

“Floral Notes” by Urban Earth Design Studios

STOP AND SMELL the roses—and take a selfie with them too—at the second annual Flower Fest. After last year’s inaugural festival sold more than 1,000 tickets and raised $27,327 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Flower Fest returns to Pointe Marie. Next month, expect another weekend of Instagrammable backdrops and towering sculptures made from flowers and greenery, as well as food from local vendors garnished with pretty petals. With a new theme of “Out of this World,” Flower Fest founder Amy Vandiver says this year’s competing florists are dreaming up sculptures that are otherworldly. Installations might glow in the dark or incorporate iridescent materials to make them seem like they belong in the gardens of neighboring planets. This year’s space theme was inspired by Baton Rouge native and cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux, who made history last fall as the youngest American to travel to space. Arceneaux has also been a spokesperson for St. Jude, which is the charity that the Flower Fest benefits. “It was inspirational to see Hayley’s story. The fact that she’s from here and (went) to space tied into our theme with Louisiana, as well,” Vandiver says. “Last year, I remember us thinking (after the festival) ‘how in the world did we pull that off?’ So the ‘Out of this World’ theme seemed very fitting.”

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

Besides the new theme, this year’s Flower Fest has some changes to make it even better than 2021, Vandiver says. There will be more interactive floral photo opportunities that go along with the fun space theme. During the days of April 2-3, guests are welcome to walk through the festival, take photos, set up picnics and observe the installations. Nine florist teams will compete in the large sculpture competition this year. As ticket holders walk through the festival, they can cast their votes on which design is the best. It’s too soon to say what creations the florists will dream up this year, but 2021’s large blooming sculptures resembled birds and buildings found throughout the state, including a 12-foot tall depiction of the state capitol built from 7,000 white and cream mums, live azaleas, a pink plumosa fern, alstroemeria, and hydrangea and asiatic lilies. Vendors and food trucks will be set up for guests to enjoy, with purchases benefitting St. Jude. In true Flower Fest fashion, all vendors will sell products related to flowers, like floral resin trays and perfectly picked bouquets. Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, the separately ticketed “Out of this World” gala will celebrate the winner of the Fan Favorite award. At this year’s event, there will be an open bar, themed small bites and a DJ spinning music. Attendees can hang out, dance and take more photos.

Gala guests are encouraged to dress according to the theme—think floralembroidered dresses or snazzy metallic jumpsuits. When Vandiver started The Flower Fest in 2021, she hoped to bring a fresh idea for an event to a state that is already world-renowned for its festivals surrounding music, food and drinking. She’d watched the Netflix show The Big Flower Fight and was amazed by what artists and florists were able to do with blooms and petals. It seemed the perfect idea to bring to Louisiana. Although all nine florist teams at last year’s event were local, Vandiver says she hopes this festival grows to include teams from all over the country. “Our dream goal for this is to eventually have 50 sculptures from every state,” Vandiver says. “Each state can come to battle it out and represent their home at the festival. Then it can become something huge for the state of Louisiana, St. Jude and Baton Rouge.”

E AY W PH FL O OT THE O GR APHY / COURTESY EK

LE BY

LEEKAY PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY THE FLOWER FEST

Gala guests are encouraged to dress according to the theme, like this look shot for last year’s Flower Fest.

O OT PH

State capitol by The Sentimental Petal

Pink rose wall by The Modern Debutante

ATTEND THE FEST April 2 + 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pointe Marie, 14200 River Road General admission from $20 theflowerfest.com

Ombré baby’s breath skirt by Hunts Flowers Inc.

EXPERIENCE I N N O VA T I O N EXPERIENCE QUALITY PAT I E N T C A R E EXPERIENCE CYPRESS

Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital is recognized nationally for delivering an outstanding patient experience, high quality clinical care, and successful surgical outcomes. With our low nurse-to-patient ratio, a dedicated Team of RN’s, Clinical staff and a medical staff that includes board certified and fellowship trained physicians along with all our Team Members is why CPSH is the choice for hospital care in South Louisiana.

42570 S AIRPORT RD • HAMMOND, LA 985-510-6200 CYPRESSPOINTESURGICAL.COM

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

STYLE //

Head gear

W H AT ’ S T R E N D I N G

Spring forward

More accessories to “add to cart” FROM HEAD OVER HEELS

Accessories to take you from spring break to festival season to back-to-the-office STYLE D B Y E L L E MA R IE PHOTOS B Y COLLIN R IC H IE

Leather bucket bag, $178

Pink haircalf bucket bag, $198 Bejeweled headband, $38 Leopard haircalf bucket bag, $198 Crazy Daisy headband, $55 From Head Over Heels Diff “Kaia” shades in ivory with sea snake, $95 Diff “Stevie” shades in sandstone crystal sunglasses, $98 From HerringStone’s Boutique Beaded headband, $40

Crazy Daisy headband, $55

Krewe “St. Louis” shades in Matte Nebula to Crystal 24K, $295

FROM HERRINGSTONE’S BOUTIQUE

Diff “Bella” tortoise blue light glasses, $95

The Pink Reef gold butterfly bow earrings, $100

ONLINE

headoverheelsonline.com herringstonesboutique.com The Pink Reef velvet orchid earrings, $100

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

WE CAN CHECK YOUR VITALS. BUT ONLY YOU CAN TELL US WHAT’S REALLY VITAL.

Half of your healthcare is in the stories you share with us. Because before you’re a patient, you’re a person – and what you’re thinking, feeling, and hoping for can help us to personalize your recovery and improve your outcome. ololrmc.com/WeListenWeHeal

STYLE //

VISIT THE SHOP Local Suppply opened in Electric Depot in January.

PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

Local Supply Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1509 Government St. Find it on Instagram at @localsupplybr

PARKVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE MARCH 29 THRU APRIL 1

APRIL 5 THRU APRIL 9

6:30 PM TICKETS: PARKVIEWBAPTIST.COM/TARZAN 68

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

MARCH 8 l 8:30AM PRE-K–12TH GRADE

RSVP required: admissions@parkviewbaptist.com or (225) 291-2500 ext. 104

EDUCATION with an ETERNAL FOUNDATION 5750 PARKVIEW CHURCH RD l (225) 291-2500 EXT. 104 Parkview Baptist School admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

STYLE //

COOL FINDS

By Olivia Deffes // Photos by Ariana Allison

The new Local Supply in Mid City spotlights local artisans and makers year-round LOCAL LOOKS GOOD on Baton Rouge’s latest gift shop, Local Supply. Monthly makers markets and pop-up events have proliferated in Baton Rouge over the last several years, but Local Suppply aims to offer support to Louisiana makers all year long. Sarah Guidry and Meredith Waguespack, co-founders of the Local Pop Up events, opened the store in Electric Depot in January. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a large mural of a roseate spoonbill nicknamed Rosie. This feathered friend is a nod to Local Supply’s sister store Sweet Baton Rouge, which has Petey the Pelican as its mascot. Both Petey and Rosie were the ideas of Guidry.

“These birds of a feather really flock together,” she says. “We have a love for our birds of flight from Louisiana.” The hues of greens and pinks can be seen throughout the space as you browse different shelves of locally made goods and art. Shoppers can browse a wall of greeting cards, tables of stationery, shelves full of cookbooks and more. Some of the brands currently in the store include Cora B. Gallery, Aline Prints + Design, and Parish Clay Co. Local makers will cycle out quarterly. “Our intention is to have as many makers as we can in here while maintaining a nice shopping

“Our intention is to have as many makers as we can in here while maintaining a nice shopping experience.” —Local Supply co-owner Sarah Guidry (left), pictured with co-owner Meredith Waguespack

experience,” Guidry says After a few years of hosting Local Pop Up markets, Guidry approached Waguespack in the summer of 2021 about creating a shop next to the Sweet Baton Rouge flagship store, which Waguespack owns. But the concept was one the duo had been dreaming of for a while. “It all began when we were sitting on the floor in the office of Sweet Baton Rouge around 2015 or 2016,” Waguespack says. “That’s when the idea of the local side of things came into play. It’s been really fun to see how it’s come to fruition.” Together, they created a space where local makers could have a place to sell their goods and reach more customers in the community. “We both just wanted to bring local businesses together to one place so people could shop,” Waguespack says. “It’s a creative fusion of everything we’ve been cultivating for years,” Guidry adds. “A lot of it is inspired by local makers. It’s really just a creative space where we can all come together and create more.”

Art “Britney” artwork by Cora B. Gallery

PHOTOS COURTESY THE MAKERS

Shop to it

Decor Gingham mirror by Stuff & Co.

Stickers Chill Pills sticker by Aline Prints + Design

Foodie goods Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles by Grinningjupiter Jammery

LENT AT

E VE RY FRIDAY

Friday, March 4 - Friday, April 15 Featuring smoked Redfish Bruschetta and Red Snapper Amandine

*Tax and gratuity not included. Management reserves the right to cancel, modify or refuse this offer without notice at any time. Offer not valid for self-exclusion program enrollees in jurisdictions which Penn National Gaming, Inc. operates or who have been otherwise excluded from the participating property. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700. ©2022 Penn National Gaming, Inc. All rights reserved.

GAMBLING

PROBLEM?

PLE ASE

CALL

800.522.4700. 225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022

Put their little hands in the hands of our experts.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans brings a world of expertise to make sure your little ones have everything they need to get back to being happy and healthy kids again. From ENT to Dermatology and Cardiology to Orthopedics, Children’s Hospital New Orleans offers unmatched pediatric expertise, sized just for kids in Baton Rouge and beyond.

Specialty Care Baton Rouge

[225] March 2022 | 225batonrouge.com

Learn more at chnola.org/BatonRouge

I N S I D E : Downtown's new rooftop bar / Veggie enchiladas for Lent

The spice is right Diving into the variety of flavors and intense heat at Swagat Indian Cuisine

COLLIN RICHIE

Swagat's Tandoori Chicken

225batonrouge.com | [225] March 2022