Back in The Saddle Again

Photos by Riyen Helg

Written by Betsy O'Leary

From trophies to titles, Dawn Chiasson knows the importance of hard work and dedication and it shows in everything she does.

We recently had the opportunity to visit with Tangipahoa native, Dawn Chiasson, at her charming home in Ponchatoula. While there, she introduced us to her husband, Blake, and Fifi, her award-winning show horse. The couple, who have been married for 39 years, have a son, three grandchildren, and a shared love of farm life.

Both are competitive horse riders, showing registered quarter horses at local, state, and national events every month. In 2023, both Dawn and Blake placed in the top ten of the 3DOTS Organization. Each received a trophy saddle for earning the most overall points in all combined classes. For Dawn, the saddle is a visual reminder that great things are possible through hard work and perseverance. In 2020 she had an accident which resulted in extensive injuries. Hesitantly, she shared, “I managed to break every rib on the left side of my body. It was a long road to recovery.” Humbly, Dawn credits Blake with her success. “He put

me back on the horse and led me around the arena on a lead, giving me encouragement and literally holding my hand until I healed enough to take over myself,” shared Dawn. “To go from barely being able to walk to winning a competition is an incredible feeling.”

When she’s not enjoying farm life, Dawn is serving the community as the founder and managing member of Ponchatoula Auto Title & Notary, more commonly known as Toula Title, which was voted Tangi’s Best Notary Service in 2022. Dawn brings over 35 years of managerial experience to the table including a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, she moved back to the New Orleans area where she was named the 1999 New Orleans Pro Bono Project Paralegal of the Year and worked as a paralegal for a local Fortune 500 company. Knowing the importance of being vested in the community, Dawn currently serves on the board of the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of both the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce and the Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Organization.

Toula Title has a contract with the State of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles which enables them to assist with vehicle registrations and license plate renewals. They offer standard plates as well as a large inventory of specialty plates. Toula Title also employs two full-time notaries who can draft, prepare, and execute affidavits, acknowledgments, and authentic acts. In February 2022, Dawn became a Remote Online Notary certified through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. This allows her to offer an online notary service to her customers which is a convenient alternative for legal document preparation and execution.

Dawn firmly believes and implements the policy of God, family, and then work and everything will work out as planned. Dawn intends to continue providing the community with good, honest service by serving each customer in the same manner she would expect to be treated if she were a customer. To learn more about the services offered at Toula Title, follow them on Facebook where you’ll find weekly updates on Toula Title events, the specialty plate of the week, and local events happening in the area.