Dominique Schexnayder

DOMINIQUE'S WINE BOUTIQUE AND BISTRO | BOUTIQUE DOMINIQUE

Dominique Schexnayder is a local chef, sommelier, and owner of the popular Dominique’s Wine Boutique and Bistro in downtown Houma, supplying creative and delicious meals for almost nine years. Dominique also owns and operates Boutique Dominique, a wine and specialty foods boutique on Mystic Boulevard, and is a managing partner of Cuvee in Thibodaux.

Dominique is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, North Carolina with an AS in Culinary Arts and a BS in Food Service Management. She has also completed two levels of wine certification through the International Sommelier Guild along with Wine and Spirits Trust’s Level 1 and 2, currently pursuing Level 3. “My mother was a chef and owner of Cafe Dominique, and when I moved back to Houma she retired and I took over the business,” she said. “I had always grown up around home chefs and she is the one who inspired me to follow my passion." However, Dominique’s path has not always been an easy one- after opening her second business in July of 2021, Hurricane Ida hit in August and Dominique was diagnosed with breast cancer the following October- from which she has now fully recovered.

Despite a challenging few years, Dominique expressed her continued love for the culinary arts, as well as the difficulties that she has faced as a woman in the field. "My favorite part about the job is the creativity, even despite the long hours," she chuckled. "However, it has always been a maledominated field- for example, the first restaurant I worked in I was the only girl in the kitchen. Now we see more women getting into culinary arts, which is great," she continued. "If you are a girl looking to get into the culinary field, my advice is stick to your guns. It is not always easy, but as long as you have drive, roll with the punches, and stay flexible-- you can make it."

She is excited to watch her businesses continue to grow and see where the future takes her culinary creativity. "I always have something up my sleeve," said Dominique with a smile. "We are working hard to get back to where we were pre-Ida, and I know we will-- after that, who knows!" POV

Anne Marie Naquin

Anne Marie Naquin, owner of Sylvan Learning Center of Houma, lives by the belief that "education is the key to success in life.” For over twenty years, Anne Marie has made it a personal goal to make a lasting impact on the lives of the children of Terrebonne Parish. Born and raised in Houma, she is a graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School and attended Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and English.

She began her role as Director at Sylvan Learning Center, an education program that offers personalized instruction in mathematics, English, and reading. After four years as director, Anne Marie purchased the center from the previous owner and became an entrepreneur in her twenties. “I immediately found a home for myself at Sylvan,” she explained.

A personal experience from Anne Marie’s childhood molded her passion for education.

“I was failing math in 5th grade and after some tutoring to fill in the gaps, math became my favorite subject. Sylvan allows me the opportunity to do the same thing for other students.”

Following both Covid and Hurricane Ida, students are behind like never before, but Sylvan can help. “I believe that with a little persistence and belief in yourself, you can accomplish anything,” she explained. Every student that walks through the door at Sylvan receives personal instruction after an assessment, then instructors bridge the gaps.

“Being a female business owner has advantages because I love being able to share my perspective and skills with others. There have been moments where things were difficult, but as a natural multitasker, I’ve learned ways to make it work! For instance my children grew up at Sylvan and have been my guinea pigs with programs like robotics and engineering. My advice is to believe in yourself and rely on those around you,” Anne Marie shared. “I have a wonderful family and staff to support me.” POV