Black-Owned Businesses

Make a Positive Impact on our Community

According to the most recent census data, there are over two million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Women represent 35% of Black-owned businesses, compared to just 27% of female-business owners of other racial identities. As we celebrate Black History Month, we spotlight here a variety of local Blackowned businesses and honor their contributions to our community and the regional economy.

The Guillory-August Allstate Agency

Tuwanna Guillory-August worked in an Allstate office as a Top Sales Producer for 13 years before she found the courage to step out on faith and open her own agency. “December 2, 2019 was the day I became a local small business owner,” she says.

Working in insurance helped Guillory-August realize how essential insurance is to families. “When the wife is in a car accident, or when the husband buys a new ‘big boy toy’ (ie. golf cart, four-wheeler, side by side), or when they welcome a new baby into the family and need life insurance, I’m the person they trust to make sure they have the right coverage.” Insurance is vital to protect a client and their property. “When an accident or something as tragic as a natural disaster occurs, that’s when a customer is most vulnerable and needs us. I’ve been told numerous times that the genuine care and compassion from my agency has been unmatched.”

Guillory-August says she’s a local girl who stayed in Lake Charles and opened a business that contributes to the local economy. “When you support my agency, you also assist other local people. From team sponsorships to student scholarships to lending a helping hand every time we’re needed, we are proud to be active members in our community!”

Located at 1700 E Prien Lake Rd, 337-305-7676

Todd Clemons and Associates

Todd C. Clemons, attorney and founder of Todd Clemons and Associates, is encouraged by the rise of black-owned businesses, an increase of 31% between 2017-2022 according to Forbes. “This country was built on entrepreneurs,” he says. “Entrepreneurship brings an opportunity to build wealth, to be a leader, and be a positive example for others.”

Clemons says supporting black-owned businesses is important. “Every business owner should strive to offer a quality product or service. By supporting businesses that are wellrun, we encourage a higher standard.”

“In all I do, I strive to exhibit good character and be an example for those around me. It’s important to reach back and help those who are coming behind us,” Clemons says. He feels Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments that African American individuals have achieved throughout the years.

Clemons founded his law firm in 2007 to provide zealous representation for clients. He and his team have represented over 1,500 clients in the 15 years of the firm. Their services include criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury and family law.

For more information, visit www.toddclemons.com.

Health Systems 2000

In 1994, Lisa Walker founded her business, Health Systems 2000 – the parent organization of Home Health Care 2000, Personal Care Services 2000, the 2000 Health Foundation, and the newly opened Golden Doors Event Center. She and her team have provided professional healthcare services for over 27 years.

Walker says Home Health Care 2000 is a one-stop-shop for all your home care needs.

“We offer a variety of services that allow you or your loved one to live a better life at home.”

Their services include Non-Skilled Services, Behavioral Health, Fall Prevention, Diabetes Management, Congestive Heart Failure Protocol, and Wound Care. They employ RNs and LPNs; licensed physical therapists and PT assistants; certified occupational therapists; licensed speech therapists; and social workers. Personal Care Services 2000 provides non-skilled personal care assistants. These businesses serve clients across much of Louisiana, from Lake Charles, to Alexandria, and east to New Orleans.

Recently, as part of Southwest Louisiana’s revitalization, Walker opened the Golden Doors Event Center at 2013 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles. “It is our pleasure to enhance all your special and intimate events with professionally trained and experienced staff,” Walker says.

Health Systems 2000 is headquartered at 1901 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles. For more information, call 337-439-5444.

Lil Mama’s Spot

D’Andrea Arceneaux always wanted to own a business, but she never dreamed it would be a restaurant. She baby-stepped into becoming an entrepreneur by making pralines and selling them at the Cash & Carry Farmers Market. In 2018, she and her husband, Joshua, opened the original Lil Mama’s Spot on Simmons St. in North Lake Charles, and they did very well there selling southern-influenced home-cooked meals. The Arceneauxs opened their current location on Common St. in 2021. “It’s comfort food,” Arceneaux says. “Meatballs, rice and gravy; hand-pattied, well-seasoned burgers; gumbo; seafood dishes on Fridays. We take our time and take pride in everything we do.”

Joshua’s mother, Edna Arceneaux, was an integral part of the business prior to her passing in 2022. She served as their cook when they first opened. D’Andrea says, “I come from a family of good cooks, but I’d never cooked large quantities. My mother-inlaw had worked in cafeterias and had done catering. She taught me how to cook for a crowd. She is the inspiration for much of what we do.”

Now both D’Andrea and Joshua cook. She says her husband has a passion for cooking and is especially good with the seasonings. But generally, he works the front house and she works the back. “We’re a team,” she says.

3710 Common St., Lake Charles. 337-602-6095

Cruise Planners

Tina Higgins opened her travel agency in 2016. It’s an online business and she works from home, “or anywhere have an internet connection,” she adds. Higgins retired early from an IT position, but knew she’d need something to do in her spare time. She started looking for business franchise opportunities. Cruise Planners franchise popped up in her search. “After much research, I realized this was it,” Higgins says. “We have the best support staff and cutting-edge technology, which make the job easy.”

Higgins dispels the misconception that travel agencies charge for their services. “Some agencies may charge small fees, but most do not. We are paid commission from travel vendors. Whether you want to enjoy a short cruise out of New Orleans, travel to Europe, or experience an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, an agent can research options for you, do the legwork, book the trip, send you travel documents, and support you while you are traveling for the same price it would cost to plan the trip yourself. Plus, the agent probably has access to deals otherwise not available to the public. Agents can usually save you money!”

For travel information or to book a vacation, call Cruise Planners / Destinations by Tina at 337-4057650. “I am your advocate throughout the entire travel experience.”