Category Archives: Client Spotlight

Support Local Businesses: Roux Royale and Southern Paws

| April 22, 2020

For those who can, it is urgently important to support local businesses. Today we’ll showcase our clients, Roux Royale and Southern Paws. Both shops are locally owned and are located in the French Quarter. Let’s do our part to make sure as many of these boutiques survive as possible. As its website boasts, Roux Royale, in the heart of the French Quarter, offers a variety of unique and useful items to enhance any kitchen, dining room, or party. Let us help you find the perfect gift by capturing the art of New Orleans style entertaining. You will find items such as elegant serving pieces, stylish dish towels, favorite New Orleans’ cookbooks, wine and cheese plates, gourmet foods and candies, fabulous aprons, local art, and much, much more. We are especially drawn to theRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Royal Praline Company

| April 8, 2020

There has never been a better time to support small local businesses, which is why we are delighted to tell you about our client Royal Praline Company. Royal Praline was established in 2007, and its cute shop is located on historic Royal Street. And while the shop is currently closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still order their gourmet treats online. And right now, they are even offering free delivery! Of course the New Orleans-based shop sells pralines; it also offers sweet glazed pecans, Roman Candy, Mississippi Mud, coffee, spices, mixes, hot sauces, and even cookbooks. Consider these items for yourself, or spread some joy and send them as gifts. Right now small businesses are struggling. Many won’t survive this pandemic. According toRead Full Article

Financial Advice Amid COVID-19

| April 7, 2020

In these uncertain times, access to financial advice is crucial. Randy Brunet, of Brunet Wealth Management, offers these top two tips: 1) Filing deadline for IRS and Louisiana income tax is moved to July 15, 2020.  No extension necessary until then.  If you are due a refund, file your return ASAP as to receive your refund sooner. 2) Small businesses may be entitled to an SBA loan to help funding payroll and other essential expenses.  Check with your bank for requirements, as this is what is recommended by SBA. Many of us may put off filing our taxes because it is often an overwhelming process. Hiring a professional gives you peace of mind. You may also find that you receive a larger refund than ifRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Brandi Bowen with New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council

| May 20, 2014

While not quite a native, Brandi Bowen has lived in New Orleans fourteen years.  Brandi is the Program Director for New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council, an important organization which provides medical and other care for those infected with HIV, and is located in Mid-City. As Brandi described, “NORAPC is the public planning body for Ryan White Part A HIV services in the New Orleans 8-parish area.  Duties include determining the most important service categories, establishing funding levels for priority services, developing Standards of Care for services to ensure delivery of quality services, comprehensive planning to improve the service system, and to act as a venue to convene community input.  NORAPC’s vision is to create a high quality comprehensive coordinated HIV care system to promoteRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: McKenzie Coco of FSC Interactive

| May 13, 2014

McKenzie Coco is the dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, and all-around-fun  President of FSC Interactive, a web-based marketing company that she founded locally in 2007.  Although originally from Pensacola, Florida, McKenzie has called herself a New Orleanian since 1997. When asked to describe her business, McKenzie told us, “FSC Interactive is an agency specializing in search marketing strategy, social media management, paid search advertising, search engine optimization, web site audits and local SEO.”  In other words, she and her company can help your business get its website and social media noticed! Here are McKenzie’s responses to our “fun facts” survey: Why do you love owning a business in NOLA?  First – I love living in New Orleans.  And the New Orleans business community has been very goodRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Christine Vinson of Vinson Guard Service

| April 29, 2014

Christine M. Vinson is the new face of Vinson Guard Service, a security company founded by her grandfather fifty-one years ago.  With its corporate office in New Orleans, Vinson Guard operates twenty offices located across multiple states.  Christine, however, is firmly rooted in New Orleans, having lived here her entire life (though she admits to “sleeping in Old Metry”). When asked about her family’s business, Christine told us, “Vinson Guard is one of the largest privately owned security organizations in the United States.  We strive to provide an exceptional level of service and care to our customers by building our team with individuals dedicated to the same goals.” Here are Christine’s answers to our “fun facts” questions: Why do you love owning a business inRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Dr. Pamela Shaw

| April 22, 2014

Pamela Shaw, a beloved local children’s dentist, is originally from New York, but has lived in New Orleans since 1991.  She opened her practice–Pamela Shaw DDS Dentistry for Children–in 1993.  When asked to describe her practice, Dr. Shaw said, “We specialize in taking care of your children’s dental needs in a unique and comfortable space.  We strive to help children have a healthy smile for their lifetime.” Here are Dr. Shaw’s responses to our “fun facts” questions: Why do you love owning a business in NOLA? New Orleans has allowed me to have a quality practice while also allowing me to enjoy a city with an amazing diversity of culture! What’s your favorite NOLA neighborhood to live in? I love many neighborhoods, from Uptown to Mid City,Read Full Article

Client Spotlight: Rory Picou of Premier Fitness

| April 14, 2014

New Orleans native Rory Picou founded Premier Fitness ten years ago.  In that time, Premier Fitness, centrally located on Airline Highway, has grown into a world-class exercise facility, accommodating everyone from serious athletes to the casually-fit.  When asked about his popular health club, Rory had this to say: “Premier has defied tradition and has given new meaning to the word fitness. We’ve packed over 25 years of industry insight, management expertise and member feedback into the finest fitness facility ever established in the New Orleans area. The result is an uncommon blend of aesthetic sensibility with uncompromising service, specifically designed to bridge the gap between intimidation and confidence. At Premier Fitness we will do as much for your individuality as for your body.” Here areRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Wendy Dolan with Get Online NOLA

| April 9, 2014

You have probably seen Wendy Dolan’s work–in fact, she designed Rent-A-Nerd’s new custom website (which we think is great!).  Born and raised in Houma, Wendy lived in as many places as possible before settling down in New Orleans in 2011.  Here she founded Get Online NOLA, a locally-minded offspring of her world-wide website design company, Faudo (which she and her husband founded in 2008 and which is now also based in New Orleans). Although Faudo’s clients extend from Los Angeles to New York, London, and beyond, Get Online NOLA was developed specifically for local small and mid-sized businesses that desperately need a website, but may not have the resources to build or maintain a custom site.  Through Get Online Nola, Wendy is providing local businessRead Full Article

Client Spotlight: Glen Hogh with Vega Tapas Cafe

| April 1, 2014

If you’ve ever been to Vega Tapas Cafe, on Metairie Road, you probably know (or met) its vivacious owner, Glen Hogh.  Glen was born and raised in Metairie, and says he’s here “for life!”  That’s a bold statement from someone who has traveled the world searching for cooking inspiration for his popular restaurant and catering company, which he’s owned for almost eighteen years! Glen describes Vega Tapas as “the first to introduce small plates to the New Orleans area.  We have a casual, chic atmosphere with an extensive wine list, serving original, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.”  He loves owing a business here because of “the enthusiasm of the spirit of NOLA diners!”  Here are his responses to our fun facts questions: Favorite NOLA neighborhood to live in:Read Full Article

Client Spotlight: Michelle with Swap Boutique

| March 25, 2014

Michelle Reinhardt, a New Orleans native, opened Swap Boutique just over five years ago.  It has grown from one shop to four locations, including Metairie Road, Maple Street, Magazine Street, and Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. In her own words, Michelle describes Swap as follows: “Swap Boutique is a fresh, contemporary designer consignment shop, a haven for fashionable and budget conscious women. Each dress, shoe, and handbag is chosen deliberately for the discerning eye of our customers. We cater to the fashion-minded shopper who appreciates current trends and loves to get a deal.” Here are Michelle’s response to our “fun facts” questions (yep, just like we did for the Nerds): Why do you love owning a business in NOLA?  The people. The community. The culture.Read Full Article