Today’s show is our 2^nd annual Small Business Spotlight episode in advance of Small Business Saturday. I am joined by two New Orleans entrepreneurs, both with great stories and wonderful products.

Sweet Olive Soap Works

First up is Emily Manger, owner of Sweet Olive Soap Works. Emily comes from a long line of New Orleans soap makers. She also has an interesting connection to one of our sponsors, plus she and I share a passion for sharing our views of New Orleans on Instagram (check out @thecarrolltonian)

You can also find Sweet Olive Soap Works on Instagram (@sweetolivenola).

NOLA Boards

Next is Mandy Simpson, co-owner of NOLA Boards. What started as a one-off cutting board created for a friend to use as a wedding gift has exploded into a full time business. NOLA Boards was featured by Rachel Ray in her 2015 gift guide, and has since become a thriving business that sells all sorts of kitchen supplies and furnishings, made with Louisiana hardwoods.

Follow NOLA Boards on Instagram (@nolacuttingboards).

If you enjoy the discussions with Emily and Mandy, and are looking for gifts with a New Orleans connection, be sure to check out their websites. You'll find information for where to buy Emily's soaps and Mandy's cutting boards and other goods.

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Sponsor: Liz Wood Realty

Are you finally ready to move to New Orleans, but don’t know where to start? Let Liz Wood and her team help you find the right place, whether you plan to rent, or purchase the home of your dreams! New Orleans is a terrific city, but choosing the neighborhood that’s the best fit for you can seem overwhelming. 

Liz makes the process fun and easy, and educates her clients along the way. Reach out to her at lizwoodrealty.com and make your dream of living in New Orleans a reality! Phone: 504-236-9685

Thank You

Thanks to Emily and Mandy for joining me on this episode!

Marie Laveau, a New Orleans Voudou Priestess

Have you ever been to New Orleans? Have you visited St. Louis Cemetery #1? If so, you've surely heard of Marie Laveau, often referred to as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

In this episode we explore the life and the myths surrounding Marie Laveau. Join me as I talk with Carolyn Morrow Long, the author of  A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend and Reality of Marie Laveau. Carolyn helps us understand the connections between Catholicism and Voudou, and the role Marie played in both during the early 1800s in New Orleans. We talk about some of the common (mis)perceptions about Marie, and you'll learn why the book title uses the word Voudou instead of the more common Voodoo you see today.

Join us and learn all about Marie Laveau, one of the most famous and influential New Orleanians in the 300 year history of the Crescent City!

Sponsor: The Old 77 Hotel and Chandlery

When you're ready to make your plans to visit New Orleans, you'll need a place to stay! The Old 77 is ideally situated in the Warehouse District, just three blocks from the French Quarter. It features a variety of pet-friendly rooms, the award-winning Compere Lapin restaurant, and more.

You'll love the location, the rooms, and the food, but the details and the service are what you'll fall in love with!

To book your room, click here or use code BBOLD77 to save 25% off their regular rates.

You'll also get a bit of lagniappe, a little something extra. In this case, you'll receive a $10 credit to be used at Tout La in the hotel lobby - your stop for coffee and a quick bite to eat as you head out to explore New Orleans.

Buy the Book

If you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to check out Carolyn's book about Marie Laveau.

You can find it online at Amazon, or at local bookstores in New Orleans, including Octavia Books and Garden District Book Shop. Carolyn also wrote a wonderfully researched book about Madame Lalaurie. If you missed my earlier discussion with Carolyn about Madame Lalaurie, go back and listen to episode #74.

Thank You

Thanks to Carolyn for joining me on this episode! She was also gracious enough to invite me to her home in Washington, DC so we could talk in person.