Here in south Louisiana, water is as much a part of the local landscape as is solid ground. And with coastal erosion, the ratio is becoming more skewed every year. Fortunately, environmental entrepreneurs are figuring out ways to help us deal with our water and coastal issues while also building viable businesses. Take Tyler Ortego, an…

Sometimes we fall into a career. Other times, we build one, doing something simple that we’ve loved since childhood. Stephanie’s guests in this edition of Out to Lunch fall into the latter category. Mark Cartwright is a sport fisherman from south Louisiana, who grew up enjoying the bounties of Sportsman’s Paradise. But, as an adult…

It’s a well known cliché that some of the most successful entrepreneurs started out in their parents’ garage. Actually there’s more than a kernel of truth to the stereotype. Lots of small businesses start from home, including plenty here in Baton Rouge.  Two local businesswomen are navigating the process. They are Joan Chastain and Shannon…

Don’t let anyone tell you south Louisiana’s only about food and football. Startups in bio tech, high tech, and industry abound between Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the North Shore. And they’re focused on some really cutting edge things. Will they succeed? What are the hurdles they’re encountering as they try to launch? John Dowdle…

Some of us embark on a career path and we’re set for life. But sometimes one career unexpectedly leads to another. Or prepares us for another in ways that we don’t quite see at first. Take Dr. Meredith Warner. Dr warner is an orthopedist with a practice in Baton Rouge, Warner Orthopedics and Wellness, that…

In historical Britain the three estates of the realm were the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.  The Fourth Estate is a segment of society that wields an indirect but significant influence on society, even though it is not a formally recognized part of the political system. The most commonly recognized part of the fourth estate is the news media. However,…

We like to think of south Louisiana as the food capital of the world, and, certainly we’re known for our cuisine, but just because someone knows how to prepare good food doesn’t mean they know how to turn their culinary talent into a successful restaurant, catering operation or food-related venture. Stephanie’s guests on this edition…

Romance is the spice of life. It’s also a key to the success of certain businesses that are built on hearts and flowers, literally.   Buzzy Heroman is a fourth-generation florist in Baton Rouge and the owner of Billy Heroman’s Flowers, which has three stores in the area. The store was founded by his parents,…

So many of us dream when we’re kids of coming up with a really cool invention. Not many of us realize that dream. How do you turn a great idea into a product that could change the world? And how do you make money from new inventions and technologies?  Stephanie’s guests on this edition of…

It’s pretty well agreed that the early years of development are fundamental in shaping a child’s future. That extends from playground to classroom, to career choices. If you want to Cultivate a culture where kids can see themelves as entrepreneurs you have to start early. That’s what Lemonade Day is all about. It’s a nationwide…