BE YOU

Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Amy Jones

Amy Jones is the Chief Poobah at The Jones Communications Company, and quite a force to be reckoned with. Amy tackles life head-on whether its with her impressive client list (Green Bay Packers, the Louisiana Supreme Court, The NBA Retired Players Association) or her health (she recently lost 140lbs). Amy is one of those powerful women who is surprisingly approachable with a great sense of fun. Her energy and drive are infectious and I come away from every meeting with her thinking slightly differently – and that’s a good thing.

What was your first job?
I worked in the upstairs snack bar at Red’s the summer after my senior year of high school.  I made a brilliant chili dog.

Describe a typical day in your life.
There is nothing typical about a day in my life.  Every day is completely different and that is why it is so much fun.  The one consistent is I do stop for coffee somewhere on my way into the office and always bring a cup in for my business partner, Will Bailey.

What advice would you give the younger you?
You know very little, so listen more than you talk.
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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Matt Thibodeaux

Matt Thibodeaux spends a lot of his day on Facebook – and not in a bad way. He is a Social Media Consultant - and one of the best around. His in-depth knowledge means I learn something every time we meet. Matt was born and raised in Lafayette and is a LSU Alumni who has recently moved back to our city. We are very lucky to have him. I first met him many years ago when he was a waiter at The French Press (this guy knows how to make an impression) and we shared a love of English Football (as an English person I’m not allowed to call it Soccer) – and we support the same team. Matt is one of the nicest guys you will ever met, so next time you see him, smile and introduce yourself – you won’t regret it.

What was your first job?
When I was 10 my brother and cousins would get together at my grandparent’s house and put on concert’s for our families. We would tape the concert and sell the cassettes for $5!

Describe a typical day in your life.
Everyday is different for me, but the first thing I do every morning is take my dog Ozzie for a walk downtown. Downtown Lafayette is such a unique oasis and I love having the opportunity to start each day with a fresh outlook.

What advice would you give the younger you?
I’m pretty sure I’m the first one to coin this phrase “Just do it”

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Moving to Los Angeles when I was 21 was a huge event in my life. I was young, care-free and ready to embark on a new journey. Moving back to Louisiana a few years later came at a vital point in my life, but it’s something I would never regret.

What values do you live by?
Judge not lest ye be judged

What do you most appreciate?
I don’t appreciate my parents enough but I’m working on it.

What is your favorite journey?
The one I’m on right now. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Shane Lopez

Shane Lopez is the world’s leading authority on hope and yes, he’s as cool as that sounds. Although he doesn’t live here anymore (he lives in Lawrence, Kansas) he was born and bred in New Iberia and carries his heritage with pride, so I decided that he counted as a local for this column. Shane is a Senior Scientist at Gallup who also knows how to charm people and make them laugh, and instantly like him – this is a dangerous combination and we should all be pleased that he uses his powers for good. Shane’s new book “Making Hope Happen” is a both a joy and a powerful life changing read. If you missed his recent book signing in Lafayette then grab a copy as soon as you can – you won’t regret it.

What was your first job?

As a kid I worked at our family restaurant, Joe’s Drive In, in New Iberia. I manned the oven and fry machine. After we sold the business, I started umpiring girl’s softball. That’s about the best job a teenage boy can have.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I love my job, so it never feels like work. I work from home when I’m not traveling to the Gallup offices in D.C. and Omaha or to speak to educators and business leaders. When I’m home, I typically write in the mornings and analyze polling and research data in the afternoons. It is much sexier than it sounds. When I’m traveling, I might be “on” in meetings up to 14 hours a day. Those days can be long, and I often end them with a room service burger and a glass of milk in my hotel room watching “Harry Potter.”

My best days are spent with my wife, Alli, and our son, Parrish. Walking him to school every day is a real treat. We live two blocks from his school.

Each day I find a way to spread hope. That’s easier than it sounds … but not enough of us do it.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Be nicer to people. They need kindness more than you know.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

Meeting Alli. I was lost before I found her. That was almost 25 years ago.

What values do you live by?

Treat others better than they would probably treat you.

What do you most appreciate?

Creativity. Elegance of ideas. And bread pudding.

What is your favorite journey?

The original one. The one with Steve Perry as lead singer.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?

Anywhere near water. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Sharon Moss.

Sharon Moss is a name you probably already know. She is a car dealer, CEO, check signer and is the endless energy behind a thriving Moss Motors. During our chat she keeps me entertained with endless stories – I could listen to her all day (when you read what she wanted to do when she grew up it all fits). Sharon may look a million dollars but she proudly tells me her dress only cost $29 (yes she’s a savvy business woman). Sharon cares very much for the Lafayette community, sharing her time and resources in more ways than I have space to write about. She has a big heart and a wicked sense of humor and I am grateful for both.

What was your first job?
Sacking groceries at my dads store

Describe a typical day in your life?
I get up fairly early and 3 days a week I go to spin class at Red’s and the other 2 days I take Pilates at City Club.  After working out I run errands, go home to shower and dress for work.  Usually, my workday consists of lunch with friends or business associates, followed by meetings at my desk.  In the evening, I sometimes have board meetings or an event to attend.  If not, I might go by the grocery store, pickup food and go home to cook.  It’s a busy day sometimes but I love my busy life.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Do not be a reactionary.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
My husbands’ death and the adversity that followed

What values do you live by?
I truly believe in doing what is right.  I don’t see a lot of gray, I am pretty much black and white.  I try to treat everyone with respect and I am very honest.

What do you most appreciate?
Great interiors, beautiful clothes, great food, wine, travel, and time spent with family and friends.

What is your favorite journey?
Being extemporaneous, thinking outside the box, doing something on a whim, just because I feel like it.  It makes the journey fun.

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Nathan Norris.
Nathan is the new CEO of the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited. He is equally creative and logical with a dry sense of humor and a love of asking questions. Nathan is an attorney, real estate broker, and a family man. He’s a man who likes to get to the point as you will see by his answers (they may be the shortest I have ever had). Nathan brings an obvious intelligence to his new role, but he also brings a passion for Lafayette, and we are lucky to have him.  (Nathan – this time it IS about YOU)

What was your first job?  

Tippy’s Taco House.

Describe a typical day in your life.

Sunny with a high of 78.

What advice would you give the younger you?  

It is not about you.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?    

The 50 yard dash in 4th grade.  As a kid, I spent the bulk of my time playing sports.  Because of my incredibly slow foot speed as documented by my time in the 50 yard dash, I learned that I needed to work harder than my competitors in order to beat them.  That produced a work ethic and discipline in me at an early age that still benefits me today.

What values do you live by? 

Treat others like you would like to be treated.

What do you most appreciate? 

My wife. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week -David Andrew Colligan

David is the Manager of Business Development at LEDA . He started as an intern and they were lucky enough to keep him. He tells me he is a market research nerd, and you can tell he loves his job. As we meet to take his photo, his popularity is evident, people appear from their offices to tell me about how funny he is, and beg him to do his raptor impression for me – and it’s really good. (Don’t tell him you heard about it from me). David is that combination of funny and intelligent (with a hint of sarcasm) that will take him far and make sure those around him enjoy the journey.

What was your first job?
I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor in high school and college. My parents were pretty sure that I was going to seek professional lifeguarding opportunities after graduating from UL.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Morning cardio followed by coffee and the craziness of a work day that is never like the day before – and I love it!

What advice would you give the younger you?
1. The State of Louisiana is going to give you free tuition to go to a college in Louisiana. Don’t take it!
2. Some people are going to call you “David” instead of “Drew.” Don’t let them.
3. There is going to come a time when you will be comfortable being yourself. Never let that feeling go for anyone or anything unless you are learning and growing.
What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Working for the Walt Disney Company

What values do you live by?
Balance. Patience. Compassion.

What do you most appreciate?
One-on-one time with family or friends.

What is your favorite journey?
I really respect any journey of learning. I like looking for ways that I can challenge myself and evaluate my experiences so that I can have “aha! moments” that lead to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual growth.   [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Monique Koll

Monique is a Clinical Veterinarian, and has always been of the most feisty, determined and positive people I have ever met. Recently Monique was hit by a car while riding her bicycle (training for a triathlon) and suffered a broken neck, and she is still exactly the same feisty, determined and positive person she has always has been. Maybe even more so. This is a woman who knows how to set goals and I have never had any doubt that she will reach every one (and then set even bigger ones). She’s awesome, and would like you to know that you are too.

UPDATE: Monique has now started a blog to record her struggles and her awesome. Check it out here
What was your first job?

BJ’s Pizza in Covington, when I was in high school.

What advice would you give the younger you?

None. Growing up sucked at times, and I roll my eyes a Lot at the younger me But I recognize that I always did my best with the information and experience I had, and learned from it.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

Moving to Lafayette. The people I befriended here helped me, as a single mom, realize that I’m beautiful and successful, raising a great kid, and I can be independent and be just fine.

What do you most appreciate?

The people I love who love me

What is your favorite journey?

Everywhere, and to experience everything! The unknown. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Brett Mellington

Brett is the Manager of Business Development at LEDA – one of those unsung heroes who works tirelessly for the good of our community. Brett is very proud of both his job, and of his work on the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board – and he should be. Brett brings a positivity to everyone room he walks into. He gives a high-five to every co-worker at LEDA every morning. How can you not love a man like that? When you meet him give him a high-five, and say thank you for all he does.

What was your first job?
Sweeping out a warehouse of an oil field company in Liberal, Kansas. I was 15 and had to work every Saturday morning.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Working with the amazing LEDA staff to make Lafayette a better place to live and work.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Don’t ever, ever, ever take anything for granted.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
I was 16 and a sophomore in high school when my dad told us we were moving to Lafayette, Louisiana.  It only took me a couple of weeks to realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

What values do you live by?
Always treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Never give anyone a reason to doubt your integrity.

What do you most appreciate?
Donna, my soulmate and wife of 41 years.

What is your favorite journey?
The drive through Napa and Sonoma valleys then take a right through the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
In my yard on a warm summer evening.

What living figure most inspires you?
It’s difficult to pick one.  The leaders in our community inspire me and I’m not just talking about our elected and appointed leaders.  There are many who lead in small ways that we don’t see.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.  I interpret that to mean always accept the gifts from others (both material and otherwise) graciously and thank them.
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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – the unique Leon Khameson.

Leon is the Top Culinary Alchemist at Tsunami Sushi. He is one of the most fascinating people I have ever spent time with. A deep thinker with a huge capacity for caring about others and the world in which he exists. Leon is creativity at it’s best – he quietly creates,  and dreams, and as you will see by his answers, forms a view of the world that is both beautiful and unique. I am deeply honored to know him, he makes those around him stop and think.

What was your first job?
My very first job was in high school as a pool/life guard at a local  underground pool next to a government building located on the edge of a trailer park. I barely knew how to swim but was hired on to supervise the kids that went swimming there during the summer. I did a semi-horrible job because the pool capacity limit was 30 people. I tried different methods to implement the policy but failed. I put up a sign about the limit onto a sheet of particleboard but was ignored by everyone. The hoards of kids flooded into the pool. I had no real authority until I kicked a few kids out, one for throwing my chair into the pool; another for bringing his pocket knife into the water and swinging it around. Eventually I earned their trust. I protected this little girl that was being bullied by older girls; she was mistreated and pushed into the pool. Swift punishment was in order and I banned the obnoxious and mean older girls. I grew up a little bit that summer. Yeah, a few of them were brats but they were all good kids at heart. I related to them; I was a latchkey kid, too, and craved attention by acting out so I empathized.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Every day to me is atypical. I cannot plan too far ahead for fear of missed opportunities. When I go into work I always try my best regardless of my mood. I look for inspiration in everything. Some days fall into the mundane where all I do is prep work and machine-like construction of food. However, afterward I look for ways to express my creativity whether it may be writing a letter to someone or strumming my ukulele. I like the diversity in my life, it cannot be too boring and typical. I keep busy by finding new hobbies and interests.

What advice would you give the younger you?
The younger version of myself was timid and fearful of rejection. I would tell him to keep faith and to take bigger leaps and bounds. Self doubt is the biggest barrier to your freedom of happiness. I would also advise him to not think so much into the future and en joy the adventure of the moment.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
There are a series of events that have shaped who I am today. Growing up in a poor immigrant family taught me many things like independence, character, humility, emotional maturity, and much more. It was a tumultuous childhood but it just makes me appreciate the moments I have everyday. I appreciate the wonderful friends that I never had before. I appreciate the things I never got to do because Asian families are usually strict. I matured quickly because my parents were always working. I was translating letters and bills for my parents since I was able to comprehend the English language at a young age. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Carlee Alm-LaBar

Carlee Alm-LaBar is one of the hardest working, making-things-happen, people in our community. She is the Assistant to the City-Parish President and one of the nicest, most humble, people you will ever meet. Carlee is happier behind the scenes, she even asked if I could be in her Be You photo with her – she’s a team player all the way. I don’t think Carlee knows it yet, but with her abilities it’s impossible not to be noticed, she is both intelligent and surprising – we did this interview in a local sports bar between her many meetings so she could catch some of a USA soccer game, yes really. I am proud to call her a friend.

What was your first job?
A lifeguard

Describe a typical day in your life.
A trip to a coffee shop to get a latte, a workday of about 6 meetings, a little volunteering, a yoga class if I’m lucky, and a homemade dinner with my husband.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Get a dog sooner.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
This is a really tough question and there are quite a few… but in college, I served on the board of a fundraiser called Dance Marathon that was (at the time) the second largest college fundraising event in the country.  I had volunteered before then and I had worked hard before then, but that event was my first real taste of how much impact a group of people working together toward a common goal can have.

What values do you live by?
Peace, kindness, learning, loyalty… so hard to narrow it down.

What do you most appreciate?
Family and friends.  And my dog Jozy.

What is your favorite journey?
I love traveling to new places!

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
My couch. Car is a close second.

What living figure most inspires you?
This question stresses me out because I like to take the best slivers in people and draw inspiration from the gifts they have.   The people closest to me are probably those who inspire me the most. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Denise Gallagher.

Denise grins as she tells me that she is the owner of Denise Gallagher Design & Illustration, it’s only been a few weeks since she took the plunge and set up her own business, and it is in her words “totally legit”. Denise laughs easily, she is one of those positive people who makes it easy to be around her. A very talented artist with a great design sense and an understanding of business doesn’t come around too often – Denise has it all (and she knows how to use it).

What was your first job?


When I was 14, my dad paid me to enter his client information onto his new Apple IIe. I hated it. I swore that I’d never have a job working on computers. I’m glad I eventually changed my mind.

Describe a typical day in your life.
My life changed drastically when I recently started my own design and illustration company.
I wake up each morning excited to jump into my work. Before I do, I organize impromptu dance parties at the bus stop with my six-year-old and his friends. I then head downtown to my office. Once there, I design, I draw and I create. I talk to clients who share my passion for design and when I remember, I’ll take a sip of coffee. At the end of the day, I join my family – the people I love the most. After dinner,  bath time and story time, I settle in with a cup of tea, my sketchbook and a very sharp pencil.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Have patience and work hard and consistently to achieve your goals.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
My Mom passed away nearly two years ago. She was a kindergarten teacher and the nicest person you could ever meet. At the end of her life, she was surrounded by the things that were most important to her – her family, her friends and her faith. She was not afraid. I vowed then to honor her memory by living my life more like she had – patient, caring, kind, unselfish and good. I also became more aware of what made me truly happy and decided to do these things more often.

What values do you live by?
Try to see the good in every situation.
Work hard.
Sing loudly.
Laugh often.
Dance daily.
And a smile goes a long way.

What do you most appreciate?
I appreciate spending time laughing, talking and dreaming with others who share a passion for life. I appreciate being able to do work that I truly love doing. And I appreciate the time that I spend with my family – especially Saturday morning pancake parties and snuggling together on Family Movie Nights.

What is your favorite journey?
I once spent a morning exploring Manhattan by myself. I was there for the opening of my gallery show and I felt courageous, adventurous and exhilarated.
I also once kayaked in Monterey Bay in California. I was befriended by a harbor seal who ended up following me for a while. The sense of peace and wonder I felt were truly rare. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Daphne Olivier.

Daphne is the ‘Unconventional Dietician’ – she is passionate about real food and the changes in our local food culture that embrace fresh, local, and unprocessed food. If her energy, delight with life, and beauty (inside and out) is anything to go by we should all be learning from this lady. You can find out more about her on her website my-food-coach.com – Check out her blog while you are there – she has some great tips.

What was your first job?
When I was 14 I started working at a concession stand selling nachos, popcorn, and
burgers at our local baseball park.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I’m usually up with the chickens to have some quiet time and exercise before the chaos
of the morning starts. I spend my days learning about food-cooking or fermenting new
things, working with clients who want to use food as their medicine, or reading about
food. Then the evenings are spent eating together as a family and discussing the day.
We also always make time to play before bed.

What advice would you give the younger you?
There’s no reason to try to make others happy. Just focus on your own happiness and
that in turn will make others happy.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Hurricane Katrina. My husband and moved to New Orleans about 3 months before
the hurricane hit. I was working at the hospital during the storm. My husband & I got
separated, found each other again, then evacuated together. A movie script could
not have been written better. In addition to the actual hurricane, I was a part of the
rebuilding of lives, neighbors, our neighborhood, and a city. Although there was a lot of
devastation, the power of the human spirit during this time enriched my life forever.

What values do you live by?
Honesty and integrity

What do you most appreciate?
Honesty and integrity

What is your favorite journey?
The journey of life. I love how it has so many ups and downs, twists and turns. When
things get rough I just tell myself, “this too shall pass.”

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
In my hammock in my back yard. I can hear life around me, but can also shut it out and
just be with me.

What living figure most inspires you?
My mom. She has been through a lot and still holds her head high with a smile. She has
always been there to support me in everything I do.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
The quote from Henry David Thoreau “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you’ve imagined.”

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Either The Celestine Prophecy or Clan of the Cave Bears. They are completely opposite
books, but good in their own way.

What is the best thing about where you live?
The culture, the people, the food, the music-what’s not to love? I’ve lived in other places
and there’s no other place where the people so genuine everywhere.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
Being anywhere with family and/or friends, listening to music, having a drink, and letting
the kids run around exploring life and having fun. That’s a good time.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
I’ve wanted to be a dietitian for as long as I remember. I was surrounded by people who
were always dieting and I knew there was more to food than being on a diet.

What is your motto?
“Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride, nobody’s gonna slow me down, oh no, I’ve got to
keep on moving.”

How would you like to be remembered?
It doesn’t matter if I’m remembered or not. When my time is done, my time is done.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
The phrase I chant with my boys is one I’ve adopted. “I’m smart, I’m strong, I can do
anything.”

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Integrity
Happiness
Empathy
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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Kelli Smith.

Kelli describes herself as a problem solver. She sees design as the art of “making something better”. I first sat down with Kelli after I got an email from her explaining she was inviting 30 people to coffee, people she was inspired by or wanted to know more about. She is keen to learn from people, from herself, and from her surroundings – I have a feeling that Kelli will go far, and it’s going to be an exciting journey both for her, and those of us that know her. All I can say is that if she invites you for coffee, go – you will both coming away better for the experience. Kelli currently has an Etsy store (KellismCo) where she sells beautiful hand painted Toms and other art – you should check it out.

What was your first job?
Working concessions at Village Bingo.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Wake up with two dogs in my face, eat a cliff bar, drink tea, work on inventory at The Greenroom, come home to happy dogs, hopefully eat something delicious and work on art projects.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Stop worrying and taking life so seriously, most of the stuff you stress about won’t matter in days, months or years to come.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Art class in Middle School.  That marked the beginning of a never-ending passion.

What values do you live by?
Be a good person.

What do you most appreciate?
So many things, but mostly having wonderful parents who have always loved and supported me. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week, Kelly Guidry.

Kelly Guidry tells me with a smile that he’s sculptor. I know he’s an incredibly talented artist – I have a piece of his work in my living room that makes me smile everyday and I plan to buy more. He uses chainsaws and power tools to create beautiful pieces of art from wood and metal. As you will see Kelly isn’t one to waste words, he gets straight to the heart of the questions – he lives his life the same way and it shows. Find out more at KellyGuidry.com or his facebook fan page

What was your first job?

I was a Pool Boy.

Describe a typical day in your life. 

Wrestling kids and wild dogs and playing with power tools.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Don’t be so scared of everything. Don’t worry about what other people think of me.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

My transition from advertising to full time sculptor.

What values do you live by?  

Work hard and be grateful for what you have. Take care of your responsibilities.

What do you most appreciate?

Being able to make a living doing what I love.

What is your favorite journey?  

Transition from childhood to adulthood (college years). [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week Zachary Barker.

Zachary Barker is the Founder of Acadiana Sports Leagues, the current President of the 705, a board member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Co-founder of Acadiana Entrepreneur Group. Yes, he’s all about Getting Shit Done (his words) and obviously by his achievements he walks his talk. Zachary is a natural motivator, he just can’t help it – and I like that. He’s expecting big things to happen, and I have no doubt that they will. I’m excited for him and the rest of us.

What was your first job?
Digging holes for landscape piping at 13 years old.

Describe a typical day in your life.
ENJOY a power breakfast where I confirm my Top 5 goals for the day, then… GET SHIT DONE!

What advice would you give the younger you?
The same advice I would give my older self now – “Stay focused on what gets results.  Everything else is distraction.”

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Moving from San Diego when I was 13 years old.  It forced me to become outgoing and learn how to “fit into” new groups.  A lesson everyone should be forced to learn.

What values do you live by?
No Excuses-“GSD”
Protect Your Time
Control Communications
Keep It Simple & Have FUN!

What do you most appreciate?
My wife, Nancy.  She has always accepted me for who I am and never allowed me to settle for less than what I should be.

What is your favorite journey?
The one I’m on now… I cannot imagine I am here coincidentally.  Something great is happening here and I feel like I am supposed to be a leader as part of it!

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Anywhere.  Silence is the sounds of pure focus.  If you don’t remember what silence sounds like… you need to schedule more alone time.

What living figure most inspires you?
My mother.  Anyone who will sacrifice the way she has to allow others a better opportunity… well, that IS inspiration. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week, Georgia Rachal.

Georgia is a pilates instructor, a personal trainer, life coach and generally pretty amazing person who has just opened Mind over Matter studios (337.435.4518). Georgia is one of those people who just oozes passion and motivation and makes you feel all warm and positive like you can do anything with your life – and she does it by simply being herself. If you have met her then you know exactly what I mean, if you haven’t then you really should. And yes, I’m signing up for some pilates.

What was your first job?
Babysitting age-11. My neighborhood girlfriends and I formed a babysitters club and went door-to-door passing out flyers. Little did I know, the job I would pick up that day would majorly affect whom I grew up to become. Those girls (now women) are two of my most prized blessings in life.

Describe a typical day in your life.
My days are completely different than before the studio opened. Before, I spent my days training with clients and teaching somewhere between ten to fourteen hours a day, and on my off hours, spending time with my son, working with Junior League and then catching up on the rest of life when I can…It seems chaotic most days but to be honest, it’s what I have come to know and love.
The moment Mind Over Matter Studios became a reality, life warped into this exciting and terrifying unknown world.  Since then, my days are spent praying, obsessively organizing my dreams, making multiple lists, and taking everything one day, one thought, and one client at a time. Most people don’t believe it, but I haven’t had a good workout since the first week of October! Yikes!

So, basically, I…Pray. Train. Repeat.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Hang onto your childhood innocence. Your spontaneity and sense of self are your strengths, not your flaws. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to fall. The waves of life will do far more than intimidate you. They will drown you; spin you in fast circles and push you farther than you think you can go. You will feel alone and empty, as if nothing is left. But you will also learn how to swim. You will learn to fight. You will learn the value of seeing your own smile and the power behind filling up your own cup. You will find the person you were born to be but most importantly, you will learn forgiveness in the truest form. You will come to know God deeper than ever before.
You will discover your purpose by surviving the darkness and you will realize your experiences, your awareness and your openness to share are healing gifts from God. Listen closely to your intuition and always answer it without hesitation. And always remember, Jackson is paying closer attention than you think

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
To pick just one feels impossible. I’d have to say my parent’s marriage. It sounds like I’m joking but actually I’m not! My parents married when I was 3 and my dad adopted my brother and I when I was 5. Though they are very different people they compliment each other beautifully. Their commitment to each other year after year through so many life events have taught me about follow through, compromise and family value (which sound pretty boring to a non-adult but turns out, they are pretty important). Together my parents carry a multitude of hard earned life lessons and experience paired with a layer of grace in withholding wisdom when they realize I want to learn it on my own (against their better judgment at times, I’m sure; although I wouldn’t know it). Somehow, they know just the right time to say the right thing. Not to mention, their calm stability in a world of constant, uncertain chaos. They stand still. They stand together. Thank God. [click to continue…]

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Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week -
Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week is Charlie Shunick

Charlie Shunick became Lafayette’s big sister during the tragic events earlier this year. I, like many, watched as her strength, and belief in love and community, shone through, even at the toughest time in her life. Charlie is instantly likable, with a sense of humor, a wonder at the world and a fierce intelligence that will take her far – and she plans to use them all well. That passionate combination of heart and brain is hard to beat – and this girl has both in spades.

What was your first job?
I was a secretary for my dad’s business Bane & Shunick, I started there right before I graduated from high school when I was 18. My first real job was at Picante (on Ambassador) I started from opening and worked there until it closed, they let me host, serve and bartend. That was a really, really awesome job.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Well, I’m in graduate school getting my master’s in cognitive neuroscience here at UTDallas… which means I read and read and read a lot. Usually, I wake up and run errands, clean, organize, paint, garden whatever… I do something I enjoy or use that time for errands and household tasks. Then I either do homework or go to class depending on the day. I also have an internship with a doctor at a medical school here called UTSouthwestern where I am studying addiction pathways via neuroimaging, I work in the nuclear medicine section. So some days I go there and meet with my Dr. or do some work there, I’m getting my own cubby in an office there Monday and will be scheduling 2 or 3 work days from December on (this is very exciting!!!!!!). When I’m not doing school stuff, I’m either being a delinquent with my friends at bars or shows, playing with one of my four pets, gardening or doing some kind of craft or project. Basically, I can’t keep still. Now I’m also actively keeping our missing person’s pages going as well to fill in the gaps.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Exercise more, do better in high school, don’t worry about little things that won’t matter in a year and stop taking everything so seriously.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Well, I think there are several things that have shaped who I am:
Mickey Shunick
My sister’s disappearance and the whole 3 months that followed… and well… it’s still affecting me obviously because I am still being presented with opportunities like this
My parents
High school
College
The professor I worked with at UL for 2.5 years, Theodore Scott Smith
My first love
Living in New Orleans
Neuroscience and my program [click to continue…]

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