Business Person of The Month: Kim Gordon

Kim Gordon Owner, Manager

Abigail’s Best Children’s & Maternity Consignment
17221 Jefferson Hwy, Suite E
(a block south of Highland Rd)
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
(225) 448-3387 (phone)
(225) 448-2936 (fax)
facebook.com/abigailsbest

Monday – Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-4

Abigail’s Best Children’s & Maternity Consignment is a business that sells gently used children’s clothing (boys & girls sizes 0-8), Maternity Apparel, baby equipment, books, toys, shoes and accessories. Kim Gordon, the store’s owner since 2011, has extensive experience in the retail clothing business. Kim’s assistant, Sharon, has been a big part of reestablishing the store’s business in the last year. Sharon has worked in consignment for over 11 years and has a good grasp for selecting and pricing items that are accepted for resale. Abigail’s Best does not buy used clothes for resale; all clothing, maternity and baby items are available on consignment at half the price of new items. Abigail’s Best also carries new handmade merchandise for sale on consignment. Abigail’s Best is a growing business with plans to expand into adjacent building space and begin carrying women’s/plus size clothing along with maternity plus size apparel.

Abigail’s Best accepts clothing, toys and baby equipment with store inventory approximately 33% in each category. Clothing includes both name brands and boutique brands. Items are taken on consignment for 60-90 days with day one beginning when the item is entered into the shop’s computer system. If the item does not sell within 90 days, the client may reclaim it. Items not reclaimed are donated to 12 baskets Ministries, a local charity. In most cases, clients usually donate the item if it does not sell. Monies owed to clients are given as store credit and may be spent on items in the shop or they may request a check.

The store’s decisions about accepting items brought in for consignment are based on condition. Worn, faded, or stained items are not accepted. Kim’s team determines the price for each item accepted for consignment and resale through internet research and then lists them for sale at 50% off retail. Some clothing items brought in for resale still have the original price tag attached, yet they are priced 50% less.

Baby equipment includes items such as infant swings, high-chairs, exersaucers, strollers, bouncers, carriers, etc. and often sells quickly. Abigail’s Best does not usually carry furniture due to lack of display space. Car seats are also not sold in the store as it is against state law in Louisiana to resell these. New car seats must be purchased and fitted for each child.

Toys accepted for consignment must have all their parts and be in working order. Adult and children’s books must be clean and free of all markings (i.e., crayon, drawings, etc.). Adult books include topics such as pregnancy, birth and infant/toddler care, prenatal care and nutrition. Books are also priced at 50% off retail. New items in the store, also on consignment, include handmade bows and hair accessories along with custom-made children’s jewelry and pillowcase dresses. Bows may be custom ordered by style, school and special event colors.

Abigail’s Best operates like any retail store with special promotions and sale events held monthly. Some events are themed to include holidays (i.e., Easter, Halloween costumes, Christmas), back to School (uniforms), LSU/Saints items, and fall extravaganza. Clearance sales are held seasonally to make room for new “next season” items. Kim maintains an email list of all consignees & customers and sends notices of upcoming events so they can clean out their closets and plan their shopping trips.

Acquiring Abigail’s Best was a natural progression for Kim, having spent the past 25 years in retail management of both women’s and children’s apparel. She has managed stores for Strasburg Children, Babies R Us, and Catherine’s. Kim received an Associate Degree in Business from Bryant and Stratton in Rochester, NY.

Kim’s advice to others starting a small business, or purchasing an existing one as she did, is to be prepared to devote a lot of time and money to make it happen. One of the challenges Kim has had to overcome with Abigail’s Best was reestablishing a reputable operation by getting word out about the store and its new management. She regularly advertises in Parents Magazine and on Facebook. Sales and special events are posted on their Facebook page and announcements are sent via email to her regular customers.

Kim looks to author Dave Ramsey for business advice and likes having access to libraries for new books. She believes the role of a small business is in building partnerships with other businesses and working together to ensure more successful small businesses in Baton Rouge.

Abigail’s Best is a nice, friendly place to shop and includes a play area for children. Kim will help you shop, watch your children while you shop, and even recommend other places to go if she does not have what you need. Kim feels that in any business, “Success is learning from your mistakes without losing your enthusiasm”.

Business Person of the Month: Maureen Joyce

MJ’s Café
672 Jefferson Hwy.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(225) 933-5569
http://www.mjs-cafe.com
Maureen Joyce
Owner/Chef/Hostess/Proprietor/Cook/Waitress

Hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday
Seasonal Supper and Singing: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm Saturdays
(approximately once a month)

Maureen Joyce always dreamed of owning a small café similar to ones located in Italy and France where meals are a part of the culture – taking time to enjoy your surroundings and eating in casual relaxed dining atmospheres.  She experienced this mealtime custom while studying in France as an LSU undergraduate and later in Italy while pursuing her LSU Masters degree.  She thought, “Why can’t meals here in Louisiana be served like this…we have wonderful fresh greens, veggies, cheese and shell fish.  Why shouldn’t we enjoy Louisiana bounty, cooked fresh, each day?”  So, On May 5, 2011, Maureen opened MJ’s Café.  She is the owner/proprietor and the only full time employee.  Maureen, along with one part-time employee, serves as the hostess, cook and waitress.

Joyce created a unique café for Baton Rouge located in the Capital Heights area of Mid-City that promotes a healthy lifestyle through fresh, homemade meals.  MJ’s Café offers cuisine that encourages people to “eat light but right” and to eat a balance of fresh foods and good nutrients.  Patrons can enjoy a dining experience that allows them to return to work without feeling sluggish and sleepy after their midday meal. MJ’s Café provides a vegan or vegetarian option rather than a heavy “meat and potatoes” meal.   However, most of MJ’s Café’s customers are not strict vegetarians.  They enjoy the change of pace and are not afraid to have a meatless meal.  Most restaurants do not offer vegetarian choices other than a salad bar, but more are adding this option to their menu.

Menu items include homemade soup using Louisiana-grown veggies and beans, sandwiches with homemade bread, greens and cheese, and quiche or other shellfish choices.  Often menu selections include what is fresh and available from the BREADA Farmers Market such as spicy sweet potato soup topped with goat cheese, curry carrot soup with cilantro, and Italian tomato and white bean parmesan cheese soup.  All soups are veggie-based (not barley or rice based) and are served with a baguette.  September is typically a lean month for fresh produce. However, beans that are harvested in the fall provide fare for hearty filling dishes.  Creative menu items feature peaches, cantaloupe, and strawberries in sandwiches and salads, and cold apple and cucumber soup.

People enjoy and appreciate having a healthy choice for lunch.  In Louisiana, chefs have access to fresh produce every month of the year.  Joyce primarily buys and features locally grown items in salads, soups and other dishes.  MJ’s serves fresh shrimp, crawfish, crab and catfish – all caught locally.  She buys from local farmers markets and some items are delivered by Louisiana farmers.  MJ’s Café is mostly farm to table; even the eggs are produced by free range chickens at Felixville Organics, LLC, in Clinton, LA.  The bread served is from local providers such as Forte Grove located in Plaquemine, LA.

About once a month MJ’s Café offers a “Seasonal Supper and Song.”  The event consists of a four-course meal along with live music.  These are held on a Saturday after regular business hours (6:00-9:30 pm).  Meals are served first and then the music begins around 8:00-8:30 pm. The music is international original compositions performed by local musicians. The menu always includes one seafood option for the main course and uses the freshest local ingredients available at that time.

Joyce was born in Baltimore, Maryland.  Her father died when she was young and her mother, who has roots in Lake Charles, moved the family to Louisiana.  Maureen grew up in Lake Charles and went to LSU to pursue a BA in English.  She taught English for 4 years at a local private school and taught art history part time at BRCC and LSU.  She also worked as marketing director for the Baton Rouge Arts Council.

She began her food career at high-end bakeries sculpting gum paste flowers, and learned everything from French butter cream to basic pastry while living in France.  She now follows a philosophy based on simple, fresh, local ingredients beautifully prepared to nurture the body and spirit.  A patron who frequents the restaurant for lunch keeps telling Maureen, “Attitude – Gratitude.”  Maureen agrees and is grateful for the abundance of fresh vegetables and fresh seafood available in Louisiana.  In the hustle and bustle of fast food restaurants and drive-thrus, she is grateful for the success of MJ’s Café – “the little café that could.”

Business Person of the Month: Ma Petite

Ma Petite
2561 Citiplace Court,
Suite 400
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Charlotte Petitjean Gulotta,
Owner
Janelle Earle,
Manager
Phone (225) 928-4496
Email: mapetite@aol.com

Charlotte Petitjean Gulotta introduced Baton Rouge to the petite fashion market by opening Ma Petite in Catfish Town in 1984. Ma Petite was the first and, at the time, only petite specialty store in Baton Rouge. Petite fashion caters to the clothing and accessory needs of women 5’ 4’’ and under and is not age specific. For example, customers of Ma Petite range in age from 16 to 90 years old. The common denominator for the classification of petite is height not size. Statistics show that 53 percent of women are petite. Whether you’re a size 2 or 14, if you are 5 feet 4 inches or shorter, you are considered petite. Petites can wear any style as long as the fit is proportional. Proper scaling of the clothes to the figure can create the illusion of height. Petite clothing is fashionable, modern and classic. Ma Petite carries designer names and more moderately priced items.

“In our petite business, we have an added challenge of educating women that they are petite. By purchasing fashions designed specifically for petites, you can save yourself not only the cost of expensive alterations, but also the frustration of shopping. We want our customers to enjoy shopping and to look their best” says Charlotte.

Charlotte received an RN degree in nursing from University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL)  in 1973. After graduation she worked part-time three days a week at Hotel Dieu in New Orleans as a nurse. Charlotte began her career in the retail business in 1979 when she opened Ruffles ‘N Britches, a children’s store, in Plaquemine, as a hobby while continuing her career in nursing. When Catfish Town opened in 1984, she expanded her retail business into the Baton Rouge market by opening the second location of Ruffles ‘N Britches. Ma Petite made its debut at the same time. Ruffles ‘N Britches and Ma Petite both moved to Village Square in 1986. Charlotte saw the need for a petite dress store long before she opened Ma Petite. When she would go to market for children’s clothes, her sales staff would ask her to bring back petite dresses for them since they were hard to find in Baton Rouge. Charlotte eventually decided to move out of the children’s wear business and concentrate solely on the petite clothing store. In 2003, Charlotte sold Ruffles ‘N Britches and moved Ma Petite to its current location in Citiplace Court on Corporate Blvd.

Charlotte began working full-time as an owner-employee in the store because, as she says, “No self-owned business runs itself. If you want to open a business, be ready to give it 110 percent. You’ll work very hard, but you’ll enjoy the challenge.” One also needs to be able to spend quality time with family and her capable staff allows Charlotte to find that quality time with her husband and three daughters.

Our customers’ shopping experience is always made special and fun through our staff’s service and expertise. “Janelle Earle, Manager of Ma Petite, has been with me for 23 years and she’s indispensable. She has become a member of our family,” says Charlotte. Janelle regards every person who walks through the door as a challenge. They may ask, “Where are your dresses?”, but figuring out what they want is the real question. She wants to find the customer the right outfit for the occasion, not just sell them a dress. The staff is also willing to tell the customer the truth about the fit and look of an item on them. There is no hard sell, they always tell the truth. Ma Petite customers like to shop with people they know and the staff is dedicated to the people and care about them. Alterations are offered by Faye Downey; she is available on site Tuesday and Friday from 2:30 to 5:00.

“I’ve learned a lot about running a business – advertising, management, construction, janitorial and a lot more, but the most pleasure comes from the wonderful people and families you meet,” continues Charlotte. “Thank you Baton Rouge for over 28 years of success.”

Business Person of the Month: Ashley Torrence

Ashley Torrence,
Owner/Instructor, The Perfect Poleforma
“Poleforming – A new you while working out”
Monterey Plaza
9269 Florida Blvd
Suite 101
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225-588-5494
www.theperfectpoleforma.com
theperfectpoleforma@yahoo.com

The Perfect Poleforma was the first pole fitness studio in Baton Rouge to introduce a new type of workout for women. Owner Ashley Torrence was not sure if the pole industry would be accepted in Baton Rouge due to the stigma that people have when they hear the word “POLE”. Despite her apprehension she opened The Perfect Poleforma in March 2011. Ashley hoped that people would open their minds and think outside the box and realize times have changed and that it is no different from gymnastics, the pole is just vertical and not horizontal.

Ashley was born and raised in New Orleans. She along with her family evacuated to Baton Rouge due to Hurricane Katrina. She is a graduate of Dillard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a minor in Business Management. At the age of 22 after completing her education, Ashley made the transition back to Baton Rouge and worked in her brother’s Allstate Agency. In 2008 she put her business management skills to use and opened her own independent insurance agency, Superior Insurance Services in St. Francisville, La where she now provides service to over 300 customers.

While growing up in the Catholic school system, Ashley was a frequent user of the library. She reads educational books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Who Stole My Cheese? and 48 Laws of Power that helped inspire her to become self-employed. Her parents have always been her biggest supporters in life. No matter what Ashley wanted to do, her parents were always there to cheer her on. Her parents taught her to “Never Say Can’t” in life and because of that she has two successful businesses at the age of 28 she can be proud of.

Ashley uses that same motto of “Never Say Can’t” towards reaching her goal of encouraging women of all ages and sizes that you can do anything, but first you have to try. She offers women a friendly, relaxing, stress-free and fun environment where women can be women, and not care about appearance. For some women going to the gym can be boring or for some they may be self-conscious of their bodies to work out in front of men.

When doing pole fitness, you can burn up to 500 calories while strengthening your arms, legs and core. Aside from pole classes, The Perfect Poleforma offers Birthday, Bachelorette and Girls Night Out parties.

So if you are not sure you have what it takes to become a POLEFORMA contact Ashley at 225-588-5494 for more information and pricing. Pole fitness may not be for everyone, but one thing is for sure, “Once A Poleforma…Always A Poleforma.”

Business Person of the Month: Robert Broussard

Robert Broussard Insurance Agency, LLC
5917 Jones Creek Ste. 200F
Baton Rouge, La. 70817
Baton Rouge: 225-771-8751
New Orleans: 504-314-9251
“Where The Service After The Sale Matters”

Robert Broussard Jr. has been in the insurance business all his life.  He grew up in an insurance family where he witnessed his father become a successful agent, serving his clients’ needs for over thirty years. Robert even volunteered in the office his father still runs today. Robert saw his father go to work in a coat and tie every day and he admired that as a child.  As Robert grew older he came to respect the insurance business for the living it provided for his parents and himself.

Today, as the owner of Robert Broussard Insurance Agency, Robert brings his knowledge and experience in the industry to clients who seek property and casualty, life, renters, and other types of insurance. Robert not only attends to the immediate insurance needs of his clients, his agency also provides “Service after the sale.”

Robert Broussard Insurance Agency is very customer focused; Robert is available 24/7 for claims and service.  As an agent, he is aware that it is because of his customers that he earns a living.

As an independent agent who represents multiple insurance companies, Robert can provide advice and personalized service to meet one’s insurance needs – both now and as their needs change.  Unlike captive agents who are tied to one company, independent agents can offer products from a variety of different insurance companies.  Independent agents can better serve their customers because they can review multiple policies and pricing options, and then recommend the best combination for each situation. That’s the real value in choosing independent agents – they offer knowledgeable advice and personalized service.  Robert has contracts with nine insurance companies; five of these companies he uses for automotive insurance, three for commercial businesses and one company for life insurance.

An independent agent has to be appointed by a company to represent them and sell their policies.  You complete an application, talk to their marketing reps, and then are issued a contract to represent the company.  It can be a difficult process.  You may not know why others are accepted as agents but not you; or the market is extremely competitive (some companies have enough agents or don’t want too many).

Robert is experienced and has the ability to write good policies that address all types of client needs.  His Dad often refers people to Robert when he is unable to write the policy on items he does not cover.

Robert decided after earning his bachelor’s degree in Communications from Dillard University in New Orleans to see what life was like outside Louisiana and moved to Philadelphia in 2006. Robert spent the next two years working for AIG in their banking mortgage division.  This was during the peak of the real estate crisis when the housing market was bad and it was difficult to close on a loan or get good rates due to credit issues.  People owed more on their mortgage than their house was worth.  While it was a good time to buy, house prices had fallen and no one could get credit. Soon Robert decided that he wanted to build his career in the insurance business and became a licensed sales producer and agent. Robert’s family was displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina and chose Baton Rouge as their “go to home”. Robert moved back to Baton Rouge to work for his dad and then opened his own agency in July of 2011.

Robert did not have to jump hurdles to open an agency here in Baton Rouge.  Since he was already licensed, it was only a matter of renting space and attracting clients.  He opened his agency on Jones Creek in July 2011.  Robert sees Baton Rouge as a growing entity.  The expanding infrastructure of the interstate from two lanes to four and six shows room for potential growth.  This will affect the business climate as it will expand and grow with Baton Rouge.  He wants to be a part of this, and to be able to grow his business and give back to the community.

Robert’s philosophy is, “Insurance is something you can’t live with and can’t live without; you need it, but you hope you never have to use it.”  For example, life insurance can build cash value and keep dreams and goals alive in times of death and tragedy.  No one wants to use it but when you have to, you are glad you have it.

No one wants an accident or disaster to strike, but you need to be ready when it does.  People have negative perceptions of insurance companies when they hear a company did not pay on a claim.  Agents and agencies have to guard against scams and false claims.  These are the ones that make the news and create higher premiums.

Robert recently started a book club with several of his high school friends from New Orleans. They chose Rich Dad, Poor Dad for their first book and met in June to discuss it.  Each member will take turns selecting future books to read.  His favorite book is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.  He enjoys reading and wants to learn something when he reads.  He finds it stimulating mentally to read and discuss, to be challenged and dig deep into the book.  Robert believes discussion helps you see things you may have missed by reading the book on your own.  Robert is a people person and likes to understand how people think.  He is always finding ways to learn about dealing with different types of people.

Robert is a member of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) organization.  Their monthly magazine keeps him abreast of the direction insurance is taking in Louisiana and nationwide.  It covers trends in the insurance industry as well as national insurance issues. The magazine also includes local PIA events (such as crawfish boils) where Robert can network with other agents.

His advice to other small business owners is to do your research before you open a business: what will be the start-up cost; do you have capital to carry you through until you show a profit or at least break even; do you have all the permits and licenses you need; do you enjoy what you do?  When he was deciding on his particular career path, his mother told him, “You need to like what you are doing so much you would do it for free and the money will soon come”.