Returning to Baton Rouge

After about a decade away, living and working in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, D.C., I returned to Baton Rouge. Part of why I returned was to be near family again and find affordable housing and childcare, but coming back to a culture and community I knew and loved was the cherry on top. The pace of life felt less hectic, and I immediately felt comfortable. I was also so excited about the new and emerging art, food, and music scenes being embraced in the city. 

Finding a BTR Community After a Decade Away

I don’t just have one community here in Baton Rouge. As a small business owner, I rely on a strong group of other female business owners for support and camaraderie. My family is also involved in a local church. I dance with the Baton Rouge Prancing Baby Cakes. I have a lively group chat with fellow Enneagram 8s. Because of my position as a business owner, I have the opportunity to be involved in a number of charity events and fundraisers year-round! 

Pursuing the things that I enjoy and that give me energy has drawn me to various groups...

Finding belonging in Baton Rouge as an adult can be challenging, but pursuing the things that I enjoy and that give me energy has drawn me to various groups of people that keep me encouraged and engaged!

Becoming a BTR Entrepreneur 

Starting a business in Baton Rouge didn’t happen on purpose. I often joke that I went out to prove a concept and somehow cornered my way into growing a business just to keep up with my ideas! That’s how Counterspace was born.

Baton Rouge has unique opportunities and hurdles for business owners. For example, getting folks excited about new things in Baton Rouge is easy, but keeping people excited is challenging! This has forced me to continue to be playful and creative with my business and our offerings at Counterspace. From offering breakfast at our newest location to prompting Taylor Swift and Barbie-themed treat boxes, there is always something new on our menu to help excite current and new customers.

Time Off is Even Sweeter

There is always something going on in the city. On Fridays, I always encourage people to check out Live After Five or whatever other festival/music happenings might be going on. Saturday mornings are perfect for the Farmer’s Market with a stop at Social Coffee and, if it’s the last Saturday of the month, a visit to Local Pop Up. Sundays are usually reserved for church and a nap, then maybe an afternoon outing to Zippy’s patio. 

I truly love the many amazing food and drink options at various prices around the city, and I love that there is a festival or an art market to enjoy any weekend! Parades have helped sweeten the pot; dancing with the Baby Cakes has made Mardi Gras extra magical for me these past two years!

Baton Rouge is such a lively and unique city.

Baton Rouge is such a lively and unique city. It’s a state capital paired with an art and entertainment flair. And the bow on top? The many folks committed to small business and growth! The actions that so many take by shopping small, investing in the creative economy, and keeping their dollars and time in the city encourage me to continue working to make my corner of Baton Rouge even BTR!