StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Sending Positive Vibes to New Orleans and Beyond From Lionheart Prints

In big bold letters on the window of Lionheart Prints’ Magazine shop it says, “Kind, Brave, and Fun.” Those positive vibes echo throughout the shop filled with laugh-out-loud cards and the perfect nick-nack you never knew you needed. We sat down with Liz Maute Cooke to learn more about her bold designs and her evener bolder business moves. Name: Liz Maute Cooke
Store: Lionheart Prints
Since: January 2013

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? It started with a series of career disappointments. When I graduated college in 2008, I realized the dream they sold you in high school to work hard, get through school, and then you’ll have a job waiting at the end of the tunnel wasn’t true.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Handcrafted Looks and Individualized Twists from Hinge Salon

Hinge Salon is the new business on the block, but they bring a world of experience and inspirational passion to their cozy space. Owners Billy Miller and Rachel Reed have been working in the industry for over 30 years combined and decided to open their Magazine Street salon to focus on their clients needs. They seek to be a resource and help their clients create savvy fashion choices that makes them feel great. Name: Billy Miller and Rachel Reed
Store: Hinge Salon
Founded: June 2017

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Billy: When I came back to New Orleans after the storm I knew salons would be reopening and building their teams. I set forth to create a hub to train and prepare stylists to be on the floor in a few months.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Just like New Orleans, Slim Goodies Diner is warm, friendly, and unique

On the front cover of Slim Goodies’ menu it says, “We’re here to stay & stand by New Orleans, come hell or high water.” That attitude is a way of life at this Uptown diner. Owner Deborah Schumacher is dedicated to serving her guests and community great food and lots of love! We sat down with Deborah to learn more about the secret ingredient to her business’s success. Name: Deborah Schumacher
Store: Slim Goodies Diner
Founded: 2002

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? My partner and dear friend Kathleen “Kappa” Horn and her brother, Raymond Horn, started the business in 2002.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Black Star Books and Caffe, The Heart of Lil’ Afrika

What Black Star Books and Caffe offers doesn’t fit on a menu. Sure, there’s coffee and food, but you’ll also find art, music, books, life lessons, and even a business incubator. Owner Baakir Tyehimba created this space for people to enrich their lives through education, entrepreneurship, and community. We sat down with him to find out why he infused his coffee shop with so much culture. Name: Baakir Tyehimba
Store: Black Star Books and Caffe
Since: Founded in 2010

What ignited the spark in you to start your business?

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Fuel Up on Caffeine and Pastries at The Station Coffee Shop and Bakery

He makes coffee. She bakes pastries. You get to enjoy the delicious results. Jonathan and Megan Walker, owners of The Station Coffee Shop and Bakery, admit to having a crush on their Mid-City building for years and just this year opened the doors for the new shop. The Station stands as a purple highlight in the neighborhood and is already a staple for many local residents.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Third Generation Baker Creates Deep-Fried Delectables at Blue Dot Donuts

Before you even open a box of a dozen donuts from Blue Dot Donuts, you can smell the sweet, warm pastries calling. When you finally crack the top open, you can see the intense colors of assorted donuts freshly baked and frosted—these are not your average donuts. Like jelly in a donut, New Orleans culture is injected right into the heart of Blue Dot Donuts. Name: Zach Foster
Store: Blue Dot Donuts
Since: Founded in 2011

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Well technically, the business had already started when I bought it.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Blown Glass With a New Orleans Accent

At Rosetree Glass Studio and Gallery, Mark Rosenbaum creates distinctive glass work using 2,000-year-old techniques. Mark has a diverse artistic background including glassblowing, glass casting, ceramics, and jewelry. His work has been featured throughout the United States in fine craft stores, art galleries, businesses, and homes. Rosetree Glass Studio is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind piece. Name: Mark and Brenda Rosenbaum
Store: Rosetree Glass Studio and Gallery
Since: 1992

What ignited the spark in you to start your business?

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Treasures on the banks of the Mississippi at Beatrixbell Handcrafted Jewelry & Gift Shop

Beatrixbell Handcrafted is a jewelry design studio and gift shop located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Historic Algiers Point only three blocks from the ferry terminal. This gift boutique features curated items with an emphasis on local treasures and handmade wares. Artist and owner Beatrix Bell makes all the jewelry in house, and can be found in her attached studio making each piece of jewelry by hand. Her pieces pair mixed metals with exotic stones, rich patinas, enamels and vintage elements to create unique and unexpected designs. Name: Beatrix Bell
Store: Beatrixbell Handcrafted Jewelry & Gift
Since: 2017

What ignited the spark in you to start your business?

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: A Touch of Elegance Brings Out the Beauty In All

Founded in 1994, A Touch of Elegance is a beauty and barber salon located in the heart of Central City. Their stylists and barbers cater to all kinds of people and hair types. Whether you are looking for a new hairstyle or a shape up, they know a great haircut can make all the difference. Shopkeepers: Laurita Dallas & Lilbo
Shop: A Touch of Elegance
Since: 1994

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Laurita: When I got out of high school, I didn’t know which way I wanted to go.

StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Navigate Centuries of Antiques and Colorful Art at Antiques on Jackson

Antiques on Jackson’s two distinctive spaces are owned by husband and wife, Simon and Maria, who are always excited to welcome visitors. In the store, the walls and ceilings are filled with beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces with unique stories that transport you to different times. The open-air art courtyard is home to local artist Simon of New Orleans whose iconic hand-painted pieces and signs can be spotted all around town. Shopkeeper: Simon and Maria
Shop: Antiques on Jackson and Simon of New Orleans
Since: 1994

What ignited the spark in you to start your business? I started my business in 1994 because I needed to do something.