NOLAbound Blog

Pre-Program Excitement

I am so thrilled to meet everyone on the nolabound project in just a few short hours.  This will be my place to fill you all in with the goings on during our trip and to give you my perspective about what we’re learning of the “new” New Orleans. I’ve been quite a fan of NOLA since my undergrad days at Tulane but I’m excited to learn about the facets & resources that are new to the New Orleans business community.  Check back for updates once the program kicks off Wednesday March 14th!

-Tina

posted: March 13, 2012

NOLAbound Applicant Details

In what city do you currently reside?

Atlanta, GA

What do you love the most about where you live?

There is a lot of great history in Atlanta.  Although it’s a fairly commercial town, if you peek just under that layer you can find an abundance of art & culture & really cool people.

In what other cities have you lived?

Coral Springs, FL :: New Orleans, LA :: Franklin, TN

What is/was your favorite city and why?

New Orleans for so many reasons but most importantly for the joie de vivre that I was infused with during my time living there.  You can feel that enjoyment of life permeates everyday activities whether it’s in a po’boy from Domilise’s or a walk through Audubon park that joy hangs thick in the air. Anyone can partake in a full fledge love affair with life and with New Orleans as long as they’re willing to give themselves permission.

What do you hope to gain from NOLAbound?

I hope to gain confidence in the city’s economic & entrepreneurial resources in order to decide whether I can sustain a profitable business in the area.  I’d like to learn the ways New Orleans is reaching out to support entrepreneurs.  I think this generation of small business owners and entrepreneurs has the potential and the passion to take NOLA by the reigns and help it rise up to its true potential—It’s just a matter of convincing people that NOLA has the stability and support that they’re going to need in order to start and maintain profitable companies.

What is your overall opinion of New Orleans?

Before this turns into a gushy love letter let me just say—it gives people a reason to participate in life.  The food is outstanding.  The music reverberates in your soul. The people root themselves in your heart and never leave no matter how far you travel.  The loving embrace that I feel when I return to the city is unmatched by any place I’ve ever lived.  I delight in the possibility that the city’s economic future could hold a place for me, my family and my growing business.

Single most important issue facing New Orleans?

For those considering relocating to NOLA - there is a lack of confidence that the city can provide small businesses and job seekers the economic stability that they are used to in other cities.  I would move back in the blink of an eye if I knew that my fiance and I could both sustain our current financial situations - and I could continue to successfully grow my business. In New Orleans you definitely sacrifice a bit of salary in order to live in such a magical place but without confidence in the job market there is little chance in convincing people to uproot and take that leap.

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