About Jessica

Do you ever feel that there’s got to be more to your life than the daily grind? Then you’re in the right place! This blog is meant to enrich your life by inspiring your creativity, encouraging you to savor what makes each travel destination special, and giving you the financial savvy to build a life without limits.

If you’re from South Louisiana, you already know exactly what that second word in my blog title means. But if you’re visiting from somewhere else, let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite concepts: lagniappe (lan-yap). It’s a local New Orleans term that translates to “a little something extra.” It’s that unexpected thirteenth donut in a baker’s dozen, the complementary amuse-bouche at your favorite restaurant, or the pleasant surprise that brightens your entire day.

That philosophy is exactly how I try to live my life, and it’s the heartbeat behind this space. I believe life shouldn’t just be lived—it should be curated with a little extra joy, a little extra beauty, and a little extra savvy.

A Little About Me

I was born and raised in the vibrant, soul-stirring city of New Orleans, and today, I call the beautiful, oak-lined community of Covington, Louisiana, home.

To say I like to stay busy is a bit of an understatement! By trade, I am a certified hand therapist—a role that continues to teach me the value of precision, hard work, and helping people rebuild and heal. I’ve done this specialty for nearly three decades and it allows me to get to know people from all walks of life—connecting with individuals I might never otherwise cross paths with. This aspect of my career is amazing, and I learn words of wisdom from them every single day.

The Search for Freedom

There was a time when my day job (not my current one!) was so strict I couldn’t get permission to go to a dentist appointment two months in advance. Shortly after losing my father, that rigidity became a pivotal wake-up call. I found myself thinking, “What is my boss going to say when I need to take my mother to the doctor with no notice?”

That exact moment started my relentless search for freedom and flexibility. I began researching everything I could on real estate investing, eventually becoming a Realtor, leading my own team, and serving on the board of the New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association for eight years.

I know what it means to work hard at multiple jobs, feeling exhausted by the hustle. But I also have learned that true wealth goes beyond a full bank account; it’s about creating a life you love in the here and now. I’ve worked for the weekends for too long! For me that means a life rich with heartfelt meaning, making memories with loved ones, and the comfort and beauty of home. I’ve made a heartfelt commitment to work less, multi-task less, and slow down enough to enjoy the simple, sweet things in life alongside my family, friends, and loved ones.

At Home with the Pack

Behind every project, blog post, and early morning manifestations on my drive to work, there is a dedicated team of furry assistants keeping me company.

When I first envisioned this blog, I had four incredible dogs by my side. Though we heartbreakingly lost our two precious girls—Abby, a gentle black lab who wouldn’t hurt a fly and in fact hid from them, and Daisy, a beautiful Italian mastiff who loved being the talk of the town—their loving spirits are forever woven into the heart of this space.

Today, my home is run by my two boys, who ensure life is never boring:

• Charlie: My sweet yellow lab mix. He’s a bit timid around the guys but absolutely adores the ladies—a real Romeo who is excellent at morning snuggles.

• Andy: A young Plott hound mix who is the resident energizer bunny. Intense, joyful, and full of high-octane spirit, he keeps us moving and laughing—and occasionally cringing—every single day.

What You’ll Find Here

Lifestyle & Lagniappe is a space where sophistication meets a down-to-earth, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. We’re all about a life well-designed, well-traveled, and smartly funded. Here is what we’ll be diving into together:

• Design & DIY: I have a natural talent for interior design and the magic of transformation. Whether I’m breathing new life into a piece of thrifted furniture, playing with mirrors to make a room feel grand and bright, or completely overhauling a space, I love showing you how to create an elegant, high-end look on a real-world budget.

• Travel: Wanderlust is a major part of my soul. I’ll be sharing curated travel guides, inspiration, and hidden gems from my favorite destinations, always focusing on experiences that feel classic, memorable, and inspiring.

• Money & Manifestation: Let’s talk about building abundance. I’ll share practical, real-world hints on saving money, starting side hustles, and making your money work for you—paired with the powerful mindset shifts and manifestation ideas that have helped me fund my dreams.

And, of course… Lagniappe!

Every time you visit, you can expect a little something extra. My “lagniappe” to you will be a rotating mix of the things bringing me joy in real-time. It might be a family recipe passed down through generations, a gorgeous design find I discovered online, a book that changed my perspective, or a manifestation tool to help you reach your next goal.

Let’s Connect Beyond the Blog

When I’m not sharing design ideas or travel guides here, I’m actively helping people plant roots, build generational wealth, and find their own perfect slice of Southeast Louisiana or the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in a home—or if you just want to talk real estate over a cup of coffee—I’d love to help you. You can learn more about my incredible team, browse our gorgeous current listings, and see how we bring an elevated, bespoke approach to the local market over at Maison Collective.

Success can be measured in many ways and if I enrich the lives of others and make a few special connections, that will be success in my book.  I hope you embark with me on this journey, which I promise to always be fun, inspiring, and authentic. No pretension here—just real talk, big dreams, and a lot of beautiful spaces. I want to make my mark by encouraging others to relish when things were a little simpler, a little slower, and you had time to savor the sweet things in life.

Thank you for being here. Let’s go find a little something extra in the everyday!

With love,

Jessica Founder, Lifestyle & Lagniappe