06/23/2026
Hello friends, family, clients, and Good Stuff supporters!
I realized it's been quite a while since I've shared an update, and so many people have been asking how things are going in New Orleans.
The short answer?
It's been incredible, overwhelming, exciting, inspiring, rewarding, also scary, also soo worth it..
THE DRIVE WAS A LOT...but were about to do it AGAIN.
Rocco and I have been here for almost three months, and I honestly can't believe how much has happened in such a short period of time.
Since arriving, I've spent my time exploring the city, meeting people, building relationships, working alongside local catering teams, picking up catering and bartending gigs, taking on catering opportunities of my own, and trying to figure out what the next chapter of my life and business looks like.
Having my 120lb dog along was 1000% more challenging than without him and a major undertaking 🤣 but our bond has also strengthened 1000%. Theres poisonous caterpillars, random chicken bones in the street, broken glass and Gators 🤣 but weve adapted, pivoted and are safe, happy and healthy.
He has adjusted after a hefty pet bill in the beginning and is now thriving here. He gets to solicit pets on a daily, ride the street car, and meet all kinds of people, dogs, lizards and brass instruments 🤣. We split our time up with frisbee and picnics on the bayou, Audobon park near the tree of life and City park where we play under massive old oak trees. Hes discovered that he loves Jazz music and his 2-3 walks a day... particularly loves them in the French Quarter. Youd think with all this walking were doing we would be super svelt.. but ive accidently eaten fried chicken three times this week 🤣🤣 accidentally.
One thing that has completely surprised me is just how many opportunities seem to exist here.
When I left Washington, I knew I needed a change. I knew that after many difficult years and several traumatic events that I didnt know really what to expect. What I didn't expect was to find myself surrounded by so many possibilities. It's honestly been difficult to wrap my brain around how many doors have opened in such a short amount of time.
I've met some truly incredible people, made wonderful connections within the hospitality and events communities, and have received several job offers and business opportunities along the way. Ive developed community, people i can trust, organizations to give back and involve myself in, and a life i can see us loving.
The challenge that i now face isn't a lack of opportunity, it's deciding what comes next.
As tempting as some of these opportunities have been, I don't feel comfortable committing to a major position until I've gone back to Washington and finish handling the responsibilities I've left there.
Over the next few weeks I'll be returning home to liquidate assets that no longer serve my future plans, and wrap up the loose ends that come with closing one chapter and preparing for another.
The more time I spend here, the more I find myself dreaming about possibilities I never considered before.
For now, I'm still figuring it out—but in the best possible way.
One thing I do know is that taking this leap has reminded me how important it is to stay open to change and possibility. Sometimes you have to leave what is familiar to discover opportunities you never knew existed. One thing I am also VERY much further aligned with is my love for Hospitality and the service of others. Its not only my wheelhouse, but it IS my purpose. Im still on the hunt for that unicorn job that will allow me to do what i do and also give back and serve the community. Whether Good Stuff is the vehicle to do that idk. Possibly even remotely so we could bounce back in the summer ...bc this heat is just damn right disrespectful.
Thank you to everyone who has checked in on me, supported me, encouraged me, hired me, referred me, or simply cheered me on from afar. It means more than you know.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing more updates about what comes next, including inventory and treasure sales, meal subscription offerings while I'm back in Washington, catering availability, and a some ideas I'm exploring for the future.
A few people have asked how they can help during this transition. If you'd like to help with fuel and travel expenses, please don't feel any obligation. However, i certainly wouldnt stop you because these gas prices are insane... 👀😪 .
Thank you all for being part of this journey. Below is some pics of our time here.
Cara & Rocco ❤️
https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2754692627038208768&created=1782195358
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