As a newer, self employed business woman, I often find myself looking for new ways to advertise myself to help me stand out. Being a Realtor, I know there are tons of other Realtors out there that are out there working just as much as I am. So what do you do to stand out? Many realtors will tell you the biggest compliment that you can receive is a referral. I get excited every time I see my clients or past clients refer me to family, friends and even strangers. That lets me know I’m doing a good job for them! And any business owner wants to know that they are doing good at what they do so that people keep coming back and keep referring them to others. So my goal is to remind others that yes, I am in business as a Realtor and would love to work for you, but I also know others who are local and in business as well that would love to earn and keep your business! This holiday season, think about shopping local for as much as you can! I’ll be the first to tell you there are some things I absolutely have to order online for, but if I can find something local, I truly try to support those business owners that are working just as hard as me!

Here’s my challenge to you! Let’s see how many of these local businesses you can buy from this holiday season! Stop in as many of these places as possible from now until the end of the year. I bet you will find many gifts and they will have you coming back for more! Let’s show our local community our love and support!

Disclaimer: Some of these businesses I have actually been to personally and some I am going to make a goal to stop into and experience for myself that I’ve only heard about by word of mouth! These are also unpaid ads!

Let’s start with RESTAURANTS! Because let’s be honest…Katlyn doesn’t typically miss a meal and while you’re out shopping this holiday, I don’t want you missing one either!

-Start your day off with a kick start at Downtown Grounds with a fresh brewed coffee and Eggs Beauregard
-Bring your kiddos for Mickey Mouse Pancakes at the Waffle Shoppe
-Swing by Cecil’s for game nights and the Tiger Burger
-Grab a House Potato at Steamboat Bill’s
-If you’re craving steak, grab the Steak Tips at Double D’s
-Make sure you get white gravy on a Chicken Fried Steak at Presley’s
-You’re missing out if you’ve never had the Chicken (or Shrimp) Diablo at Mi Rancho
-Finish off your pizza dinner with the Cinnamon Bites at Gilbert’s
-Don’t want to get out of the car? Swing by Clark’s Cookout for a Rib Plate with Mac N Cheese
-Get your BBQ plates and holiday turkeys are Hickory Smokehouse
-When in Merryville, stop by Stu’s and grab a Homemade Burger and fries or a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
-Chocolate Peanut Butter is my go to smoothie flavor at Planet Nutrition
-Get some homemade fries with your chicken strips at Rooster’s
-Savor a delicious cinnamon roll from Zizi’s Treats
–Lou Lou’s Cupcakes & More has delicious cupcakes and treats
-Grab local produce from the DeRidder Farmer’s Market. With different businesses set up at all times, you’re bound to find something fresh and yummy
-Check out Get Healthy for all your grass fed fresh meat from Rabbit’s Ranch Beef

Not feeling the items I listed? Check out their menu and get your favorite!

Need gift ideas? Stop in these LOCAL businesses!

-Have an LSU or Saint’s Lover in your life? Go see Anna at Curious Cargo she can also dress your Christmas Tree
-Buy that special little girl in your life a new bow from Rosie’s Bowtique
-Grab a new holiday outfit from Holly at The Rustic Cottage
-Refreshen your skin with a Blackberry Magnolia Scrub from Avery Grey Soap
-Let Jennifer Phillips with LimeLife by Alcone give you picture perfect skin with her make up and skin care
-Show up to family events with glowing skin from Sundream Spray Tans by Lisa Deason
-Get a mani/pedi from Southern Tips by Chelcie and get $5 off gift certificates in December for all the ladies in your family
-Let Brittany McVicker LulaRoe dress you for dinner in the new Liv
-Don’t fall asleep with your make up on! Paulette Talley with Mary Kay has some Eye Make Remover to help get that mascara off. She even puts together gifts sets for you men that aren’t sure what to get your special lady!
–Kara Kelley Photography is the place to go for your family photos
-Fullfil all your hunter or fisher’s wish list items at Bass-N-Bucks Outfitters
-Grab unique gifts, like cowhide bags, from The Rooted Cypress
-Grab your Brighton loving lady something fabulous from Nice Necessities (Merle Norman)
-Your favorite chef will love a Mix N Chop from Aimee’s Pampered Chef Zone
-Personalize all your gifts with vinyl work from BNB Craft Shop
–Torched Flag Co is bound to exceed your needs for personalized wooden flag decor
-Whip your hair back and forth after the @blondinggenie, Savannah Milner Cosmetology, fixes your do
-Grab your loved ones gift certificates for facials and massages at Bliss Salon with Katrina Dauzat and Ella Gilson
–Nothing Fancy can dress everyone in your home with personalized tops
-Personalized jewelry and rosaries are P.S. Jewelry by Theresa Stout’s specialty
-Let Special Tee’s create your custom shirt, ornaments, mugs, etc.
-Burn off those holiday calories with Kim McCormick – Beachbody
-The lawn guy in your life, aka hubs, needs a new Bad Boy mower from Southside of DeRidder
-Hard to buy for family? Grab them a personalized cup from Blood, Sweat & Glitter Designs
-Let America’s Finest fix up all the table pieces you need for your family gatherings
-Maybe you need a little ink in your life! Mad Tatter Tattoo Studio is the place to go, ask for Dan
-Grab a family photo session with Chelsea Aycock Photography
-Let DeRidder Pack & Ship send all your distant family’s gifts
-Light up someone’s yard with a personalized sign from Sign Gypsies DeRidder
–CBM Photography can have your home picture perfect to get more looks and a faster sell! She even does great headshots for all your local business people
-Jump start your day with 3 simple steps! Becky Fejarang can hook you up with Thrive by Level
-Dress up your little cutie pie in a cute outfit from LaTeDa Boutique
-Need embroidery work? Swing by Sew Blessed
–JR’s Army Surplus has been serving our military needs for 43 years
-Need home smell goods? Jeannette Delcambre is your girl!
-Thumb Print Boutique has all the trendy clothing items you need to look great this season
-Schedule your photo session with Kari McGee Photography this year

Have you gotten something great from one of these places? Let’s hear about it! Don’t see one of your favorites on here? Let me know and I can add them to list with something you love about it!

Also make sure you check out Elevate Women in Business if you are a local business woman. This group uplifts, supports and encourages all local business women.