By AnaMaria Bech

ucy Bustamante is a New Orleans-born journalist who recently returned to her hometown to receive special recognition for her successful career. She discovered her passion at Cabrini High School, when a teacher nominated her to participate in a teen television program on Channel 4, WWL-TV called Our Generation, produced by Dominic Massa and hosted by Sally Ann Roberts, that provided early exposure to many teens in the area. “It was an incredible start to a young career for sure, and I loved it all the time.”

She was first an intern at WWL-TV Channel 4 and then worked as a production assistant at WVUE Channel 8. She moved to Biloxi, gained more experience as an associate producer, and received a phone call two years later to return to Channel 4 in 2004 as a reporter. She was there when New Orleans needed her the most; in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Later in 2006, Bustamante took over the evening anchor spot. And for four years, she was on the television screens of thousands of Louisiana’s households daily, professionally telling the news and winning over viewers’ hearts with charm.

Bustamante made many of the area’s Latino residents proud because she could speak Spanish and was happy to talk about her Cuban tradition and roots. Her Cuban culture is strong. She married a Miami-born Cuban who moved to New Orleans when she was hosting the evening news. A few years later, it was her time to support her Navy SEAL husband in the next step of his career in Virginia Beach. She left her hometown, family, and a prime-time television job. Her company allowed for a lateral transfer to a sister television station in Norfolk, Virginia, where she continued to anchor the news for a few years before moving again and settling in Philadelphia. Being a military wife, she faced the many challenges of moving around and constant deployments while juggling the demands of working on the news and becoming a mother of four. She works in Philadelphia, anchoring the morning news at NBC10 and providing breaking news coverage in Spanish for Telemundo62.

Lucy Bustamante visited New Orleans last May for a few events, including her induction into The Den of Distinction at Loyola University. This honor is reserved for” individuals who have distinguished themselves nationally through a lifetime of accomplishments or extraordinary achievements,” according to Dr. Kennedy Haydel, interim dean of the College of Music and Media at Loyola University. Twenty outstanding alums have been inducted into this hall of fame since its inception in 2012. A reception outside of campus became a special homecoming for the successful journalist. “Lucy is a generational talent. She has a heart for her community and a commitment to excellence that inspires everyone she touches. Lucy is an unforgettable force that represents the standard at Loyola’s School of Communication and Design. I’m honored to have her as our 2023 inductee,” stated Dr. Kennedy Haydel.

This event gathered some of the most recognized faces on television, producers from various channels, family, colleagues, and friends. The gathering was a testament to Loyola University’s impact on the journalism field of New Orleans and Lucy’s impact on her colleagues. “For Loyola to create an event that brought so many loved ones into a room and to be able to look 20-something years into this career and say this crew is truly my extended family was beyond special,” she said.

Bustamante made many of the area’s Latino residents proud because she could speak Spanish and was happy to talk about her Cuban tradition and roots. Her Cuban culture is strong. She married a Miami-born Cuban who moved to New Orleans when she was hosting the evening news. A few years later, it was her time to support her Navy SEAL husband in the next step of his career in Virginia Beach. She left her hometown, family, and a prime-time television job. Her company allowed for a lateral transfer to a sister television station in Norfolk, Virginia, where she continued to anchor the news for a few years before moving again and settling in Philadelphia. Being a military wife, she faced the many challenges of moving around and constant deployments while juggling the demands of working on the news and becoming a mother of four. She works in Philadelphia, anchoring the morning news at NBC10 and providing breaking news coverage in Spanish for Telemundo62.

Lucy Bustamante visited New Orleans last May for a few events, including her induction into The Den of Distinction at Loyola University. This honor is reserved for” individuals who have distinguished themselves nationally through a lifetime of accomplishments or extraordinary achievements,” according to Dr. Kennedy Haydel, interim dean of the College of Music and Media at Loyola University. Twenty outstanding alums have been inducted into this hall of fame since its inception in 2012. A reception outside of campus became a special homecoming for the successful journalist. “Lucy is a generational talent. She has a heart for her community and a commitment to excellence that inspires everyone she touches. Lucy is an unforgettable force that represents the standard at Loyola’s School of Communication and Design. I’m honored to have her as our 2023 inductee,” stated Dr. Kennedy Haydel.

This event gathered some of the most recognized faces on television, producers from various channels, family, colleagues, and friends. The gathering was a testament to Loyola University’s impact on the journalism field of New Orleans and Lucy’s impact on her colleagues. “For Loyola to create an event that brought so many loved ones into a room and to be able to look 20-something years into this career and say this crew is truly my extended family was beyond special,” she said.

Bustamante’s accomplishments include four Emmy awards, one Telly, several Associated Press awards for best anchor, and three regional Edward R. Murrow awards in 2011 for writing a documentary about the Affordable Care Act in Virginia. She also received one for breaking news in 2004 in New Orleans and a Peabody Award for coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Before that, she traveled to Cuba to cover the first gubernatorial trade trip between Louisiana and Havana under President Bush. She also co-hosted LIVE with Regis and Kelly with the late Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa.

Bustamante devotes much of her efforts to raising awareness about diversity in media, and she has been lucky to count on managers with the vision of supporting diversity before it was a global trend. As a young girl in New Orleans, she used to call the Spanish radio station to request songs at her father’s command, and the anchors would keep her on to chat with her live on the air. In Virginia, she served as the morning news anchor for La Selecta 103.3 at WVXX-FM, a Spanish-language radio station. In Philadelphia, she also anchors for Telemundo62. While she strives to neutralize her Cuban Spanish and takes advice from her Venezuelan and Colombian colleagues on certain words, she tells young Latino journalists who aspire to be in the news not to lose their Spanish language, as the need for information in Spanish is growing. She pays special attention to immigration news and strives to provide a balanced account of the stories of Latinos in town.

She has made it her mission to bring fairness to veterans’ stories in the media. In conjunction with NBC News, Bustamante created the “American Vets” reporting series, where she and other journalists around the country are covering issues impacting veterans in the states and abroad. In November 2022, she co-hosted and co-produced American Vets: Beyond the Battlefield, an NBC News Now Veterans Day streaming special highlighting the issues our veterans with PTSD face. “I realized there was this false sense of patriotism in the media when they would aim for the military and tell stories a certain way to propagate this idea that being military and patriotic means being extreme. I said that is not how we live,” said Bustamante.

Much news coverage is based on identities, which can celebrate diversity. “There is a movement for promoting culture with employee resource groups and corporate spaces where they want you to talk about your identity: as a woman, as a Latina, and as a person of color,” Bustamante explains. A superficial focus on those identities can create division and extremism, which happens more in underserved communities. “If you don’t tell the stories of what most of them [Veterans] are like, then you’re going to have these hate groups attaching themselves to only one trope of their identity, and it’s the violent side, and that’s not OK because that’s farther from the truth; and the media it could be farther from the truth,” she says.

With this project for NBC, Bustamante and her colleagues have been covering veteran stories more deeply as a network and in individual newsrooms. The project continues to grow, paired with an effort by NBC Universal to hire more Veterans in their newsrooms. “There is no need for corporate TV America to pin them [Veterans] against each other when that literally can lead to the destruction of our American society,” says Bustamante.

While championing important issues, Bustamante continues representing New Orleans wherever she goes. She misses her hometown’s sense of community and the South’s warmth, which she knows is hard to find elsewhere. “There’s a reason that you have three network morning shows anchored by women with New Orleans ties; we just know how to show the love, we know how to receive it, we know how to give it,” she says.

Returning to New Orleans isn’t a plan. For now, Philadelphia is good for her family. She will continue providing balanced information to English and Spanish audiences and champion the causes she believes in. She is now at the Den of Distinction of Loyola University and will continue to be celebrated here because New Orleans loves Lucy.

Universal Beauty In Town

By Ana García

Click aqui para español- >Belleza Universal en La Ciudad

Sarah Nunez was crowned Miss Louisiana RIM in 2018 and Miss NOLA in 2017, and the Louisiana beauty queen graces our cover as New Orleans prepares to host the 71st Miss Universe competition for the first time.

Viva Nola: Where are you from?

Sarah: I am originally from Chalmette, Louisiana. We are neighbors to New Orleans. So when Hurricane Katrina hit, both my mom’s and dad’s homes were destroyed, so we moved around a lot, but I found my way back. 

VN:  What is the process for participating in beauty pageants?

Sarah: To become a part of the pageant circuit, you have to reach out to the pageant system of your choice. I was recruited by a sponsor of one of the pageants in 2017 and I fell in love with competing and meeting so many amazing people along the way.

VN: What are the benefits of participating in beauty pageants?

Sarah: I have made so many friends along the way because you form a sisterhood with a lot of the participants. Also, I was able to travel and create so many memories along the way through volunteering. There are so many opportunities that come with it.

VN: How can girls get into beauty competitions? 

Sarah: The best way is to reach out through the pageants’ websites and to see if there are any preliminary pageants to compete in first. The organizations make it easy to apply. I have been a part of a few different systems like Miss Louisiana Collegiate, Miss Louisiana USA, and Miss Louisiana RIM, an international system. 

VN: What advice would you give to girls who dream of being a “Miss”?

Sarah: Be yourself and NEVER give up. I know it may sound cliché, but that is what makes you stand out from the rest. So putting in the work will do nothing but elevate you in the future. 

VN: As a former Miss Louisiana and Miss NOLA, what does it mean to you to have the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans?

Sarah: I am so excited to see the Miss Universe pageant here in the city. I have always dreamed of seeing it live, and now I have the opportunity to do it.

VN: We will have many visitors for the pageant. What do you like the most about Louisiana?

Sarah: The thing I love most about Louisiana is each city's culture. The people of Louisiana are so warm and welcoming with a touch of spice, which is ALWAYS a good thing! 

VN: What do you like the most about New Orleans?

Sarah: What I love about New Orleans is the people here, plus all the food! I work at a large venue in New Orleans, and everyone I meet is always so happy to be there. It’s a beautiful thing. I also love to cook and eat, so the food is just an added bonus. 

VN: What would you say to a person interested in visiting New Orleans for the first time?

Sarah: If you are visiting New Orleans for the first time, my biggest suggestion would be to research all of the cool spots to see because even though I live in the New Orleans area, currently, I am STILL finding hidden gems throughout the city!

Aarón Sánchez Makes an Impact

Click aqui para español- >Aarón Sánchez y su impacto

Aarón Sánchez is one of the world’s most distinguished chefs. You have seen him host and star in multiple food shows, most notably as a judge on FOX’s “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior” and co-star of Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Chopped Junior.” He recently debuted a Spanish language cooking competition series called “El Sabor de Aarón.” He was the host of the Cooking Channel’s Emmy-nominated series, “Taco Trip,” and has appeared on numerous other shows, including “Iron Chef” and “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Additionally, Sánchez hosted two Spanish-language shows on Fox Life, “3 Minutos con Aarón” and “MOTOCHEFS.”

If you’re lucky, you’ve run into him at his CBD restaurant, Johnny Sánchez, or around town in New Orleans, where he has resided for the last seven years.

Sánchez dislikes using the term “Latinx,” but he is a proud Latino. He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and moved to El Paso, Texas, so he grew up in a bicultural community and spoke Spanish first and English second. Later, his mom, Zarela Martínez, moved the family to New York City to pursue her culinary dream of becoming one of the pioneers of Mexican food in New York.

Sánchez is passionate about preserving his family’s legacy through food and encouraging diversity in the kitchen.  “I’m a third-generation cookbook author. My grandmother wrote a fantastic book called “Mexican Family Cooking” in 1986.”

He comes from a matriarchal background and admires women in charge. “My grandmother and mom are the gatekeepers of flavors and the tastemakers, and that’s how I grew up.” Sánchez’s books include two cookbooks - “La Comida del Barrio” and “Simple Food, Big Flavor” as well as a memoir, “Where I Come From: Life Lessons From A Latino Chef.”

Celebrating Latino heritage is part of everything Sánchez does. And for the active philanthropist, The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund was his outlet to help preserve his community. The chef understood the impact of mentorship because he lived it when his mother sent him to New Orleans under chef Paul Prudhomme’s wing. “I came down here at a troubling time in my life, and he got me right. He mentored me and gave me fatherly lessons and all the things that I needed, so I always had New Orleans in my heart.”

Sanchez decided it was time to say goodbye to New York and moved to New Orleans when he became the co-owner of the Johnny Sánchez restaurant in 2014. He wanted to add Mexican cuisine and its flavors to the New Orleans food scene. He also wanted to make a difference for young Latino aspiring chefs that needed the support he once sought. “When I started cooking 25 years ago, I felt there was a huge disparity between Latinos getting leadership positions in kitchens, and I didn’t want education to be the crutch.”

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, provides access to the best education for aspiring Latino chefs ages 18 to 25. Eleven students have received scholarships thus far valued at approximately $715,000. The scholarship includes full tuition to the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, eight months of room and board, all required school supplies, a monthly unlimited MetroCard, and flights to and from New York for the start and end of the program. It also provides mentorship opportunities for the duration of the program, as well as culinary industry experience. 

“I’m a chef at heart,” says Sánchez. “I do television, and I used that as a marketing tool initially in my career, but now it is this unbelievable tool to reach a huge audience. I can tell stories, and I can tell stories through my food, through the unbelievable team that we have, and we can inspire the next generation through the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund.”

That reach is visible and authentic. Camila Arias, the 21-year-old sous chef at Johnny Sánchez, is one of the three graduates of the program from the New Orleans area. She applied for the scholarship as soon as she turned 18. “I applied online and was interviewed in the restaurant. Then, two weeks later, I got the phone call that I got the scholarship.” Arias was on her way to New York by 2020. “I learned so much from my teachers there and the chef mentoring me. Even though he wasn’t there day to day, he was still checking on us, making sure our grades were good.”

After completing the program, she returned to New Orleans, and they called her from Johnny Sánchez to do her internship with them. She has loved being part of and learning from the restaurant family chef Sánchez has created. 

“Camilla is bold, confident, and has such an appreciation for New Orleans,” Sánchez proudly says. “She loves to learn and be accepted into all the unbelievable opportunities that happen when you are part of our program. Her power is infectious; it’s beautiful.”

Sánchez hopes to find four culinary students, hopefully from the New Orleans area, who, like Arias, will benefit from the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund. “Fill out the applications. Chase your dreams of being a culinary leader. You will have access to all our colleagues and our unbelievable network of chefs who can inspire you.” 

To find out more about the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, visit AaronSanchezImpactFund.com.

Cesar Bugos and His Legacy

Click aqui para español- >Cesar Burgos y su legado

With over 27 years of practicing law, Cesar Burgos continues to gain recognition as a skilled car accident and personal injury attorney.

His parents emigrated from Honduras to the United States when he was a child. The values instilled by his parents have been a key factor for him in achieving success as a lawyer, an investor, and an entrepreneur. He has remained true to his roots, never forgetting where he comes from and where he belongs.

He lived his childhood and adolescence years in New York City, a modern and beautiful city, but with many difficulties, he recalled. “We had a sacrificed life; my parents worked arduous hours to support all of us. New York was a good school for me,” he said.

Eventually, his parents decided to move to New Orleans. Burgos still has fond memories of his time attending Bonnabel High School and Loyola University, where he earned his law degree.

Burgos also remembers with excitement the best soccer games he played at the various local soccer leagues during his youth. This sport allowed him to win the friendships of many who affectionately called him ‘Cesarito.’

Burgos treasures his experiences from his successful career as a legal professional and serving the Hispanic community. His best school has been the American courtrooms, and the satisfaction of thousands of clients his greatest gift.

One of his greatest achievements as a Latino was his outstanding participation in the reconstruction of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

During this time, he had various positions and appointments, including serving as the president of the Regional Transit Authority of New Orleans (RTA). Throughout his management, he achieved the reconstruction and operation of the public transport service of the city of jazz in record time. His involvement not only serves as an example for new and future generations but also shows that Hispanics can be important contributors to the development of this multicultural city.

“I thank God for my success and for the people who have supported me throughout my career. I also thank my parents who taught me to work hard, be honest, and be proud of my Latin roots,” he said.

In addition to dedicating himself to other fields beyond legal representation, Burgos reiterates that we, as Latinos, must be aware that it is important to work hard, respect, and comply with the law. Burgos also encourages young people to go the extra mile and achieve professional success.

“I was able to honor my parents, and with commitment and dedication, I raised my family. My son Adrian is a real estate professional, and my daughter Amanda is going to law school and will soon become a lawyer. I am proud of them,” he said.

He feels socially responsible to the Latin American community and always has a firm heart and willingness to help those who need it most. Attorney Cesar Burgos is actively involved in the Hispanic community, from sponsoring local soccer events to supporting youth. “Latino children are also the future of this city,” Burgos concluded.

Outstanding Women: Daniela Bello

By AnaMaría Bech

@anamabech

Click aqui para español- > Mujeres sobresalientes: Daniela Bello

We at VIVA NOLA celebrate women’s contributions all the time, and in honor of Women’s History Month, we want to recognize Daniela Bello. Daniela serves as the Cross-Cultural Coordinator for Jefferson Parish. She has managed to unite community leaders, non-profit organizations, and the Latino media, creating a network that provides resources, support, and information to the Latino community in the region.

Get to know the story of this leading woman by reading the following interview:

Where are you from?

I was born in Florida, and when I was one year old, my parents decided to return to Nicaragua, so I grew up and got my education there.

When and why did you move to New Orleans?

In 2009, I came to visit my family in Kenner, where I decided to stay and work for my family and pursue a new academic opportunity.

What did you study?

I attended Herzing University to be a Physician Assistant and studied Communications and Public Relations at the American University of Nicaragua.

What are some of the jobs you’ve held in Louisiana?

I have worked as a medical assistant in different clinics around the city. I was also a reporter for Telemundo 42, and now I am the Cross-Cultural Coordinator for Jefferson Parish.

What do you like most about living in Louisiana?

I love that it’s small compared to other states. It’s slow paced, and in a way, we all know each other.

What do you miss the most about Nicaragua?

My family. The ease of getting around to visit my family since everything is close.

How did you get to your current job?

I believe that God prepares you to take significant steps at some point. I found out about this job offer at the end of 2019, I applied, and although I knew it was the primary position, I never doubted my abilities.

How do you feel in that role?

I feel blessed and happy and enjoy learning a lot every day. My passion is helping communities by providing information, and I know that God has a purpose in my life with this work.

Why did you create a Latino leaders’ group?

Just days before Hurricane Ida, I thought I wanted to have a way to keep the community up to date with the information and decisions made at the Parish level. So, I added Latino community leaders on a WhatsApp group to provide them with official, last-minute information directly from the Emergency Center in Gretna, where essential workers were concentrated.

What have you learned about the needs of the Latino community?

Most needs in the Latino community are due to a lack of curiosity and initiative. Several community resources and programs are available, but people don’t know about them and often don’t utilize them. I have also realized that we need more leaders who are committed to the community.

How have your colleagues responded and supported your initiatives?

My colleagues have been very receptive to new ideas and initiatives. For example, we have managed to take the Latino community and other minority communities into account in projects and programs that had not previously addressed their needs.

Why go beyond what your job requires?

When you’re doing what you love, it’s not difficult to go beyond what you have to do. But, on the contrary, you do it because it makes you feel good. So, thanks to this job, I can combine what I am passionate about: living within the community, informing, and creating new initiatives.

Do you think you’ve made a difference in the community?

I am working to make a difference. It is not up to me to say if I am doing it or not; we will have an answer in some time when we have a more informed and united community. What is gratifying is hearing or reading a “THANK YOU,” which tells me that what I am doing is bearing fruit and motivates me to continue.

What is the importance of women’s leadership in our community?

It is vital because women can be an example for other generations and realize that, with effort and dedication, they can come to occupy essential roles and be agents of change in the community. Locally, we have the example of Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, who is an inspiration to me for becoming the first woman president of the parish.

Daniela is very proud of her culture and roots and has been involved in cultural activities since she was young, promoting folklore through dance and reciting poetry.

We thank Daniela Bello for her contribution to the Latino community in Louisiana and congratulate her for doing an excellent job!

By AnaMaria Bech

The local beverage company Big Easy Bucha founded by Austin Sherman and Alexis Korman, announced on November 4 its acquisition by the Latin American company Beliv. This transaction allows Big Easy Bucha to expand its products worldwide, allowing Beliv to penetrate the American market with its portfolio of 28 products.

The entrepreneurial couple started Big Easy in 2014 in their apartment near Bourbon Street with a bucket, a straw, and 700 dollars. With the help of angel investors, they grew their kombucha drink products organically until 2017, when the company began to grow exponentially. 

In 2020, a friend of Sherman’s introduced him to Beliv’s partners, Carlos Sluman and José Enrique Alba Escamilla. This meeting was, according to Sherman, “love at first sight.” “We saw an opportunity to partner with a company that values ​​its people, so in terms of culture, we had chemistry. They had the vision to bring innovative products to international markets, and they saw that opportunity with us as their first acquisition in the United States,” added the Big Easy founder.

With the acquisition of Big Easy, not only will the products that originated in Louisiana be distributed throughout the more than 30 countries where Beliv has a presence, but also its brand, immediately associated with our city, will be recognized internationally.

José Enrique Alba Escamilla, CVO of Beliv, shares the joy of this new partnership with Big Easy. Beliv is a tech and innovative company that produces more than 28 beverage products. Its main headquarters are in Puerto Rico, and the bottler is in Guatemala. They are currently exporting their products to China, and this acquisition is another crucial step for Beliv.

“Beyond finding a product or a brand, we are looking for talent and an entrepreneurial mindset. Finding a partnership with entrepreneurs like Austin and Alexis was a perfect opportunity to get into the US market known for its entrepreneurial environment and innovative vision,” said Alba Escamilla.

Beyond investing in Big Easy and its products, Beliv is also investing in the state of Louisiana. “They’re betting on our people,” Sherman says, admitting to the difficulties in New Orleans and Louisiana in raising capital. “It is a great opportunity for a great and respected strategic partner to be integrated into our city and our state.”

The relationship of Beliv with the state is a story that is just beginning. “We want to improve our logistics and create our innovation hub in the United States, and we have many plans with Big Easy and its talent,” said Alba Escamilla.

Economic development organizations in Louisiana have played an essential role in the growth of Big Easy Bucha and other local companies. According to Norman Barnum, CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), his organization has been pivotal in helping Big Easy select its operations site and serving as a strategic guide for them since 2014. “Seeing the growth of this company from then until now is what’s important. Nurturing and being able to provide solutions to emerging companies to reach this point is something that fills me with excitement”.

This transaction is retaining 27 jobs and creating 50 direct jobs and 119 indirect jobs. Beyond the merger with a Latin American company that allows the expansion of the Big Easy brand to an international market, NOLABA is also excited about the boost this move gives to entrepreneurs and the impact this acquisition has on the New Orleans community.

With the proper business support, a product created in the closet of an apartment can become a global product. Tax breaks, opportunities to present a brand at different events, financial grants, workforce training programs, and support from Louisiana Economic Development and NOLABA, among other economic-boosting organizations, were essential to solidify Big Easy Bucha.

Big Easy Bucha’s story serves as a testament to the incredible talent and entrepreneurial culture in New Orleans. “We want to see more food and beverage entrepreneurs; our community has an entrepreneurial culinary talent that we want to support,” says Sherman.

The new owners of Big Easy are very excited that their growth within the United States begins in New Orleans. Alba Escamilla confesses that NOLA is “one of his favorite cities in the world” and adds that Beliv’s presence in the city is a “first step to support entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry in the United States. Perhaps we can create a hub for this purpose in the country. New Orleans meets the requirements for this mission, and this is the beginning of this dream.”

Beliv wants to maintain operations in the state long-term and hire additional staff. “We have seen great acquisitions these days in our city. It is an opportunity to create impact; we want entrepreneurs to see that this is possible,” said Sherman.

Por AnaMaría Bech

La compañía local de bebidas Big Easy Bucha fundada por Austin Sherman y Alexis Korman anunció el pasado jueves 4 de noviembre su adquisición por la compañía latinoamericana Beliv, una transacción que le permite a Big Easy Bucha expandir su producto a nivel mundial, y a su vez, le da la oportunidad a Beliv de llevar sus más de 28 productos al mercado americano.

La pareja de emprendedores comenzó Big Easy Bucha en 2014 en su apartamento cerca la calle Bourbon con un balde, un pitillo y 700 dólares. Consiguieron un crecimiento de manera orgánica de sus productos de kombucha, con ayuda de inversores ángeles, hasta que en 2017 la compañía comenzó a crecer exponencialmente. 

En 2020, un amigo de Sherman le presentó a los socios de Beliv, Carlos Sluman, el fundador, y a José Enrique Alba Escamilla, el CVO. Este encuentro fue, según Sherman, “amor a primera vista”. “Vimos la oportunidad de asociarnos con una compañía que valora a su gente, así que en términos de cultura tuvimos química. Tenían la visión de llevar productos innovadores a mercados internacionales y vieron esa oportunidad con nosotros como su primera adquisición en los Estados Unidos”, agregó el fundador de Big Easy.

Con la adquisición de Big Easy, no solo serán los productos originados en Luisiana repartidos por los más de 30 países donde Beliv tiene presencia, sino que también su marca, asociada inmediatamente con nuestra ciudad, será reconocida internacionalmente.

José Enrique Alba Escamilla, CVO de Beliv, comparte la alegría de su nueva asociación con Big Easy. Beliv es una compañía tecnológica e innovadora que produce más de 28 productos de bebidas, y que tiene presencia actualmente en más de 30 países. Su sede principal se encuentra en Puerto Rico y la embotelladora está en Guatemala. “Estamos llevando productos latinoamericanos a China, y por supuesto, este es uno de nuestros pasos más grandes en los Estados Unidos, encontrar este tipo de asociaciones con empresarios como Austin y Alexis, porque más allá de encontrar un producto o marca, estamos buscando talento y mente empresarial, y Estados Unidos tiene ese ambiente empresarial y visión innovativa”.

La inversión de Beliv, no es solo una inversión en Big Easy y sus productos, sino también una inversión en el estado de Luisiana. “Están apostando en nuestra gente”, dice Sherman, admitiendo las dificultades que existen en Nueva Orleans y en Luisiana para obtener capital. “Es una gran oportunidad para que un socio estratégico, grande y respetado pueda ser integrado en nuestra ciudad y en nuestro estado”.

La relación de Beliv en el estado es una historia que apenas comienza. “Queremos mejorar nuestra logística,y crear nuestro hub de innovación en los Estados Unidos y tenemos muchos planes con Big Easy y con su talento”, dice Alba Escamilla.

Organizaciones de desarrollo económico en Luisiana han jugado un papel importante en el crecimiento de Big Easy Bucha y otras compañías locales. Según Norman Barnum, CEO de New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), su organización ha sido pivotal en la selección del sitio de operaciones y en servir como guía estratégico para Big Easy Bucha desde 2014. “Ver el crecimiento de su compañía desde entonces hasta ahora es lo importante. Nutrir y poder brindar soluciones a compañías emergentes para que lleguen a este punto es algo que me llena de emoción”.

En esta transacción se retienen 27 empleos y se crean 50 plazas directas y 119 empleos indirectos, aparte de que se crea una fusión con una empresa latinoamericana que permite la expansión de la marca Big Easy a un mercado internacional, algo que emociona a NOLABA no solo por el impulso que esto le brinda a los emprendedores, sino por el impacto que esta adquisición significa para la comunidad de Nueva Orleans.

Un producto que se creó desde el closet de un apartamento puede convertirse en un producto internacional siempre y cuando haya soporte empresarial. Según Sherman, exenciones fiscales, oportunidades para presentar su marca en diferentes eventos, subvenciones económicas, programas de entrenamiento para los empleados, y apoyo del Louisiana Economic Development y NOLABA, entre otras organizaciones de impulso económico, fueron fundamentales para solidificar su empresa.

La historia de Big Easy Bucha sirve como testamento del increíble talento y cultura emprendedora que existe en Nueva Orleans. “Queremos ver más empresarios de comida y bebidas, nuestra comunidad tiene un talento culinario empresarial que queremos apoyar”, dice Sherman.

Los nuevos dueños de Big Easy están muy emocionados de que su crecimiento en los Estados Unidos comience en Nueva Orleans. Alba Escamilla confiesa que NOLA es una de sus ciudades favoritas en el mundo y agrega que su presencia en la ciudad “es un primer paso para apoyar los emprendedores de la industria de bebidas y alimentos en los Estados Unidos, y por qué no quizás crear un ‘’hub” para este fin aquí en el país. Nueva Orleans llena los requisitos para esta misión y es el comienzo de este sueño”.

El plan a largo plazo con la adquisición de Big Easy por Beliv es mantener operaciones en el estado y contratar personal adicional. “Hemos visto grandes adquisiciones por estos días en nuestra ciudad. Es una oportunidad de crear impacto, queremos que los empresarios vean que esto es posible”, dijo Sherman.

Imagination Movers

The guys who like to figure things out are back!

By Ana García

Imagination Movers

The guys who like to figure things out are back!

Click aqui para español- >Contágiate de creatividad con Los Imaginadores

The city of New Orleans is always brimming with history, culture, cuisine, art, and music. People around the world have experienced its unique sounds of Jazz, Blues, Bounce, Brass, Hip-Hop, Zydeco, and much more. We can thank countless musicians such as the famous Louis Armstrong, Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, to name a few, for being an inspiration and for sharing their universal legacy. There is also a unique local music band that’s been “Brainstorming” for years and awakening the imagination of kids around the world. Dave Poche, Scott Durbin, Rich Collins, and Scott “Smitty” Smith are four “goofy” friends from Lakeview, Mid-City and together they are the Imagination Movers. We shared a cup of coffee with Smitty while he told us their success story.

“Everything had gone to animation or puppets, there were no people.” The idea of creating the group was born in 2002 at a friend’s birthday party. Their show would be about four friends who work in an “Idea Warehouse.” This warehouse is a metaphor for the child’s mind to solve problems. Mover Smitty remembered, “the first pilot script was about helping a child decide between a healthy snack and junk food.” Next came creating the music. They wrote three songs, “Snackin ABCs,” “My Favorite Snacks,’’ and “Good Ideas.” These became their first album called “Good Ideas.” This album later added other songs like “I Want My Mommy” and the fan-favorite “Brainstorming.” After putting out the record, selling it, and giving it to friends, their popularity grew, not only locally but regionally. The attention allowed them to create and release their first DVD, which was recorded during a live performance at the UNO Lakefront Arena. The DVD made it to Burbank, California, thanks to friends and opened the door to The Walt Disney Company.

Right from the start, the four movers knew how to “Reach high, Think big, Work hard, Have fun.” Their partnership with Disney helped them gain popularity in Europe and Latin America. According to Mover Smitty, their time at Disney brought them “one of the most fun creative challenges that they had” when writing songs for their television show. After 3 seasons, they began touring around the country.

The “Movers” are a real example of perseverance and resilience. Like many musicians in this business, they had to face some challenges and obstacles. However, they never lost sight of what their brand is all about: Kids. “Kids were being treated as consumers more than anything,” said Smitty. “We wanted kids to have fun using their creativity and using their imagination to solve problems.” It was importanto to the movers “not to play down to the kids, to play on their level, not to dumb down the music.”

The Imagination Movers have been “organic from the start.” All this is reflected in their more than 200 songs, television shows, concerts, and music videos. Their Facebook page has served as a way to stay relevant and to continue connecting with their audience. There, you can see them rehearsing and “goofing around” live. Their brotherhood is so strong that when they get together with their instruments, voices, and songs, magic happens, and you can really see their passion.

The Movers and their iconic blue suits are back with a new album called “Happy to Be Here” which includes five songs, “Happy,” “Robot Breaks Down,” “Leaves Fall Down,” “My Dog,” and “Alligators are Cute.” “Happy to Be Here” is a beautiful, fun, and very clever album that was born in an Airbnb in Manchac, Louisiana, literally, in the swamp. “We went there and brought our instruments. It’s almost like we were sequestered, it’s like, okay, we are here for a reason,” Mover Smitty recalled.

There’s no doubt that their “Big ideas” and inspiration for their new songs are, like the rest of their work, a group collaboration. An example is the lyrics from the song “My Dog,” in which each Mover wrote their own verses about their pets. “So, these lyrics are true, we are all dog owners, except for Dave who’s a cat owner, which is hilarious,” Smitty commented. “Scott’s dog Hershey, his dog pees when you pet him. When I come home my dog picks up a shoe, and brings it to me,” he added smiling. The song “Robot Breaks Down” is one of Smitty’s favorites, he describes it as “It’s just so poppy, candy goodness.” The video for this song was filmed in City Park and was directed by Abby Collins, Mover Rich’s daughter.

What is in store for the Movers? As true New Orleanians, their love for the city, their community, and their passion for music motivate them to keep moving forward. And the Hispanic community is no exception. For their 20th anniversary in 2022, the Movers have a surprise, and in a sneak preview, they told us that it includes Spanish language content. “We’ve been working on a song - tentatively titled Te Digo Que Te Amo (De Muchas Maneras) and we’re also looking to re-record Brainstorming in Spanish. For us, we are aware of our impact and how what we’ve created resonated with our Spanish-speaking fans. It’s our goal to respectfully recognize our fan base as evidenced by our desire to give back even as we create.”

Mover Smitty finished off this interview by giving a special message to the community: “If you are passionate about what you want to do, just do it! We just kind of believed it and we worked to push it along.”

You will never know where that idea could take you and if you need a little inspiration just look at the Imagination Movers.

Photo Credit: Adams Photography

*** The Imagination Movers television show, which originally aired on Disney Junior from 2008 to 2013, is available again on Disney+.

*** Want to support?

Get a “El lema de Los Imaginadores” t-shirt on imaginationmovers.com Proceeds will go to diverse non-profits supported by Los Imaginadores.

Dr. Roy Salgado.
Supporting Mental Health in our Community
By AnaMaria Bech

Click aqui para español- >El doctor Roy Salgado y su aporte a la salud mental en la comunidad

During the COVID-19 pandemic, struggles with mental health have brought what used to be a taboo topic to the main stage. The greatest gymnast of all times, Simone Biles, withdrew from the most crucial competition in her field, the Olympic games, citing the need for mental health as the reason for her shocking announcement. High-performing athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Michael Phelps have publicly recognized their mental state. At the same time, entertainers like Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez keep bringing the topic to the mainstream media.

Health practitioners and officials in Louisiana and, particularly in New Orleans, quickly recognized the impact of mental health in the community. The University of Holy Cross was one of the first institutions to react and address the need for health counseling. They expanded their counseling services by providing free access to Tele counseling for New Orleans area residents.

The television series “Coping During the COVID Crisis” helped reach a broader audience with information about mental health issues that many in the community were experiencing. Dr. Roy Salgado, Associate Professor of Counseling at the University of Holy Cross, chose the most relevant topics for the TV program and provided resources to the community. The program airs on WLAE-TV Fridays at 8:00 P. M.

He is a Psychology major graduate from Tulane University and received his master’s degree in Counseling and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans. “When I began working in health counseling, I was one of the very few licensed Latinos who could provide these services.” When there was an influx of unaccompanied children about six years ago, Salgado worked on a project and gathered health professionals who could support the vulnerable minors, finding only about 23 qualified counselors qualified to provide their services in Spanish.

He realizes there is a greater need today to have representation in the healthcare field. “We need more health providers, whether it is in medicine or counseling, who speak Spanish so that we can meet the demand for these services in our community.”

He has made it part of his mission as faculty to promote access to higher education to everyone. Still, as a Latino, he wants to make sure more Latino students go into professional careers. “We need professional Latinos in our community that cross-culturally understand the community,” says Salgado.

The University of Holy Cross currently has about 5% of a Latino student population. Salgado uses every opportunity to promote the growth of the University, the various programs the University offers, and advocates for careers in Counseling. “I have been able to recruit some Latino students into the program who have served in my private practice as interns. I was able to multiply myself by hiring some of them.”

That additional help is essential at a time when mental health is the topic of many discussions. “Even though not everyone has been infected, everyone has been affected by the virus. Many people have experienced the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, income, community, society, and all of this has impacted the individuals, so there are high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and fear.”

According to Salgado, the most significant need during this fourth surge of the Coronavirus is conflict resolution. “There is a battle between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. We have to learn how to listen to each other without judging or adding heat to an already complex situation.”

Salgado stresses the importance of understanding that we are all humans that react differently to each situation. “When we feel overwhelmed or exhausted, it is a normal reaction of a human being, and not necessarily of a person who is sick, or someone that needs psychiatric help. It’s normal to recognize that sometimes we need help from our family, friends, and if that help is not enough because they don’t have enough resources, perhaps that’s when we need to seek professional help.”

If you are interested in a career in counseling, you can contact Dr. Roy Salgado by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Chef Melissa Araujo’s Alma

By Ana García

Click aqui para español- >Melissa Araujo: Alma de Chef

The city of New Orleans is world-renowned for its delicious cuisine. Thanks to the fact that this city enjoys a very diverse cultural influence, a modern Honduran restaurant like Alma Cafe can exist.”

Melissa Araujo, chef and founder of Alma Café, was born in La Ceiba, on the Atlantic coast of Honduras. She grew up primarily in Providence, Rhode Island, and New Orleans. She never stopped visiting her beloved country every summer.

Melissa is the ninth daughter of an Italian/Honduran couple. At 16, she began working in the kitchen, washing dishes. It was always essential for her father that their children received a college education, so Melissa entered college to study law. After a while, she suspended her studies and began working in different restaurants in the city. “I did not choose this profession; the profession picked me,” said Chef Araujo about finding her passion for cooking.

Upon entering her restaurant Alma Cafe, a portrait of her parents and a striking mural of the Mayan goddess Ixchel, goddess of the moon, love, and fertility, catches your attention. The personal touches throughout the restaurant give it a cozy feel.
Alma, the word for soul in Spanish, was the name Araujo gave the restaurant because it represents her essence. “Alma is not a name; it is not a person, it is my spirit, it is my soul, it is who forms Melissa,” says the chef, adding that “the photos of this restaurant are my family, the recipes are my family.”

The successful chef highlights that the goal of Alma Café is to show that Honduran culture has much to offer, and that is why she tells the story of her country through her family’s recipes.

Araujo is proud of her heritage, and she is also proud of Alma having an all-female kitchen team. Her sister, Ana Araujo, is in charge of keeping the traditional recipes in the kitchen, and her general manager, Ashleigh Oquelí, runs a smooth operation under the chef’s absolute trust.

Alma Café offers delicious breakfasts and lunches. One of the most requested dishes is the Alma Breakfast, a dish consisting of ripe plantain slices, refried beans, eggs, cream, avocado, and fresh, homemade cheese.

The baleada is Araujo’s recommended dish. Alma’s baleada is the chef’s modern adaptation of the quintessential Honduran staple and her grandmother’s recipe. The baleada consists of a tortilla hand-made to order, refried beans, scrambled eggs, homemade cream, and fresh cheese. For garnish, Araujo uses locally-grown microgreens to add flavor and freshness to the dish. Customers can customize the baleada by adding avocado or their preferred protein. Apart from the delicious natural aguas frescas, flavored fruit waters with no added sugar, Alma offers imported 100% Honduran coffee of the highest quality.

According to Araujo, this modern Honduran restaurant aims to “take the traditional and raise it a foot or two higher, and start putting Honduran gastronomy on the map.” For this reason, one of the chef’s goals is also to open the doors of Alma to serve as a launching platform for future Honduran chefs. Araujo understands that this profession is full of sacrifices, and it is not easy to get to where she is. Her advice to aspiring chefs: “Never listen to someone who tells you that you will not be able to make it; you can do it. You need to know your capacity, and nobody can tell you what your capacity is.”

Alma Café is currently open seven days a week from 8 am to 3 pm at 800 Louisa Street in New Orleans. In the fall, Araujo plans to expand the service hours to include dinner so that customers can indulge in delicious wines while they continue to enjoy her excellent cuisine.

”Zydeco Star” A fusion of cultures

By Anamaria Bech

Click aqui para español- > ”Zydeco Star”Una fusión de culturas

Zydeco superstar Rockin ‘Dopsie Jr. collaborated on “Zydeco Star,” the latest single by composer Fermin Ceballos. The multi-talented Dominican artist based in New Orleans will release Zydeco Star on April 24, the second single of his upcoming album, Bochinche.

The idea for the collaboration came after Ceballos met Dopsie Jr. in 2019 when he was giving a concert with his merengue band at a West Bank bar. “When he arrived, we were surprised, and I dared to ask him if he wanted to play a merengue with us. He went to the car and brought his washboard, and played with us. I remember that he loved it, and then he told me, ‘I wanna do something with you, little brother.’”

Although they ran into each other at various festivals, it was only until the 2020 French Quarter Fest opening ceremony that they had a chance to chat again about the collaboration. This time, the busy schedule of Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters was clearing up as it was the early days of the pandemic that affected the band’s commitments in Europe.

Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. grew up in a musical family from Lafayette, Louisiana. Although his first instrument was the accordion, the washboard is the signature that sets him apart. The washboard gave him the mobility he needs for his energetic performances that include jumping up and down, doing splits, and dancing in a way that captivates an audience unable to resist dancing to his music.

Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. has managed to spread the traditional music of the Acadian Cajun region of Louisiana worldwide. He has carried on his father’s legacy, the King of Zydeco, Rockin’ Dopsie Sr, and has brought this music to broader audiences.

For Fermin Ceballos, working on this collaboration goes beyond two artists creating together. It’s a chance to bring the rhythm to other communities. Ceballos wrote “Zydeco Star,” zydeco mixed with bachata and folk-rock influences with lyrics in English and Spanish, to honor the impact of Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. on the genre. 

The process of creating the single took about eight months. The process happened organically. Ceballos witnessed the professionalism and humility of the renowned interpreter, who allowed the composer’s creative freedom. ‘We met at my home, rehearsed the lyrics, the music, and then we met in the studio where we recorded the song.”

Fusing zydeco and bachata was only possible because of the accordion. “This was the strongest link because, although we can fuse the two genres, they have a different rhythmic pattern. But the accordion unites them,” explains Ceballos, adding that the güira is replaced in this song by the famous washboard played by Dopsie Jr. 

 “When I heard the rhythm, the drums, and the base, it was so different for me,” said Dopsie Jr. Having recorded with artists such as Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Cyndi Lauper, among others, Dopsie Jr. understands styles are unique. “They want you to follow their rhythm,” Dopsie Jr. said about collaborations with other artists and his reasoning behind not making any changes to Ceballos’ song. He admitted that “playing the washboard was a challenge, but I didn’t want to change anything. The song had that Miami vibe. It’s a perfect song for the club.”

Ceballos took the opportunity to be part of a Louisiana genre that’s as upbeat as Dominican merengue. “As an artist, it’s wonderful for me that he put his name and talent in my hands to produce the song.” 

This experience was also exciting for Dopsie Jr., who gets to sing a few Spanish words in the chorus. “I’ve always thought Latin music is the best music. I’ve admired Latin music for a while, starting with one of my idols Carlos Santana.” 

Dopsie Jr. is excited about the result. “I want to thank [Fermin] for letting me be on his single, and I can’t wait to play it on stage, either at one of my gigs or one of his gigs.”

As of April 24, you can find “Zydeco Star” on different music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

Mardi Gras 2021: The Year House Floats Were Born

By Alejandra Guzmán

Click aqui para español- >Mardi Gras 2021: El año que nacieron las casas carrozas

Mardi Gras celebrations in 2021 will not include New Orleans’ traditional parades, which take place yearly during carnival season. The need to cancel the usual way of celebrating was necessary to keep our city healthy, as we now understand that large gatherings are COVID-19 super spreader events.

While we will not have parades this year, this does not mean there will not be other ways to keep the tradition alive, our spirits high, and support the local economy. During a traditional year, Mardi Gras has a direct economic benefit of about $144 million for the city. Although we may not see this kind of economic impact, creative initiatives have emerged to allow for a safe carnival season and to support local artists and vendors who depend on Mardi Gras for their incomes.

“Hire A Mardi Gras Artist” is an initiative created by the Krewe of Red Beans to produce 40 extravagantly decorated homes during the 2021 carnival season. The first house to be decorated under this program is on Toledano Street. Its theme honors the late iconic musician Dr. John, and it includes a large skull, snakes, flowers, and Cyprus oak trees. This initiative combines a donation drive with a lottery system, and its goal is to raise $10,000 per home. Donors enter a raffle to have their house decorated.

The do-it-yourself house-decorating group called “Krewe of House Floats” is an organized group that started on Facebook that has gained thousands of followers. Sub-krewes of decorators worked the house floats located around more than 30 neighborhoods in New Orleans.

The group got started under the belief that if we cannot safely gather by the parade route this year, we can still bring the spirit of carnival home to celebrate the season in a pandemic-safe manner.

The decoration of house floats began on January 6 and will culminate on February 16. This vital effort will provide donations to organizations around the city that support those affected most by Mardi Gras’s cancellation. 

The site www.kreweofhousefloats.org includes a list of artists and vendors that can get hired to decorate your home. You can also find a map with the location of all the house floats throughout the city so that you can visit.