People! new mid city merchants board members

Mid City Merchants and the entire Mid City community is excited to welcome six new board members to our team for 2019. The largest board yet, we are growing to meet the increasing opportunity and needs of the Mid City businesses and patrons.

garrett kemp
Circa 1857

Garrett J. Kemp owns The Market at Circa 1857 (known most commonly as Circa 1857), which he purchased at 21 years old in June 2016. Circa 1857 has been a landmark business on the Government St strip, originally opening in 2001. Garrett has revitalized the business by increasing it’s web and social media presence, as well as updating it’s inventory to keep with popular trends, all while maintaining it’s charm Baton Rouge has loved for so long. Circa 1857 is known for hosting large events such as Champarty, and White Light Night, which brings thousands of people to the business. He also hosts a Maker’s Fair for University Laboratory School students, where he graduated from in 2013.

​After graduating, Garrett pursued a degree in Graphic Design, and later Political Science. He has served on several committees, including the Mid City Art Hop planning group, as well as for the LSU Museum of Art for their first ever fundraising gala in 2017. Garrett is committed to progressing Baton Rouge’s vibrant, and rapidly growing art scene, and eager to be an active figure in the growth of Mid City.

justin lemoine
Esla studio

Justin Lemoine is a 2006 graduate of the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture.  Justin previously worked at Dana Brown Associates as studio director and principal.  There, he worked on public and private projects of varying sizes ranging from residential and commercial to community planning and engagement and large municipal parks and public spaces.  While at DBA, Justin also became involved with Louisiana ASLA and the MidCity Redevelopment Alliance.  Justin was an active volunteer and community design lead on the 2013 Better Block demonstration that ultimately led to the road diet currently under construction on Government Street.  ​

In 2013, Justin formed ELS Landscape Architecture Studio.    Today, ELS focuses on residential, commercial, and public project design throughout the state of Louisiana.  In 2014, Justin and business partner Dawson Ellis purchased the property at 541 S Eugene Street and relocated ELS from the Perkins Road Overpass to Mid City.  In 2016, Justin along with 3 others founded the MidCity Makers Market, a monthly event that showcases the works of talented artists from Baton Rouge and Beyond. ​

jeremy beyt
threesixtyeight

Jeremy, a Louisiana native, is the co-founder and Chief Strategist at ThreeSixtyEight, a strategic marketing agency that serves brands locally and globally. Jeremy participates as a voice for the Adobe User Experience leadership collective, and has worked with brands including Pepsi, Unilever, Raisin' Canes, and Wellpet. Since he spends his days behind a computer screen, Jeremy spends weekends trying (and often failing) to distance himself from his Macbook Pro to spend time outdoors with his wife and daughter.

ciara hazey
french truck

I've lived and worked in Mid City for the past 7 years. Currently I am the General Manager with French Truck Coffee. I love this area and I want to help create opportunities for more art and community activities throughout Mid City. I'm so excited for this opportunity to work as a board of director's member. I want to help increase awareness and make outlets for all the creative talent that is coming out of the mid-city area and use this to develop mid-city into the eclectic and cultural hub that it is!

charlotte smith
pop shop records

​Charlotte Smith is owner of Pop Shop Records and Word Smith Communication PR firm, both located in Mid City. She is also a journalist for the Associated Press, The Advocate, and numerous national and international publications. Charlotte has served on numerous boards within Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish and London, England, and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Louisiana Press Association, The Public Relations Society of America, The International Society of Journalits, The International Society of Public Relations, and the International Human Rights Association. 

​Originally from England, Charlotte moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she attended Lee High and received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, where she triple majored in English, History and Political Science. She returned to London upon graduation, where she continued her studies while working in public relations for the Mayor of London’s Office as Public Infirmation Officer. She went on to revive a Masters Degree in International Relations and a PhD in Human and Civil Rights Policy and Procedure. She has also served as a speech writer for Amnesty International. 

Charlotte returned to Louisiana in 2008, and currently makes her home in Mid City. She is a fan of the people, the food and the music of the area, and considers Baton Rouge home. Her aim is to continue what so many have done before her, and to assist what so many are doing now, which is ensure the growth and prosperity of Mid City by highlighting its unique and impressive culture.

jennifer miller
bistro byronz

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Want to know more about your current MCM Board Members?
You can find their bios below.

geordy waters

Waters & Pettit Commercial Real Estate

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Geordy attended college at Southern Methodist University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance in 1992.
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In 1994, Geordy launched his real estate career through Waters Investments, owning, managing and building personal investment properties. Geordy’s successful management of his own properties quickly attracted a client base that recognized the value he provided in real estate sales and leasing, as well as property management services.

​In 2008, Geordy and his long-time college friend, Robert Pettit joined forces to form Waters & Pettit Commercial Real Estate. He has served on several local boards of directors and is a member of multiple professional organizations. Geordy and his wife, Kate, have two daughters.

samuel sanders

mid city redevelopment alliance

Samuel Sanders has the honor of leading a premier non-profit organization founded in 1991 with a mission to develop and revitalize Mid City Baton Rouge by attracting new and retaining current residents and businesses. Mid City Redevelopment Alliance is a chartered member of the national network of NeighborWorks America, an accomplishment Sanders considers one of his most significant achievements.

Sanders has been with the organization since 2003 and became its third Executive Director in 2006 with a unanimous appointment by the board of directors. Sanders previously served as the Director of Education and Community Relations for Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Louisiana. He completed his undergraduate studies at Christopher Newport University. In 2013 he earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy University. He is a licensed REALTOR.

Sanders is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Business Report’s Top Forty Under 40 Class of 2009, and a 2014 John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Non-Profit Management honoree by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Sanders, and his wife, Sheren, Ph.D., have two children, Khristopher, 25, and Sierra, 20. Baton Rouge has been home since 1997.

Tasha MICHELLE 

hair art & co

​Tasha's little Gem is located in front of the Capital Heights neighborhood in Baton Rouge. The Owner of Hair Art & Company, Tasha Michelle, grand daughter to Mr. Wayne Daigle local Master Barber for over 55+ years and owner of Wayne's Hairstyling & Barber Shop. Tasha calls her self a Professional Hair Artist, she loves to create the perfect look for anyone.. She is duel licensed in Cosmetology mastering woman's hair and Barbering mastering men's grooming! Any Hair type on any human. Hair color, cuts, weddings, extensions and makeup lessons! Tasha has traveled on cruise ships working in the Salon's on board! 

In addition to heading the White Light Night planning committee as a Mid City Merchants Board Member, sShe has studied hair from around the world! She has also done hair and makeup for Pageants, along with competing, judging and coaching competitors!

gerri hobdy

Baton Rouge Community College, Institutional Advancement 
Pleroma LLC

william wells

culinary productions 

Once heading and managing the most premier restaurants and private clubs the area has to offer, the owners of Culinary Productions branched out, in 2001 to provide unsurpassed attention to detail, superior service and high end edible artwork, unlike anything the area has seen. Specializing in contemporary Creole cuisine and the incorporation of indigenous organic product,as well as being at the forefront of the culinary industry, Chef William T. Wells, C.E.C, nationally known and award winning,along with partner. Jennifer Bennett Wells, catering director, developed the most personalized catering company in the Southeast region. Expanding upon each clients vision, adding their own expertise, of over 40 combined years,Culinary Productions makes the impossible, possible.