
The Nouveau Podcast
The Nouveau Podcast: Your guide to building a thriving local small business.
Join entrepreneur Meredith Waguespack, owner of Sweet Baton Rouge® for insights, inspiration, and actionable advice with over 14 years in the retail industry. We'll explore data, marketing, community, and more, all with a touch of French charm.
Let's pop the cork on your entrepreneurial success!
The Nouveau Podcast
Episode 10: Grit, Grace, and Getting Started: My Story
Ever wondered about the voice behind The Nouveau Podcast? In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping out from behind the microphone to share my story – a journey filled with unexpected turns, unwavering grit, and the grace that carried me through.
From growing up in North Louisiana to a less-than-stellar academic start (think 12-14 ACT scores!), I'll take you through the moments that shaped me: being a determined, navigating the complexities of young adulthood, and finding my footing in Baton Rouge.
Discover the origin story of my business, born from a $500 loan and a whole lot of hustle selling t-shirts out of my car. I'll share the challenges and triumphs of bootstrapping a business for 15 years, from online beginnings to launching a brick-and-mortar store (right before a global pandemic!), and the lessons learned about resilience, delegation, and trusting your gut.
This episode is more than just a personal narrative; it's a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of giving back (through initiatives like our Cajun Navy fundraiser and The Petey's Initiative scholarship), and the unwavering belief that even with a non-traditional path, you can build something meaningful. Join me for a heartfelt conversation about the journey that led me here, hoping to offer a little encouragement along the way.
Connect with Meredith:
I am a mom to three, big maw maw to seven. I've been married for 18+ years, counting the days down to the BIG 20 so we can open up a great bottle of wine.
My husband and I also own a wine bar in our town we live in, called Library Wine & Provisions.
I am the founder of Sweet Baton Rouge®, a local Louisiana business I created from scratch with no marketing plan, just a little grit and lots of geaux! This business will hit 15 years in October and by far has been my most professional career doing what I love, marketing. I have built systems and habits to stay consistent and vision focused on our goals at hand. In 2024 I started a second business, Petey’s Press, to bring all of our production in-house to screen print as our business has always been centered around locally designed & printed t-shirts.
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