Colleen is my RIGHT HAND! I had the pleasure of meeting Colleen through work. Her service and dedication to the Red Cross has been unmatched by any other person in Veteran Assistance. 5 years ago I went to her with an idea for a Veteran Resource Coalition. We are now partners in MACRA (Military Assistance Community Resource Alliance). If you have not heard of it, give us a few years as we work to spread it across the USA. Due to our jobs, we are not quite ready to jump into that just yet.

There is no greater friend to the military than Colleen. Her passion for assistance has been vital to the creation of MACRA. Together, we are unstoppable. We plan to close the gaps in service for not only Veterans, but also new recruits that have signed up. Our vision is HUGE and we each bring something to the table that completes each other. Meeting Colleen is one of the best things in my life.

Colleen can also bake (and cook). Her passion for baking truly rivals her passion for veterans. Her cakes are sought after for holidays as well as birthdays. She is honest and has no problem telling me what she thinks – we are good that way though. Colleen keeps me sane while feeding me sweets. It is a perfect relationship!

Also, her devotion to her family is inspiring. I want to be able to be there for my family as she is there for hers. She has also stepped in to raise her niece. Such a sweet young adult. I love when she comes with us to events and such.

For the color I chose to be inspired by Colleen, CLICK HERE!

My Cathy is an amazing Italian woman. Being Italian and growing up in the community as I did, we always had someone to look up to. With my grandparents being gone, and prior to Covid, we had our Cousin’s Lunch. Our Italian elders all came together once a month for lunch. I loved being able to see them and talk about what was going on in their lives.

I was one that stayed in my grandma’s kitchen. I loved to bake, where my brother loved to cook. My Italian grandparents taught me how to knit and crochet as well as how to bake and play poker. Cathy is always asking me to bake the Italian cookies, and for her, anything.

Cathy was home with her kids until her divorce. Then she had to go into the work force at a factory while continuing to raise her children . Being a single parent, her parents also helped at times. As Italian’s do. Now, Cathy is a vital participant in raising her youngest grandson. Carrying on the tradition of the Nonna, she has always been in her grandchildren’s lives.

Cathy’s unwavering dedication to her family has inspired me to be the best Nonna I can to any grandchildren God allows me to have. For the gloss inspired by Cathy, CLICK HERE.

Stephanie times 2. I have 2 Stephanie’s in my life that have inspired me over the years. As mentioned in the Melissa Blog Page, they each have sisters named Melissa. Let’s start with family first. Stephane M. is my cousin. We grew up together and spent many weekends at the lake or at my grandparent’s house. As we got older and went on into high school, college, or got married, we didn’t hang out as much. I always followed my cousins and celebrated their accomplishments.

Stephanie has had 2 children and her daughter looks exactly like her. Both of her kids are bright and are off doing their own thing. Education was always very important. Stephanie went to nursing school while her husband served in the military. For whatever reason, she has always been drawn to the children. She is now a 4th grade teacher and completely loving her life.

Stephanie is truly living her best life with the love of her life. They love to travel and when not cruising, are out in their camper. She has always been inspiring and is constantly smiling. Her unique laugh is a joy to hear as well. Stephanie, I love you and THIS is your color.

Stephanie R.

I could be here for a while talking about Stephanie R. Today, I will only focus on 2 things – Leadership and Family. Stephanie doesn’t realize what an inspiration she is to others. She is a professional and runs 2 Dialysis Units. Her dedication to her patients, staff and company is amazing. When I am with her, she is never far from her phone and is always available to her team. OK, Except when we are in Mexico. Then she is 100% off duty.

Then there is family. Her leadership spills over into family gatherings and she usually always is lead on making sure we can feed everyone. As an Italian Cajun, you can imagine the food we get to eat when she is in town. From Pasta to Crawfish, we get it all.

Family is a vital part of who Stephanie is. Her life revolves around her daughter and husband. Those two have raised a wonderful young adult and are now empty nesters, as she is now a freshman in college. They come to town often and enjoy getting their pontoon out on the water. It is just big enough to carry most of the family. Stephanie’s favorite time is sunset on the water. Her husband does everything he can to make sure she gets that.

Knowing Stephanie and having her in my life has been a joy over the last 5 years. Her professionalism and dedication to her job and family speak volumes to me. Stephanie, your good nature and up beat personality are an encouragement to me. I hope you love your color! You can find it HERE!

Melissa is a very popular name. I have a few Melissa’s that are truly valuable to me. Each of them have their own story. I have several Melissa’s in my life, but these are the top 4.

Melissa A. is at the top of my list. This is because she is my cousin. Although she is younger than I am, she has always been a source of inspiration to me. I was named after her sweet Momma, Denise. Both Melissa and her sister Stephanie served at my wedding. I have seen how she is able to embrace her challenges. She is one of the finest people I know who is resilient and Oozes positivity.

Melissa was blessed with 2 amazing twin girls. Raising twin girls alone is hard, but adding in special needs was just about more than a single mom could bear. The family banded together and her mom and dad were there to help. In 2008 she married Mike, and she has not stopped smiling. Her girls have graduated high school and just as happy as their Mom. Pictured above is my sweet cousin and her mom.

Melissa H.

The 2nd Melissa in my life is Melissa H. This fire cracker is hot southern mess! She is loving, giving, devoted, passionate, and adds that extra spice that everyone needs in their life. Being an Army wife, she knows first hand most of the challenges single parents face. I can remember her putting out the word that her husband was coming home for his 2 weeks R&R and she sent him out to help other spouses who were having household issues. I knew then that she was truly one of a kind.

Due to her upbeat and welcoming personality, Melissa is now greeting guests at our local Elk’s Lodge. Her commitment to service and friendship makes her and Jake an unstoppable team. Their kids are just about all moved out and I see more focus on their marriage. Through the years, I have watched and am reminded that Melissa is not only a very classy lady, but she also commands her household like a General. She has a heart of pure gold and I am honored to call her my friend. Love you Sweet Cheeks!!

Melissa F

Melissa F. is a kindhearted soul who has put her all into her family. Her boys are truly the air she breaths and that new grandbaby lights up her face when she talks about him. Melissa has not always had it easy. Her life has been faced with challenge after challenge. However, her pure determination to keep going is what inspires me. I have never in all the years of knowing her, seen her give up and anything. She may be a little things and mostly quiet, but she is strong and fierce. That inner strength that people don’t know is there is what she thrives on. She is the most genuine person I know.

Her smile says it all!

Fun Fact: As I was thinking of the people that have impacted my life, 2 sets are sisters. Melissa F and Melissa A both have sisters named Stephanie. Both Stephanie’s are also included in my launch. This speaks highly of their parents I think. The integrity of these ladies are stronger when they are with their sisters. The bond they have together is something I share with my brother.

Speaking of my brother…

Melissa T

Melissa T. is my sister-in-law. My wonderful brother flew her to Vegas and eloped. They lived in New Orleans for a while – only the opposite end of Louisiana from home, and now they live in Florida. She is a retired teacher and eager to follow my brother all over as he travels for work. He is about to retire as well, but from the military as a COL. He doesn’t know it yet, but I plan to park my camper at his house quite a bit.

Melissa is the perfect match to my brother. She is easy going and just strong enough to compliment my brother’s commanding presence. She joined our family with her daughter and son in tow. Her daughter has gotten married and gave them the must beautiful granddaughter I think I have ever seen in my life. Until mine are born that is. Not to be outdone, her son is just as amazing. Melissa is an amazing woman and I am proud to have her in my life.

Each of these Melissa’s bring something different to the table. However, they are all strong, confident and silently in control. Watching these women through the years has showed me that no matter what happens in your life, there is always a better tomorrow.

Get your Melissa HERE

Kimberly is my Girly Girl. She is classy, beautiful and full of life! Because she is my Lip Gloss Girl, I had to name one of my first after her. I have known her since high school and I have NEVER seen her without her makeup on. Probably wont ever, LOL!

Kimberly has been through it in her life. Her positive spirit and up beat attitude are the main reasons she is an inspiration to so many. Although she has some super great adult kids, it is her parents that keep her grounded in life.

Kimberly surprised us all when she started dating another high school friend, Bubba. This matchup had us all wondering, but we knew they were both good hearted individuals and each deserved happiness. Let me tell you, Bubba purposed and a year to the day, they got married in the same restaurant where they met. It was a great party with all of our closest friends and their families.

Bubba is a carpenter by trade and has enhanced Kimberly’s lifestyle. We even saw evidence of her outside this past summer building a fence. From a girl who’s all about her power tools, I was really pleased to see Kimberly out there helping.

Kimberly always amazes me. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her nail salon are her defining attributes. She is passionate about her business, her friends, her husband and her dogs. Kimberly is my Classic Princess. This color with just a hint of silver is for the Silver Lining in her life that is consistency.

For your Classic Princess that I call Kimberly, Click HERE.

Oh the many faces of my sweet Emily. This beauty is 150% model material! I see her struggles and I am always pleasantly surprised at how she manages to plow through her challenges. She inspires me in ways she doesn’t even know. Her Mom is a gem and did a great job raising her on her own. Emily has old school values handed down from her grandparents. Making her the ultimate powerhouse in our little part of the world today.

Emily was a blessing to me as I got to know her through dating her Dad. Since knowing her, I am more and more taken with her attitude and drive to be the best person she can be. She is a trained dancer and former Vine and now a Tik Tok Superstar.

Although her social media skills are second to none, it is her skill as a Mother that impresses me. That sweet baby Aven has stolen my heart. OK,, until my kids have my own grandchildren anyway. Watching Emily carry this precious boy and then having him in our lives, has been an amazing journey.

It is a complete honor to be this child’s Nonna. I am mostly Italian and so is she. Nonna is the only name I want Aven to know me by. Emily is thoughtful and tries her best to include each member of her family. Her bond with her Mother is so very special. Becky is a wonderful full time grandma to our Aven and gets to keep him on a daily basis. I am severely jealous, but I get to see him quite often.

This purple I gave Emily is perfect for her personality and passion for modeling and makeup. Click HERE to order your next colorful lip gloss.

Nancy is that special person that God places in your life that words just can not express what they mean to you. I have known Nancy for over 15 years. She is the ultimate pageant director. Her stage designs are no match for the venues she chooses.

So, please allow me to tell you about My Nancy…

Nancy is the hardest working person I know. She works a full time job, is one of the leading pageant directors in town, and manages her household like a boss! Crowbar, as we all so lovingly call him, is her wonderfully supportive husband. Crowbar is actually my HERO because he saved her life one time, years ago. After the birth of her last child, Nancy suffered an abdominal aneurism. She was literally bleeding out and not being hooked up to any machines (as we normally aren’t after having a baby) no one knew. Crowbar was asleep in the chair beside the bed and saw she was pale. As he shook her, she was unresponsive. The staff was able to rush her to surgery. I thank the Lord all the time for waking Crowbar up in time to do something.

Over the years, they each have had their health issues. It has also been a hard marriage at times, but their love has always prevailed. Nancy continues to hold her head high while Crowbar still supports anything she can think of. Their bond is what fairy tales are made of.

No matter what happens, they have each other. Although it may seem that the next pageant has Nancy’s attention, don’t think for a moment that her priorities are not firmly in place. God, Family and Friends are her focus. I try my best to assist at any pageant she is hosting. She loves these kids like they were her own, and remembers each of their names.

Nancy is my Lifesize Barbie Doll and this glitter pink is ALL HER! Her commitment to her family and her unwavering love for her Ken has inspired me for many years. Click HERE to get your perfect shade that just may catch your Ken.

What can I NOT say about Mikelle… She brings the FUN to anything you are doing! Mikelle is a former beauty queen and is my forever Miss Congeniality.

Mikelle was hired in 2012 to join Ms. Angela Ott in the Louisiana Child and Youth Department. While I am sure they have been met with countless challenges, Mikelle is always ready to serve the Louisiana National Guard children with a smile.

She and her husband Denis have raised a wonderful son that stole the heart of my daughter years ago at youth camp when he gave her his name tag. Brody is a special young man to my family and I can’t wait to see what he can accomplish in his life.

Due to our travels together with Family Programs, we tend to create really awesome memories. Just looking at this picture, I can hear her giggling now. The countless times I had been to New Orleans to work, I had never been to Bourbon Street. Mikelle is the one that would not take NO for an answer. In addition to this experience, she also told EVERY DJ I was a Bourbon Street Virgin. You can imagine how that went over.

Mikelle is the most positive person I know. She is that person you want on your side when life is not treating you kindly. Her light sines so very bright, and she is always there to share. Click HERE to order the color especially named after this beauty.

Mrs. Angela Ott… This woman is the exact image of an Empowered Woman! Although she has her moments of weakness, she is surrounded in the embrace of God. As all of us, Angela has had challenges in her life. Her health has not always been that great. The courage she showed while facing Breast Cancer was backed by her Faith and her Family.

Way back in the mid 90’s, Carrie Matirne and I were tasked with starting a Youth Program for the Louisiana National Guard. We did what we could as volunteers back then. However, we lived at complete opposite ends of the state. Angela was hired in 2005. Since then, she has taken the Child and Youth Program to heights I could have never imagined. Our summer Youth camp fills to capacity each year in less than 5 days. Due to her networking, the Christmas Angel Program is a blessing to more than 50 families each year. The impact of this program is a true testimony to her leadership. Her commanding presence coupled with her passion for our Guard children, makes her a force to be reconned with.

Angela also has a softer side. She is a true blessing to anyone that knows her. Her friendship carries the same passion as her job. If she knows of an issue, she is there to help. I have been on the receiving end of her hospitality a few times. The Ott family works as a team in all things and makes you feel welcome and comfortable.

Because of the formidable powerhouse she is, this ultra sheer gloss reminded me of her quiet feminine side under all that confidence. Angela has taught me that you can be as strong as a man in your position in life, but still be a lady at the same time. I love my Angela! She is the true meaning of Southern Charm,,, when she is not telling you what to do. You can order your subtle strength shade HERE.

Do you have an Angela in your life? Let us know in the comments below.

LTC Ebony Carter is my inspiration behind this red. From the beginning, she had this way of silently supporting me. It is because of her that Empowered by BTC is here today.

I guess you want to know the story… OK. Here goes.

In 2015, my husband of 25 years told me he wanted a divorce. My world came crashing down around me. 2 of my 3 children still lived at home. I went from full time Mom and employee to full time employee and part time Mom every other week. I was lost,, alone. After months of an awful depression, I got angry. One day, MAJ Carter (She is a LTC now) called me to check in. While it was normal that she called periodically, this time it meant more. We talked, and I cried. After I was able to compose myself, she told me to go get some RED lipstick and go out. Just about each conversation we had, she mentioned Red Lipstick. If that color didn’t work on my mood, she told me to go get another shade.

As I purchased the many shades of Red Lipstick, I realized that my attitude had improved. Red Lipstick had become my Super Power Weapon. Just as Superman stood taller with his cape on, I stood taller and more confident. I also had on heels, but ya know what I’m talking about.

Ebony Inspired A New Beginning

OK, So fast forward to 2022. I had another part of my personal life to celebrate with my home business and I was eager to share with my work family. As I was sharing, I walked into the Operations room of the camp I was working and saw LTC Ebony Carter. I said, “Ma’am, can I show you my latest good news”? She was immediately excited and reached out to me and said, “You started your own Red Lipstick Line”! As I took a moment to think, I said no and showed her my good news which was a magazine cover. More about this story is on the ABOUT page.

That was 4 weeks ago and my samples have arrived for my NEW LIPSTICK LINE! Over the past weeks, I have been very busy realizing that I CAN do this. The best thing that has ever happened to me was my divorce. I have learned to love myself, excel at work and business, and enjoy the rewards of my hard work. All while wearing my Lipstick: Empowered by BTC!

Order Ebony HERE!