Pursuing a goal or passion, owning your own business, and doing something meaningful and something you enjoy is a dream for many people. Creating a space and lifestyle publication for women is something our founder, Odessa Held, dreamed of and began to work toward in early 2021.

Her vision for Louisiana Ladies and our growing community includes a series of signature publications designed with women in mind. Please get to know a little more about Odessa in the brief interview we share below.

Louisiana Ladies – Hi Odessa, Please take a moment to introduce yourself.

Odessa Held – Hello, and thank you. Let me start by saying what an honor it is for me to get to know and connect with women and entrepreneurs in our communities. ‘Louisiana Ladies’ started as an idea that bloomed into a project before being launched as a start-up in the digital publishing industry. I’m excited to have our signature website, magazine, lookbooks, and guides as a resource for women, businesses, and communities throughout our state.

Louisiana Ladies – What have you learned in your journey of becoming an entrepreneur?

Odessa Held – That’s a big question because there is just so much you learn about yourself when you are starting out. I’ve learned that believing in yourself is its own journey. There’s a lot to learn, but it’s likely that you have a lot of core skills, natural gifts, and abilities that got you this far, keep going! And, being encouraged and supported by those close to you will help you get through difficult days.

Louisiana Ladies – Do you think the learning process ever stops?

Odessa Held – Absolutely not! Learning and growing is a part of moving forward and it’s a process I enjoy.

Louisiana Ladies – You’re located on the Northshore. Is this the area you serve?

Odessa Held – Our state headquarters is on the Northshore, it’s where we live – the community we live in – but we are not limited to the Northshore area. We’re getting to know people across the state and enjoy exploring regions, parishes, and communities across Louisiana.

Louisiana Ladies – Is the Louisiana Ladies a regional publication?

Odessa Held – Our signature website is a lifestyle publication that highlights everyday topics and interests. Our regional publications include our lookbooks and guides.

Louisiana Ladies – What inspired you to start this journey?

Odessa Held – I’ve always had something of an entrepreneurial spirit and I enjoy sharing information and helping people. Having the desire to create something meaningful, something that could have a positive impact, led me to launch ‘Louisiana Ladies’.

Louisiana Ladies – Do you have a favorite feature or column of the category?

Odessa Held – I really like all of the features and columns, but if I had to choose I think I would choose three in particular. The first would be the ‘Ask a Lady” feature. We ask ladies in our community a variety of questions, and they never fail to give us honest and often entertaining answers. My next choice would be our profile feature where we introduce our readers to women in our community. These features include business owners, actors, singers, artists, political figures, and many more. We are fortunate to have so many remarkable people in our state and in our communities. My last choice is the ‘Self-Care” column because it’s something very important to me personally and something I strive to improve on and practice every day.

Louisiana Ladies – What do you think of entrepreneurship so far?

Odessa Held – It’s challenging and exciting at the same time. I’m glad to have arrived at a place within myself where I believe in my ability to accomplish what I’ve set out to do.

Louisiana Ladies – Any advice for other women in business?

Odessa Held – Yes, and that’s that YOU determined your worth and value, not others!