My First Experience at Fried Chicken Fest: A Night to Remember

By Eleny Janíce

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Fried Chicken Fest, and let me tell you—it was an incredible night! As a first-timer, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was ready to dive into some delicious chicken sandwiches.

Upon arriving, I realized I had no idea where to go. I just knew one thing: I was hungry! After wandering a bit, I discovered the standout vendor of the night: Slogar Bar. If you’re a chicken sandwich enthusiast like I am, you absolutely need to try their take on a bánh mì. It was honestly the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had! So fresh, so flavorful—I truly regretted not hitting them up first and grabbing a few to go.

Slogar Bar definitely earned the spotlight for serving up the best chicken sandwich of the night.

Tips for Next Year’s Fried Chicken Fest

If you’re planning to attend next year, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Do Your Homework:

Before you go, check out the vendor list and their menus. Having a plan will save you from wandering aimlessly and waiting in long lines. You’ll be able to hit the best spots right away!

https://friedchickenfestival.com

2. Timing is Everything:

Arrive early so you can park, and enjoy all food vendors during the day. If you’re like me who enjoys her own space and chill vibes i recommend to attend between 4-5 PM if you can. The vibe during this time is much more relaxed, and the lines are shorter. Plus, the sunset views are absolutely stunning!

3. Bring Your Own Comfort:

Feel free to bring chairs or blankets for a cozy picnic vibe. It’s a great way to enjoy your food while soaking in the atmosphere.

4. Bring the Fam (or Not):

The fest is family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids! But if you’re in need of a night out, don’t hesitate to sneak in a date night. You deserve it!

Conclusion:

I had an incredible time, especially walking to the lake to soak in the night. I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival and plan to snag the VIP experience in advance. Next time, I’ll be sure to wear boots for the mud and more comfortable clothes for lounging. A big thank you to the Fried Chicken Festival for a seamless and enjoyable evening. Until next time!

Watch my reel below | don’t forget to follow me on IG

@elenyjanice

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBEvBa_PMdf/?igsh=dWc3Z2tuOHhqM2Ny

Embracing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Embracing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship:

A Journey of Balance, Purpose, and Self-Love

---

Navigating the world as a mom of four while launching and managing a business from home has been a dynamic adventure filled with both triumphs and trials. The journey is guided by a sense of purpose that wakes me each morning, alongside a commitment to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship with love and intention. Here’s a peek into how I blend these roles and make time for self-love in this multifaceted life.

Finding Purpose and Setting Goals

Each day begins with a moment of reflection and intention. I start by seeking spiritual grounding through prayer and meditation, setting a positive tone for the day. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." — Albert Schweitzer. Defining success on my terms, I set clear, purposeful goals that guide both my business and personal life.

Crafting a Balanced Routine

Balancing my various roles in life is all about finding the perfect blend of structure and flexibility. My mornings start with a touch of self-care—whether it's meditating, savoring a warm cup of tea or coffee, or whipping up nutritious meals for my children. Once they’re off to school, it’s time to dive into work. I carefully organize my schedule to juggle household tasks, professional duties, and preparations for the next day. And, of course, I make sure to prioritize precious family time. Flexibility is my secret ingredient for keeping everything running smoothly and joyfully!

Infusing Joy and Creativity

Finding joy in everyday tasks is essential for creating a balanced and harmonious life. For me, this often means immersing myself in activities that bring both excitement and tranquility. I love dancing and teaching Zumba classes, exploring new restaurants, and embracing spontaneous moments that add a touch of vibrancy to my routine. I also deeply value quiet periods dedicated to art and design, as they allow me to weave my creative passion into my work. As Steve Jobs famously said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." This passion drives me to bring vibrant brands to life and express myself artistically.

Embracing Self-Love and Adventure

As a fun-loving and adventurous soul, I find my spark in connecting with nature and exploring new places. I adore breathing in fresh air, gathering my thoughts, and letting new ideas flow during outdoor escapades. I also get a kick out of attending local networking events, discovering quirky restaurants in New Orleans, and joining in on fundraisers and community gatherings. Trying new things helps me face my fears and build confidence, which is super important for both being a mom and running my business. Remember, "Self-love is not selfish; you cannot truly love another until you know how to love yourself." These joyful experiences help me recharge and be a bright, energetic light for both my clients and my kids.

Showing Grace and Mindful Practices

Showing grace to myself is a crucial part of this journey. Being mindful of my emotional well-being involves practices like journaling, where I pour out my thoughts, emotions, goals, and even those tricky feelings I’d rather avoid. Writing helps me release pent-up emotions and clear my mind. As Robert Frost wisely said, "The best way out is always through." Music and dancing are also vital in managing stress and anxiety, providing a creative outlet for emotional release. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and remember that it’s okay to move at your own pace. Connecting with a community of supportive women and fellow moms can be incredibly uplifting. Finding those who understand and share similar experiences helps me reconnect with my happy self and keep moving forward with grace.

Exploring New Avenues

In my early entrepreneurial journey, I decided to start my own podcast, which I host every week. It’s a space where I share tips, drink recipes, and share motivational messages to inspire you to be your best self. Launching this podcast pushed me out of my comfort zone and prompted me to engage in shadow work and healing, allowing me to grow into a better version of myself. By sharing my journey, I hope to motivate and uplift others. So, tune in every Tuesday at 9 a.m. for a dose of inspiration on the Sipping Tuesdays podcast.

Living With Purpose

Getting involved in my community has profoundly impacted my journey, guiding me to walk in my true purpose and fulfill long-held dreams. By diving into volunteer work, coordinating fundraising events, and bringing exciting initiatives to life, I've been able to channel my passion into meaningful actions. These experiences have not only allowed me to contribute positively to those around me but have also fueled my drive to inspire others. My commitment to uplifting my community has become a cornerstone of my life, aligning with my aspiration to make a difference and encourage others to reach their full potential.

Building Confidence and Creating Memories

Building confidence is essential to personal growth, and I embrace this through a blend of daily practices and joyful activities. Each morning and night, I say affirmations and read devotionals to center myself and boost my mental health. I also make it a point to include prayer in my daily routine, putting God at the heart of my to-do list. Alongside these spiritual practices, I find joy and confidence in working out and planning fun photo shoots. Dressing up, capturing vibrant moments with family, and celebrating these experiences enhance my self-esteem and create lasting memories. Together, these practices remind me of the beauty and strength within me, reinforcing my confidence and sense of well-being.

Being a Good Mom

Being a good mom isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up with love, patience, and dedication, learning from each day, and striving to do my best. The journey of motherhood is about creating a nurturing environment where my children can thrive, knowing that every effort is a step toward being the best parent I can be.

"There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one." — Jill Churchill.

How Branding Changed My Life As A Stay At Home Mom

Branding has truly invigorated my life as a stay-at-home mom. With just my laptop and a dream, I’ve embarked on a journey where I help businesses—From restaurants to boutiques stand out and thrive. Each project is a labor of love, filled with creativity and joy, as I see my clients’ visions come to life and flourish. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work contributes to my community’s success because at the end of the day, I'm just a girl with her laptop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is a journey of integrating purpose, self-love, and creativity. By defining what success means to me and embracing each day with intention, I design a life that reflects my passions and values. Remember, success is a personal journey, and designing a life that aligns with your vision will bring fulfillment and joy.

Much love and light,

Eleny Janice

For branding services, business tips, marketing, Zumba classes and much more, schedule a consultation and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @elenyjanice

---