Briefly describe the mission and objectives of your organization.
LeBLANC+SMITH is a boutique collection of restaurants, bars, and hotels focused on creating excellent 21st century Southern hospitality experiences so all people can live joyful, balanced, and fulfilling lives and to create great leaders.
What motivated your organization to engage in a partnership with Son of a Saint?
LeBLANC+SMITH’s is passionate about honoring New Orleans’ legacy of hospitality while also expressing how great the future of New Orleans can and should be. There is no organization that gives us more hope for New Orleans’ bright future than Son of a Saint, and we will do anything we can to support their mission.
How does your partnership with Son of a Saint align with the core values and goals of your organization?
LeBLANC+SMITH's partnership with Son of a Saint aligns with its core values of fostering community, promoting joyful and fulfilling experiences, and inspiring both guests and team members. By supporting an organization dedicated to mentoring and enriching the lives of young boys, LeBLANC+SMITH reinforces its commitment to authenticity, integrity, and creating a positive social impact, all while maintaining its focus on hospitality excellence and community-building.
What has been the most unique or impactful component of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
The most unique and impactful component of LeBLANC+SMITH's partnership with Son of a Saint has been the opportunity to engage directly with the young men through mentorship and community events. This hands-on involvement not only allows the organization to contribute to shaping future leaders but also deepens its connection to the local community, creating a lasting and meaningful impact that aligns with its values of fostering growth, empowerment, and positive change.
What does mentorship mean to your organization? How do you promote mentorship within your organization?
At LeBLANC+SMITH, mentorship is about fostering a culture where team members not only learn but also understand the "why" behind everything we do. While we do not have a formal mentorship program, we promote an environment of continuous learning and creativity, where those with the most experience guide others by teaching the reasons behind our actions. This empowers our team to grow thoughtfully, ensuring both individual and collective success.
What does investing in the future of New Orleans look like for your organization?
For LeBLANC+SMITH, investing in the future of New Orleans means deeply engaging with the community and fostering its growth, both culturally and economically. With a founder from Southeast Louisiana and many of our team members having made New Orleans their long-term adoptive home, we are committed to creating meaningful experiences that contribute to the city's vibrancy. Our focus on nurturing local talent, supporting community-driven initiatives, and promoting the rich heritage of New Orleans is how we actively invest in the future of this unique city.
Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for Son of a Saint mentees?
Follow your hearts and trust your instincts. Pursue things that you love so that working hard on them doesn’t feel like work at all. Everything one wants in life is just on the other side of really hard work. But if you truly love what you are doing, it will not feel hard at all.
What do you envision for the future of your organization’s partnership with Son of a Saint?
For the future of our partnership with Son of a Saint, we envision deepening our involvement by offering more hands-on experiences and mentorship opportunities to the young men in their program. By expanding our collaboration, we aim to create lasting connections that not only support their personal growth but also align with our mission to foster community and inspire future leaders. We see this partnership as a long-term commitment to investing in the next generation of New Orleans.