Baton Rouge gave me the foundation to dream, the courage to grow, and the opportunity to come home and build something meaningful.

Chisolu Isiadinso, MBA
Chisolu Isiadinso, MBA

Baton Rouge Has Always Been Home

Baton Rouge isn't just where I'm from, it's the place that shaped who I am.

Growing up here taught me the importance of community, resilience, and hard work. From an early age, I was surrounded by people who believed in pouring into others, and those values have stayed with me throughout every stage of my life.

A Foundation Built at Southern

When it came time for college, choosing Southern University felt like a natural extension of home. There, I earned my bachelor's degree and MBA, served as Miss Southern University, and developed the leadership skills that continue to guide me today.

Southern didn't just prepare me for a career, it taught me the power of service, purpose, and giving back to the community that helped shape me.

Leaving to Grow, Returning with Purpose

Like many young professionals, I left Baton Rouge to expand my career and gain new experiences in Atlanta, GA. Those opportunities challenged me, helped me grow, and gave me a broader perspective.

But they also reminded me of something important: success isn't just about where you go, it's about where you choose to make an impact.

Six years ago, I made the decision to come home to raise my son around a village and grow my businesses.  

Building in the City That Built Me

Today, I'm proud to own Louisiana Creole Creations inside Downtown Baton Rouge's Main Street Market, where I have the opportunity to share Louisiana culture through food while welcoming everyone from downtown professionals to visitors experiencing our city for the first time.

Some of my favorite moments are watching first-time customers become regulars and collaborating with fellow small business owners who are passionate about helping Downtown Baton Rouge continue to grow.

Beyond my restaurant, I also founded CPI Enterprise and Forever A Dreamher, organizations dedicated to workforce development, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Helping someone launch a business, discover a new career path, or believe in themselves is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Why Baton Rouge

One of the things I love most about Baton Rouge is that it still feels personal.

Whether I'm supporting another local business, participating in a community event, celebrating Southern University traditions, Vending at LSU or simply catching up with familiar faces downtown, I'm reminded that this is a city where relationships matter. Baton Rouge is a city filled of culture, connections, and community.  

That sense of connection is what makes Baton Rouge feel like home.

Better in BTR

For me, Better in BTR isn't just a campaign, it's my story.

Baton Rouge gave me the foundation to dream, the courage to grow, and the opportunity to come home and build something meaningful. It's where I found my purpose, where I continue to invest in my community, and where I believe the future is bright.

Baton Rouge isn't just where I live.

It's where I belong.

Baton Rouge gave me the foundation to dream, the courage to grow, and the opportunity to come home and build something meaningful.

Read Chisolu's Story
Chisolu Isiadinso, MBA
Creole Creations Staff
Creole Creations Staff

If you are someone willing to roll up your sleeves, you will find more room to work than you ever expected. Find the other transplants, and the "boomerangs" who made a conscious choice to be here and love this place fiercely for it.

Read Adrian's Story
Adrian Owen Jones, CFRE

I didn't plan on Baton Rouge. But it's where I belong. That's the best kind of ending — the one you didn't see coming.

Read Chris's Story
Chris Yandle, Ph.D., APR, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications at the Louisiana Board of Regents

Baton Rouge didn’t just give me degrees; it gave me direction.

Read Keyo's Story
Keyo Johnson, M.A., PLPC, Director of Vocational Discernment & Career Development, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Baton Rouge is where I feel most grounded.

Read JoAnna's Story
JoAnna Stewart, NBCT, Chemistry Instructor at University Laboratory School

Baton Rouge is not just where I live; it is where I believe, belong, and become! And that is why I love it here.

Read Viveca 's Story
Viveca Latham Johnson, CEO & Clinical Director of Forward Moving Counseling & Consulting Services, The Inspirational Curator

The word connection comes to mind when I think about Baton Rouge

Read Mathilde's Story
Mathilde Silverberg Tribou, Public Health Program Manager, The Unexpected Homecoming

Building a business in the Baton Rouge Area is a rewarding experience. The city and all its surrounding areas are beaming with fun, creativity, and always so welcoming of new businesses.

Read Megan 's Story
Megan Goudeau, Business Owner, JM Boutique

I have found that the region's unique strength lies in its community of creatives, changemakers, and advocates all wanting to build a better way of life.

Read Josef's Story
Josef Ventulan, Attorney at the Louisiana State Law Institute, Legal Eagle

There’s something magnetic about Baton Rouge—a perfect mix of Southern charm and creative energy that makes it an ideal place to live and grow.

Read Melissa's Story
Melissa Thompson, Partner at Success Labs, Connection Curator

You are who you surround yourself with. BTR offers world class talent, community, experiences, and fellowship you can’t find elsewhere.

Read Seth's Story
Seth Irby, Chief Strategy Officer at LWCC, Serial Entertainer/Host/Storyteller

The pace of life felt less hectic, and I immediately felt comfortable.

Read Sarah's Story
Sarah Joy Hays, Owner/Chief Kitchen Officer at CounterspaceBR, Caffeine Enthusiast

Because of the many opportunities in Baton Rouge, from innovative business models to the metropolitan area's growth, this is a perfect landing spot for entrepreneurs.

Read Chris's Story
Chris Hilliard, Co-Founder/CEO of Suds Laundry Services, Laundry Folding Expert

It’s common to make some great business deals during the week, then get invited to that client’s family BBQ or crawfish boil that very weekend.

Read Ben's Story
Ben Marcel, CEO of Torapath Technologies, Owner of LA Threaux and Code Ninjas, Technology Integrator

Baton Rouge stands distinct, offering a rich, dynamic way of life that continually captivates my heart.

Read Sinella's Story
Dr. Sinella Aghasi, Executive Director at Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion, Music Maven

BTR Things Are Coming in 2025.

Better in BTR is a multi-media marketing campaign and website designed to celebrate and retain the incredible talent already thriving in Louisiana’s Capital Region. By showcasing why this is the best place to grow both professionally and personally, we’re fostering pride in our community and solidifying Baton Rouge as a place to stay and succeed.

Get involved and help us keep Baton Rouge moving forward.

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