For those of you who haven’t heard of The Scout Guide, you are missing out on an invaluable, local resource. A publication “dedicated to living beautifully, living well and living like an insider,” TSG was founded in 2010 by Susie Matheson and Christy Ford. Originally envisioned as city guide dedicated to Charlottesville, Va., TSG has since expanded nationwide, with guides in more than 60 cities. TSG features outstanding independently owned businesses, and connects its readers with tastemakers and entrepreneurs in each city. With a focus on small business advocacy, TSG also curates a network to “help you enhance your life, elevate your surroundings and enjoy your community to the fullest.” TSG offers not only a print guide that can be found at Scouted locations, but also a significant online presence for each city, found through thescoutguide.com.
This year New Orleans celebrates five years of TSG with editor Taylor Morgan, a sixth-generation New Orleanian who is also a Junior League of New Orleans Active member. Since its introduction, more than 145 businesses have been featured, with photographs taken by local photographer Sara Essex-Bradley. In addition to Taylor, the TSG New Orleans network includes other League members like Pamela Bryan (Octavia Art Gallery) and Lynn Morgan (Lynn Morgan Realtor). TSG’s goal of promoting locally-owned, small businesses dovetails with the League’s focus on advancing the wellbeing of women. This includes improving economic opportunities for women and supporting women’s potential to seize those opportunities by focusing on volunteering and training in order to advocate for women-owned businesses throughout New Orleans. Taylor is proud that the “guide not only emphasizes the importance of ‘buying local’ but demonstrates how investing in local businesses pumps money back into the local community.”
Founded in 2008, Octavia Art Gallery, located at 454 Julia Street in the Warehouse District, aims “to showcase the work of national and international emerging and established contemporary artists along with modern masters, emphasizing the preservation and conservation of unique and authentic artistic cultures worldwide.” Owner Pamela Bryan is passionate about preserving the art, architecture and culture of New Orleans, working with Longue Vue House and Gardens and the Preservation Resource Center before opening her own gallery.
Lynn Morgan believes that “a home is not a home because of its room dimensions or the color of the walls,” but rather how you feel when you walk through the front door. Boasting more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in the Uptown, Garden District, Old Metairie, Warehouse District and Lakeview areas of Greater New Orleans. Using the latest technologies, market research and business strategies, Lynn’s philosophy is “clients come first.”
“Whether it is a potential client looking for an expert or local businesses partnering or collaborating, I am most proud to facilitate connections within my community,” said Taylor. So whether you’re looking for local resources, new connections or simply seeking inspiration, The Scout Guide connects you to the experts and experiences you need to live well!
LEFT: Octavia Art Gallery, owned by Junior League of New Orleans sustainer Pam Bryan and previously featured in The Scout Guide New Orleans. Photo by: Jessica Whitworth RIGHT: Sprout and Press, an organic cafe owned by chef Kim Nguyen and located in the Freret corridor, has appeared in The Scout Guide New Orleans. Photo by: Jessica Whitworth
