Caroline Marcello

Lafayette, LA

Favorite Color:

NO ROOM FOR THE BLUES by OPI Nail Polish

What do you sell/make/offer:

I am a morning radio host, social media manager for Lafayette's tourism office, & travel enthusiast

What made you get started in the first place?

I love creating short videos for social media that highlight local businesses, restaurants, attractions, and unique events that make Louisiana amazing. I am lucky enough to do this as my full time job!

What item of yours is inside the 2024 Galentine Box?

A “Louisiana Hidden Gems” checklist written by me, designed by Hannah Gumbo

Your "treat yo self"go to?

Self care looks different each day for me! Sometimes I need more time outside in the sun, or to pet my dog, or to eat more fresh foods, or go see my therapist. I am learning to honor that self care comes in all forms, including being lazy on the couch!

What title best describes you:

Creative

Describe briefly what your job/workflow may look like on a "busy" day?

I wake up pretty early and try to do some YouTube yoga because it makes me feel good before a busy day of work! I help host the morning show on HOT 107.9 in Lafayette where we talk about fun current events and listen to the newest music. After the show I head to the office where I work as a social media manager for Lafayette Travel, the tourism office for the city and parish of Lafayette. I help promote and highlight businesses, restaurants, attractions, and unique events that make Lafayette amazing. From new spots opening, to showing travel writers and influencers around our amazing festivals everyday brings something new and exciting!

What is your "dream gig"?

Ahh the “dream gig”. I think that the dream gig is an ever changing concept for me. Before my work in radio and tourism, I was a reporter then an anchor in the local TV market. Growing up being an anchor was the dream gig, and it was amazing, but life changes and dreams change. I am lucky because I feel like the best elements of my childhood “dream gig” are now parts of my current work. All I want to do is talk about happy things, travel, eat good food, and meet good people. I get to do that everyday. I am living the dream gig right now!

What motivates/inspires your work?

The people around me are the biggest inspiration for my work. Everyone says that the people make Lousiana so great, and they are right. You won’t meet a stranger in Lafayette, most people will invite you into their homes and cook you a meal. People in Lousiana treat you like family, and others are attracted to the sense of unity we share. That inspires me to capture the joie de vivre of Lafayette in the most authentic way possible; by talking to the businesses owners, chefs, artist, musicians, and others making Acadiana the unique place we love.

Name a productivity tip that you rely heavily on:

When I hear my alarm go off in the morning instead of cringing , I say to myself, in the wise words of Soulja Boy... “Hopped up out the bed, turn my swag on Took a look in the mirror, said, "What's up?" "YEAAAAA” It makes me giggle a little but I swear it puts me in a positive head space before hitting the alarm off. Try it! It will feel silly but just see what happens.

How do you measure success?

For me success = peace. I feel more peaceful when my bills are paid, when I am fulfilled at work, when I spend time with friends and family, after a good night of sleep or a nap, when I go on a long walk with my dog, when a video I create brings more people to a small business, or when I get to travel. I have tried really hard to not equate success with a job title or a dollar amount, but more with the way I feel about the work I do and the relationships I cherish.

Name one belief/thought you had to let go of in order to get to where you are today:

I had to let go of the idea that I was just one thing. I am not just my job title. I am Caroline. That sentence is enough.

No job title has to/can validate me. I think we weigh too much value into titles and not enough on the skills that make us all unique and great at our different jobs. I am Caroline and I am creative, outgoing, curious, and hard working! Those are the qualities I bring to any project that I feel passionate about no matter the title!

Where can I follow more of what you share?

FB > Caroline Marcello / also have YouTube

What's the best place to follow along in your journey?

insta > @caro_maro > thought I was punny when I came up with my username in 11th grade and now I can't bring myself to change it