Holiday spending without the STRESS
November 2025
Senior Citizen-Focused Primary Care
November 2025
Small Business Saturday is November 29. As you get ready for the rush, chaos and holiday cheer of Christmas, don’t forget that the holidays season is a crucial time of year for local businesses. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses expect to receive at least one-fourth of their annual revenue during this key shopping time. For many that number is higher. The SBA also reports that small businesses are responsible for 40% of national economic output.
There are many amazing small businesses here in SWLA. They’re, literally, everywhere you look. So, on Black Friday, yes, do some online shopping, but don’t forget to save some of your dollars for your friend’s new business or the locally owned gift shop down the street. Ahead are just a few of the local businesses that help our home flourish, with more to be featured next month.
Uniformly Fit
Shop for Personalized Attire and Gifts
Uniformly Fit is celebrating 25 years in business! For over two decades, they’ve proudly served the community by offering medical uniforms, monogramming, Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing and unique gifts from their gift shop.
Need scrubs? Uniformly fit sells a wide variety of high-quality options that combine functionality with style. But medical uniforms are not the only thing they provide.
Uniformly fits offers professional monogramming. They also offer Direct-to-Film printing for most fabrics. Whether you’re looking to create custom t-shirts, hats or bags for a business, sports team, special event, or personal wardrobe, embroidery offers a level of detail and craftsmanship that sets your apparel apart. With a variety of thread colors and stitch techniques at your disposal, the possibilities for creating stunning, intricate designs are endless. Uniformly Fit offers over 80 font variations to enhance and customize your design. From simple logos and monograms to complex images and patterns, the team works closely with you to ensure that your products reflect your style and purpose.
Show your school spirit by checking out customized items celebrating McNeese, Immaculate Cathedral Conception School, St. Louis High School and Bishop Nolan Episcopal Day School in their Spirit Store. If you don’t see what you need, Uniformly Fit can probably make it.
In the gift shop, find thoughtful presents for every occasion. Ranging from stocking stuffers to items fit to put under the tree, browse a range of home items, including candles, tumblers and tea towels.
Whether you’re shopping for professional attire, custom apparel or thoughtful gifts, Uniformly Fit’s staff assists you every step of the way. Stop by today and discover a unique shopping experience that combines fashion and fun.
For more information, visit uniformlyfit.com or call 337-562-9990.
Petit Lagniappe
A Children’s Gift Shop
The Children’s Museum Gift Shop at Port Wonder is now Petit Lagniappe.
At Petit Lagniappe, children and adults can shop regardless of whether or not they paid admission to the museum. At the interactive gift shop, children can find toys, STEM activities, coloring and art supplies, costumes and more.
A perfect option for gifts for birthday parties, Petit Lagniappe offers registration services for events happening at the museum. Children can discover treasures in the store and add them to a personalized gift list for friends and family. Customers can even order over the phone and have a gift wrapped for free.
With Christmas approaching quickly, Petit Lagniappe is increasing their stock of holiday-friendly items. Christmas gift wrapping is also always free.
A unique toy shop unlike any other in SWLA, Petit Lagniappe offers a convenient location to purchase gifts for the important kids in your life. All proceeds from the sale of goods go toward funding museum programs.
For more information, visit swlakids.org or call 337-426-1559.
Southern Specialty Products
Grab a Gift for the Outdoorsman
Gear up for Christmas at Southern Specialty Products!
The holidays are the perfect time to surprise your friends and family with gifts that inspire adventure. Explore Southern Specialty Products’ wide selection of high-quality bicycles, running shoes, performance apparel, sunglasses, outdoor essentials and much more.
With many popular brands to choose from, whether you’re searching for a big gift under the tree or the perfect stocking stuffer, you’ll find one at Southern Specialty Products. Looking for durable coolers and drinkware? Check out their YETI and WYLD Gear collections—built for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Need something practical for work or play? Shop their selection of
high-performance apparel and footwear that combines comfort and style.
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop. Southern Specialty Products’ friendly team is eager to help you pick out gifts that fit any lifestyle. They have everything you need to make this Christmas unforgettable for the outdoorsman.
For more information, call 337-474-9090, visit southernspecialtyproducts.com or stop by 615 E. Prien Lake Road.
Golf Cars of Louisiana
Your Local Source For Quality Carts
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift to cruise around the neighborhood in? Golf Cars of Louisiana (GCOFLA) is the place to go! They are the largest Club Car distributor in Louisiana with four locations in Bossier City, Baton Rouge, Metairie and Westlake. All used carts are built out of their Westlake location right here in Southwest Louisiana. The sky is the limit with their builds, as they can customize any ride to fit any need or purpose.
GCOFLA carries both Club Car and MadJax carts that are assembled in the United States, and GCOFLA has the mechanics to back both. They are certified and highly trained to repair and build a cart to a customer’s desire.
What sets GCOFLA apart from other dealers is they are backed by a third-party warranty company that offers a lifetime battery warranty and has several different B2B warranty options for used and new carts.
For Christmas, GCOFLA is offering a free Bluetooth sound system on a cart for anyone who presents their Thrive ad as reference. The value of this system is over $500, and they are running this deal until the end of 2025.
If you are looking for a place that values customers’ wants and needs, go see GCOFLA and get the best deal in 2025.
For more information, call 337-513-4845, visit golfcartsoflouisiana.com or stop by 910 Sampson St., Westlake.
The Wine Store
Sip Local
The Wine Store of Lake Charles is on a mission to make wine approachable no matter where you stand in the wine community. Whether you have your trusted everyday bottle or consider yourself a self-taught sommelier, The Wine Store invites you to experience wine rather than simply buy it! The Wine Store also offers customers a variety of services including bar and lounge area, charcuterie boards and complimentary tastings every Thursday. Owner, Parker Guillemette, has been an active part of the Southwest Louisiana community for the past four years.
“We’re more than just a retail store,” says Guillemette, “We’re a spot where you can hang out, grab a glass and a bite to eat with friends or meet new people, and feel like part of a community. Whether you know a ton about wine or nothing at all, there’s a place for you here.”
The Wine Store offers an upstairs space, available for private events—perfect for office holiday parties or a private wine tasting party with friends. What most people don’t know is The Wine Store also offers custom gift baskets and curated specialty selections make them a go-to destination for holiday gifting. Each basket can be tailored with wines, gourmet treats and cheeses to create a thoughtful and memorable gift for any occasion.
The Wine Store team is ready to help customers find the perfect wine for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any gathering, making entertaining effortless. During the holiday season, The Wine Store offers a variety of seasonal selections and experiences designed to bring people together. Every visit provides an opportunity to celebrate, savor and share the joy of wine with friends, family and the community.
For more information, call 337-564-6265, visit thewinestorelc.com or stop by 4402 Nelson Road, Building 2.
Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium
Where Creativity is Around Every Corner
Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium opened its doors in 2016 and currently showcases the works of approximately 55 local artists, creators and vendors within a 7000-square-foot space.
Located within the Downtown Sulphur Cultural District inside the historic old post office building built in 1959, this one-of-a-kind store is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the journey. Stocked from floor to ceiling with pottery, ceramics, woodwork, paintings, repurposed art, handmade soaps, candles, wreaths, antiques, suncatchers, jewelry, local honey, jellies, artisan teas, crafting supplies, seashell and driftwood art, Louisiana souvenirs and Cajun art, you are sure to find a truly unique gift for that someone special.
Art journal, mixed media and paper-making classes are available, as are tea tastings. And there are several attractions, such as J.P., the Giant Pelican of Sulphur, which was carved from a storm-ravaged oak tree, and Gustave, the Giant Greeter-Gator. In the main hall, there is a 12-foot replica of the Sabine Pass Lighthouse, complete with a revolving light. Inside the CajunVille Room, you can meet Gondra, the Driftwood Dragon of Cameron Parish, and pick up a signed copy of her book, authored by store owner Lisa Reed. The newest addition to the Flock of Five family is Guilbeau Gator, the Swamp Sayer, which is the only animatronic talking alligator in the U.S.!
If unique is what you seek for holiday gifts, you will love this store. It is art gumbo—seasoned to perfection with a little bit of everything.
For more information, call 377-476-5096, visit aflockoffive.com or stop by 217 E. Thomas St., Sulphur.
Massage Lake Charles Massage & Esthetic Solutions
Real Relief, Real Results for the Holidays
The holidays are a season of giving—and what better way to give than by supporting local businesses that have been serving our community for years? Massage Lake Charles has proudly been part of Southwest Louisiana since 2013, offering not just services but a true commitment to health, wellness and trust.
Machelle Hilley started Massage Lake Charles with a simple but powerful vision: to provide people with real relief and real results. Too often, clients shared stories of inconsistent or impersonal spa experiences, and she knew our community deserved better. From the beginning, her goal was clear—to create a space that is professional, clean and luxurious while still being approachable and affordable. Hilley wanted every guest to feel cared for, every treatment to deliver consistent results and every visit to build long-term trust.
Over the past twelve years, Hilley’s vision has grown into a thriving spa known for massage therapy, advanced esthetics and a team of skilled professionals dedicated to making a difference. “We are not just a spa—we are a wellness destination, right here at home,” she says.
Massage Lake Charles doesn’t only offer a wide range of massage options, they also provide brow and lash services, waxing, and facials. Give the gift of an All-Inclusive Massage, a Brow Lamination or an Acne Clearing Facial for the hard-to-shop-for person. And, if you’re a fall lover, book a limited-edition Pumpkin Glow Facial, which features autumn scents to immerse you in the season.
As the holiday season approaches, Hilley invites you to think local first. Shopping small strengthens our economy, supports local jobs and builds a stronger community. Every gift card, product or service purchased from a local business helps ensure that Southwest Louisiana continues to thrive. Massage Lake Charles is proud to offer gift cards that make thoughtful, meaningful presents—because who wouldn’t love the gift of stress relief or radiant skin?
This year, when you make your gift list, consider the impact your dollars have. Supporting local means you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in people, families and the future of our community.
For more information, visit massagelakecharles.net or call 337-764-0989
Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry & Antiques
A Mother-Daughter Legacy of Craft and Timeless Design
When you walk into Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry & Antiques, you’re greeted not only by the sparkle of fine jewelry and the charm of one-of-a-kind antiques but also by the laughter of a mother and daughter who’ve built a life doing what they love together.
For Frances Fitz-Gerald and Kate Roane Bergstedt, this business isn’t just a store, it’s the story of four generations devoted to craftsmanship, design and family.
Frances began her jewelry career over 50 years ago, designing and creating pieces for Saks Fifth Avenue and fine boutiques across the South. With her husband, Danny, she ran a thriving jewelry business in Baton Rouge, known for its artistry, personal service and timeless elegance, for over two decades.
Kate grew up surrounded by that world—sketching designs, tagging along to markets and learning how beauty and history intertwine in every piece. After studying architecture and interior design, she returned home to Lake Charles to create something new with her mother: a shop that combined their shared passions for jewelry, antiques and design.
What began as a cozy 1,000-square-foot space has grown into a 5,000-square-foot destination. From heirloom diamonds to antique silver, hand-cut crystal to custom engagement rings, Frances and Kate curate with a designer’s eye and a collector’s heart.
“Everything here has a story,” Kate says. “We love helping people find the pieces that become part of their own story—whether it’s a vintage ring for a proposal, a lamp for a first home or a piece of jewelry redesigned from a family heirloom.”
Together, Frances and Kate represent the best of women-owned small business—a blend of experience, creativity and heart. Be sure to stop in to find unique gifts for the holidays!
For more information, call 332-564-5005 or visit 200 W. Sale Road, Suite 800, Lake Charles.
Villa Harlequin
A Perfect Spot for Holiday Parties
No longer under the care of Mike and Brenda Sperandeo, Villa Harlequin is now managed by Blakelee Kibodeaux, who is co-owner, along with Nic and Becky Hunter. With 15 years of experience in upscale casual and fine dining, Blakelee is continuing the legacy of hospitality and tradition that makes Villa Harlequin a Lake Charles favorite.
If you haven’t visited Villa Harlequin in a while, you will find new additions to the menu, including:
• Tuna Ceviche & Rosemary Hummus – Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna with Confit Tomatoes, House Made Rosemary Hummus, accented by Roasted Garlic Oil, accompanied by Corn Tortillas & Fresh Cucumber Slices
• Duck & Capocollo Meatball Pasta – Calabrian Chile Cream Sauce, Blistered Tomatoes, Diced Broccolini, featuring Pasta Lab Spinach Fettuccini
There is also a special entree chosen by the chef each weekend. Examples include Braised Pork Belly with Kimchi Risotto and Osso Buco.
Grab lunch at Villa Harlequin and discover over 90% of their menu items are under $20. And for Tuesday’s dinner crowd, Villa Harlequin offers discounts on high-end, fine wines by the bottle.
As a special for the holiday season, Villa Harlequin is offering a 10% discount on gift cards valued at $100-$499, a 15% discount on those valued at $500-$999 and a 20% discount on those valued at $1,000 and more.
Villa Harlequin is available to accommodate your holiday gathering. From cozy dinners with friends in their private dining room, which comfortably accommodates six to eight people, to festive gatherings in their semi-private upstairs space for up to 30 guests, they’re ready to host your celebration. Flexible menus and reasonable pricing make it easy to celebrate the season with great food, great company and no stress.
Lunch hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Supper hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00-9:30 p.m. Sunday Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit thevillaharlequin.com and become a VIP to join their email list. Call 337-436-6251 for reservations or more information.
