Blog - Thrive Magazine

May 2026

Cool Jobs: Krew’s Books & Brews

by Kerri Cooke When arriving at Krew’s Books & Brews, you might be greeted by Poppy, the bookstore Dachshund. Short and stocky with friendly eyes, she wanders freely around the store. It’s just the type of thing you would expect from a locally owned, cozy bookstore. Karri Hill is mom […]

May 2026

Family Works: GUMBEAUX GATORS

by Kerri Cooke If you haven’t heard of the Gumbeaux Gators, you’re missing out on one of summer’s hottest entertainment opportunities in Southwest Louisiana. The team, a summer collegiate wood bat baseball team, was founded in 2023 as a partnership between Visit Lake Charles and an independent ownership group. Sharamie […]

May 2026

Five Reasons to Never Feel Guilty About Getting a Mommy Makeover

Dr. Brandon Richland explains how moms can thrive by prioritizing self-care Becoming a mother is a beautiful journey, but for many women, the physical changes brought on by pregnancy and childbirth can negatively impact their confidence and body image. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, […]

May 2026

Nonprofit Impact: American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 to help educate the public on risk, prevention and treatment of cancer. The organization expanded over the years to include fundraising for cancer research. There are two main fundraisers in SWLA every year that help bring in donations for locals facing […]

May 2026

Women’s Health Edition: Painful Periods? It Could be Endometriosis.

For many women, painful periods are something they learn to push through. A heating pad, pain reliever and a busy schedule can make it easy to brush symptoms aside. But when pain is severe, keeps coming back or starts interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of something more. […]

May 2026

More Than a Title: The Lasting Influence of Mothers

by Katelynn Mouton Motherhood is generally thought of in simple terms such as love, sacrifice and care, but its true impact runs much deeper. Years before a child steps into a classroom, a mother is already shaping how they see the world. In many ways, mothers are our first teachers, […]

May 2026

Tips on Financial Planning while in College

by Madelaine B. Landry For first time college students, more independence sounds exciting. High school is in their rear-view mirror. They’re now attending and choosing classes of their choice. They are free from ringing bells, hall monitors and recess. However, with that independence comes responsibility. Students find themselves learning to navigate […]

May 2026

Monthly Made: Blackbird Decor

Autumn Carroll is the owner and founder of Blackbird Décor, which specializes in hand-poured candles. Below she details the origins of her brands and what keeps her inspired. When did you found Blackbird Decor and what was your goal at the beginning? Blackbird was born when the eclectic antique store, […]

May 2026

McNeese Serving Students Through New Facility and Program Upgrades

Elizabeth and Leslie Richard Student Union Now Open   The new Elizabeth and Leslie Richard Student Union is now open. This multipurpose facility will be the hub of student activity on campus and houses a modernized cafeteria, a ballroom and space for collaborating, studying and meeting, the SGA office and offices for the dean of student support and advocacy, the director of student activities and the director of student engagement and leadership.   “The Richard […]