When it comes to shopping small with intention, Mellisa Major Terito comes to mind. She is the creator and host of the Louisiana Ladies Podcast - one in which we've made an appearance on before (check out the episode if you're so inclined). 

We are learning that Melissa's sister, Megan, may share her shopping small enthusiasm. 

Every year for our birthday month, we collaborate with sisters around us to learn from them and tune into their different styles and personalities. As part one of our annual, four-part Sista, Sista series, we're introducing you to Melissa and Megan. Get to know them, shop their looks and fall in love with their fun / funny words of wisdom. 

MEET MELISSA

Melissa Terito is a partner at Faulk & Winkler and a podcast creator and host for Louisiana Ladies Podcast. Melissa is married to Patrick and together they have two dogs and five adorable nephews!

Here is our fun interview with Melissa.... 

• If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
  Determination and perseverance are key to your success. What looks like success for you might look different to someone else.
  
  Don’t feel like you have to “figure out” what you are going to do for the rest of your life at 18. That’s an unrealistic expectation. You will fail…a lot. But, failures are where you grow the most.
  
  
• What does shopping small mean to you?
  Supporting local businesses, especially female-owned businesses, in their passion is of utmost importance to me. Continuously striving to bring together local entrepreneurs and meeting new people feeds my soul. 
  
  
• What are your 5 favorite small businesses?

1. SoSis
2. Red Stick Reads
3. Red Onion
4. Simple Living
5. Blanc Box
6. Can I add a whole category here? Any local business owner who has been a part of the Louisiana Ladies Podcast!

• What is one thing your parents told you growing up that you think of even today?
  My Dad always said "Don’t ever work for corporate America.” He also grounds me in saying “You won’t be on your death bed wishing you worked more."
  
  
• Describe your style?
  Depends on the day! I typically like traditional looks with a trendy and sassy flare. While I am a fun accountant, I am still an accountant.

At the end of the day, all I really want to do is go to the mountains in the summer, drink wine, read books, hike and nap. I freaking love a good nap. 

MEET MEGAN

Megan Schram is a project manager for AWC, an electrical distribution company. She is married to Garrett, and together they have two boys, Major (11) and Garrison (8). Megan loves to cook, read, hike, and tries to be outside as much as possible.

Here is our fun interview with Megan.... 

• If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
  Looking back, there are so many unknowns when you’re 18 and the real possibilities are hard to understand. I think I’d tell my 18-year-old self to tune into the many career options available and give yourself time to discover them.
  
  
• What does shopping small mean to you?
  To me, shopping small means spending my dollars in a way that directly impacts my community.
  
  
• What are your 5 favorite small businesses?

1. Mimosa Handcrafted
2. Cutrer’s Meat Market and Slaughterhouse
3. Ingle Eats
4. Pilates Plus
5. Sweet Baton Rouge

• What is one thing your parents told you growing up that you think of even today?
  Our Mom was and still is our biggest supporter. She believed in us more than we believed in ourselves, and it truly empowered me to do hard things and not give up.
  
  
• Describe your style?
  Practical. I work from home so I like my clothes to fit well and be comfortable, all while still being weather appropriate. I like lightweight, fun accessories to help jazz up a basic outfit.

THANK YOU MELISSA & MEGAN!

We truly enjoyed getting to know you and see your styles come together perfectly! Thank you for helping us celebrate eight years in business! Now, when can we come over for a glass of wine? LYLAS! 

All photos by the talented, Cassie Treuil Photography