My name is Michele Shamburger. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and soon to be a great-grandmother. I was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1978.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband Robert for 27 years. We have a beautiful blended family which continues to grow. In 2018, we adopted an amazing, quirky little furbaby Tedi Roux. She is a golden doodle, who swims, obsessively chases balls, and fits perfectly in our life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
During high school, I was hired to work at a finance company and later became a bookkeeper. In 1986, I received my Notary Public commission and I specialize in closing real estate loans. My husband and I started a small business selling custom-made personalized cutting boards and we have now grown into a small gift and apparel boutique located on Coursey Blvd. in Baton Rouge called Le Mercantile de Louisiane. In all phases of my career, I get to work with family. My sister and I work together with the notary business. My husband and I work together with the cutting boards and my daughter-in-law and I work together at the boutique. I LOVE all of my jobs because I LOVE the people I work with.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Whichever one I happen to be in tonight! LOL To name a few, Bistro Italia, City Cafe, City Pork, SoLou
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge and I’ve been working here since high school. Those are some big numbers, so you’ll have to do the math.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hmm, I’m not sure.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
It has been my burning desire to go to Italy. I would love to attend mass at the Vatican. I am a huge lover of wine and can’t think of a better place to drink it. I hear they also have some pretty decent cheeses.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched Dirty Dancing. And Ghost. There’s a pattern with those movies…they both star Patrick Swayze, which is probably why I liked the movies so much.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
You Only Live Once! Be kind, be generous, be helpful, be loving, be forgiving. This will all come back to you when you need it most.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My bucket list has always been a trip to Italy. It was my plan to go on our 25th wedding anniversary, however, that was smack dab in the middle of the Covid pandemic. I guess it is still on my bucket list, but not sure if and when I’ll travel outside the country again. So my second bucket list may be to parasail with my grandkids.
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Delbert McClinton – all day long. I love country music, Motown, and 60,’s & 70’s. But Delbert McClinton’s blues/rock music is my all-time favorite.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
National Food Store. It was in the old Broadmoor Shopping Center. I was one of five children and my mother was in National Food every day. All of the employees knew all of my family by name.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet Drew Brees. I think he is a wonderful role model. I love everything that I think his morals and family life must be. I’m not sure where we would meet, I think I would let him decide.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Baton Rouge is home to me. It’s where my family is. It’s where my friends are. It’s what help make me who I am today.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully semi-retired. Our children can run the businesses and I can enjoy more time on the beach.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hmm, I’m pretty much an open book. I would say that no one knows I like to sing karaoke, but I tell everyone every chance I get. I would say no one knows that enjoy a glass of wine, but again, something I talk about all of the time. I would say no one knows how much I adore being a grandmother, but I brag about them every chance I get. My kids will tell you they have no idea who I am because my grandkids can do no wrong and they, as kids, could do nothing right!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been? Why did it make such an impression on you?
Maui. It was the first place ever on my bucket list and my husband took me on our honeymoon, and again on our 10-year anniversary. It is just so beautiful. Blue waters, green landscape, beautiful vibrant color flowers. I just loved everything about it.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is December. My favorite holiday is Christmas. The best single day on the calendar is May 18. That’s the day I became a mother and the most amazing day of my live. EVER!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Family/Friends/Beach
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren
Q: If you stop at the corner gas station, what is the one food item that is begging you to purchase?
Snickers or Resee’s
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Friends. Love