June 2020

Rebecca's Traveling Thread

For those of you who don’t know, I’m from a small, no-traffic-light town in Northeast Louisiana called St. Joseph. On more than one occasion, especially while traveling in well-heeled circles, people have asked me if St. Joseph is in the Virgin Islands.

There are however some similarities to island living. For instance if I run out of ink or thread, I have to either drive 60 miles or wait two days for Amazon to deliver. All it takes for me to realize that printer ink is not so important is a sunset cruise on Lake Bruin. The gorgeous oxbow lake was formed eons ago when the mighty Mississipp’ changed course, leaving behind this azure jewel for us to enjoy.

Rebecca and Michael Vizard boating on Lake Bruin near St. Joseph, LA. Shot by Paul Costello for House Beautiful Magazine, April 2017.
The Vizard’s dock on the beautiful Lake Bruin near St. Joseph, LA. Shot by Paul Costello for House Beautiful Magazine, April 2017.

Small Town Living

Lake Bruin has been a lifeline to our little village.  In more recent years many lovely people have made second homes here. Shopping was always quite limited and for a long time the only destinations were the grocery store, pharmacy, and the ever so popular Dollar General.

After my book went into its second printing and I saw the sales of our pillows continue to grow steadily, I began feeling cautiously optimistic. Around the same time in 2016, the state built a new water treatment plant which provided residents with clean, clear water for the first time in almost 20 years. The idea of taking the risk to open a shop on the block of shuttered historic buildings downtown began to excite me more and more.

I spent about six months searching for inventory for the storefront I could have bought with a credit card. (Just to give you an idea, the building next door to what would become our “Global Headquarters” sold for $2,000). I so enjoyed renovating the space and styling the shop with unique treasures. We planned to open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. To spread the word, I hired high schoolers to cruise the lake and tape fliers on lake house doors.

Downtown St. Joseph, LA. B. Viz Design Global Headquarters is located in a 1930s bank building and neighbored by an art gallery, women’s boutique, antique shop, and restaurant coming soon! Behind the levee at the end of the block is the Mississippi River.
Inside B. Viz Design Global Headquarters you will find one-of-a-kind treasures like B. Viz Design pillows, vintage & antique textiles, home accessories, gifts, clothing and more!
Exterior of B. Viz Design Global Headquarters near Lake Bruin in downtown St. Joseph, LA. The historic, no-stoplight town is buzzing with charm and natural beauty.
The Vizard’s dock on the beautiful Lake Bruin near St. Joseph, LA. Shot by Paul Costello for House Beautiful Magazine, April 2017.

B. Viz Fizz, a perfectly refreshing summer cocktail

1 part fresh squeezed lime juice

1 part coconut rum (I use Malibu)

1 part pink lemonade

2 parts regular white rum

Coconut LaCroix or your favorite sparkling water (the Fizz)

Mix the first 4 ingredients together to make your base.  

Pour into glasses and top with Coconut LaCroix.

Stir.

Add a slice of lime, pineapple, strawberry or any fresh fruit for garnish.

You can make the Fizz to your liking, as strong or weak as you prefer.

It’s great by the pitcher to satisfy large crowds.

Much to my surprise, there was a line of people waiting to shop that first morning and needless to say, we sold almost everything. To prepare for the next weekend, I tapped the talents of many of my artistic friends and soon we had a fabulous assortment of one-of-a-kind creations…. and of course this was when my sweet husband made the first big batch of his divine seasoning salt for us to stock in the shop.

*BTW, Michael’s Secret Seasoning Salt has reached cult status and customers have been known to become upset when they miss a batch in stores. I keep trying to get him to give up banking for the salt business.

The exterior of Plank Road Pottery in downtown St. Joseph, LA near Lake Bruin. The historic, no-stoplight town is buzzing with charm and natural beauty.

As we enter our fourth year at B. Viz Design “Global Headquarters”, I’m delighted to report that several other businesses have opened on that once barren stretch of road, including a fabulous antique shop called River Traders, Plank Road Pottery, a darling dress shop known as Shop all Daye, and an artist studio/gallery Leslie Ratcliff Fine Art. I must also mention Tim Walker’s tamales; they are the best I’ve ever had and you need to be sure to try one before he sells out on Fridays and Saturdays.

A second gallery based in Baton Rouge, Ann Connelly Fine Art, is renovating a new location on Plank Road. Ann brought in Pastel, an internationally acclaimed Buenos Aires artist to paint a beautiful mural on the building’s exterior. Also in the works is a Mexican restaurant as well as a cafe/bakery. There is a closing next week on another building and the old movie theater is being rescued as well.

Garden clubs and antique clubs often come to town by the busload to shop, eat lunch at our beloved Fish Tale, and visit my studio to see the textiles and the pillow process. It really warms my heart to see the once desolate Plank Road full of activity, especially on Saturday mornings with the farmers market, community garden, and stores brimming with smiling shoppers. I love serving guests the B. Viz Fizz, our festive summer drink for which we’ve become known. I’m excited to share the recipe with you all because it is a most refreshing summer cocktail.

Downtown St. Joseph, LA. B. Viz Design Global Headquarters is located in a 1930s bank building and neighbored by an art gallery, women’s boutique, antique shop, and restaurant coming soon! Behind the levee at the end of the block is the Mississippi River.
Inside Shop All Daye in Downtown St. Joseph, LA.
A painting of local cotton by artist Leslie Ratcliff. Leslie’s studio is on Plank Road in downtown St. Joseph, LA near Lake Bruin.
Inside B. Viz Design Global Headquarters near Lake Bruin in downtown St. Joseph, LA. Shop B. Viz Design pillows, plus other unique & handmade finds curated from artisans around the world.

Saving St. Joseph

Historical marker near Lake Bruin in downtown St. Joseph, LA. The historic, no-stoplight town is buzzing with charm and natural beauty.

Home really is where the heart is and over the last several years, it's become my mission to see our little town succeed. Read more about the efforts undertaken in St. Joseph in Country Roads and Garden & Gun magazines.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy & refreshing summer!

— Rebecca Vizard
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