We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Morgan Belello . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Morgan below.

Hi Morgan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind my mission statement at Lauryn Hope is deeply rooted in the legacy of my mother, Lauryn. Lauryn Hope is not just a venue; it is a continuation of my mother’s vision and passion, upheld by myself, my dedicated team, and the support of my family.

My mother laid the foundation for something truly special with Lauryn Hope. Beyond just a business, she established a place where people could gather to celebrate life’s most precious moments, from weddings to business events and more. Over the years, Lauryn Hope has become known for hosting special events that create unforgettable memories.

My goal is to honor and extend my mother’s legacy. For my team, it is not just about providing space and catering services; it is about fostering an atmosphere where guests feel as welcome as if they were in our own homes. We strive to surpass expectations in every aspect, ensuring that every client experiences the warmth and hospitality instilled by my mother, Lauryn. I hope to continue her legacy of hosting events where memories are not just made but treasured forever.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in the kitchen watching my mother, Lauryn, live out her dream. From prepping food and doing dishes after school to giving my mom back massages while she finished office work, I was constantly by her side. That’s when I decided I would attend the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University, where I could learn both the business and culinary aspects of running an event business, in hopes of one day owning a wedding venue with my mom.

Unfortunately, on May 29, 2014, a few months before the grand opening of the new venue, my mother unexpectedly passed away from a heart condition that she was unaware existed. For 20 years, my family watched my mother work long hours, day and night, to make her dream a reality. So when she died, we refused to give up on her dream. I had just completed my first year of school, with three years still ahead, and only selective times to be able to work. My mother’s team and grandfather arrived every day, with help from our family and friends when needed, to carry on the dream.

In 2016, I graduated early from the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University with a Bachelor of Science. From then, I started working full-time at Lauryn Hope. My mother’s life goal was to provide for her family by doing what she loved, and she has still managed to do that even though she is not physically here. Today, my team and I continue to live out the dream that my mother and I shared, by providing an elegant venue in a prime location for those in the Baton Rouge area.

What I find that sets our venue apart from others is our genuine care for each individual that walks through our doors. We truly fall in love with each couple and bend over backwards to ensure their special day is one they will never forget. We also are a full-service venue. This takes a huge headache off of our clients, so they can enjoy what really matters.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My mother’s death was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever endured. In addition to losing her, I was also losing our dream of running a wedding and event venue together. At the time, I felt totally lost without her. But with the unwavering support of my family and my mother’s dedicated staff, we found a way to press on.

Graduating college and stepping into a full-time role at the venue was tough and constantly tested my determination. Challenges mounted over the years and there were moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable. The temptation to walk away would hit at times, but I am so thankful that I never did.

Each obstacle we faced became an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. Through perseverance and resilience, we emerged stronger than ever before. Today, I look back on those trials not with regret but with gratitude, knowing that they have shaped both me and the business into what we are today.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to our business, marking one of the toughest challenges we’ve ever faced. With clients eager to cancel events due to legal mandates and health concerns, our income plummeted rapidly, leaving us with few avenues to generate revenue. Adding to the hardship, our business received no government assistance, prompting an internal restructuring that ultimately resulted in me becoming the sole owner. Through it all, we found strength and resilience, knowing that God helped guide us through this difficult time. Although this was one of the most challenging struggles we’ve ever encountered, looking back on it fills us with gratitude and reinforces the unwavering support we received from above.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurynsvenue.com
• Instagram: @laurynhopevenue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Laurynhopevenue

Image Credits
Butterflies of Hope by Katelyn Rachael B Photography Jacelyn Rasti Photography Lexie Vaccaro Photography