BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your “do,” we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompass our readers’ choices for body, beauty, and brawn.
HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST WINNER: RUSSELL MOORE
FINALISTS: MANDI GRACE GASPARD, SARAH BROADWAY FLEMING
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
HAIR SALON
WINNER: BRITTANY BENTON
FINALISTS: AMY HALE, STACY RUTLEDGE
DAY SPA WINNER: SPA BELLA
FINALISTS: SPA NOUVELLE, HOUSE OF HAIR
MEDISPA WINNER: SPA BELLA
FINALISTS: RESILIENT BEAUTY, HOPKINS
WINNER: RUMO’S
MASSAGE THERAPIST
FINALISTS: HOUSE OF HAIR, MERAKI STUDIO
WINNER: DAWN MILLER
EYEBROW SERVICES WINNER: BRITTANY SULLIVAN - BEAUTY
For the last ten years, BayouLife Magazine has published the Bayou Buzz Awards, or “Buzzys” as we like to call them. Nominations were open to the public, where the top ten were selected to be voted on. We acknowledge that there are so many amazing businesses in our area, but our Bayou Buzz awards focus on those businesses that are locally owned and operated. We know that this list is not all encompassing, and we hope to continue to grow this special acknowledgment in the coming years. The Bayou Buzz awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region. Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz awards and congratulations to our nominees, finalists, and winners.
& SKIN STUDIO
CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher, BayouLife Magazine
WAXING
FINALISTS: ELIZABETH COCHRAN COSMETIC RESTORATION, KALLIE BIBLE - SPA BELLE
FINALISTS: KRISTEN LANDRY, ANA LOPEZ
AESTHETICIAN WINNER: KALLIE BIBLE
FINALISTS: BRITTNEY BENTON, LAUREN RAWLS
PILATES STUDIO
EYELASH SERVICES
WINNER: PURE DRIP
WINNER: BEAUTY BY AK
FINALISTS: STUDIO WEST, MOXIE BAR
FINALISTS: SHEANA MOLINA, ANNA GRACE WHITE, MORGAN HUGHES
FITNESS TRAINER
SUNLESS TANNING
WINNER: CESAR CAMACHO
WINNER: THE TAN TAXI
FINALISTS: TAYLOR JOPLING, VICTORIA SIMMONS
FINALISTS: CHARMÉ: A LUX BEAUTY BAR, KEY WEST TAN
ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER
MANI/PEDI WINNER: V.I.P. NAIL BAR
FINALISTS: SIGNATURE NAILS, DYNASTY NAILS
WINNER: BRITTANY DYE - BEAUTY &
SKIN STUDIO
FINALISTS: KALLIE BIBLE - SPA BELLA, LAUREN RAWLS - GLAM ROOM AESTHETICS
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BEST AESTHETIC INJECTOR
FINALISTS: THE MAC, TRIBE 31
TATTOO PARLOR WINNER: LUCKY 7
FINALISTS: COLD DESSERT TATTOO, UNIVERSITY INK
BAYOU BUNGALOW Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options to the guys with the green thumbs, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES
WINNER: TP OUTDOORS WEST
MONROE
FINALISTS: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART, SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE
HOME ACCESSORIES WINNER: MUFFIN TIN/
THE TRENTON HOUSE
FINALISTS: GYPSY SOUL, WALSWORTH & COMPANY
HARDWARE & DESIGN MATERIAL STORE WINNER: TP OUTDOORS WEST
MONROE
FINALISTS: RUSSELL MOORE LUMBER, TOM SANDERS BUILDING MART
FURNITURE STORE WINNER: IVAN SMITH FURNITURE
FINALISTS: WALSWORTH & COMPANY, SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE
HOME BUILDER WINNER: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION
FINALISTS: JONATHAN HILL CONSTRUCTION, JTL CONSTRUCTION
PLUMBER
CUSTOM CABINETS
HOME CLEANING
WINNER: WEST OUACHITA CABINETS
WINNER: DIRTY PELICAN
FINALISTS: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS, KEY MILLWORK & SUPPLY CO.
FINALISTS: PEACHI CLEAN, MARILYN JOSEPH, THE CLEANING LADY
HVAC - HEATING & AIR
ELECTRICIAN
WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING
WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC
& COOLING
FINALISTS: MIKE SMITH’S HEATING AND AIR, 318 HEAT AND AIR
FINALISTS: TWIN CITY ELECTRIC, ZB ELECTRIC
BEST FLOORING
YARD CARE
WINNER: DUPUY FLOORING
WINNER: PRECISION LANDSCAPE
DESIGN
FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR, HOLTON FLOORING
FINALISTS: ROWTON’S LAWN AND LANDSCAPING, WESTBROOKS LAWN CARE AND LANDSCAPING
BEST ROOFING COMPANY
GARDEN SHOP
FINALISTS: NELA ROOFING, BROWN’S ROOFING
WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S
WINNER: JAKE LILLY ROOFING
GARDEN MART
FINALISTS: THOMAS NURSERY, CORNER MARKET OAK GROVE
FAVORITE FARE
COUNTERTOPS FINALISTS: TWIN CITY GRANITE, CLIFTON & COMPANY
Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.
PEST CONTROL
BAR TO WATCH A GAME
WINNER: REDD’S PEST CONTROL
WINNER: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL
FINALISTS: BAYOU MOSQUITO AND PEST MANAGEMENT, ANDERSON PEST CONTROL
FINALISTS: FLYING TIGER BREWERY, FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB
WINNER: KIM’S FLOOR DECOR
INTERIOR DESIGNER / DECORATOR
PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL WINNER: PARISH
WINNER: LAUREN ROEBUCK
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB, DOE’S EAT PLACE
FINALISTS: TAYLOR BENNETT, CLINTON DOWNING, JAN STRICKLAND
BAR FOR BEER
WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING
PAINTER
FINALISTS: MARK JOHNSON PLUMBING, ALL PLUMBING
WINNER: NELA PAINTING
AND RENOVATIONS
WINNER: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB, FLYING TIGER BREWERY
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2026 BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS FAVORITE FARE (CONT.) BEST BARTENDER WINNER: JOSH COLSON
FINALISTS: SHELBIE GOODEN, CHELSEA HERRON
STEAK WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE
FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1. RESTAURANT, GENUSA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
CRAWFISH WINNER: CRAWFISH CITY
FINALISTS: CLAWDADDY’S CRAWFISH & OYSTER BAR, CORMIER’S CAJUN CATERING
GUMBO
PIZZA
COFFEE
WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA
WINNER: CORNER COFFEEHOUSE +
FINALISTS: FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB, FLYING TIGER BREWERY/VICTORY PIZZA
PROVISIONS
FINALISTS: STANDARD COFFEE, ALEX LATIN RESTAURANT & CAFETERIA
TACO JOINT
BEST LOADED TEA
WINNER: THE BLUE TACO
WINNER: RIVER CITY NUTRITION
FINALISTS: IRON CACTUS, TACO BANDIDO
FINALISTS: FIT4LIFE, SPARTAN NUTRITION
MARGARITA WINNER: IRON CACTUS
FINALISTS: EL PASO MONROE, DON CHUY’S
FRENCH FRIES WINNER: VANNAH’S DRIVE-IN
FINALISTS: OKALOOSA, MAGIC GRILL MONROE
WINNER: TRAPP’S
FRIED CHICKEN
FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO 1., MOHAWK SEAFOOD TAVERN
WINNER: SOUTHERN CLASSIC CHICKEN
ITALIAN WINNER: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT
FINALISTS: GENO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, MILANO’S ITALIAN GRILL
BRUNCH WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT CO.
FINALISTS: OKALOOSA, LEA’S OF MONROE
SEAFOOD WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO 1
RESTAURANT
FINALISTS: DELTA BISCUIT COMPANY, BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS
FINALISTS: THE FISH HOUSE, CATFISH CHARLIES
WINNER: MAGIC GRILL MONROE
ASIAN
SANDWICHES
FINALISTS: RAYS PEGE, TRAPP’S
WINNER: RONIN STEAKHOUSE
WINNER: DAILY PRESS
WINE SELECTION
FINALISTS: RAWZ CAFÉ, BASIL OF MONROE
POBOY
WINNER: LANDRY’S VINEYARD
FINALISTS: THIRSTY FARMER, TONORE’S WINE CELLAR
AND SUSHI
BURGER WINNER: VANNAH’S DRIVE-IN
FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB, THE CREAMERY
BREAKFAST WINNER: DELTA BISCUIT COMPANY
FINALISTS: LEA’S OF MONROE, BELLE’S OLE SOUTH DINER
BBQ JOINT IRON CACTUS VOTED BEST MARGARITA
WINNER: JAC’S CRAFT SMOKEHOUSE
FINALISTS: PODNUH’S, DANKEN TRAIL
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FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB, NOT JUST PIE
BAKERY FOR SWEETS WINNER: CASTOR & CHICORY
FINALISTS: ALLBRITTON’S CAKE HOUSE, CAKE
VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY WINNER: SALAD STATION
FINALISTS: TASTE OF INDIA, FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS
GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS WINNER: BUTTER - A LOUISIANA BAKERY
FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH
BEST HEALTH FOOD WINNER: FIESTA ON EIGHTEENTH
FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS, DAILY HARVEST
FOOD TRUCK WINNER: THE BLUE TACO
FINALISTS: SODA JERK, FAYE’S FAT BURGER
DONUTS WINNER: BESTZ DONUTS
FINALISTS: HASKELL’S DONUTS, DAYLIGHT DONUTS
SNOWBALLS WINNER: DEBBIE’S SNOWBALLS
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
SHOE STORE
WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE
FINALISTS: CARA’S, BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE
FINALISTS: FIRST GLIMPSE, LITTLE BLUE KIDS BOUTIQUE
ANTIQUE STORE
GIFT SHOP
FINALISTS: COTTONPORT ANTIQUES, GYPSY SOUL
FINALISTS: GYPSY SOUL, WALSWORTH & COMPANY
SPORTING GOODS
JEWELRY STORE
GOODS
THE TRENTON HOUSE
FINALISTS: TP OUTDOORS MONROE, TP OUTDOORS WEST MONROE
FINALISTS: STEVE’S JEWELRY, RANDY SMITH JEWELERS
BEST LIQUOR STORE
AND WATCH REPAIR
CATERER
FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, RIVER OUTFITTERS
WINNER: FLEET FEET
FINALISTS: THE PLATTER, CREATIVE CATERING
THRIFT STORE WINNER: ROLLING HILLS MINISTRIES
FINALISTS: FIRST WEST THRIFT STORE THRIVE ON THRIFT
FINALISTS: TONORE’S WINE CELLAR, SMOKER’S PARADISE
LOCAL LIVING
DAYCARE/CHILDCARE FLEET FEET MONROE BEST ATHLETIC WEAR PIC BY SHOP TALK STUDIO
WINNER: CLAIBORNE CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL
FINALISTS: FIRST WEST, READY SET GO
EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM CHAPMAN FAMILY EYECARE, FAMILY EYE CARE
WINNER: BEEF AND BARREL
Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in Northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a realtor or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS
WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER
WINNER: SIMMONS SPORTING
WINNER: MARTY & MARK’S JEWELRY
ATHLETIC WEAR
Our local retailers are top notch, offering Northeast Louisiana residents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all.
WINNER: SHOPPES ON THE ALLEY
WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN/
FINALISTS: ESKAMOE’S, HIPPIE CHICKS
WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY
WINNER: FLEET FEET
BEST STAFFING AGENCY WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
WINNER: WILL SOURCE STAFFING
WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE
FINALISTS: MANPOWER, SPHERION STAFFING
FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE, HERRINGSTONE’S BOUTIQUE
FLORAL SHOP
MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
WINNER: VEE’S FLOWERS
WINNER: SIMMONS SPORTING
FINALISTS: ALL OCCASIONS, PETALS & PEARLS
GOODS
FINALISTS: HONEY HOLE TACKLE SHOP, RIVER OUTFITTERS
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2026 BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS LOCAL LIVING (CONT.)
ACCOUNTANT/CPA WINNER: TASHIA HINES - CAMERON,
HINES AND COMPANY
FINALISTS: DESIRAE TRAPPEY PHOTOGRAPHY, ANGELA SHOEMAKER, UNVEILED RADIANCE
TAILOR /ALTERATIONS
FINALISTS: DALE SOIGNIER, LISA WOMACK GILL
PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC
WINNER: CAROLYN’S SEWING
FINALISTS: JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP, SWEETLY STITCHED
CAR WASH
WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL
LAWYER
THERAPY
WINNER: CUMMINS & FITTS
FINALISTS: GEAUX PHYSICAL THERAPY, JOHNSON PHYSICAL THERAPY
WINNER: CAR WASH WEST
FINALISTS: MARIO LEIJA, JOHN BRUSCATO
FINALISTS: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH, TOMMY’S EXPRESS CARWASH
INSURANCE AGENT
PET GROOMER
WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS
YOUTH SUMMER CAMP / PROGRAM WINNER: CAMP CH-YO-CA
FINALISTS: MED CAMPS, SEEKER SPRINGS
WINNER: DKS MOBILE DOG
FINALISTS: KIM DUKE, LAURA WOODS
FINALISTS: FLUFFIE PUPPY,
FINANCIAL PLANNER
WINNER: RONNIE CULP, CULP’S
CURLY’S TOP DOG
WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY, OGLESBY
AUTOMOTIVE
DRY CLEANER
FINALISTS: RAWLS DUPREE, ANDY YARBROUGH
GROOMING
WINNER: D&D CLEANERS
FINANCIAL GROUP
MECHANIC
FINALISTS: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE, MARKS AUTOMOTIVE
PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS
FINALISTS: THURMANIZE CLEANERS, DIXIE CLEANERS
REAL ESTATE AGENT
VET CLINIC
FINALISTS: CHRIS RUX, BRANDY BELL
FINALISTS: INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST FARM, SURGE ENTERTAINMENT
DANCE STUDIO
CREDIT UNION
WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL
WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL
WINNER: CORNER VET
FINALISTS: COOPER VET, ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE
AUTO DEALER WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP
FINALISTS: SPARKS NISSAN KIA, CARTOWN MONROE
BANK WINNER: ORIGIN BANK
FINALISTS: REGIONS BANK, WINNSBORO STATE BANK
PHARMACY
WINNER: SHANE WOOTEN
OF DANCE
FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS, DBK DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS
PET BOARDER
CREDIT UNION
FINALISTS: CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, KRAFTMAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
WINNER: BED & BISCUITS INN
DENTIST
FINALISTS: CURLY’S TOP DOG, DOGGY DAYS
WINNER: TROY BOSTICK
FINALISTS: WAYNE CRANFORD, TYLER HEATH
TREE REMOVAL SERVICE WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS
ORTHODONTIST
FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS, MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE
WINNER: CAPLES AND ROBINSON
WINNER: COMMUNITY PHARMACY
FINALISTS: ARON’S PHARMACY, MR. DISCOUNT DRUGS
WINNER: KIROLI PARK
PHOTOGRAPHER WINNER: ALBRITTON PHOTOGRAPHY
FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, WILLIAMS ORTHODONTICS
CHIROPRACTOR WINNER: GG GRANT / SHELL
CHIROPRACTIC
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FINALISTS: TRAXLER CHIROPRACTIC, KYLE NIX/TWIN CITY CHIROPRACTIC
FINALISTS: JADA ALI, LAUREN TAYLOR/ OASIS
LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND
LAGNIAPPE
WINNER: MIKE MCKENZIE BAND
FINALISTS: JORDAN SHEPPARD AND THE CYPRESS KNEES, CAL PRESLEY
These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.
TITLE COMPANY WINNER: NELA TITLE COMPANY
LOCAL INSTAGRAMMER
FINALISTS: NORTH DELTA TITLE COMPANY, BAYOU DESIARD TITLE COMPANY
WINNER: SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF
@LEGITSADIEROB
LOCAL PRODUCT WINNER: MR. P’S TEES
FINALISTS: INDIAN VILLAGE STRAWBERRIES, LANDRY’S VINEYARD
LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN/ FRANCHISE WINNER: BUFF CITY SOAP
FINALISTS: SIR SPEEDY, THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE
FINALISTS: BLUE LINE BOUTIQUE @THEBLUELINEBOUTIQUE, GOOD DAZE @THAGOODDAZE
LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT CHAIN
ORIGIN BANK
ART GALLERY
FINALISTS: SUSIE DARTLON-EAGLE MORTGAGE, JEREMY LOWE-PLANTERS BANK
WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM OF ART
FINALISTS: CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, 7 BREW
COUNSELOR
PUBLIC OFFICIAL
WINNER: TIE: JESSICA MARCHAND,
WINNER: MAYOR FRIDAY ELLIS
MORTGAGE LENDER WINNER: JUSTIN UNDERWOOD-
FAMILY SOLUTIONS
FINALISTS: GOOD DAZE, THE PAINTED PETAL
WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A
LOCAL FARM WINNER: INDIAN VILLAGE HARVEST
FARM
FINALISTS: CURRY FARMS, 3 BOARD FARMS
FINALISTS: MAYOR STACI MITCHELL, U.S. REPRESENTATITVE JULIA LETLOW
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