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Alum Spotlight: Jolicia St. Louis
Meet Jolicia St. Louis, a Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida alum and local maker and mover-and-shaker.
Editor's Note: This Q&A originally ran in The New Tropic.
Leading with the most important question first: what’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Samoas.
If there was a Miami badge for Girl Scouts, what three tasks would need to be completed to earn it?
Volunteer to do a beach clean-up, create a Miami guide for visitors, and make a plan on how to improve Miami.
Tell us about your work — your job and/or any volunteer work.
By day, I work as a Programs and Development Associate for Axis Helps Miami where I help connect small businesses and individuals in Miami to the resources available to them. The start of the pandemic had such a great impact on the community, and one question for a lot of people was how do I find the resources to stay afloat. Axis emerged to become the bridge for locals in need by creating an all-in-one platform to find the help they need.
What’s your favorite Miami memory?
My favorite Miami memory was during my time at The Miami Foundation. All of the Give Miami Day celebrations are amazing, but I especially loved being in the building for Give Miami Day 2018. This was my very first Give Miami Day and it was so exciting to witness people from all over support local nonprofits through their giving.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m a huge foodie so I must say this question was especially challenging for me, but I’ll have to go with Ichimi Ramen with Chicken Gyoza from Ichimi in Midtown. Their ramen noodles are made by hand in the restaurant and their broths are just delicious. I started going to their Coral Gables location years ago and was ecstatic when they expanded to Midtown. Whenever I want a quick solo date, this is my go-to spot.
What’s your favorite local Instagram or TikTok account and why?
Hands down, Only in Dade on Instagram! I love that they have found a way to create a sense of community virtually. Their page keeps Miamians up to date on what’s happening in the community but also shares funny moments that only people from Miami can relate to. It’s such a great outlet for locals to share their experiences in real-time.
What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can our readers help you with it?
On the side, I turned my passion into a business. As the owner of Jaelle Candle Co. I get to give people the gift of self-care and relaxation through candles. All of my candles are handmade with all-natural coconut soy wax and are toxin-free. I started during the middle of the pandemic and have been blessed to still be serving the Miami community and beyond. I encourage you to shop locally and to support women- and Black-owned businesses when you can.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year, I’m looking forward to launching a candle-making experience for everyone in the community to enjoy. The launch date is set for Fall 2022, so stay tuned! Follow @jaellecandleco for updates.
