Disclosure :: Country Smooth Fest sponsored this post, but any time we hear about a mom who is pursuing her passions and dreaming big we are the first to sing her praises! The discount code offered to Louisiana moms doesn’t hurt either! Use “Momsblog” for 20% off tickets!
Meet the Mom Behind Country Smooth Fest
There is no denying that we love a good time here in New Orleans; between Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras and Po-Boy Fest it seems there’s a festival for just about everything these days! And it never ceases to amaze us because just when we think New Orleans has it all, someone brings something new and creative to the city. And that’s just what Lori Carcich, the founder and CEO of Country Smooth and mom behind Country Smooth Fest, has done. Headliners include Hunter Hayes (a Louisiana boy!) and Justin Moore.
Lori, like most of us, is still very much in the trenches of motherhood. She has 2 daughters, ages 12 and 10, as well as a son, age 7. While her family resides full-time in California, Lori chose New Orleans for the inaugural Country Smooth Fest because our hospitable hometown has become one of favorite cities in the United States. She has developed meaningful relationships with many people here, often over fantastic food and drink. The outdoor activities and unique history and culture don’t hurt and ultimately inspired Lori to launch the inaugural Country Smooth Fest right here the weekend of October 20th!
Get to Know Lori Carcich…
Describe New Orleans in one word :: Alive!
Could you see yourself raising a family in New Orleans? Absolutely!
What role does your husband play in the business? My husband enjoys the product development side of Country Smooth Whiskey, however he has had a career in education for over 27 years, and continues to operate primarily in that role. In addition, he takes primary care of our children when I am on the road developing Country Smooth. It truly takes a village!
What advice would you give to working moms? I was raised by two working parents; my Father was in finance, and my Mother was a teacher for over 40 years. They were key examples to me in that parents can be effective as both parents and in the workplace, and can provide lifelong examples about chasing dreams, working hard and overcoming challenges along the way. I have learned that balance is crucial, teach your children to be little interns, learn from other Moms (however, do not compare!), and always be the authentic YOU! Lastly – and almost most important – laughter is often the best medicine.
What is the most challenging part of being a female leader in a historically male industry? When I founded Country Smooth over two years ago, I believe I was the first female founder, CEO and owner of a whiskey company. Initially, and at times currently, as a result there have been people in the liquor industry who had preconceived notions about just that. But I strongly believe in the three P’s – passion, perseverance and partnership and do my best to apply these principles on a daily basis. As a result, we have developed an awesome team nationally, which has enabled us to continue to grow.
Have your kids been to New Orleans? Will they be at the inaugural Country Smooth Fest? My children have not yet been to New Orleans, but that will change this winter/spring. My daughter chose Louisiana to be her state project, and we will be bringing the entire family out to experience the greater New Orleans area first hand. The weekend of our inaugural Country Smooth Fest this month, I will be entirely wearing my CEO hat, and I would not have adequate time devoted to them.
Finish this sentence…
The best meal I’ve ever eaten in New Orleans was :: at Galatoire’s, which included a variety of shared appetizers – oysters en Brouchette, Goute, petit filet mignon with shared sides of portobello mushrooms, brussel sprouts and potatoes.
My guilty pleasure is :: homemade chocolate chip cookies. I have been making them with my girls for over 10 years; they are hard to resist!
If I could meet anyone in real life it would be :: Ivanka Trump, which has nothing to do with her political ties. I see her as an intelligent and strong young woman, a wife, working mom and businesswoman.
A Mom Started a Whiskey Label?!
Put simply, yes! Many women might relate to the story behind the Country Smooth brand. It’s easy for most of us to find a wine we love, while others among us gravitate quickly towards a fruity cocktail or sophisticated martini. What’s typically not as common is a woman saying, “you know what? I’d really love a whiskey!” Lori set out to change that.
Lori’s vision for Country Smooth is an approachable, drinkable and flavorful whiskey that appeals to the modern woman (and man) and can be savored anywhere you’re enjoying life. Whether entertaining friends at home or watching a sporting event, her hope is that Country Smooth whiskey will translate from one context to the next seamlessly.
Fun fact :: Louisiana was the first state to distribute Country Smooth. It retails, on average, for $24.99 and can be found locally at Rouse’s, Acquistapace’s, Saia’s and Dorignac’s. Additionally, you can find Country Smooth’s “Country Fall” on the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar’s Signature Menu! The website includes several recipe ideas if you’re like me and not well-versed in whiskey cocktails!
Know Before You Go :: Country Smooth Fest
Who :: all New Orleans moms, dads and kids (and any country music lovers, too!)
What :: Inaugural Country Smooth Fest
Where :: NOLA Motorsports Park
When :: Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 {gates open at 10:30am both days}
Why :: enjoy 2 days of country music on 3 stages just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans! Children are welcome, and kids ages 4-12 are only $5. This is a family-friendly event that even features a Family Fun Zone! You can review full event FAQs online. And yes, the go karts will be available for driving and Lori’s whiskey will indeed be available for sale.
How :: you can purchase tickets ONLINE