Thibodaux native killed in weekend shooting
December 28, 2016OUR VIEW: Jimmy CAN do better for Lafourche
December 28, 2016
Houma native Starr Leslie wants everyone in the community to have a happy and prosperous Christmas this year.
But if one inevitably eats a little too much rice dressing or sweet potato pie along the way, Leslie wants folks to know that it’s OK – it’s not a significant cause for panic.
That’s because Leslie and her friends are here to help Terrebonne Parish natives shake those excess pounds – both during the holiday season and beyond.
Leslie operates Terrier Nutrition – a shake, tea and supplement shop in Houma.
Just open and offering a full menu of shakes, teas, nutritional bars, supplements and much more, the shop is located at 1405 West Tunnel Boulevard – the small, blue and yellow-painted building next door to Vandebilt Catholic High School.
Leslie partners with Terri Ricks in the endeavor and the two are at the store throughout the day, on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon.
“We’re just getting rolling, but everything has been pretty good so far,” Leslie said. “We’re building our customers and we’re getting our name out. We just want people to know that we’re here and we’d love to help. During the holidays and especially after the holidays, people are always looking for ways to stay fit or to lose a few pounds. We have some amazing success stories, and we want to add to that list.”
For Leslie, the business model focuses on people and making sure that as many folks in the Houma-Thibodaux are as healthy as possible.
It’s a cause that’s personal for Leslie, because she’s lived it, herself.
Leslie said that a couple years ago, she was in need of a personal change. She said her clothes fit too tight and she wasn’t happy with her appearance.
She said she felt bloated and lacked energy to do things with friends, family or her children.
“Something had to be different,” she said. “I knew right away that I needed to do something for myself.”
That “something” was a commitment to herself and a routine that worked.
Leslie said she started vigorously exercising – often multiple times a day. From there, she started consuming shakes and teas as meal replacements and diet enhancers – the same products she sells in the shop today.
But more important than that, she said she also met others in the same situation she was in, forming a networking team that gave each individual power to fight back.
The end result is a woman who has transformed herself almost into an entirely new person.
Leslie said she’s lost more than 50 pounds and countless inches. The woman’s before and after pictures are proof of the transformation – a stunning and impressive change that she said is one of her biggest sources of pride.
Leslie has good genes, which are also deeply rooted in the Vandebilt Catholic community. The daughter of Raymond and Patricia Leslie, Starr is the older sister of Terriers athletic stars Sumar and Lionheart Leslie – two of the top basketball players in the history of the community. Sumar is a professional player who is about to go on another contract in the spring. Lionheart is a future pro – a senior guard at Cal State-Fullerton.
Sumar located the building and was going to operate the business herself, but didn’t have time because of her basketball commitments.
“It took a lot of work and a lot of effort, but every day has challenges,” Leslie said. “I wanted to open this location to give the same support to others that was given to me. I wanted people to know that if they wanted to do better, that it could be done. If I can do it, anyone can do it. If you need a little push or a little support, we’re here to love and support you.”
The products are tasty, too.
Leslie said her top sellers are her teas and shakes. A “combo” at the shop will get a customer one of each, which come in multiple flavors and tastes.
With shakes, the menu is endless, and they’re all delicious, according to customers.
Among the top sellers are cinnamon toast crunch, pumpkin spice cheesecake and Reece’s peanut butter cup.
For students, discounts are available, as well.
Yummy, healthy products, affordable prices and friendly people willing to help?
It’s hard to beat that – especially during the holiday season.
“We just want people to know that we can help,” Leslie said. “It’s hard in Louisiana to meet the goals we set, so sometimes it takes extra encouragement. We can offer that.” •
Starr Leslie and partner Terri Ricks pose for the cameras. Both ladies operate Terrier Nutrition in Houma. They offer healthy snacks and meal replacements.
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