Leslie and Jen Flood

When it rains, it pours...help me stay afloat?

On Wednesday, July 10, rain fell on New Orleans and parts of the city flooded that have not since Katrina. My house in Broadmoor, where one half of the double is living space and the other half is a portrait studio, got a foot of water on both sides in the lower levels. This is a house that never floods and flood insurance isn’t suggested much less required.

My housemate Carolyn, myself and Jen were left just watching water come in and scrambling to save our personal belongings as well and Jen and I attempting to save what we could of the business.

Jen has spent her entire life as a photographer and in the past year, the studio has expanded to this new location and added a Studio Manager/Creative Director/Jack of all trades...me! The lower level of the studio was the “backstage” area that housed props, printing supplies, dresses and costumes along with paint and glitter (if you live in New Orleans you know how valuable this is!). We told people “that’s where our crazy lives”. But in reality it’s where we produced product and stored inventory.

My housemate, Carolyn, lived in the lower level of the living space side and housed herself there along with some of my belongings and furniture. Insurance doesn’t cover any of the contents for any of us and we’ve lost a great deal both professionally and personally. (Flood insurance policies have since been acquired). The big ticket items were for the most part saved but it’s the smaller stuff that continues to add up. For example? A 20 foot wall of cube shelving made out of wood. When that floods it just kinda laughs at you at the end of the day.

Since it’s a mess downstairs, Carolyn is moving out (Carolyn, it’s fine I still love you). Her loss was great as well and it’s best for her to seek higher/dryer ground for a primary residence.

On any other day, this would be a hiccup that we could get through. Unfortunately, it isn’t just any other day. The hiccups have been constant and sugar under my tongue just isn’t working. Maybe I should try holding my breath. 

Jen had an accident in March and the result was a complete disruption of the Lisfranc complex in her right foot. Google “worst foot injury you can have” and read all about it. She had surgery to place hardware that was intended to be permanent. We’ve worked as much as we could throughout her recovery and I’ve pulled up my rainboot straps and learned quickly what I can business wise but there have been complications and another surgery is scheduled next week.

There’s a lot of magic in this building and we focus our energy at the studio on showing people of all ages who they are on a soul level and in particular, empowering women and members of the LGBTQ community. I joined Jen last year for what was intended to be a temporary job. Almost a year later, it has become my passion as we’ve transformed the space, and as a result, the individuals who enter. We need help right now to make it through the next month of healing and rebuilding.

We’re gonna be fine. There’s no option not to be, but a little help could go a long way to keep our heads above water. And honestly, we really need to keep our 4th occupant - our ghost we fondly refer to as Laverne - as happy as possible. :)