The People Project:
Erin Rode-Fiorello
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | April 21, 2021
Meet Erin Rode-Fiorello!
Erin has lived in Tangipahoa parish her whole life. She has been married to her husband, Jesse, for 13 years and together they have 2 sons, Sawyer (6) and Parker (3). She is an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University, and also has a woodworking business, ErinNicoleCo and a nature photography business, LouisianaReflections.
We want to thank Erin for spending some time with us and letting us learn about her life and family!
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I received my masters in education counseling. I was a graduate assistant and I knew I wanted to be an instructor/faculty member at SLU. I have my dream job! The woodworking and photography businesses are my creative outlet that allows me to always be learning.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I cannot choose one- but I have favorites depending on time of day. I love breakfast at Paul's Cafe. We love everything, especially their pancakes- they are huge. For lunch our go to is Toula Burger for their roast beef poboy. At Roux & Brew we order the eggplant parmesan and lemon drop martini for dinner.
We love how these restaurants are local, family owned businesses.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: I grew up in Loranger, but have lived in Ponchatoula for over 14 years.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Being outside playing! We had a massive vegetable garden where we grew watermelons, corn and tons of other veggies.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Ireland! Ever since I did a report in the 7th or 8th grade on Ireland, I have always wanted to go.
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: The Notebook or Sweet Home Alabama
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Be true to who you are. Give yourself time to realize who you are, and be open to what you discover about yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Going to Ireland for my 40th birthday. I would also like to build a studio at our house, but with me building it myself!
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love all types of music. I have never seen Taylor Swift, and I am a huge fan.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: CJ's Antiques & Collectibles. I met Mr. CJ at Market Trade Days, and he was always so wonderful and helpful. Going into the store just brings back so many great memories.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, dead or alive, who is it and where would you go?
A: Taylor Swift, I would take her to Del Porto, and we would dine in a private room.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love how close we are to nature and the swamp. It is just beautiful, which is how my photography business started. I also really like the sense of community we have.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Still living in Tangipahoa, but with more land. I will have a bigger shop, have an established online presence and a store online for my woodworking.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I am a huge reader. I can read 100 pages an hour. My favorite genre is romance.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Family and love.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: Chef!
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Laughing with eyes closed, the kissing emoji and the pink heart that looks like it is beating.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Warp speed, being able to get things done really quickly.
Q: What is your hobby?
A: Woodworking, reading. I also just started taking art lessons at The Art Station.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: I am proud of my children. I am also proud that I am a self taught photographer and woodworker. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and exploring something new.
Erin was nominated by Amanda Hammonds. She nominated Summer Veatch.
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
