The People Project:
Kristy Richards
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | March 31, 2021
Meet Kristy Richards!
Kristy is from Prairieville and has been married to her husband, Aaron, for 23 years. She is the proud mom of a daughter who is graduating from LSU in May and a son who attends Springfield High School, and her family has a chocolate lab. Kristy is also the Director of Love Moved First Women’s Ministry.
We want to thank Kristy for spending some time with us and letting us learn about her life and family!
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: This is a long story! I was raised in a home of domestic violence and addiction, and feel I am called to help those who need it most. I worked as a Headstart Resource Coordinator where I helped children with disabilities and traumas.
I was doing hurricane relief volunteering and I met a woman who changed my life, Florence. She was homeless, and didn't want anything we had to offer. She just wanted to talk to someone. So, I sat with her and learned her story, and I had a light bulb moment, where I realized that any one of us could be Florence. With my background, I knew I had resources and nonprofits I could call to get her some help, but when I went through my lists, there was no one that could help her. Then I realized God is calling me to help women like Florence.
I wasn't sure how I was going to do it, but I was determined. I even looked at land to purchase to see if I could build something, but it didn't feel right. Two months and a day later, Nathan and LaDonna Wall called me and asked if I would be the Director of Love Moved First, a non-denomination, Christ-centered, nonprofit home dedicated to empowering women in crisis by extending the love of Christ. We are opening soon, and I am thrilled to be here. It doesn't feel like I am "working".
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I love my husband's cooking! He is a creative chef, and makes the best meals. But if we left the house, I would choose The Melting Pot. I love how you spend a long time there.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: 15 years
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Camping with my family.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: The mountains! They are so beautiful.
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: The Notebook, but I also love comedies. The first movie in a theater was E.T. with my mom and aunt.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: You never know what someone is going through. Treat everyone like you would want to be treated. Before you judge someone based on their actions, think about what led them there.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I would love to travel out of the country with my family.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love Christian music, and I would love to see Zack Williams live.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Piggly Wiggly!
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: I would love to go to lunch with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I would choose The Melting Pot because the dining experience takes a while.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love the strawberry farmers and antique shops.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Having lots of graduates from Love Moved First and opening many new locations for women to receive the healing they need.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I can speak Cajun French. It was the only way my grandfather spoke to me as a child. When friends would come over and hear him speak, and have me respond back it would blow their minds.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: 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: A housekeeper! I love a clean house, and not having to spend my time off cleaning would be great.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Laughing crying face
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Healing the broken.
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!
