The People Project:
Tanya Nel
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | June 16, 2021
Meet Tanya Nel!
Tanya has lived in Ponchatoula since the 1990s. She has been married to husband, Dirkie, for 7 years and together they have a daughter, Ruby (6). Tanya graduated from SLU with a degree in Business Management. She is an agent with Gendusa Insurance Agency and is currently the President of the Tangipahoa Professional Women's Organization.
We want to thank Tanya for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I knew Debbie Gendusa since college. In a kind of providential moment in my life, she asked me if I knew anyone that was looking for a professional career. She took a big chance on me during a crossroads in my life, and I appreciate that so much.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Salty Joe’s. I love the Mexican Street Corn and Frozen Strawberry Margaritas.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: When we lived in Illinois, and I was about 10, we lived in a super small community. It had about 6 streets. I loved to just put on my Walkman and ride my bike for hours. It was very freeing for me. I enjoyed having that time to myself.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: South Africa to see my husband’s family. We haven’t been in a while and we typically try to go every two years.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: My favorite movie is Pride & Prejudice. The first movie I saw in a theater was 101 Dalmatians.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: Don’t let other people control how you live your life. You create your own destiny.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Travel to Ireland. I think it is so beautiful there.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: Hanson. I have seen them before. I like how they kind of created their own genre. They play their own music and write their own songs. They grew up at the same time as me, so it has been fun to see that progression and have an understanding of where they are coming from in their music.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: The whole strawberry community. Locals supporting locals and appreciating what everyone brings to the table.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it and where would you go?
A: My grandmother. I’d like to learn more about my heritage and learn about the woman that she was. I would want to see what traits in her got passed to me, and which ones I could recognize in my daughter. Just to know about the legacy that she left behind.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I like how it is a small town with farms, etc., but also so close to the bigger cities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Supporting my daughter in what she wants to be! And, God willing, still selling insurance.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: Most people DO know that I have an identical twin (I’m the oldest by 7 minutes!), but I think people would be surprised to know that I play the guitar. I learned to help lead worship and sing at church.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Family. Home is where family is, not a roof over your head.
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! It is sometimes hard to find time for “mom duties”.
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: Smiley face. I try to be positive and encourage people.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: To teleport!
Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: I love scrapbooking. I find it to be a great way to leave a legacy and curate memories.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: Of course, my daughter, Ruby. But also representing the Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Organization. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish for the community in what was a very trying year.
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!
