The People Project:
Tara Wilkinson
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | July 17, 2021
Meet Tara Wilkinson!
Tara was raised in Port Allen by her grandparents. She graduated from Port Allen High School and started working in the restaurant industry years ago. She now works at Hamilton Sales in Baton Rouge and lives in Hammond with her husband, Benji, and many animals (6 dogs, 7 cats). She has an amazing "bonus daughter", Kadence, who just turned 18 years old. In her spare time, she fosters animals, volunteers with KatVet, Junior Auxiliary of Tangipahoa, is a board member of Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff and Tangi Animal Friends.
We want to thank Tara 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 was working at a restaurant, and one of my customers asked if I had ever considered working in sales, if I wanted a job. The rest is history, I have worked in sales in the plumbing industry for over 10 years now.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Albasha, I order the Kickin' Chicken with no bell peppers. We eat there many times a week!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: I moved over here in 2008 because of a relationship. I am so happy to call Hammond home!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Being on the False River with my grandparents, uncle and aunt. We would fish and swim on the weekends there.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Italy! I would love to go to Sicily also. Off of the coast of Sicily, there is Lipari Island I'd love to visit. My maiden name is Lipari so that would be fun to see!
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in a theater?
A: I have a few! My favorite movies are Sixteen Candles, Harry and the Hendersons and Elf. The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was Home Alone.
Q: What advice would you give to a group of people?
A: Wear deodorant!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Having lots of land to rescue more animals.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love Willie Nelson and Rebirth Brass Band!
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Tasty Pastry had the best donuts!
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: Willie Nelson and I would take him to Vincent's Italian Cuisine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The people.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Having grandchildren and fostering older children.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I do not have any blood relatives I am close too. Another thing is that Benji and I got married on my grandparents wedding anniversary in Las Vegas.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: My grandparents.
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: Housekeeper, especially with all the animals!
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: Heart eyes and the laughing face with tears.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Teleportation.
Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: Volunteering.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My friends. They are the people I am closest to. I am proud they want to be my friend.
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!
