Posted by New Orleans is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and spiritual vitality. Carlina Garner emerges from this thriving metropolis as a dynamic force of creativity, community advocacy, and enterprise. Carlina, a native of the historic Tremé area, is not only a business owner but also a cultural curator, youth mentor, and civic leader. Carlina has redefined success in a city that is still rebuilding from its history while embracing its future, from starting her lifestyle business Garner Goods & Co. to founding The Garner Foundation. In this piece, we delve deeply into Carlina Garner’s life, journey, and increasing legacy—a lady who represents the essence of New Orleans.
A Native Daughter of Tremé
Carlina Garner grew up in the Tremé district, one of America’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. Tremé, with jazz in the air and a resilient population, became the cultural playground that created her viewpoint. Her family values education, music, and service.
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Influences That Shaped Her:
- Parents: Both educators who emphasized community upliftment.
- Grandmother: A former jazz singer who introduced her to the sounds of New Orleans.
- Local Traditions: Second-line parades, church choirs, and neighborhood cookouts.
“In New Orleans, culture isn’t something you learn—it’s something you live,” Carlina often says. Her upbringing instilled a deep understanding of the city’s heartbeat and a lifelong commitment to preserving it.
Education and Purpose-Driven Leadership
After graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School, Carlina attended Xavier University of Louisiana on a full scholarship, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. Her college years were filled with purpose and leadership:
- Volunteered with local outreach programs.
- Organized youth mentorship initiatives.
- Led post-Katrina recovery projects like school supply drives and community clean-ups.
These formative experiences planted the seed for what would become her life’s mission: to merge entrepreneurship with community impact.
Garner Goods & Co.: Culture in Every Product
Carlina founded Garner Goods & Co. in 2016, a lifestyle company with a strong connection to New Orleans’ culture. What started as a home fragrance brand has grown into a successful platform that combines artistry, sustainability, and tradition.
What Sets Garner Goods & Co. Apart:
- Locally Sourced Materials: From essential oils to packaging.
- Cultural Storytelling: Every product tells a New Orleans story.
- Community Collaboration: Partnering with local artists, musicians, and chefs.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Emphasis on sustainability.
- Workshops & Events: Focusing on creative entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Signature Products:
- “Café Beignet” scented candles
- “Tremé Twilight” room sprays
- Handcrafted journals with artwork by local creatives
Carlina explains, “Garner Goods isn’t just about selling products. It’s about honoring where we come from and creating something lasting for the next generation.”
Community First: Advocacy and Action
Carlina’s vision goes far beyond commerce. Her advocacy work is rooted in elevating the lives of New Orleans families and addressing systemic challenges.
Causes Carlina Champions:
- Affordable Housing: Working to prevent displacement through historic preservation.
- Youth Empowerment: Organizing mentorships and school visits.
- Cultural Preservation: Advocating for the protection of music and art traditions.
In 2020, she co-founded the NOLA Mutual Aid Network, which provided emergency resources to families during the COVID-19 pandemic. This grassroots initiative earned her the Urban League’s Emerging Civic Leader Award.
Creativity Runs Deep: Music, Art, and Storytelling
Art and music aren’t side projects for Carlina—they are part of her identity. A saxophone player in a local jazz band, she uses her creative talents to bridge generational gaps.
Artistic Contributions:
- Art Show Curator: Promoting young Black artists.
- Documentary Producer: “Soul of the South” aired in 2022, highlighting five multigenerational families in NOLA.
- Public Features: Profiled in Essence, The Root, Gambit Weekly, and on WWNO Radio.
These artistic efforts ensure that the cultural memory of New Orleans lives on, not just through history books but through lived experiences and ongoing storytelling.
The Garner Foundation: Investing in Young Women
Launched in 2023, the Garner Foundation represents Carlina’s long-term commitment to education and empowerment, especially for young women of color.
Foundation Initiatives:
- Scholarships for local high school students
- Entrepreneurship Summer Camps
- Business Incubators for women under 25
- Leadership Programs in collaboration with local colleges
Carlina concurs: “Real change happens when you invest in people who already belong to the community.” Already, the organization has assisted dozens of young women in establishing enterprises in fashion, technology, and wellness.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Carlina Garner?
Carlina continues to build on her momentum with exciting new ventures planned for the next few years:
- Flagship Store Opening: Slated for late 2025 in the Marigny District.
- Expanded Product Lines: Including herbal skincare and wellness teas.
- New Podcast Series: Exploring Southern resilience and stories.
- Regional Retail Partnerships: Bringing Garner Goods to boutique stores across the South.
Despite her growing reach, Carlina remains committed to her city: “Everything I do, I do with New Orleans in my heart.”
Recognition and Impact
Carlina’s work has earned both local and national accolades:
Selected Awards:
- 2020: Urban League Civic Leader Award
- 2022: Women in Business Trailblazer (New Orleans Biz Magazine)
- 2023: Louisiana Rising Innovator Award
- 2024: Named in Forbes’ “30 Black Founders to Watch”
Her influence stretches across multiple domains: from entrepreneurship and activism to the preservation of Black heritage and community development.
Why Carlina Garner Matters
Carlina Garner isn’t just an entrepreneur or activist—she is a living thread in the cultural fabric of New Orleans. Through her work, she has:
- Elevated local voices and stories
- Created economic opportunities in underserved areas
- Mentored future generations of leaders
- Helped families during times of crisis
In doing so, she has become a role model for how to lead with both vision and heart.
FAQs About Carlina Garner
Who is Carlina Garner?
Carlina Garner is a New Orleans-based entrepreneur, artist, and community advocate known for founding Garner Goods & Co. and The Garner Foundation.
What is Garner Goods & Co. known for?
It’s a lifestyle brand featuring products inspired by New Orleans culture, such as scented candles, journals, and home goods.
What does the Garner Foundation do?
The Foundation supports young women of color through scholarships, camps, business incubators, and leadership training.
Where is Carlina Garner from?
She’s a native of the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana.
What awards has Carlina Garner won?
Notable awards include the 2020 Urban League Civic Leader Award and the 2024 Forbes 30 Black Founders to Watch.
Final Thoughts: A Star Rooted in Community
Carlina Garner’s tale is about purpose, resilience, and love for her city. As she rises, her concentration is on people, families, and the soul of New Orleans. Carlina represents not just optimism, but also action, at a time when the city desperately needs visionaries. Her tale teaches us that accomplishment is more meaningful when shared with the community that raised you.