NEW ORLEANS – Pray through the process.
That’s the motto of Jesseca “Judy” Dupart, the founder and owner of a multimillion-dollar business, a social media star, author, and philanthropist.
In 2013, the New Orleans seventh-ward native launched Kaleidoscope Hair Products – a haircare line that’s surpassed more than $20 million in sales. In May of 2019, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, alongside Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, awarded Dupart with the honorary “Key to the City of New Orleans” and recognized her charitable contributions.
“Prayer is one of the biggest components to my success,” said Dupart, a single mother and the author of When The Miracle Drops, which details her career journey, along with her ability to overcome adversity, and create a business empire through clever marketing and branding strategies.
Tomorrow, Dupart will celebrate the grand reopening of Miracle Plaza on the 5900 block of Bullard Avenue – a joint venture that she took on with city councilmember Cyndi Nguyen.
Miracle Plaza is a 70,000-square foot strip mall that can house up to 50 businesses. Current tenants include salons, retailers, Blaze Bistro restaurant, and Baskin-Robbins.
After acquiring the sprawling space in March, Dupart gave it a “face lift” – a fresh coat of paint, small structural renovations, and landscaping details. Dupart is now working with the city to acquire a large sign that clearly represents the businesses inside the marketplace, and she is hoping to transform three vacant lots on the grounds into a brick and mortar businesses.
Dupart actually launched Kaleidoscope Hair Products inside Miracle Plaza, which she describes as the “largest economic development in the New Orleans East.”
“It’s been there for a little while,” she said. “I have some insight on how to bring people in and feed business. I personally have been working with my tenants to bring some insight on what can be changed and what can be done better.”
Dupart believes the revitalized property will inject revenue and value into the New Orleans East community, and create more exposure for the businesses within it.
The grand opening will take place during the inaugural SneauxBall Fest, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features sno-balls and food from local vendors, live entertainment, a car show, a dance competition, and games for kids.
“I’m so excited to host the 2019 SneauxBall Fest on the grounds of Miracle Plaza. July fourth isn’t just being noted as the launch of a new beginning for the marketplace. It is also a part of history as the host of this annual festival,” said Dupart. “To be able to bring more opportunities to the New Orleans East community with councilmember Nguyen and the SneauxBall Fest team is an honor.”
