Young Store Owner and Student: A Balancing Act in Baton Rouge

In the heart of Baton Rouge, a young entrepreneur named Macie Smith is making waves. At just 23, she's a full-time student at Southern University and the owner of a beauty supply store called Luxurious Lookz. This isn't your average student job; Macie opened her shop six months ago with a mission to celebrate Black hair and beauty. "I want everyone to feel appreciated and matter when it comes to the products they need," Macie said. She aims to create a positive atmosphere for her customers, helping them find the right products within their budgets.Balancing school and business isn't easy. Macie is studying finance to make smart business decisions. She has one year left until graduation and admits that the juggling act has taught her discipline. "You can't be like everyone else, going out every day. You have to prioritize," she said. Faith plays a big role in Macie's life. She believes her success is due to keeping God at the center of everything she does. "When He's in the center, everything falls into place," she said. Despite the challenges, Macie is already planning to expand her store to a larger location.