Editor’s Note

Nobody is more surprised to read the following words than me, but here goes: This is my final issue as editor of Acadiana Profile. My husband and I are moving even farther south to the Fort Myers, Florida area, where I will assume the role as executive editor of a lovely magazine covering that region. It is bittersweet to leave Southwest Louisiana. I spent a long time yearning to come to this special place before we finally got here, but we are excited about a new adventure and plan to visit often. There isn’t enough space in this editor’s note to say everything I’d like to, so this is my attempt at keeping it brief.

The time I’ve spent as managing editor and editor of this publication has been an incredible experience. The people of Acadiana have taught this native Kentuckian so much, including that we have an awful lot in common from the way we gather, the food we eat and the music we create.

Meanwhile, I’ve had the great fortune to work with incredible writers, photographers, our copy editor Liz Clearman, sales executive Rebecca Taylor and the rest of the behind-the-scenes staff. However, and you probably don’t know this, but art director Sarah E.G. Majeste is the backbone of this magazine. (She will tell me to edit this out, but I won’t do it.) I could not have done this job without her creativity, generosity and insane work ethic. Sarah, you’ve made me a better editor. Thank you. From the beginning, I felt my role for this magazine and in Acadiana was one of stewardship. It was important for me to listen, immerse myself in the culture, tread lightly and turn to native Acadianians and the area’s experts to learn the people, history, traditions and rituals, and reflect that in the pages. My fingers are crossed that I achieved that goal.

I’ve loved hearing from those who have taken the time to email or call to tell me a story, point out an error or just say hello. If you want to stay in touch, you can find me on Instagram at @melaniewarnerspencer. I’m sure my replacement, the talented Reine Dugas, whom you will soon meet in these pages, will learn as quickly as I did that when you love Acadiana and its inhabitants, it and they love you back. Thank you for inviting me into your homes and lives for a few years. It enriched my life in more ways than I can count. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it.

Cheers!

Melanie Warner Spencer
Managing Editor
Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com