Muriel Lewis is the owner and operator of Studio 523 Barber and Beauty Salon for the past 10 years plus. She is a graduate of Academy of Hair Design, licensed in Cosmetology and also a graduate from Katie’s Barber School as a Master Barber and licensed Barber Instructor. Ms. Lewis has been in the beauty industry for over 35 years and during that time she has worked for the State Board of Barbers as an inspector and she has owned 4 salons, including one in the French Quarter. Ms. Lewis was also responsible for the development of the Tulane University Apprenticeship Program under the NCUC HANO Program, as well as being the Founder and President of “Teens of Unity,” a non profit organization focused on mentoring over 100 teenage girls based in District E. After Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Lewis was nominated to be the President of the National Association of Katrina Evacuees in which she was the liaison between New Orleans and Washington, D.C. fighting for just policies and procedures on behalf of the evacuees. Today, Ms. Lewis is the President of District E Business Alliance aka D.E.B.A where she and her team are driven on helping the local businesses in District E.

Andre Gonzaque, a Louisiana Native for over 20 years, following in his family’s footsteps of entrepreneurship, developed a passion for the “people business.” Mr. Gonzaque sought out ways that he could empower those with dreams to start their own business and from that vision he developed Gonzaque Business Consulting, LLC. GBC quickly became a premier source for managerial consulting. Today, Mr. Gonzaque has expanded his business to the Greater New Orleans, District E area and he has taken his knowledge and teamed with D.E.B.A with the goal to help those aspiring business owners to be able to get the education and information they need to become key contributors to our local and state economy.