New Orleans, Louisiana – a city where history whispers through the wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter and music pulses through every corner. It’s a city that births creativity, resilience, and charm. Among the vibrant tapestry of personalities that make New Orleans such a dynamic place, one name is beginning to gain recognition: Carlina Garner. A native daughter of New Orleans, Carlina represents the new generation of leaders, creatives, and change-makers helping shape the city’s future while honoring its past.
In this in-depth feature, we explore the life, vision, and growing influence of Carlina Garner — a woman whose story is as unique as the city she calls home.
A Native of the Crescent City
Carlina Garner was born and raised in the heart of New Orleans, LA. Growing up in the historic Treme neighborhood, one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the United States, Carlina was surrounded by rich culture and deep community roots from an early age. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her a love of learning, history, and service. Her grandmother, a jazz singer in the 1970s, introduced her to the rhythms and soul of New Orleans music.
“Growing up in New Orleans, you don’t just hear music—you feel it,” Carlina once said in an interview. “It’s in the street parades, in the church choirs, even in how we talk. That energy never leaves you.”
Carlina’s early experiences shaped her identity and set the stage for her future path—combining creativity, entrepreneurship, and community activism.
Early Life in New Orleans
Carlina Garner was born and raised in the culturally rich neighborhood of Treme, one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the United States. Surrounded by music, art, and tradition, she was raised in a household that valued education, expression, and community service.
Influences That Shaped Her:
- Her mother and father, both school teachers
- Her grandmother, a former jazz singer
- Local cultural events like second-line parades and neighborhood cookouts
Carlina says, “In New Orleans, culture isn’t something you learn—it’s something you live.”
Education and the Seeds of Entrepreneurship
After graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School, Carlina earned a full scholarship to the Xavier University of Louisiana, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
During college, she:
- Volunteered with community outreach groups
- Organized mentorship programs for local youth
- Led clean-up efforts and school supply drives post-Hurricane Katrina
These early efforts in service and leadership planted the seed for what would become her life’s work: blending business with purpose.
Launching Garner Goods & Co.
In 2016, Carlina launched her flagship brand, Garner Goods & Co. This New Orleans-based lifestyle brand began as a home fragrance line but grew into something much more—a community-driven movement.
What Makes Garner Goods & Co. Unique:
- Local Sourcing: Ingredients and materials are sourced from Louisiana-based suppliers.
- Cultural Storytelling: Every product is connected to New Orleans’ history and culture.
- Artist Collaborations: Local musicians, painters, and designers help shape collections.
- Sustainability Focus: Eco-friendly packaging and processes.
- Community Workshops: Events for local youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Signature products include:
- “Café Beignet” Candles
- “Treme Twilight” Room Sprays
- Handmade Journals with Local Artwork
Carlina’s Role as a Community Advocate
More than a business owner, Carlina has become an outspoken voice for the people of New Orleans. She addresses issues that affect everyday residents, particularly in Black and underserved communities.
Key Causes She Champions:
- Affordable Housing: Advocates for preserving historic homes and fighting gentrification.
- Youth Empowerment: Hosts talks and mentorship sessions in local schools.
- Cultural Preservation: Works with local groups to protect NOLA’s music and art history.
In 2020, she co-founded the NOLA Mutual Aid Network, a volunteer-led organization helping families during the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative provided:
- Grocery delivery to elders
- Emergency supplies for displaced workers
- Mental health resources
This work earned her the Emerging Civic Leader Award from the Urban League of Louisiana.
The Birth of “Garner Goods & Co.”
In 2016, Carlina founded Garner Goods & Co., a lifestyle brand rooted in New Orleans culture, sustainability, and Black empowerment. What began as a line of hand-poured candles inspired by the scents of the city—jasmine, magnolia, praline, beignet—quickly expanded into a full-fledged product line that included home goods, apparel, art, and wellness items.
Her brand quickly gained attention for its authentic storytelling and commitment to sourcing materials locally. Each product came with a story—about the scent, the culture it referenced, or the local artist behind its design.
Garner Goods & Co. also carved a niche for itself by collaborating with local artisans, hosting pop-up events in collaboration with musicians and chefs, and offering workshops in creative entrepreneurship for youth in the area.
“Garner Goods isn’t just about selling stuff,” Carlina explained in a podcast interview. “It’s about preserving the stories of our city and creating a sustainable path forward for the people who live here.”
A Voice for the Community
Carlina’s entrepreneurial success didn’t happen in a vacuum. She has consistently used her platform to speak on issues affecting New Orleanians, particularly housing inequality, education gaps, and post-Katrina redevelopment.
She’s been a vocal advocate for preserving the cultural integrity of historic neighborhoods, many of which have faced gentrification and displacement. In partnership with local city planners and historical preservation groups, she’s led forums, panels, and campaigns aimed at responsible development and inclusive growth.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlina launched the NOLA Mutual Aid Network, connecting volunteers with families in need. Her leadership during that time was widely praised, and she was honored with the Emerging Civic Leader Award by the Urban League of Louisiana.
Art, Music, and the Soul of the City
While business and activism are core to Carlina Garner’s public persona, she is also deeply embedded in the creative pulse of New Orleans. A lifelong lover of jazz, she plays the saxophone in a community band and often incorporates music into her brand’s events.
She has curated several art shows showcasing the work of young Black artists in New Orleans, with an emphasis on storytelling through visual media. In 2022, she co-produced a mini-documentary series titled “Soul of the South”, which spotlighted five multigenerational New Orleans families and their cultural contributions to the city.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She’s been profiled in local magazines, featured in Essence and The Root, and even recognized by the mayor’s office for her “significant contributions to the cultural and economic fabric of New Orleans.”
A Creative Force in the Arts
Creativity is central to Carlina’s identity. Outside of business, she’s active in New Orleans’s arts scene.
Her Artistic involvement Include:
- Playing saxophone in a community jazz band
- Curating visual art shows for young Black artists
- Producing a documentary series: “Soul of the South”
This 2022 documentary highlighted five families and their contributions to New Orleans’s cultural legacy. It aired on local PBS affiliates and was picked up by several film festivals nationwide.
Carlina has been featured in:
- Essence Magazine
- The Root
- WWNO Public Radio
- Gambit Weekly
Mentorship Through The Garner Foundation
In 2023, Carlina took her commitment to the next level by founding the Garner Foundation. Its mission is to inspire and educate young women of color through access, mentorship, and skill development.
The Foundation Offers:
- Scholarships for local students
- Summer camps on creative entrepreneurship
- Small business incubators for teens and early-20s entrepreneurs
- Leadership training programs in partnership with local colleges
Carlina says, “If we want lasting change in our communities, we have to invest in the people who live there—especially young women.”
Already, dozens of young women have graduated from the foundation’s programs, with several going on to launch small businesses in fashion, wellness, and tech.
Plans for the Future
Carlina continues to dream big for both her business and her city.
What’s Next for Carlina Garner:
- Opening a Flagship Store: Scheduled for late 2025 in the Marigny district. It will serve as both a retail space and a community center.
- Expanding Product Lines: Including wellness teas, herbal skincare, and artisan accessories.
- Launching a Podcast: Focused on stories of Southern resilience and creativity.
- Nationwide Retail Partnerships: Bringing Garner Goods to Boutique Shops Across the South.
Despite the growth, Carlina insists she’ll never leave New Orleans:
“This city raised me. Every success I have is because of its people, its rhythm, its spirit.”
Recognition and Awards
Carlina’s work has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has collected several accolades that highlight her contributions to culture, business, and public service.
Selected Honors:
- 2020 Urban League Civic Leader Award
- 2022 Women in Business Trailblazer (New Orleans Biz Magazine)
- 2023 Louisiana Rising Innovator Award
- 2024 Feature in Forbes’ “30 Black Founders to Watch”
Why Carlina Garner Matters
Carlina Garner isn’t just building a business—she’s building a legacy. At a time when authenticity is often sacrificed for visibility, she’s remained rooted in her community, focused on impact, and deeply in tune with the heartbeat of New Orleans.
Her Lasting Impact:
- Elevated local voices and stories through art and products
- Empowered youth through education and mentorship
- Fostered economic opportunities in historically underserved areas
- Preserved and celebrated New Orleans’ cultural soul
She’s part of a new wave of leaders redefining what success looks like—not just in terms of profit but in terms of purpose.
Final Thoughts
Carlina Garner is more than just a name gaining traction in New Orleans—she’s a symbol of the city’s future—a future where culture is respected, creativity is celebrated, and community is prioritized.
Her work reminds us that:
- You don’t need to leave home to create global change.
- Business can—and should—be a tool for empowerment.
- Real leadership comes from listening, showing up, and giving back.
As New Orleans evolves, innovators like Carlina will ensure it stays true to its roots. Her journey is far from over, but already, she’s becoming one of the city’s most influential and inspiring voices.
