Anne's Background
Anne Milneck is the owner of Red Stick Spice Company. Originally from LaPlace, Louisiana, Anne has lived in Baton Rouge for more than 20 years. She studied journalism at LSU and earned a culinary degree from the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University.
What Anne Believes
"I believe in home cooking. I believe the simple act of home cooking is key to happiness and health. And I believe in home cooks." Helping customers make the most of their purchases and their time in the kitchen is Anne's main goal. Whether it's taco night for the family or a six course dinner party, every meal deserves quality ingredients. Little Cooking 101 lessons go on each day in the store-it's Anne's favorite part of the job. Anne says, "You can't let the mishaps derail your efforts. Press on. Tomorrow is a new day with new ingredients and a new shot as deliciousness." For Anne, cooking represents happiness and family and comfort and joy. She wants everyone to feel the same way when they step up to the stove. Armed with solid recipes, quality ingredients and sound advice, anyone can cook.
Why Anne Teaches
Anne tells this story: "I was listening to a business podcast about how many entrepreneurs were living out their childhood dreams. It said, 'Think back to pretend play as a child. Chances are you're doing that now.' I nearly drove off the road. As a child, I pretended I was Julia Child and did cooking shows on my porch." Fast forward. Today, grown-up Anne teaches 12+ cooking classes per month. Customers can take part in skill-building classes like Knife Skills and Pastry Basics or explore the world in classes like Marrakesh Express and My Big Fat Greek Cooking Class. Anne adds, "A cooking class is a great way to hone your culinary skills, and it's also a great way to connect. I've watched friendships bloom and relationships get stronger. All that plus a delicious meal."
Anne's Podcast
I'm a podcast nerd. That was Anne's answer to the why podcast query. However, after taking the mic, Anne realized she had a lot to say about home cooking and folks were listening, downloading and sharing. Smidgen is a fact and fun-filled podcast custom tuned for the home cook. Give it a listen. And then tell your friends.
Anne's Community Connections
Red Stick Spice Company prides itself on being an active community partner. Anne explains their philanthropic support this way, "There are so many worthy organizations in our area. The need is tremendous. As a small business owner, I had to make careful decisions on where to place our support."
The decision for Anne to shift the majority of her personal and business charitable contributions to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation came in 2016 with her son Clay's diagnosis of severe Crohn's disease. Since then Anne has served as the local chapter president and invests her resources in raising awareness for this incurable auto-immune disease.
Red Stick Spice Company also chose LSU Health, Mid City Merchants Association and WRKF as part of their philanthropic plan. Anne explained, "These organizations speak to our core values of supporting home cooks, embracing our community and telling valuable stories." Read more about Red Stick Spice Company's Community Partners here.