Lagniappe: The New Orleans Mindset That Changes Everything
How a Little Something Extra Can Transform Creativity, Business, and Everyday Life
New Orleans has a way of teaching you things without you even realizing it. I’ve been there plenty of times—wandering the French Quarter, eating my weight in po’boys—but on my most recent trip, I learned a new lesson wrapped in an old Louisiana tradition: lagniappe.
I had heard the word before but never gave it much thought. It wasn’t until my bandmates, who grew up in New Orleans, brought it up that I really started to understand.
What is Lagniappe?
Pronounced lan-yap, it’s a Creole word meaning “a little something extra.” It’s that extra beignet tossed in your bag at Café du Monde, the unexpected dessert on the house at a mom-and-pop restaurant, or a musician in the French Quarter throwing in a bonus song just because the vibe feels right.
But lagniappe isn’t just about freebies—it’s a mindset. It’s the idea that giving a little more than expected isn’t just good hospitality, it’s a way of life.
A Culture of Generosity
In New Orleans, lagniappe is woven into the city’s spirit. It’s why bartenders pour just a little extra into your drink, why street performers go all out, and why conversations with strangers turn into lifelong friendships. People there understand that small, thoughtful gestures don’t just create a moment—they build a culture.
This way of thinking isn’t about excess; it’s about generosity. It’s the belief that a little extra effort, a little extra kindness, can turn the ordinary into something special.
How Lagniappe Fuels Creativity & Entrepreneurship
This mindset is gold for creatives and entrepreneurs. When you add lagniappe to your work—whether you’re a musician, writer, artist, or business owner—you’re creating something that stands out.
Musicians who give their audience more than expected—an extra song, a spontaneous solo, a heartfelt interaction—are the ones people remember. Writers who put extra care into their storytelling make their readers feel something deeper. Entrepreneurs who offer their customers more than they paid for build loyalty that lasts.
That little extra, given with heart, is what turns good into great. It transforms a simple transaction into an experience worth talking about.
Every Day is a Celebration
Lagniappe reminded me of something I always say: EVERY day is a celebration. It’s not just about the big milestones—it’s about finding joy in the small, unexpected moments. It’s about giving a little extra to the world, not because you have to, but because you can.
That’s what New Orleans does best. And that’s what we can all take with us, wherever we go.
So here’s to lagniappe—to the little things that make life richer, fuller, and worth celebrating.
Astro Joe Garcia
Give It Up - Lee Dorsey
If lagniappe had a soundtrack, “Give It Up” by Lee Dorsey would be on it. The song is pure New Orleans—funky, feel-good, and effortlessly generous in its groove. It’s a song that doesn’t just play; it gives. From the tight horn section to Dorsey’s smooth, laid-back vocals, there’s an undeniable lagniappe spirit in the way it moves. It’s about letting go, sharing joy, and offering up a little extra soul just because you can. Like the best moments in New Orleans, it reminds us that life is better when we give freely—whether it’s music, kindness, or just a little more than expected.