Rooted in Family and Rescue
Kimberly Begnaud is a proud mother and grandmother, animal advocate, and River Ranch resident who treasures her family, her community, and her mission to make a difference.
Tell us a little about yourself—where are you from, and how did you come to live in River Ranch?
I am from Eunice and grew up in Baton Rouge. I moved to Lafayette at 18, lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for several years, and then came home to stay. I have always loved this area in Lafayette. I lived in Rivergate for 14 years, and when I no longer needed a large home, Boss, Jinx, and I moved into a cottage—perfect for us. Having my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren on the next block is the real bonus!
I am from Eunice and grew up in Baton Rouge. I moved to Lafayette at 18, lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for several years, and then came home to stay. I have always loved this area in Lafayette. I lived in Rivergate for 14 years, and when I no longer needed a large home, Boss, Jinx, and I moved into a cottage—perfect for us. Having my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren on the next block is the real bonus!
Do you have pets? Tell us about them.
BossBaby, my Doberman, is my entertaining, bubble-chasing snuggle buddy. Jinx, my Siamese cat, loves BossBaby and definitely rules the household—she is all business! Petey, a Bengal cat, came with the new house; he’s a lover and very vocal. All my pets are rescues.
BossBaby, my Doberman, is my entertaining, bubble-chasing snuggle buddy. Jinx, my Siamese cat, loves BossBaby and definitely rules the household—she is all business! Petey, a Bengal cat, came with the new house; he’s a lover and very vocal. All my pets are rescues.
What is your occupation, and what inspired you to choose this career?
I graduated from ULL (formerly USL) with a degree in business management. I worked from home, managing our rental properties and mini-storage business. I loved the idea of working toward the goals my late husband and I shared, including an early retirement.
I graduated from ULL (formerly USL) with a degree in business management. I worked from home, managing our rental properties and mini-storage business. I loved the idea of working toward the goals my late husband and I shared, including an early retirement.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I love traveling, walking BossBaby as often as I can, being outdoors, spending time with my family, attending events around Lafayette with friends, and trying out new restaurants.
I love traveling, walking BossBaby as often as I can, being outdoors, spending time with my family, attending events around Lafayette with friends, and trying out new restaurants.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your personal or professional life?
I am most proud of my daughter, Raven, and all that she has overcome and accomplished. She is a wonderful mother, wife, my rock, and a pharmacist for CVS. I feel so blessed to be her mother.
I am most proud of my daughter, Raven, and all that she has overcome and accomplished. She is a wonderful mother, wife, my rock, and a pharmacist for CVS. I feel so blessed to be her mother.
I am also very proud of my work with Gulfcoast Doberman Rescue. I began volunteering in 1995, and it has been heartbreaking, horrific, wonderful, and heartwarming all at the same time. Knowing that I have provided so many of these beautiful, innocent creatures with a soft landing fills my heart.
Who inspires you, and why?
I am inspired by many, but my mother was my first inspiration. She was talented, smart, chic, and kind. She was a business owner, very civic-minded, and actively cared for those in need. She was incredibly independent, loved her family and friends, and could problem-solve like a pro. She lifted up everyone around her. I miss her deeply.
I am inspired by many, but my mother was my first inspiration. She was talented, smart, chic, and kind. She was a business owner, very civic-minded, and actively cared for those in need. She was incredibly independent, loved her family and friends, and could problem-solve like a pro. She lifted up everyone around her. I miss her deeply.
How are you involved in the community, or what causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about animal rescue, particularly Doberman rescue, but I’ll help any animal in need.
I am passionate about animal rescue, particularly Doberman rescue, but I’ll help any animal in need.
What advice would you give to other women looking to make an impact in their community or career?
There are so many ways to get involved in our community. Follow your interests, network with like-minded people, collaborate, and don’t give up.
There are so many ways to get involved in our community. Follow your interests, network with like-minded people, collaborate, and don’t give up.
Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that guides you in life?
I wake up and give thanks to God, then tell myself, “Today will be a good day.” I always strive to be kind and understanding because you never know what someone else may be going through.
I wake up and give thanks to God, then tell myself, “Today will be a good day.” I always strive to be kind and understanding because you never know what someone else may be going through.