Shreveport and Bossier City have no shortage of talent in the arts and entertainment scenes, with plenty of people who are dedicated to their craft and enriching the area.
As we chose our People to Watch, we searched for individuals whose talents shine brightly and have projects on the horizon that will bring new adventures and culture to our area. From feeding us, to creating new fashions and making Shreveport proud on the silver screen, here are the 2023 People to Watch in Arts and Entertainment.
Tki Francis
Fashion Designer, Owner of Real Gunkie Designs
Tki Francis was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but has been raised in Bossier City since the age of three and is known for her talents in fashion design. Francis graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies and launched her own fashion brand Real Gunkie in 2013.
“As young as 10 years old, I can remember sketching designs and by the time I reached high school, I definitely was known for how I dressed,” Francis said. “I would revamp my looks and my friends’ clothing by painting, cutting and bleaching our garments. I learned the basic sewing skills in home economics in high school and was able to advance my skills through courses in college. I’m still learning as a fashion designer, and I think there will always be a new skill or technique to learn when it comes to being a seamstress.”
Francis also finds importance in nurturing the next generation of fashion designers with her Real Gunkie Fashion Program which allows young designers to spend the day learning the ins and outs of the industry.
From competing at Shreveport’s own Fashion Prize to showing her designs on the New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week runways, Francis is just getting started. Francis has a lot to look forward to in 2023 like the annual Real Gunkie Fashion Festival in Shreveport-Bossier, a new collection and more fashion events every quarter.
Finnegan Collins
Award-Winning Filmmaker and Actor
Finnegan Collins, 14, was born in England and lived in North Carolina before moving to his mother’s hometown of Shreveport when he was in the third grade. Collins has been a part of the Stage Center School of Performing Arts and for many years before trying his hand at directing in Film Prize Jr. in 2021 and was a finalist in this year’s Film Prize.
“My favorite thing is to create something, whether it’s a drawing, a story, a performance, a song or a film,” said Collins. “It might not be the best thing in the world, but at the end of the day, I can point at it and say ‘Hey, I did that!'”
Collins has received several accolades over the years including the Duke Tip Writing Award for his short story that was chosen among other entries across the country, the All-Star Award at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Best Animation and Best Film for Night of the Living Chest Hair at Film Prize Jr. and more.
As for the future, Collins is focused on constantly trying new things. He is currently trying out writing his own music and hopes to have a cohesive album finished sometime in 2023. Collins has also joined the Teen Film Council at the Robinson Film Center to sharpen his filmmaking skills.
Brandon Sooter
Executive Chef at Bella Fresca
Brandon Sooter was born in Marshall, Texas and has spent the last 20 years making a name for himself in the Shreveport culinary scene. He began cooking after his parents divorced to help his mom out and never really stopped. He worked his way up through the kitchen ranks before making a name for himself in the community.
“It’s just something I’ve always fallen back on,” said Sooter. “I love to entertain and be around people, it’s just natural. I might not be the most technical chef yet, but I always try to be the most creative flavor-wise and I try to bring something that people haven’t experienced before.”
For now, you can experience Sooter’s creativity on the plates he creates at Bella Fresca. Sooter is known to frequently visit the tables inside the restaurant to get feedback on the meal and the patron’s experience.
While Sooter has thought about opening his own restaurant someday, for now he’s happy with staying at Bella Fresca and slowly revamping its menu. Additionally, Sooter is working to get his specialty sauces and remoulade in local stores for everyone to be able to enjoy.
Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com
