Meet Tracey Broussard | Writer & Martial Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Broussard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
When your work stems from love, you can’t lose. Everything and everyone is connected and paying it forward is the greatest of paychecks.

Love of karate and wanting to see our virtues and techniques archived gave me the courage to start a small publishing company. My graphic designer, Melissa, became interested in karate while working on our books and became my student. She got to know some of our physician black belts and changed her college major. She is now a family medicine doctor with the V.A.. Rebekah was my karate student who proofread our books. She fell in love with martial arts and consequently felt the military was her calling. Rebekah served in Afghanastan and was named Chaplain of the Year in the U.S. Army. Joy, the sweetest grandma, used to bring her granddaughter to class. She mustered the courage to not only begin training herself, but to become a voice in her community. Joy was voted mayor of Hallandale and now serves on the city commission. My son, Sam, was forced to attend karate as a child. After college he traveled to China to train in Kung-Fu and was given the rank of Golden Eagle, an honor rarely given to outsiders. He continued his training as a student of Muay Thai and Jujitsu in Thailand. The circle was completed when Sam convinced me to take his kickboxing classes. Multiple students in his class have pulled me aside to tell me how his training is helping them not only feel stronger, but to deal with their anxiety. Sam teaches with love and ends each class with a self-love affirmation. The student has become the teacher. There can be no greater reward.

My love of food and drinks led me to publish a culinary anthology, which led to columns in the Sun-Sentinel food section. An editor gave me a shot at a cocktail column, which led to my continued writing about cocktails for both Instagram and Alcoholprofessor.com.

Love of cooking and mixology necessitates that I entertain my friends and family frequently. My grandkids have been in the kitchen with me since they could crawl. The oldest, Remy, is ten. She was spotted on my Instagram with a pie, and asked to audition for a cooking competition. That audition didn’t bear fruit in the traditional sense, but it inspired both of us to up her game. She has gone on this year to win an Instagram competition from Juanita Foods, then to win a $5000 scholarship as the Florida Future Chef Champion. My own cooking has improved tenfold as I struggled to help Remy improve hers.

My small publishing company has never made much money but the opportunities that stemmed from taking that risk are priceless. My first time authors, Nina Romano and Haya Pomrenze continue to be voices in the literary community, authoring other books and winning awards. Recently I published my high-school drama teacher’s book on becoming a professional actor. It’s called Tips From A Talent Agent. Dr. Hale became a talent agent after many years of teaching drama. Her passion and her love have resulted in a multitude of acting jobs for her former students and clients. Love, connection and paying it forward. It’s all there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
On any given day what I am most proud or excited about changes. The excitement lies in facing new challenges. During the past few weeks I was chaperoning my granddaughter, Remy, at an intensive competition. I was unable to leave the premises so during that time I worked on a series of cocktails that I posted to Instagram. I had a blast researching the different ingredients and their stories – medicinal, mythological, whatever. I learned a lot and had fun doing it. That, to me, is key.

The founder of our karate style, Grandmaster Joseph Kelljchian, used to say, “I’m not going if I can’t have fun.”

Searching for fun in challenging circumstances can be hard but boy is the payoff huge.

I have worked as a flight attendant for a major airline for decades. The creative things I do – publishing, martial arts, writing – generate some income, but not enough to make a living. I utilize my day job – flying – to pay the bills and enhance my passions via my layovers and the people I meet along the way.

I find new food and drinks to write about when visiting other cities. Sometimes I visit dojos or martial arts supply stores or use the hotel gyms to practice techniques. I share self-defense tips with other crew members and try to really be in the moment no matter where I am. Do I enjoy picking up people’s trash on the airplane or dealing with an arrogant passenger? No. But my day job affords me the opportunity to not only be humble but to be of service in a graceful manner. A fair trade, I think.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A trip to Books & Books in Coral Gables is a must. Drop in to browse the best collection of books anywhere and have a bite at the outstanding cafe. Stay for one of the many literary events. The calendar is a veritable who’s who’s of the writing world. Enjoy a reading or discussion from an author you love or discover a new love. One of the coolest things about Books & Books is that they have always fostered and supported local talent.

Flamingo Gardens is another favorite spot of mine. Located in Davie, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida. It consists of over 60 acres of lush gardens and fascinating wildlife sanctuary. I love to stroll under the canopy of trees and lose myself in the collection of rare and exotic plants. It’s one of my go-to places when I need a reset.

Don’t miss the sunset at Holiday Park. Gateway to the Everglades, you can take an airboat ride here and spend time in our river of grass. Alligators abound and the Gator Boys perform in live alligator shows to the oohs and aahs of the spectators. The real star to me, though, is the sunset. Check your phone for sunset times, grab a bottle of bubbly and go sit on top of a picnic table. It’s one of the greatest free shows on Earth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out to my Sensei, Master Michelle Darbro, for teaching me on my incredible karate journey. Another big thank you goes to the professors of Florida International University’s Creative Writing Program. They have created a loving environment that both challenges and fosters growth. Last but not least is my amazing family. They are my everything.

Website: www.thebigeasycook.com

Instagram: tracey.broussard

Linkedin: Tracey Broussard

Facebook: Tracey Broussard