Woman Forced at Gunpoint to Leave Salon in Water 5 Feet Deep After Katrina. She Spent 12 Years Trying to Reopen It (Exclusive)

Woman Forced to Leave Salon After Hurricane Katrina Reopens It 12 Years Later

Lynette Boutte, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, shares her harrowing experience of being forced to leave her salon at gunpoint after the storm hit New Orleans in August 2005. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Boutte recounts the events that led to her salon closure and the 12-year journey to reopen her beloved business.

When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005, Lynette Boutte, now 77, found herself in a terrifying situation. Just a day after the storm made landfall, armed men forced her and a group of women and children to evacuate the salon where they had sought shelter. The floodwaters had reached dangerous levels, prompting authorities to direct them to leave for their safety.

Forced to abandon her salon, Image Makers, Boutte faced a challenging road ahead. She spent over a decade fighting to reopen her salon in the Tremé neighborhood, where she had deep roots and a strong connection to the community. Despite the hardships and setbacks, Boutte remained determined to restore her business and return home. Her resilience and unwavering dedication are a testament to the spirit of New Orleans residents in the face of adversity.

Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, devastated New Orleans and claimed thousands of lives. The catastrophic storm left 80% of the city underwater and caused billions of dollars in damages. The National Geographic documentary series, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, sheds light on the realities of the disaster and the struggles faced by survivors like Boutte.

Born in the 1940s, Boutte had strong ties to her community and a thriving business that catered to local musicians and politicians. The salon was not just a place of work for her; it was a symbol of her heritage and commitment to her neighbourhood. Despite the challenges posed by Katrina and its aftermath, Boutte’s determination to rebuild and reopen her salon never wavered.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Boutte’s resilience and courage shone through as she navigated the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding. With a deep sense of pride and dedication to her community, she overcame numerous obstacles to realise her dream of reopening Image Makers. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

As Boutte reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the sacrifices and hardships she endured to reclaim her salon and return to her beloved neighbourhood. Her unwavering faith in the resilience of New Orleans and its people kept her going through the darkest times. Today, Lynette Boutte stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance, inspiring others to never give up on their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face.

The story of Lynette Boutte’s salon reopening after Hurricane Katrina serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy. Her determination to rebuild and restore her business is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of New Orleans. In the midst of devastation and loss, Boutte’s journey stands as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.