Mardi Gras Decorators | Our Company History

Mardi Gras Decorators

4375 Michoud Blvd

New Orleans, LA 70445

Phone: (504) 253-5085

Fax: (504) 253-5086

Rachel and Tate Elsensohn

Owners and Proprietors of Mardi Gras Decorators, L.L.C

Growing up around Mardi Gras, Rachel always knew the carnival industry was a part of her life. She entered the carnival business in 1989, refining her art experience at one of Mardi Gras’s premier float builders, Massett and Co. Inc., under the guidance of Mr. Louis Massett.

Rachel was a part of Massett and Co. Inc, which was in operation for more than 30 years. While receiving extensive training at Massett and Co. Inc., Rachel attended the University of New Orleans, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. During her college years, Rachel spent much of her time refining the art of paper machier. Rachel spent her final semester working on an intern program through the University of New Orleans at Massett and Company and here she began her grooming for learning the administration part of the business. She was allowed to attend meetings with customers and learn how to negotiate deals and also developed relationships with Massett and Company’s customers. She also gained experience in dealing with employees and what it takes to make the business run.

Upon graduation, Rachel joined Massett and Co. Inc. full time as Office manager and all around assistant to the owner. As time went on and new responsibilities came about Rachel eventually learned the business inside and out. The business was growing in leaps and bounds so more operational help was needed. This is where Tate Elsensohn Rachel’s husband joined the team. Rachel, Tate and Mr. Louis Massett ran this business together for about 6 years. Rachel had dreamed of being part of Mardi Gras as a child and now vowed to carry on the traditions that Mr. Massett and instilled and hoped to one day take the business on as her own.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Rachel returned to New Orleans in October 2005 determined to ensure that Mardi Gras would continue as scheduled for the 2006 150th Mardi Gras celebration. Despite several obstacles, she, Tate and Mr. Louis worked effortlessly, along with a skeletal crew of artists in their Press Street den, to fulfill all customer commitments. They did this without electricity or plumbing facilities for the entire season leading up to Mardi Gras. The 2006 Mardi Gras celebration reflects some of their best floats yet for the Krewe of Caesar and Krewe of Carrollton. After the 2006 Mardi Gras season, Mr. Louis retired and sold the business to Rachel and Tate for them to succeed as a new generation of carnival decorators.

In August 2006, Mardi Gras Decorators was born, with Rachel and Tate leading the way. They moved their facilities to New Orleans East in a fully, renovated warehouse. To date, Rachel and Tate continue to thrive in the float building and decorating business and have expanded the business to include decorating and signage for area parks, businesses, casinos, and special events.

Rachel remains committed to quality, value, and excellence to her customers. Her work and artists have appeared on the pages of The New York Times, The Times Picayune, and USA Today to name a few.

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