Working lives within the time period

Among a number of Creoles, there was a strong affinity to the trades.

Creoles were skilled carpenters, stone masons, iron workers, seamstresses or tailors, wagon manufacturers
and repair, hatters, cigar makers, locksmiths, boat and sail makers; many more trades could count Creoles
within their ranks. Also within the working world were those referred to as specialistes, women mostly,
who engaged in massage, midwifery, herbal medicine or faith healing. These persons were frequently
older, unmarried or widowed women who by necessity worked for their living.

Many Creoles advanced themselves from the trades into land owning or other speculative activities.

François Dupard was yet another Creole type. His father was a shoemaker, but one
who saved and invested in Louisiana land and slaves. He purchased some of the
first slaves brought over by the traders operating the Company of the Indies. By the
end of the century [circa 1800], his son François had 100 slaves.
Monsieur Laussat, writing about his observations, found François unusual because unlike most Creoles,
he kept records of daily events. Also unlike most Creoles, François Dupard did not work. He lived off
his borrowings, which led to the sale of slaves every so often. According to
Laussat, Dupard's "head slaves were more masters of the house than he, himself.
As soon as we appeared, two little mulatto girls and one little mulatto boy, very nice and between
the ages of 9 and 16, changed the linen, set the table, and prepared the service. They lavished
attentions on us, waited upon us and courteously foresaw all of our needs. They were, one guessed,
the children of the master of the house."