Page 140 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2021

Theresa Lacy and
Wendy deBen
GULF COAST HOME
317 Ulman Ave., Bay St. Louis
(228) 344-3146 | IG: @gulfcoasthome
Who or what inspired you to pursue your current career?
It was absolute serendipity – it all just fell into place at the exact right time. We always wanted to own a home interior store since we were little girls, but we never thought it was possible since I had a career in New Orleans and Theresa was living in Houston. Then COVID happened and we both decided to make Bay St. Louis our full-time home again and saw a wonderful building for sale. We made a quick decision and couldn’t be happier.
What I like best about what I do is:
We love coming to work every day and seeing our customers who are like family to us. This is certainly our happy place, and we always want it to be for our customers as well.
Advice I would give to young female entrepreneurs:
Always do what you love to do and you will never work a day in your life! Plus, live a grateful life, always.
Rebeca Fairley
PANACHE APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
9364 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, MS 228.822.0120
Find us on Facebook @panachegpt
Rebeca Fairley opened Panache Apparel & Accessories almost 15 years ago and has since built a thriving business with dedicated customers. The store is known for its trendy styles that suit women of all ages, but what really sets it apart is its staff.
“We get to know each of our customers’ individual styles, their likes and dislikes,” says Fairley. “When they come in, it’s like shopping with a friend. We make recommendations and can show them things that will make them look and feel great. We are very focused on making sure everyone has an outstanding personalized experience.”
Fairley has always had a passion for clothing and accessories ever since she was a young girl. “It came as no surprise to my parents that I went to college for fashion merchandising at Southern Miss,” she said. “After interning with Saks in Birmingham and working as a sales manager with Parisian at the Galleria Mall, I knew it was time to turn my dreams into a reality.”
Fifteen years later, her dream is still alive and well, and better than ever.
140 | September 2021 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living