Page 96 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2021

Our greatest successes have been:
Harrison-McDowell: My greatest success has been raising two incredible daughters while having a full-time business. The flexibility
of owning my own business allowed me to prioritize what is important at any given moment.
Stage: I feel the same way about my two boys. They are healthy and happy. I have
had several jobs and professions, and I drug them through each one. I think they picked up lots of experiences along the way that have given them an appreciation for working with purpose.
What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
Harrison-McDowell: I am a 25-year cancer survivor and I’ve been struck by lightning. Some of my friends believe that’s what fried my cancer!
Stage: In college, Maya Angelou was one of my professors, my mentor, and friend. Outside of family, she made the greatest impact on my life.
What moment from your life made the biggest impact on your career?
Harrison-McDowell: Being asked to partner in a retail shop when I was just 19 years old and a student at LSU. I worked to own 1/4 of a furniture store called “Space Designers.” It took away any fear of failure.
Stage: I don’t think there has been one moment, but a series of moments with some graceful women in my life that have made the biggest impact on me. From my grandmother who told me I could do anything, to the close friend who told me I needed to meet Holly Harrison.
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine Holly Harrison-McDowell
and Shannon Stage
SASSY BIRD INTERIORS
112 S 2nd St., Bay St Louis 225-603-6263 | www.sassybirdinteriors.com