Page 99 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2022

RYLEE CATES
EMBELLISH
900 B Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.234.0506
shopembellish@icloud.com
Who or what inspired you to pursue your current career? For as long as I remember, I have dreamed of owning a gift shop. I love giving thoughtful gifts and helping people find the perfect gifts for their occasion.
What I like best about what I do is: My favorite thing about owning a home decor and gift shop is building relationships with customers, helping them find the perfect piece for their home, or helping them pick out the best gift for their loved ones. When they are excited and feel good about their purchase, it makes me excited as well.
MICHELLE CHIASSON
COASTAL CONCIERGE, LLC
228.493.0236 | coastal.concierge@yahoo.com
“I was inspired to start my business because I saw the need. I wanted
to offer people a service that
would help them when coming on vacation, owning a vacation rental, or with their pets while they travel.
What I like best about what I do
is helping locals and visitors feel at ease. Short term rental owners rely on us to keep their rentals in perfect shape and ensure guests have a wonderful stay.
Advice I would give to young
female entrepreneurs would be to keep moving forward, even if you are told no!
I feel it is important to support other woman-owned businesses because we all need to stick together and network. Many of my business clients have been recommendations of other female entrepreneurs.
One of my favorite things to do on the Coast is enjoy a sunset! My absolute favorite restaurant is Half Shell in Gulfport...yum!
JACQUELINE SMITH
THE FASHION FACTORY
1311 25th Ave., Gulfport
228.284.4150
Facebook and Instragram @thefashionfactoryms
Abruptly losing her job during COVID made a big impact on Jacqueline Smith. It forced her to think about what she wanted the rest of her life
to look like. From that, The Fashion Factory was born, her boutique that sells women’s clothing of all sizes and accessories.
“I wanted to build a career that made me happy and helped to provide a future for my family,” Smith says. “I love being able to help women look and feel their best. It’s so fulfilling to see the changes on their faces when they put on something they love and feel great in.”
To other female entrepreneurs, she says “Go for it, even if it’s baby steps, just do it.”
She feels her greatest successes have been showing her children that you can take the steps to make a dream come true and working hard for what you want.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2022 | 99