Page 107 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

April Bullock Burks
Love, Ivy Boutique
Having a passion for fashion made opening a boutique a natural for April Bullock Burks. She opened her first shop 17 years ago, and now owns Love, Ivy Boutique, which has been thriving for
11 years. “Knowing that my friends, family and customers have supported my dream for so long, makes all the hard times worth it,” she says. “Being a woman in business is hard, especially when I was only 24 starting my business, an age when a lot of people don’t take you seriously. But with time and lots of hard work, I have proven myself as not only a business owner but a leader in the community.”
Burks’ love of fashion started with designing and making clothes for her Barbie dolls with left over fabric from her mom’s fabric shop. “And knowing how amazing the right outfit can make you feel,
I believe this inspired me to be in the fashion industry.”
She learned at an early age that confidence is something many women struggle with. “I knew
I wanted to work in an industry where I could
help with this problem. Through clothing and friendships made with my customers, I am able
to dress women in outfits that make them feel amazing. My husband and my son continue to inspire me daily to be the best business owner I can be.”
Getting to know her customers on a friendship level is what Burks enjoys most and getting to dress them for big life events gives her joy.
Community over competition is why Burks supports woman-owned businesses. “We are all here to have a career in something we are passionate about and supporting other woman- owned businesses helps our community.”
It might be surprising to learn that Burkes worked at Walt Disney World for three years before opening her first boutique.
914 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.354.8499 | www.loveivyboutique.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2023 | 107