Page 46 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2022

Face of Spice & Tea Merchants
FERNANDO MARTINEZ
The pandemic brought about a change of occupation for Fernando Martinez. The Dallas native, who moved to Ocean Springs in 2020, started Spice and Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs while on job furlough with plenty of time on his hands.
“I tell myself Icando better, butIdo say it can
“I had time to think about what to do next,” he recalls. “I had thoughts of a spice and tea store but when some minor research and a few phone calls turned into an actual opportunity, I had to decide. So I went for it.”
always”
Meeting, talking and ultimately getting to know people are what he most enjoys about the business. For him, the people are the selling point for South Mississippi. “People are so nice and friendly here.”
Martinez is happy to donate to local auctions, fundraisers and non-profits. He enjoys fishing, reading, drawing and spending time with his dogs – a goldendoodle, wheaton terrier and sheepadoodle.
He says his friends describe him as quiet, sarcastic, dependable and hard working.
Spice & Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs 630A Washington Ave., Ocean Springs www.spicemerchants.biz | 228.215.3239
be worse.
— Fernando Martinez
Faces of W.P. Shelton Jewelers
CATHY SHELTON REED AND DIANNE REED MURRAY
W.P. Shelton Jewelers has been in business for over 75 years. Cathy Shelton Reed and her daughter Dianne Reed Murray are the proud owners of the establishment.
Reed’s father, W.P., started the business back
in 1945. The best part of the job is seeing the happiness a piece of jewelry can bring a person. “We love transforming an old family heirloom into a new heirloom that will continue to be passed through generations,” they say.
Reed and Murray understand that every customer that walks through their door is different. “We put a lot of time and effort into each project, from simple to complex,” they explain. “Each person has a different budget and idea of what their piece of jewelry should be. We hope all of our customers feel that they get a unique experience when they shop with us.”
1516 Government St., Ocean Springs www.wpsheltonjewelers.com 228.875.4842
46 | January 2022 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living