Page 48 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2022

Faces of Service
JOSH AND AMBER LORD
Living by their motto, “Faith Over Fear,” Amber and Joshua Lord opened their own businesses around their love of food and serving others. They’ve been through a pandemic which rocked both businesses a bit, but living by their motto, they have grown stronger and continue to serve their customers.
Amber, who owns Salon Rouge on Washington Avenue, and Joshua, the proprietor of Blue Dog Bistro on Government Street, were high school sweethearts who have been married for 11 years. Today, the two have three pit bull fur babies. “They are definitely our children and are spoiled rotten!” Amber jokes.
Since opening Salon Rouge 13 years ago, Amber has developed a very loyal customer base. “After working a few jobs in different areas when I was younger, I figured out that life would be much better if my career was something that I loved,” said Amber. “That made it easy, because my only interests were fashion, hair, and makeup. So here I am! And I definitely love it.”
Her salon offers an array of services from haircuts and color to eyebrow microblading and lash lifts. She also styles hair and makeup for events and weddings.
Josh started in the restaurant industry when he was teenager as a grill cook, and later earned his bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hotel management. He spent years working for another restaurant managing and opening new locations.
“I knew I had the experience to open my own restaurant, and with Amber’s support, I finally did it,” said Josh. “It’s always been my dream to have his own restaurant, and it’s finally a reality.”
Blue Dog Bistro is inspired by Josh’s passion for fresh food and love for animals. “We use nothing but fresh, local ingredients to give our guests the best food and service. Combined with our rustic/industrial-modern ambience, we can impress our guests on every visit.”
The restaurant is named for the Lord’s late dog, a blue Staffordshire terrier named Bluebell, who lost her battle with nasal cancer after eight months. Her will to live and fight for her loved ones has truly inspired Josh and Amber both. Bluebell will be missed, but remembered through this concept on a daily basis.
The two have always had a heart for serving others, which is one of the many things that drew them to Northwood Church. “Their mission matched our heart to serve and be involved in the community,” said Amber. “Teaming up with them, we are able to help local food pantries, the homeless, local nonprofits and organizations around the world.”
When they are not helping others, the couple enjoys traveling. “We take a lot of a vacations and decompress,” said Josh. “We take time off to live and enjoy life. Taking time off to spend with each other is really important to us.”
Blue Dog Bistro
1801 Government St. Ste. A, Ocean Springs www.bluedogbistro.com|228.447.4023
Salon Rouge
6905 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs www.salonrougems.com | 228.875.4233
48 | January 2022
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