Page 111 - South Mississippi Living - Ocotber, 2022

Sydney Harris, owner. The new location of Chandeleur Outfitters in the historic Lovelace Drugs Building.
As a retail specialist and entrepreneur, Harris was excited the renowned building offered higher ceilings and 3,000 square feet of retail space for all the clothing, shoes, hats, and accessories but wasn’t too sure what to do with an awkward and random backroom. Not until she had a grand idea that is – turn it into an Airbnb that’s right smack in the middle of the downtown shopping, bar, and restaurant district.
“It was perfect to turn into a short-term rental,” Harris said. “The room was just in a weird position to add on as part of the store. It’s in the perfect location for anyone wanting to stay and experience downtown Ocean Springs and it’s just steps away from everything downtown has to offer.”
There was already an exterior door for the room so Harris had a team enclose two doors on the inside and add new floors, fresh paint, and updates to the bathroom that include a shower to complete the rental space.
Harris wanted to modernize the building while preserving
the integrity of the landmark that has been an Ocean Springs staple since the 1940s and still has old-school residents telling stories about the former soda fountain café that was frequented by Elvis Presley, who reportedly loved the cream soda.
“We have met so many wonderful customers and tourists since being downtown,” she said. “Gaining the Lovelace Drugs building last December was definitely the icing on the cake. I feel so blessed that I get to do this every single day.”
Since being in the bigger building, the Washington Avenue outfitter has added additional merchandise and has something for anyone headed for an exciting escapade or just a leisurely stroll. You’ll find brands such as Southern Tide, Southern Marsh, Patagonia, The North Face, Olukai, Kuhl, Maui Jim, Coasta Del Mar, Ray Ban, Vineyard Vines, HUK, Over Under, and more.
“We can buy a lot more inventory and merchandise in this better location,” she said. “Our numbers have skyrocketed with the amount of inventory and brands we offer. Sometimes I feel like I can't keep up.”
Thankfully, she has lots of help.
“I feel really blessed to have the group I have,” she said. “I think I can speak for many business owners on the Coast. Finding good help is hard. I feel that I have a really good team and they are always ready when I throw a new project or idea on them.”
And she has her family involved, too. Her mom helps with outgoing payments and merchandise reorders while her stepmother takes care of employee payroll and tax preparation.
“My family has definitely been my backbone and saving grace many times,” she said. “They have never been the type to hand me anything. They will be by my side when making any big financial decisions or moves, but have taught me that if I want something bad enough to work for it and they will support me and my decisions.”
She credits her faith in God for her success and she’s eager to see what blessings her future holds.
“I hope to have a family of my own in five years,” Harris said. “God's timing is perfect and I know He has everything lined out the way it is supposed to be. I hope Chandeleur is still growing in five years and is reaching its goals. I do not see myself opening a second location in the near future. I would really like to just stay where I am at and improve here. I hope to find someone who would be interested in running my store and rental in the next couple of years so I can lean my focus towards having a family, but for now, I love being here and being involved 100 percent.”
So if you’re a hiker, fisherman, or just hitting the beach, check out Chandeleur Outfitters for all the ways to style your next adventure.
Located in the historic Lovelace Drugs Building Downtown Ocean Springs 228.200.7009
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
October 2022 | 111