Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2015

COASTNOTES
BAYOU BELLE owner, Sandra Gagliano Barnes
CELEBRATES MILESTONE
story by Susan Ruddiman photo by John Stricklin
Sandra Gagliano Barnes spent a number of years shopping at Bayou Belle in Ocean Springs never dreaming she would one day own the store.
“I was a customer and never thought about buying it,
but it just sort of happened,” Barnes said. “Diane Boyd accomplished wonderful things with her business for many years. Now she is my customer.”
Boyd founded Bayou Belle 26 years ago, and Barnes has been the owner for two years. She wanted to celebrate the boutique’s 25th anniversary and her one year as owner in 2014, but a death in her family prevented her from doing so. Instead, she has carried the celebration over to this year.
Barnes likes Bayou Belle to be stocked with clothing that is stylish and flattering. “Our customers shop here because they know we will help them look their best,” she said.
When she goes to market to buy for the shop, she thinks of her customers who are professional women from age 20 on up. She finds women are wanting to dress fashionably no matter what their age. Among the labels she carries are Joseph Ribkoff, a dressy line; Johnny Was, bohemian line; Bella Dahl, a line with lovely flowing fabrics; and Stella Carakasi, clothing with an edge.
In addition to varied accessories available at Bayou Belle, there are jewelry designs by L George, Pink Panache, Treska and more.
She praised the sales staff of Bayou Belle because they know their customers. They make everyone feel welcome and understand their style.
“Shopping at Bayou Belle is good retail therapy,” Barnes
said. “We are blessed with many repeat customers.”
Barnes is following in the footsteps of Boyd by supporting
the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street- Tourism Bureau as a volunteer. She was initially surprised at the amount of out-of-town visitors who shop downtown when she first took over Bayou Belle.
“With the Chamber and an active mayor and board of aldermen, they have worked to make downtown inviting,” she said. “People love to come here.”
916 Washington Ave., Downtown Ocean Springs 228.875.7008
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2015
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