Page 52 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

Leah Watters
Watters Architecture
133 Davis Avenue, Suite K, Pass Christian, MS 228.265.4287
www.wattersarch.com
I chose this particular business because:
Architecture beckoned in grade 4. I was nurtured by an upbringing in construction through my remodeler-father, and
things were later put into motion with an architecture degree from Virginia Tech. What was never part of anyone’s plan
was Hurricane Katrina, nor was it in my plan to move from northern Virginia to Mississippi. But the plight of those we saw on the news seemed much more compelling than the work before us in Virginia, and so our occasional volunteer trips turned into a family move, devoted to rebuilding.
As volunteer needs waned, I created a design/build studio where students earned credit to design and build homes, but this need soon dried up as well. Then came an invitation to design Sazerac Square in Pass Christian, from that a request to design Cat Island, and a practice was set into motion. I
love the uniqueness of each project — being a paid artist whose work has to withstand wind and budget, dabbling in marriage counseling as spouses inevitably differ on
a point or two, and being part of a team of builder/owners striving to accomplish beautiful works.
The best advice I’ve ever received: Be faithful with the simple things and you’ll be entrusted with the great things. If it had not been for the days my family spent cleaning up the mess of Hurricane Katrina alongside homeowners, we would never have been welcomed into this community so warmly.
The Pecan House
441 Hwy. 49, McHenry 8930 Lorraine Road, Ste. A, Gulfport McHenry – 601.928.5194; Gulfport – 228.357.5412 www.thepecanhouse.com
My greatest business strengths are: Customer Service — our
team works together to make sure customers are satisfied. The Pecan House has been in business for over 30 years and our customers have made us successful. We really strive for them to have a good experience while visiting our store. We do this by offering a quality product and by seeking out new and different merchandise.
My inspiration comes from... My mother: back in 1984 she had the vision to open The Pecan House. The family had always been in the pecan business, but did not offer retail sales until 1984. My mother, Barbara Overstreet, started small,
offering pralines, divinity and chocolate covered pecans. Over the years a full line developed, including fruit cakes and pecan pies. The Pecan House is still using the original recipes.
In five years I would like to see my business... I would love to add another store and expand my product line.
Phyllis Shoemake, owner
and Chelsey Caudill, manger/granddaughter
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