Page 53 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2022

YVETTE CANNATA
J LAURIE SHOE BOUTIQUE
628 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs
228.243.5408
Who or what inspired you
to pursue your current career? I was inspired to own my own business after working and managing many different boutiques all over the country. Being able to own my own boutique in such a quaint coastal town is a dream come true!
What I like best about what I do is: Helping each and every person who walks through my door find the perfect shoe to fit their lifestyle and wardrobe!
What’s something interesting about you that not many people know? I modeled for John Casablancas in the ‘80s and taught the Sears Model’s Club in the ‘90s.
HANNA MAYFIELD & ARIEL TAYLOR
THE BAY COLLECTION
906 Washington Ave.,Ocean Springs 228.875.6655 www.shopbaycollection.com
Who or what inspired you to pursue your current career? In 2002, I was graduating from Ole Miss with a degree in business. We were told that Deanna Marler was ready
to sell her established boutique after 18 years. My mother and I thought it was a perfect fit for us, and we have continued the tradition of The Bay Collection for another 20 years!
What I like best about what I
do is: First, getting to know our customers. They have truly become some of our closest friends. My second favorite thing is merchandising. It’s a creative outlet for me. Balancing the store’s product by color and style is similar to putting together a puzzle. I feel so accomplished when I’m done!
HEATHER MEYER
BARK AVENUE DOG GROOMING AND BOARDING
8456 Woolmarket Rd., Biloxi
228.697.7344 | barkavenue8456@gmail.com
Heather Meyer’s dream was to own a dog grooming and boarding business. She made that dream into a reality.
“I love being able to spend all day grooming and caring for dogs,” she says. “It’s my dream come true. It’s so rewarding to see my clients’ faces light up after their fur babies are bathed and groomed.”
Meyer’s successes in her personal life include her 20-year marriage to her husband Billy and being a stepmother to her stepdaughter Melissa. She also has worked with nonprofit groups to advocate for an end to dog fighting.
She loves being able to support other woman-owned businesses because it makes all those dreams a reality for the owner and the community in which they serve. “Supporting them gives the opportunity to pay it forward,” Meyer explains.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2022 | 53