Page 88 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2023

MARIA SALTER AND JULIE MILLS
Maria Salter describes her entrance into real estate as being dragged “kicking and screaming” into the industry by fellow real estate agent Holly Lemoine Raymond. “Now I’m forever grateful,” she says.
Salter wants girls and women interested in business to keep following their dreams and pursuing their goals. “I didn’t start college until I was 35. I spent eight years as a full-time student, managing my family, church, and
full-time work,” she explains.
Julie Mills has been in real estate since 2017 and is now an associate broker. She believes that an important piece of advice for female
entrepreneurs is to find a mentor, surround yourself with positive and successful people, be yourself, and believe in yourself. “You’ve
got this!”
Both Mills and Salter think that supporting other women is
important. Success happens when we encourage each other!
EXIT COASTAL GATEWAY REALITY
4405 E. Aloha Dr., Ste. F, Diamondhead 228.206.1556 | www.exitcoastalgatewayrealty.com Facebook @EXIT Coastal Gateway Realty
Maria Julie Salter. Mills.
Maria Salter
504.858.2310
maria@exitcoastalgatewayrealty.com
Julie Mills
985.788.5747
julie@exitcoastalgatewayrealty.com
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
RYLEE CATES
EMBELLISH
900 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.234.0506 shopembellish@icloud.com
Rylee Cates has never met a stranger. “I love talking to my clients,” she says. “I enjoy building relationships with my customers and learning where they came from and why they chose Ocean Springs to visit. I love that friends and current customers can call with a need and they trust me with their gift giving! It makes my heart smile.”
One of her greatest successes was opening her business during the pandemic. “It was a big risk, and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and wasn’t sure if it would even work,” Cates recalls. “But with the help of my customers, friends, and family, I made it through that difficult time. In March of this year, I was able to expand into a much larger space with a store front. We are celebrating three years in business next month!”
88 | September 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living