Page 135 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Sydney Bentz
If you own an outdoor outfitters business, loving hunting and fishing makes it a perfect fit. Such is the case for Sydney Bentz, owner of Chandeleur Outfitters in Ocean Springs.
“It’s right up my alley,” she says. “Buying Chandeleur Outfitters and having the opportunity to move the business into the historic Lovelace Drugs Building are by far the things that have made the biggest impact on my career.”
Bentz was inspired to become a business woman by her parents who instilled a lot of independence in her. “My
whole life they’ve shown guidance and moral support and taught me that if I want something, to go get it and work hard for it,” she says. “Nothing in life is free or handed to me.”
What she likes best about her career is having a business mindset and always looking for ways to better herself and her business.
If she were giving advice to young female entrepreneurs, Bentz would say, “Work hard so you can play harder. Take the chance, it could be the best decision of your life. Don’t ever settle.”
She feels it’s important to support other woman-owned businesses. “I choose to shop local and support businesses all over the Coast.”
Practicing what she preaches, Bentz also shops local when traveling. “That’s because I know that $30 purchase I make could be their only sale of the day, or it could allow them to reach a goal for the day or month.”
Bentz loves many things about South Mississippi. Her favorite places to eat are in downtown Ocean Springs and include The Lady May, Phoenicia and Pop Brothers.
“My biggest advice for people visiting or for myself is renting the golf carts downtown and exploring the area,” she adds.
CHANDELEUR OUTFITTERS
801 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.200.7009
Social @chandeleuroutfittersos
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2024 | 135
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