Page 145 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
April Bullock Burks
Owner
For April Bullock Burks, fashion isn’t just a passion – it’s a lifelong love story! She took her first bold step into the world of retail 18 years ago when she opened her first store front. Today her vibrant dream is alive and thriving at Love, ivy Boutique, which has been a stylish staple in downtown Ocean Springs for more than 12 fabulous years.
“Knowing that my friends, family, and customers have supported my dream for so long makes every challenge totally worth it,” Burks shares with a smile. “Being a woman in business has its ups and downs, especially when you start at just 24. A
lot of people didn’t take me seriously, but with time, hustle, and heart, I’ve not only built a business – I’ve become a leader in my community.”
Her flair for fashion began as a little girl, crafting tiny outfits for her Barbie dolls with leftover fabric from her mom’s shop. “I’ve always believed in the power of a great outfit to transform how you feel, and that belief sparked my journey into the fashion world,” she says. She noticed early on that confidence is something many women struggle with. “I wanted to be in
an industry where I could help women feel amazing about themselves. Through stylish clothes and the genuine friendships I’ve built with my customers, I’m able to do just that.”
Her four-year-old son is her daily motivation to keep pushing forward as the best mother and business owner she can be. She absolutely loves connecting with her customers on a personal level and helping them find the perfect look for life’s biggest moments. That’s where her joy really shines!
For Burks, it’s all about “community over competition.” She’s a huge supporter of women-owned businesses because she believes that when we lift each other up, our community becomes unstoppable. And here’s a fun fact you might not know: before she opened her first boutique, April spent three magical years working at Walt Disney World!
914 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.354.8499 | www.loveivyboutique.com
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2024 | 145