Page 64 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Susan Hagan, Owner
Starting over in a new community is a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially as a business owner. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Ocean Springs Mercantile Owner Susan Hagan says she has met so many incredible people, including customers and friends.
“Being involved with this community on the Coast and the events that go on each year have helped me to embrace my new community and given me the confidence to help me grow my business,” she says.
Hagan had always been in retail, but wanted to pursue her dream of finally having a store of her own, complete with vintage décor, antiques, and new pieces, and being able to help people select pieces for their home. “I started Ocean Springs Mercantile in 2016 and have been growing ever since,” she says of the thriving business.
She and her husband have several fur babies, including two mules, two donkeys, two dogs, and two cats. “They keep us very busy and as most equine people know, they cost a lot of money to care for,” she laughs, “But we love them.”
OCEAN SPRINGS MERCANTILE
700 Washington Ave., Ocean Spring 228.493.8101 | www.oceanspringsmercantile.com Socials @oceanspringsmercantile
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Dorothy Roberts, Owner
Dorothy Roberts would have never guessed that years after her first job as the “salad girl” at the Triangle Mess Hall on Keesler Air Force Base, she would one day open her own cafe. Before that though, she had a successful catering business and designed wedding cakes in the ‘80s.
When asked what inspired her to open her café, Roberts explains that it’s due to her late parents love of the Coast. “My late parents, Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts, loved living in Pass Christian and loved bringing people together. They were what inspired me to open Roberts Place Café where people could dine in an intimate atmosphere, often making friends with folks at the next table.”
Roberts says she learns more about her business each and every day. She believes that other women interested in business should surround themselves with people who have different skills than they do and that they shouldn’t be afraid to say they don’t have all the answers. “You should have a support system that does,” she says.
ROBERTS PLACE CAFÉ
233 Davis Ave., Pass Christian 228.222.4031 | Facebook @Roberts Place Café
64 | September 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living