Page 144 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
OWNER
April Burks
For April Burks, fashion isn’t just a passion—it’s a lifelong
love story! She took her first bold step into the world of retail 20
years ago when she opened her first storefront. 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 14
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 five-year-old son is her daily motivation to keep pushing
forward as the best mother and business owner she can be. She gives
God all the glory for her success, both in her personal life and her
business.
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.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
914 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs
228.354.8499 | www.loveivyboutique.com
144 | September 2026