Page 152 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Taco SombreroTHE WOMEN BEHIND
For more than 45 years, Taco Sombrero has been a
Gulf Coast staple for quality Mexican food. Founded
in 1980 by Lynn Parkhill and longtime friends
Jimmie and Jean Johnson, the independently owned
restaurant has continued to thrive through changing
times.
Today, much of the behind-the-scenes operation
is led by three talented women: Vicki Parkhill, her
business partner Cheri, and Windy Mercer. Vicki
stepped into leadership following the 2024 passing of
her husband, Lynn, who had been the heart of the
business for 44 years. Cheri grew up in the restaurant
business, while Windy brings her marketing expertise
to the franchises she and her husband, Danny, built.
Together, the trio manages everything from HR
and vendors to employee benefits, maintenance and
marketing, proving that not all heroes—or heroines—
wear capes. Some wear a Taco Sombrero shirt.
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Kris NorvellOWNER
It’s a Beautiful Life Succulent Gardens is a boutique succulent florist and nursery, the
first-of-its-kind in our area. Founder and Head Succulent Lady, Kris Norvell, discovered
the therapeutic nature of succulents during a particularly dark season of her life and
soon, one succulent arrangement party with her beloved, late Aunt Jackie turned into
building an all succulent nursery on her property to spread the healing power of these
picturesque little plants to the broader community.
Today, It’s a Beautiful Life Succulent Gardens has become a passion-turned-higher-
purpose calling that’s rooted in faith & growing through grace. They specialize in
creating stunning, bespoke succulent arrangements, hosting succulent workshops,
decorating weddings and events with succulents, hosting nursery tours & private
potting sessions by appointment. Showcasing that life really is beautiful, even in the
tough seasons, Norvell has built a whole-person wellness retreat from the pressures and
demands of our fast-paced lives where people can slow down and connect with nature.
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL LIFE SUCCULENT GARDENS
200 Koch Rd., Picayune | 225.328.6602 | www.itsabeautifullifesucculentgardens.com
Facebook @It’s a Beautiful Life Succulent Gardens | Instagram @BeautifulLifeSucculents
152 | September 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living