Page 163 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

Elizabeth
Strunk
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Sydney
Bentz
Sydney Bentz Elizabeth StrunkOWNER CO-OWNER
Sydney Bentz and Elizabeth Strunk, the dynamic duo behind Chandeleur
Outfitters, Le Belle Vie Suites, and Palmetto Stitch Co.
For Bentz, the drive to succeed began early, inspired by her parents’ work ethic
and constant encouragement. She first launched an online boutique that quickly
expanded into a brick-and-mortar store, a move that connected her with the previous
owners of Chandeleur Outfitters. When the opportunity arose to purchase the
business, she seized it—an achievement that led to two additional ventures: La Belle
Vie Suite, a short-term rental apartment, and Palmetto Stitch Co., an embroidery
shop co-owned with Strunk, Chandeleur Outfitters’ director of retail.
Last year brought major milestones for Bentz: marrying her best friend, building
their forever home, and welcoming Chandy, the shop dog who now greets customers
daily. Bentz says each day at Chandeleur Outfitter brings something new, with
Strunk’s fresh ideas keeping the business innovative and exciting.
CHANDELEUR OUTFITTERS
801 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs
228.200.7009
www.shopchandeleuroutfitters.com
Social @chandeleuroutfittersos
LA BELLE VIE SUITES
labelleviesuite@gmail.com
PALMETTO STITCH CO.
Palmettostitchco@gmail.com
Social @Palmetto Stitch Company
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Aimee BroussardCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
For 17 years, Aimee Broussard, CFO of Broussard Mechanical, has helped grow the family
business her father and brother built from the ground up. What began with a single truck has
grown into a successful plumbing and HVAC company, and Broussard joined the team to help
establish the office processes and structure needed to support that growth.
Today, she has a hand in nearly every aspect of the business, but one of her greatest sources
of pride is helping create a positive workplace culture—one where employees feel valued,
supported, and proud to come to work each day.
As a woman in the construction industry, Broussard has faced challenges that have
strengthened her resilience, confidence, and willingness to take risks. Those experiences have
shaped the advice she offers other women: “Believe in yourself, trust what you bring to the
table, and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
Outside of work, Broussard is active in her community, including volunteering with Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America. Above all, she values time with family, a principle that
carries into Broussard Mechanical—where creating a sense of family and taking care of
people remain at the heart of the business.
BROUSSARD MECHANICAL
228.875.5177 | www.broussardmechanical.com
Facebook @Broussard Mechanical, Inc.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net September 2026 | 163