Page 78 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2026

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Rebeca S. CowartOWNER
Rebeca Strickland Cowart knew she was always
meant for fashion. When she got to college,
she took the opportunity to major in fashion
merchandising, interned in stores and offices, and
realized she loved the sales floor. In 2006, she
opened Panache and has worked tirelessly to better
herself, her business, and her community.
“I love helping people find the perfect outfit,” she
gushes. “Or the perfect gift!”
Having been in business for 20 years this
November, Cowart has learned a few things.
“Results do not happen overnight. It takes
dedication and a lot of hard work to make it in
business,” she explains.
“I’ve learned that people can make it through
anything. Since 2020, we have faced obstacles
that we never anticipated, but we figured it out,”
she says. “Now I know that change is always
inevitable.”
Cowart considers her greatest success to be the
fact that she can give back to the community that
built her. “I have been doing benefit bracelets
and such for those in need, and it’s been the most
rewarding part of my business,” she explains.
“I will always choose to bless others with my
blessings.”
Cowart does this because she has learned that
without community, there is nothing. She believes in
building relationships and helping each other out.
9364 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport
228.822.0120
www.panacheapparelgp.com
Facebook @PanacheApparel&Accessories
78 | September 2026