Page 91 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2026

owners, who bring different backgrounds and tastes to the business. Mears previously owned a boutique in California and gravitated toward boho-inspired styles long before they became mainstream locally. Bryan described them both as boho at heart, but thinks their differences make the partnership stronger.
“Dawn tends to lean toward brands like Look Mode Italian silks and linens,” Bryan said. “But we often end up finding the same things.” When that happens, they figure out how to weave the pieces together—a collaboration Bryan said feels effortless. “We shop for our customers the same way we would shop for ourselves,” she said.
The name Flourish came after weeks of brainstorming and a quiet moment over morning coffee. Bryan turned to Pinterest, asking for clarity, when the word kept appearing again and again—first on a whimsical image, then in a Bible verse. “It just kept popping up,” she said. “I finally told Dawn, ‘I have the name of the shop.’ And we just knew it was right.”
That meaning extends beyond fashion. Flourish Boutique regularly helps customers pull together outfits for weddings, events, and special occasions—something Bryan feels is her favorite part of the job. “When someone comes in panicked and says, ‘I need an outfit,’ we always tell them, ‘We’ve got you,’” she said.
Brandy Bryan, Dawn Mears and Addison Thomas
The boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Sundays and Mondays reserved for rest—and constant sourcing. “We’re always shopping, always looking for cool things to add,” Bryan said.
Community involvement is also central to the business. Flourish offers discounts to military members and law enforcement and supports numerous local causes, including Renaissance the Runway, the SoSo Strong Foundation, women’s shelters, and school organizations.
The shop also hosts seasonal events and after-hours art classes, further reinforcing its role as a gathering place. As the inaugural anniversary approaches, Bryan said plans are still forming—but a flourishing celebration is definitely guaranteed.
Flourish Boutique
500 D Courthouse Rd., Gulfport 601.913.0934 www.flourish.boutique
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