Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair: Patricia Arroyo, The Beautery Although her family has been a part of couples’ love stories for decades, Dianne Murray never takes that privilege for granted. As the granddaughter of Shelton Jewelers founder W.P. Shelton, Murray recognizes that she’s not just selling shiny gifts; she’s providing priceless treasures that will […]
As a Louisiana native, the desire to feed people is in Meranda Hudson’s blood. “(Food is) what we celebrate everything with,” says Hudson, who now lives and works in Ocean Springs. “We may not have much, but we will never go hungry.” In 2022, she began a humble baking operation in her home kitchen, making […]
Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC When Jackie Castro-Cooper enters a room, you feel it — the natural warmth and spiritual clarity of a woman who’s living her calling. A renowned speaker, author, retreat leader and owner of Gulf Coast Myofascial Release Physical Therapy in Ocean Springs, Castro-Cooper is the kind of […]
Reflecting on last year’s Elevate Women’s Small Business Summit, speaker Cece Shabazz says one thing rose above the rest: the energy. “We laughed, danced — and some even cried,” recalls Shabazz, creative director and brand strategist for Memorial Health System. “The room was filled with supportive, determined women, and the atmosphere was intentional and inspiring. […]
Brush off your Red Ryder BB gun and break out your leg lamp — “A Christmas Story” is coming to Beau Rivage faster than you can say “fra-gee-leh.” The musical, which runs from Dec. 12 through 27, is just one way the Beau is spreading holiday cheer this season. From its awe-inspiring Christmas décor to […]
Women tend to put others first — a trait that extends to charitable giving. Not only do they give more; research shows that they give differently. They contribute more often and align their contributions with their deeply held values. You’ll find them rolling up their sleeves to support local food banks, mentor youth, invest in […]
Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC Fleurty Girl is more than just a business to founder Lauren Haydel; it’s her life’s work. After Hurricane Katrina, as a single mother of three, she was struggling to make ends meet — but what she lacked in money, she made up for in […]
Photos courtesy of Lindsey Fowler Many of Lindsey Rogers Fowler’s favorite childhood memories involve Christmas in the Pass. Born and raised in Pass Christian, she’s been participating in the city’s signature holiday celebration her whole life. “As a child, I was honored to serve as an elf one year, riding in the parade with Santa […]
Karen Adkins is not your typical grandmother. “I’ve been tandem parachuting (and) still love rollercoasters,” says the self-described “adrenaline junkie.” “I’m hoping to do the Nascar challenge soon!” Now a resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, the adventure-loving native of Cookeville, Tennessee, has called many places home: Nashville; Yokosuka, Japan; Atsugi, Japan; […]
Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair touch-ups: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC Throughout her 25 years of nursing experience, Misty Nichols Stevenson noticed a troubling trend. “I saw too many individuals discharged home, only to be readmitted — sometimes within 72 hours,” says Stevenson, who was raised in Gulfport and now resides there. “I knew there was […]
