Photography by Brandi Stage
A boutique on wheels? According to the owner of Fashion Carriage, you bet! Sara Denham got the idea from Pinterest (of course!) and was the first vendor on the Gulf Coast to bring a mobile boutique on the road to fairs, arts and crafts festivals, private parties and more.
“The mobile boutique is an amazing way to take the business on the road — take the fashion to the people instead of them having to come to you,” Denham says. “It is a lot of work, but every event is an enjoyable learning experience.”
In fact, it was through one of these types of events where Denham met her now landlords that led to the brick-and-mortar phase of the Biloxi-based business, which opened last year right next to the Howard Avenue Emporium and the Flower Basket.
“It was yet another part of God’s plan falling into place,” Denham says. “They had a space available for rent and I was looking for one. It’s a beautiful partnership.”
It was a timely move for the business too since the customer base was steadily growing.
“We had so many people that wanted to be able to see some products and have the ability to shop in between events, so we decided to open a brick-and-mortar for that reason,” Denham says.
Fashion Carriage
is all about, well, fashion! The business specializes in affordable boutique-style clothing for girls and women, including plus-size attire.
In addition to being able to pick up a great outfit, Denham’s inventory also features workout wear, Moto leggings, kimonos, Swarovski bracelets and earrings, as well as handmade jewelry by Denham and her daughter, Elisa, and local artist, Kirstyn Ray.
Denham adores her family, who also happens to be a big part of the Fashion Carriage. She says the business is “without a doubt a family business” because she could not do it without the help of her daughters and husband.
“This business gave me a way to provide for our family, as well as spend time with family,” she says. “My oldest daughter, Elisa, is my greatest help in this business and we are able to spend time together while doing something we love together. My 13-year-old daughter loves to help out as well and I do hope that she has the drive to do the same as she gets a little older.”
As far as Denham’s vision for the business, things are already looking bright: “As with my life, I place this in God’s hands and only hope and pray to become a staple in the Biloxi Community.”
IF YOU GO
999 Howard Ave., Ste. 1, Biloxi
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(228) 365-9574
thefashioncarriage.com