Gretchen Holzhauser says she didn’t choose the gaming industry; it chose her. “My parents trained thoroughbred racehorses, so I spent a lot of time on the racetrack — reading racing forms and picking winners with my dad,” recalls the Louisiana native. “It just came naturally that I would end up working in the gaming industry.” […]
Earline Johnson was adored for her kindness and sweet nature, but it was her determination that ensured her business would thrive for generations. She and her husband, Hardy, opened Johnson Brothers Jewelry Company in 1946 at its current location in downtown Pascagoula. The store was one of six of the same name owned and operated […]
Allanah Turner makes her living fighting fires, but the blaze that burns inside her won’t be extinguished anytime soon. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a vessel and influence as many lives as possible,” says the 20-year-old Gulfport native. “I knew I had to start somewhere; why not my community? On Sept. […]
One of my favorite sayings is, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him the plans you have for yourself.” I love it not only because it has proven to be repeatedly accurate, but also because embracing it has allowed me to be more accepting of life’s challenges and redirections. One of those redirections […]
When a client enters Polished Salon and Spa, they can leave their cares at the door. “In this crazy, hectic world, there’s not much time to relax and take time for ourselves,” says owner and stylist Rachael Hollingsworth, “so when our clients are at Polished, that’s their time to take a moment and relax.” Hollingsworth […]
While Wendy Figer was driving to her corporate job in the spring of 2002, a “for lease” sign caught her eye. “I was born with an entrepreneurial mindset,” says Figer, who holds a degree in marketing and worked in the casino industry and hotel operations. “I love creating experiences and making a positive difference in […]
Starting a small business is the ultimate leap of faith, the acceptance of enormous risk in pursuit of a dream. Especially now, those companies that have not only survived, but thrived, due to their desirable products and services, excellent customer service and positive impact to the community should be celebrated. We received dozens of nominations […]
