In hindsight, it seems like sisters Chasity Harrison Sanders and Brittany Harrison were fated to open a boutique together. “I’ve always loved fashion and keeping up with the latest trends,” Sanders says. “Mostly, I love helping people find the perfect outfit!” Her sibling shared her penchant for style and at one point even aspired to be a model.
“When I was a young teenager, I would order as many fashion magazines as possible, and clothing catalogs (would come),” Harrison recalls. “If there was a 1-800 number, I was calling it, getting my free first coffee or getting on a mailing list.”
Now, as co-owners of The Fringe|228 in Gulfport, the sisters have the perfect venue to practice their longtime passion. From pretty, patterned pantsuits and sweet dresses to basics like tank tops and white jeans, their boutique has new arrivals weekly. Some of the most sought-after brands they stock include Strut & Bolt and Skies Are Blue.
Aside from clothes, customers also can stop by the store to find soaps, candles, car fresheners, jewelry and other items crafted by local artists. Above all, Sanders and Harrison strive to stock The Fringe|228 with unique pieces that make them stand out from other local boutiques.
The pair emphasizes that the store caters to all women — from the granddaughter to the grandmother, from the single lady to the working mom. “We want to create a sense of community,” Sanders says. “By providing a welcoming space where customers can find unique items and connect with like-minded individuals, we can create a loyal following and foster a sense of belonging among our customers.”
The business started with Sanders, who launched an online boutique as a side business during the pandemic. She enjoyed it so much that she decided she wanted a brick-and- mortar store, which opened last November.
An app and a website are in the works, which will allow the boutique to expand its reach well beyond the Coast. Wherever their patrons come from, the sisters say, few thrills compare to making them happy and helping them discover or expand their personal style.
“Seeing our customers in public wearing the clothes they bought from us,” Sanders says, “that totally makes me feel great!”
IF YOU GO
The Fringe|228
8930 Lorraine Road, Suite B, Gulfport
(228) 265-5269
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
www.facebook.com/thefringe228