Brandy Jarvis Ibos’ path to becoming owner of a boutique began at a young age.
“Growing up, I always had a passion for fashion and a knack for marketing,” says Ibos, a former Saints cheerleader who is holding a grand opening for The Sequin Siren in July. “After holding several pageant titles and being a Mardi Gras queen and bride, I realized that on the Mississippi Gulf Coast there was an opportunity to offer something new and fresh for event fashion.”
She formed a limited liability company and three months later opened the doors in a temporary location selling gowns for prom. The Sequin Siren is moving into more glamorous quarters on Popps Ferry Road.
Gulf Coast Woman talked with Ibos recently about her business.
Where did your passion for this type of business come from?
I was a local pageant titleholder in the Miss America Outstanding Teen, Junior Miss & Miss America pageant systems. I placed fourth runner-up for Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality and top 10 in Miss Mississippi USA. I wrapped up my pageant career in 2016 in the Miss Earth United States pageant, placing in the top 10.
After years of searching for gowns, having custom gowns made, shopping for interview and public appearance outfits all across the country, I connected with some of the most influential designers in the fashion industry and felt as though my community was missing out on some of the fabulous fashion trends I so desired. Biloxi loses tax money to provide better roads, schools, etc. every time we go out of town to shop. By opening a store that offers sought-after fashion trends in Biloxi, it provides convenience to local residents and positively impacts our local economy.
Please tell us about your background and experience.
I hold a degree in marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi. I am a former NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints and marketing director for After The Proposal Weddings & Events. I was a marketing intern for the Humane Society of South Mississippi. While working during high school and college I accumulated a total of eight years of experience in customer service and five years total in retail.
How did you come up with the name for the business?
While brainstorming the idea of the business, I was looking at some of the sparkly mermaid decor in my home and it just popped into my head, “The Sequin Siren,” and I stuck with it!
What kind of items do you sell in your store?
We sell formal gowns, bridal gowns, cocktail dresses, jewelry, shoes, tuxedo shirts, specialty bow ties and cufflinks. We also offer customers the opportunity to meet with designers to create their own custom one-of-a-kind gown for those wanting something special.
IF YOU GO
1765 Popps Ferry Road, Suite B., Biloxi
(228) 282-3000
Monday by Appointment Only
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.thesequinsiren.com