Women open new businesses; hope to inspire female entrepreneurs

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - Two brand new businesses opened in Biloxi, and both are completely female-owned.

After working in retail and other industries for nearly a decade, Brandy Ibos decided it was time to put her marketing degree to use and start her own boutique, The Sequin Siren on Popps Ferry Rd.

"All I can do is encourage other women out there to follow your dreams because just because you're a woman doesn't mean you should hold back and not do what you love," said Ibos.

The number of women-owned businesses is growing five times the national average, with 1 in every 11 women being an entrepreneur, according to a survey by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Over in West Biloxi, Dixie Newman spent the morning brewing java drinks. She wants her coffee shop to be a place where people can relax and even set goals for themselves.

"I hope to inspire others, for sure. This is something I had no idea I'd be able to experience or accomplish," said Newman.

Ibos says she was inspired by other local female entrepreneurs like Robin Robert's sister, Dorothy Roberts, who co-owns Robin's Nest boutique in Pass Christian.

"It was a really humbling experience to get to meet her sister," added Ibos.

With the ribbon cutting of their new endeavors, the goal is to revitalize and cater to the areas around their stores.

"Bring more people to downtown Biloxi, especially the west end of Howard Avenue, which has been deserted for a while," said Newman.

A woman-driven enterprise is something that other women seem to have no problem backing.

"To be able to support a woman-owned business is just the icing on the cake," said Katelyn Perry, a shopper at the Sequin Siren.

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