In the heart of Southwest Louisiana, local entrepreneurs are redefining retail by fostering community connections amid the rise of online shopping. Mia Mouton-René, owner of Mia’s boutique in downtown Lake Charles, and Brittany DeRouen, who took over Sway Boutique & Gifts in Moss Bluff, exemplify how small businesses can thrive through personal engagement and resilience.
Mouton-René’s journey into retail began after a decade spent capturing moments as a photographer. Initially, the devastation of Hurricane Laura in 2020 pushed her to reconsider her career path. “I would have to pull up at Walmart to meet someone and drop off their pictures,” she recalled. The storm severely impacted local businesses, leaving Mouton-René searching for a new opportunity.
In a serendipitous turn, she discovered an empty space on Pujo Street that had previously served as a backdrop for her photo shoots. “I made a call, she gave me a price, and it was meant to be,” she said, reflecting on the moment that changed her life. What began as a plan to create a workspace for editing photographs evolved into the establishment of her boutique, where she now curates a collection of trendy apparel, jewelry, and home décor.
Mouton-René emphasizes the importance of customer connection. “Every time a customer walks in, I’m like, ‘Wow,’” she said. Her success, she believes, is measured not in profits but in the daily ability to serve her community. “When people shop local, it means I get to open tomorrow,” she added.
After four years, Mouton-René has expanded her enterprise, employing a staff of five, which is set to grow to eight with the opening of a second location in Prien Lake Mall. “I’m doing that to reach a crowd that I’ve not reached and also to better serve my customers,” she explained.
Similarly, DeRouen capitalized on an opportunity when she took over Sway Boutique & Gifts in 2019. She had long aspired to own a retail space, and the transfer of the previous owners aligned perfectly with her goals. However, just a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges.
Instead of faltering, Sway thrived by adapting to the new reality. DeRouen implemented a car-hop service, delivering orders directly to customers during lockdown. “People were craving those connections,” she noted, as the initiative not only kept the business afloat but also strengthened community ties.
DeRouen’s approach to retail is deeply personal. “I’m everyone’s personal shopper,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to offering distinctive items that evoke the local culture. Originally a children’s store, Sway has evolved to include unique home décor items, reflecting DeRouen’s background in real estate and design.
The impact of shopping local extends beyond individual transactions. Each dollar spent at Mia’s or Sway contributes to the local economy, supporting jobs and community initiatives. “We can give back, support the schools, donate beautiful auction items, and create donation baskets,” DeRouen explained.
Both entrepreneurs are acutely aware of their roles in the community. Mouton-René actively contributes to local causes, such as donating to Water’s Edge homeless program and providing shoes for school children. “When you shop local, it’s a small act with a big impact,” she remarked.
The commitment of Mouton-René and DeRouen to their communities underscores the vital role local businesses play in maintaining the character and resilience of Southwest Louisiana. As they navigate the challenges of the retail landscape, their focus on personalized service and community connection continues to resonate, proving that the heartbeat of a community thrives in its local shops.
In an era where convenience often trumps connection, these entrepreneurs remind us that the choice to shop local fosters not only economic growth but also strengthens the fabric of the community. By investing in local businesses, residents ensure a vibrant future for their neighborhoods, supporting dreams and families along the way.
