Driving Mississippi’s Back Roads in Search of Main Street (and Finding Something Even More Special)

Some road trips start with a destination in mind, but sometimes, the real journey isn’t about where you’re going—it’s about what you find along the way.

This weekend, my daughter Nora and I packed up the car and left our home in Biloxi, heading toward Meridian for an event. The goal? To meet local vendors, hear their stories, and understand what drives them to create. But instead of sticking to the main highways, we veered off course, taking detours through small towns and back roads, following recommendations from people on social media who wanted us to see how special the people and stores in their communities really are.

 

I started this business because I wanted a deeper sense of connection and meaning with my community. But even in these early days, it’s already been more meaningful than I ever imagined.

 

A Road Trip, a Lesson in Business, and a Little Inspiration

Nora is just 11, but she’s watching, listening, and soaking up the world around her. On this trip, she wasn’t just a passenger—she was my right-hand helper. She set up the camera, helped me hand out information, and even asked some of her own questions. She watched as vendors shared their passions and their struggles. She saw what it looks like to believe in something so much that you put it out there for the world, even when the world sometimes says no.

She also saw me get told no.

Not every vendor was interested in the services I offer through Main Street Collective. Some didn’t need an online store. Some weren’t sure how a marketplace could help them. And that’s okay—because that’s business. Watching me handle rejection with grace, curiosity, and resilience was just as valuable as hearing the success stories.

And then, something unexpected happened.

As we drove home, winding through those Mississippi highways, past gas stations with hand-painted signs and mom-and-pop shops that have stood the test of time, Nora’s imagination took off.

"Mom, I could make things and sell them when I grow up."

"I could start a business doing this… or this… or maybe even this!"

Her excitement was contagious, and in that moment, I realized: this wasn’t just a work trip. It was an invitation for her to see the world differently—to see possibilities where others see obstacles.

Finding Our Own Main Street

Main Street isn’t just a physical place—it’s a spirit. It’s the feeling of entrepreneurship, small-town dreams, and the courage to create. It’s every vendor we met, every artist we talked to, and every person daring greatly to put their work into the world.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s also found in a car ride with your daughter—where she watches her mom chase a dream, meet incredible people, and learn along the way.

As I build Main Street Collective to support Mississippi’s artists, makers, and small businesses, I realize that it’s not just about providing tools to sell online. It’s about telling stories, fostering creativity, and inspiring the next generation to believe in what they can build.

Because one day, it might be my baby girl (that used to give her rocking horse checkups) selling her own creations in a small town on Mississippi’s Main Street.

And I’ll be the one holding the camera, watching her dream out loud.

#MississippiMade #MainStreetCollective #SmallBusinessDreams #Entrepreneurship #ShopLocal #Mompreneur