Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

COAST NOTE
A Mission-Driven Shopping Experience
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Suzanne Stafford
There are faeries spreading their magic around the Coast thanks to designer Suzanne Stafford who grew up in the Black Hills of northeast Wyoming. Stafford has lived on the Coast for 16 years.
Working as a commercial interior designer for 30 years, she found corporate culture to be “soul sucking.” Her creative outlet was making costumes for Halloween, renaissance festivals, and costume parties. She took a break to homeschool her son for 10 years and he just finished his first year at Mississippi State.
“Now my new career focuses on my love of dress-up events, design and sewing costumes and formals,” she says. “I have been sewing since I was about five years old. I was a 10-year member of 4-H Club with sewing and leather craft as my main focus. I won championships at the county and state fairs.”
She continued sewing costumes for Halloween, renaissance festivals, and other costume parties to boost her creativity. “After COVID shut downs, I realized people were desperate for a place to connect so I held the first Faery Court Masquerade Ball,” she says. “The Faery Ball is a chance to have fun and recharge so you can go back to your regular routine energized.”
Stafford then had people asking where they could buy costumes. “With store closures that sold these types of items, there are not many places to buy good priced costumes and formals. I had been collecting a lot of those things so I started the bi-annual pop- up Mystic Market which was rebranded to Formals, Costumes & Holiday Treasures Market or Treasures Market for short,” she says.
Now she has a permanent location that recently opened. Stafford describes it as a year-round hub for sustainable dress-up fashion and more than a store. “It’s a mission- driven shopping experience built on sustainability, creativity, and community.”
Through up-cycling classes, Stafford teaches how to repair, alter, and repurpose garments, preventing waste and saving resources. “Our on-site alteration services ensure that beautiful pieces aren’t discarded when they can be given a new life,” she adds. “By choosing Treasures Market, you’re not just shopping—you’re making a difference. You’re keeping fashion sustainable, supporting local businesses, and contributing to a greener, more creative community.”
Yira Nikoma and Marshall Lee.
Savanna and Zach Styers.
16 | July 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Jordan Ware and Mary Alice Rhea.
Erica Reid and Jordan Ware.
Treasures Market
15053 Dedeaux Rd., Gulfport 504.701.9994