Page 84 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2025

presented by South Mississippi Living magazine Sydney Bentz,
Owner, Chandeleur & La Belle Vie Co-Owner, Palmetto Stitch Co.
Sydney Bentz.
Elizabeth Strunk.
Elizabeth Strunk, Director of Retail
Co-Owner, Palmetto Stitch Co.
For Sydney Bentz, the drive to succeed began early, inspired by her parents’ work ethic and constant encouragement. She first launched an online boutique that quickly expanded into a brick- and-mortar store, a move that connected her with the previous owners of Chandeleur Outfitters. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business, she seized it—an achievement that led to two additional ventures: La Belle Vie Suite, a short-term rental apartment, and Palmetto Stitch Co., an embroidery shop co-owned with Elizabeth Strunk, Chandeleur Outfitters’ director of retail.
This year has brought major milestones: marrying her best friend, building their forever home, and welcoming Chandy, the shop dog who now greets customers daily. Bentz says each day at Chandeleur Outfitter brings something new, with Strunk’s fresh ideas keeping the business innovative and exciting.
Bentz’s greatest successes include acquiring Chandeleur Outfitters, expanding her business portfolio, and creating a life she loves with her husband, Hunter. Balancing her professional ambitions with family life has been her biggest challenge, but she credits her support system for helping her manage it.
When she’s not working, Bentz enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family—and, of course, Chandy, who is never far from her side.
801 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.200.7009 www.shopchandeleuroutfitters.com Social @chandeleuroutfittersos
labelleviesuite@gmail.com
Palmettostitchco@gmail.com Social @Palmetto Stitch Company
84 | September 2025
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