Three successful Mississippi entrepreneurs walk into a coffee shop… not the start of a joke, but the beginning of a transformation that turned a boutique renovation into a shining example of connection, creativity, and collaboration.

After five years in business, Suzanne Ketchings, owner of Monkee’s of Ridgeland, realized her growing inventory had begun to outpace her storefront. When a larger space in the same shopping center became available, she seized the opportunity. Though promising, the space required significant work. That’s when Suzanne turned to her friend and fellow University of Mississippi alumna, Tay Morgan.

Tay is the owner and publisher of four Stroll magazines across Mississippi. Since the boutique’s opening, Monkee’s had been a regular advertising partner in all 5 of the Mississippi publications. Knowing Tay was well-connected in the area, Suzanne reached out for guidance—and Tay knew just who to recommend.
Tay said, “One of the things I love most about Stroll is helping make meaningful connections for our business partners and residents.” Tay introduced Suzanne to Margie Baumann, ASID, founder of MB Design & Construction. Margie is an award-winning interior designer and contractor whose work is recognized throughout the region for both style and function. Tay had worked with Margie for years as MB Design and Construction is also an advertising partner with Stroll. Tay had featured several of her design projects over the years in her Stroll magazines and knew her reputation. 

Suzanne and Margie quickly got to work. The first step: space planning. With double the square footage and a growing inventory, layout and flow were essential. The MB Design & Construction team worked closely with Suzanne to understand the store’s needs and how her customers engaged with the space.

Margie incorporated familiar elements from the original boutique—mirrored doors, fretwork, and full-length mirrors—into custom displays that elevated the brand while retaining its identity. Even the brackets holding the clothing rods were custom-designed, inspired by the feminine curves of the Monkee’s logo font.

The renovated space includes five spacious dressing rooms, an office and break area for staff, and a dedicated studio for photography and video content. The expanded checkout station, now double in size, features custom storage for bags and wrapping, enabling the team to offer a higher level of personalized service in a warm, luxurious environment.

To capture the boutique’s transformation, local photographer Karla Pound with Pound Photo was brought in to photograph both the finished space and the women behind the project. Karla, also a Stroll photographer and frequent collaborator with Margie, is known for her editorial style and eye for storytelling.

Her images showcased not only the elegant new interiors, but also the energy and creativity of the team behind it. One standout moment: the group photo of Suzanne, Tay, Margie, and Karla—four women, each an entrepreneur in her own right, united by vision and shared success.

The project has earned significant recognition. Margie and the MB Design & Construction team were awarded a Gold Excellence in Design Award from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) South Central Chapter, which includes Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers,” Margie says, “but the true reward is creating a space that enhances Suzanne’s brand and supports her day-to-day operations.”

Today, Monkee’s of Ridgeland stands as more than a boutique. It’s a glowing example of what happens when women champion one another. Each element—from the layout to the lighting—reflects not just a refined design aesthetic, but the collaborative spirit behind it.

Next time you’re in Ridgeland, stop in and see the transformation for yourself. Monkee’s isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a space shaped by connection, creativity, and the shared strength of Mississippi women in business.

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