UPDATE: Local boutiques in Southwest Louisiana are experiencing a remarkable resurgence, transforming the community shopping experience just as the holiday season approaches. As of November 2025, shop owners like Mia Mouton-René of Mia’s Boutique and Brittany DeRouen of Sway Boutique & Gifts are redefining retail by focusing on personal connections and local engagement.
Just last week, Mouton-René announced the opening of a second location in Prien Lake Mall, increasing her staff from 5 to 8 employees. The growth comes as she continues to prioritize community support, stating, “When people shop local, it means I get to open tomorrow.” This sentiment resonates deeply in a time when local businesses face unprecedented challenges.
Mouton-René, who pivoted from a successful career in photography to retail after Hurricane Laura’s devastating impact on her original studio, embodies the spirit of resilience. “I thought to myself, ‘This can’t be it. This can’t be the life,’” she recalled. Her boutique, located in the heart of Lake Charles, offers a curated selection of trendy apparel and gifts, but it’s her dedication to customer experience that truly sets her apart.
“Every time a customer walks in, I’m like, ‘Wow,’” Mouton-René said. “These customers at any point in time could pick a big box store, and they chose to shop at my store.” This choice fosters a stronger community, as each purchase contributes to local sales taxes that support public services like libraries and parks.
Meanwhile, DeRouen, who took over Sway Boutique & Gifts in 2019, has also found innovative ways to thrive. In the wake of the pandemic, her car-hop service and personalized delivery options turned into a lifeline for her customers. “We created a connection when everything was closed,” she explained, referring to the “Run-A-Gram” service that delivered candles and heartfelt messages during lockdowns.
DeRouen emphasizes the unique, personalized shopping experience that local boutiques offer. “When you shop local, you get personalized help and attention,” she said, underscoring the significant emotional connections formed through these interactions.
Both entrepreneurs are committed to giving back, with Mouton-René supporting local charities and DeRouen promoting community involvement through donations and events. Their businesses are not just about profits; they represent dreams, families, and a thriving community.
As the holiday season approaches, both boutiques are gearing up for increased foot traffic, with Mouton-René declaring, “This was not my plan, but what really does success look like? For me, success is being able to open up tomorrow.”
In a world increasingly dominated by online shopping, the stories of Mia’s and Sway Boutique & Gifts serve as powerful reminders of the importance of community support. By choosing to shop local, customers are not only investing in unique products but also in the heartbeat of Southwest Louisiana.
As these local businesses continue to grow and adapt, they invite the community to join them in redefining what retail means in a post-pandemic world. With every purchase, they affirm that shopping local is a small act with a big impact.
Stay tuned for more updates on local businesses as they navigate this evolving landscape and continue to create meaningful connections within the community.
