Born from a leap of faith
Down the sidewalk of downtown Cleveland on Cotton Row sits the Black Door Boutique. This boutique is more than a storefront—it’s a vision that started with a leap of faith on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has now made its way to the Delta. With two Black Door Boutique locations, along with Isla Bleu Collection in Pass Christian, owner Merideth Melton Dickerson has grown her business through passion, prayer, and the belief that fashion should be for every woman.
“I opened the original Black Door Boutique six years ago in Gautier, MS on a prayer and whim,” said Dickerson.
Her story begins in the Mississippi Delta, where she was born in Cleveland and raised in Indianola. For Dickerson, growing up in the Delta shaped her outlook on people, relationships, and even her approach to business. “The Delta is a very special place to me. There’s actually no place like The Delta! Everyone knows at least someone you’re kin to. Friendships run to your soul in the Delta,” she explained.
It was this foundation of close-knit community that helped guide her when the opportunity to start her own boutique first presented itself. A spot opened up in one of her commercial buildings in Gautier, and she was encouraged to take a chance. “The idea for the boutique was actually inspired by Isabel Gray, who manages my State Farm office in Gautier. When a spot opened up in my commercial building, Isabel encouraged me to take the leap. We went to market together, and that’s how Black Door Boutique was born,” said Dickerson.
The success of the first boutique brought new opportunities. When Dickerson’s best friend’s daughter, Abby Roberts, graduated from Mississippi State, she stepped in to manage the Gautier location. “She was an absolute Godsend! She is so phenomenal at managing Black Door Boutique. She understands our vision and our WHY! We are so incredibly thankful for Abby,” said Dickerson.
When Abby eventually moved back to Cleveland, she opened Nutrition Shop 719, but she never stopped encouraging Dickerson to bring Black Door Boutique to the Delta. After four years of persistent encouragement, the timing was finally right.
“She’s been asking me ever since to open a Black Door Boutique in Cleveland and we are so excited to be here,” said Dickerson.
The Cleveland boutique, located at 166 North Sharpe Avenue, now gives local women the chance to enjoy affordable, stylish fashion without having to leave town. The original location still stands strong at 2201 Hwy 90 in Gautier, while Isla Bleu Collection shines along the Gulf Coast in Pass Christian, MS.
The Delta location has benefited from the strong ties of the Cleveland community. From ‘Sip & Shop nights to Oktoberfest and Shop Cleveland First, Black Door Boutique has found a natural home in the heart of downtown.
“We are so incredibly thankful for the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Mainstreet for the wonderful job they do to keep the community and businesses involved in every aspect. We are so thankful and appreciate the warm welcome we have received!” said Dickerson.
For Dickerson, success is not measured just in sales or storefronts, but in service. Through her boutiques, she gives back to the community that has supported her, whether through volunteer work, partnerships, or sponsorships. “Supporting and serving the people in our cities is at the heart of what we do,” she shared.
That sense of purpose—her “why”—is what fuels her to keep moving forward, even when challenges come.
Dickerson’s encouragement was rooted in her own experience. “My advice would be to surround yourself with people who believe in you and know your why. Starting a retail business takes hard work and consistency, but if you stay true to your vision and lean on your community, you will build something meaningful!”
From Gautier to Cleveland, the Black Door Boutique continues to grow, but at its heart remains a commitment to helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. In Dickerson’s words and actions, the boutique is more than fashion—it’s a reflection of the Delta’s soul, stitched with family and faith.