Business Achievements
Dorothy Roberts McEwen founded and runs two successful Gulf Coast businesses in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Since September 2015, Robin’s Nest in the Pass has been a gallery gift shop featuring handmade jewellery, local artwork, pottery, and Gulf Coast-themed products. With over a decade of jewelry-making expertise at regional festivals, she created a curated shop space that promotes contracted artisans and strengthens community ties. Roberts Place Café, located near the gallery, offers a family-friendly dining experience with local heritage and mementos honouring her mother’s education and social work. After 25 years in social services, including six years as executive director of the South Mississippi Regional Centre, she retired with substantial leadership expertise in operations and community involvement. Additionally, she co-authored the 2019 anthology Unboxed, showcasing her writing diversity.
Drivers of Success
Dorothy succeeds because to her creativity, strategy, and community involvement. Her experience in jewellery creation helped her create a distinctive retail brand by combining workmanship with client rapport. She was inspired by her father’s Tuskegee Airman lineage and her mother’s academic leadership to serve and excel. Staffing and working capital management are her top priorities to provide operational robustness in the early years of business. She has built customer loyalty and established her stores as cultural hubs in downtown Pass Christian by focussing on regional themes and sponsoring local artists.
Other Successful Family Members
- Robin Roberts: Good Morning America anchor and journalism award winner known for her uplifting tales.
- Sally-Ann Roberts, a trusted local news anchor at WWL-TV in New Orleans, has decades of experience.
- Lawrence E. Roberts Sr.: Air Force Colonel, Congressional Gold Medallist, and namesake chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Club.
- Lucimarian Roberts: Respected social worker and educator, former Mississippi Board of Education Chair, shaped state educational policy.
- Lawrence E. Roberts II: Limited public visibility yet vital to family support.
FAQ
What inspired Dorothy Roberts McEwen to start Robin’s Nest in the Pass?
Inspired by her decade of jewelry-making at area festivals and support for local artists, she opened a gallery gift shop showcasing Gulf Coast creativity and workmanship.
How did her prior career prepare her for entrepreneurship?
She worked in social services for 25 years, including six years as executive director of the South Mississippi Regional Centre. This gave her the leadership, operational management, and community cooperation abilities she needs to build successful enterprises.
What distinguishes Roberts Place Café from other local eateries?
The café combines family history and community pride by displaying items that honour her mother’s contributions to education. It also has a family-friendly atmosphere and a menu influenced by the area.
How does Dorothy maintain community engagement through her businesses?
She promotes local artist consignment, Gulf Coast-themed products, and personalised customer experiences, making her businesses cultural hubs.
