Food and wares from Mexico in Poplarville

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, January 26, 2016

1. ECLECTIC DECOR: Way Out West Owner Marsha Ladner showcases the variety of home décor items at her store in Poplarville. Most of the home décor and furniture are imported from Mexico. Photo by Ashley Collins.

ECLECTIC DECOR: Way Out West Owner Marsha Ladner showcases the variety of home décor items at her store in Poplarville. Most of the home décor and furniture are imported from Mexico. Photo by Ashley Collins.

For the past 14 years, Way Out West in Poplarville has sold home décor and fare inspired by Mexico’s culture.

Owner Marsha Ladner said their motto at Way Out West is “Come to eat, stay to shop.” Her business includes a store and a grill, which are located in two separate buildings alongside each other on Poplarville’s Main Street.

Ladner drew inspiration for her business from her love of Mexican-style décor.

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In 2002, she opened the grill, formerly known as Silverado’s restaurant, offering a variety of fare including, specialty burgers and quesadillas, to dine in or take out. The specialty store opened the following year, selling furniture imported from Mexico, home décor, pottery, jewelry and children and infant accessories.

“Both buildings are family property, belonging to my mother. It was a convenience store for a while,” Ladner said.

Over the years, the property was abandoned, but not for long.

A year before opening the grill, Ladner engaged into a business venture with a partner, selling Mexican pottery in a nearby location.

When the partnership fizzled, Ladner said she “went on a mission to renovate” the family-owned property into a running business, but she didn’t expect it to grow into what it is today.

“At the store, we started selling Mexican pottery and then home décor and imported furniture,” she said. “Then dishware, candles, handbags, jewelry and it grew from one thing to another.”

The store also offers custom monogrammed T-shirts and vinyl prints.

Ladner keeps her business mostly all in the family. She said her family helps run the store and grill, prepping and cooking homemade items for locals and out-of-towners.

While her business keeps her busy, Ladner said she finds time to spend with family, which includes her three children and grandchild.

“I don’t see myself ever not working, but it does give you a different perspective when a grand-baby comes,” she said.

Way Out West is located at 1112 S. Main St. in Poplarville.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grill is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The store can be reached at 601-795-0717.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at Way Out West.

WESTERN FRONT: Mexican pottery sit outside Way Out West. The store’s owner Marsha Ladner said her business began with pottery. Photo by Ashley Collins.

WESTERN FRONT: Mexican pottery sit outside Way Out West. The store’s owner Marsha Ladner said her business began with pottery. Photo by Ashley Collins.