Welcome to Ridgeland, Mississippi, where the spirit of community and innovation converge just north of Jackson. With nearly 25,000 residents, Ridgeland offers a vibrant blend of modern amenities and Southern charm. This dynamic city has become a beacon of growth and opportunity, recognized for its robust economy and cutting-edge technology in both homes and businesses.
Ridgeland takes pride in its commitment to quality living, as reflected in its esteemed recognition as Mississippi's healthiest hometown. The city's outdoor paradise includes miles of bike trails ideal for cycling enthusiasts and the stunning natural beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway and Ross Barnett Reservoir. From serene nature escapes to exhilarating outdoor activities, Ridgeland invites residents and visitors alike to embrace an active lifestyle.
The city's dedication to greenery and sustainability is evident as a Tree City USA, proudly reflecting its vibrant landscapes. Additionally, as a Google eCity, Ridgeland stands out as a digital innovator, fostering a tech-savvy community ready for the future.
With award-winning education, diverse shopping experiences, and delectable dining options, Ridgeland is a place where families and individuals can ...
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland,
4 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Spring Issue
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland, Mississippi: A Place to Thrive
Welcome to Ridgeland, Mississippi, where the spirit of community and innovation converge just north of Jackson. With nearly 25,000 residents, Ridgeland offers a vibrant blend of modern amenities and Southern charm. This dynamic city has become a beacon of growth and opportunity, recognized for its robust economy and cutting-edge technology in both homes and businesses.
Ridgeland takes pride in its commitment to quality living, as reflected in its esteemed recognition as Mississippi's healthiest hometown. The city's outdoor paradise includes miles of bike trails ideal for cycling enthusiasts and the stunning natural beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway and Ross Barnett Reservoir. From serene nature escapes to exhilarating outdoor activities, Ridgeland invites residents and visitors alike to embrace an active lifestyle.
The city's dedication to greenery and sustainability is evident as a Tree City USA, proudly reflecting its vibrant landscapes. Additionally, as a Google eCity, Ridgeland stands out as a digital innovator, fostering a tech-savvy community ready for the future.
With award-winning education, diverse shopping experiences, and delectable dining options, Ridgeland is a place where families and individuals can truly flourish. Whether you're exploring the city for the first time or considering making it your home, Ridgeland greets you with open arms and endless possibilities. Come see why this Southern gem is a prime destination for living and thriving.
Hello Ridgeland, Mississippi • Spring Issue |5
Discover the Charms of Ridgeland,
FEATURED STORY
How BBB Mississippi Builds Marketplace Trust Statewide with CEO John O’Hara
by HelloNation Staff
John O’Hara leads the Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi, and his message is consistent. The BBB gives people public information about businesses, a fair process when something goes wrong, and plain tips that help them avoid scams. In a state where many transactions still begin with a call or a handshake, that combination is practical and easy to use.O’Hara has been president and CEO since 2012, and the structure has remained the same. Consumers can look up Business Profiles to see complaint patterns and company responses in context, not as
6 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Spring Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
isolated comments. Businesses can point to those same records to show how they handle problems. This shared visibility encourages better conduct before anyone signs a contract, which is when most issues can still be prevented.Mississippi sees its share of fraud attempts, and O’Hara’s outreach focuses on habits that work across many schemes. He reminds people to type official web addresses into a browser, to treat unexpected links and attachments with caution, and to be skeptical of payment requests by gift card or wire. He also notes that a careful screenshot, a saved email, and a
Hello Ridgeland, Mississippi • Spring Issue |7
How BBB Mississippi Builds Marketplace Trust Statewide with CEO John O’Hara
John O’Hara leads the Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi, and his message is consistent. The BBB gives people public information about businesses, a fair process when something goes wrong, and plain tips that help them avoid scams. In a state where many transactions still begin with a call or a handshake, that combination is practical and easy to use. O’Hara has been president and CEO since 2012, and the structure has remained the same. Consumers can look up Business Profiles to see complaint patterns and company responses in context, not as isolated comments. Businesses can point to those same records to show how they handle problems. This shared visibility encourages better conduct before anyone signs a contract, which is when most issues can still be prevented. Mississippi sees its share of fraud attempts, and O’Hara’s outreach focuses on habits that work across many schemes. He reminds people to type official web addresses into a browser, to treat unexpected links and attachments with caution, and to be skeptical of payment requests by gift card or wire. He also notes that a careful screenshot, a saved email, and a dated receipt can make all the difference if a dispute arises later. These are small steps that fit busy lives, and they work whether the pitch shows up as a text, a social message, or a call. His public talks keep the tone steady. When he meets with business owners or students, he frames trust as a set of repeatable behaviors. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to respond with specifics rather than arguments. Confirm promises in writing with names and dates. These actions lower complaint volume, and if a complaint is filed, they make a clearer outcome more likely. Media appearances extend that same approach to a wider audience. Local outlets invite O’Hara to explain current scam trends and the warning signs that cut across tactics. Viewers and listeners hear the same plain guidance, slow down, verify independently, and report what you see so patterns emerge. The aim is not to memorize every new script, it is to build simple habits that make bad pitches easier to spot. Inside the bureau, the complaint process is deliberately transparent. A complaint that meets acceptance rules is forwarded to the business with a set timeline for a response. Staff ask both sides for documents and dates that support their accounts. Many matters close with a written plan the parties can follow, and that result appears on the profile. The point is not to pick winners, it is to make the facts easier to see so future buyers can make informed choices. Education runs alongside dispute work. In shopping seasons, the office emphasizes online purchase basics and charity research. After heavy weather, reminders focus on written estimates, staged payments, and verifying licenses and insurance for contractors. The office also speaks to civic groups and classrooms across the state. Over time, these routine messages add up to a shared language that both consumers and businesses understand. O’Hara’s background equips him to bridge conversations between households and companies. Years in operations and management taught him to focus on process, clarity, and follow through. That perspective fits the BBB’s mission, which relies on everyday actions rather than slogans. A clear return policy that staff can explain will prevent more disputes than any single campaign. A faster, specific reply to a complaint can save a relationship that might otherwise be lost. Mississippi’s geography shapes the daily work too. The bureau serves 76 counties from its Flowood office, which means audiences range from metro neighborhoods to small towns. The same core tools work everywhere. A buyer checks a profile before hiring, a seller posts terms in plain language, and a well-documented exchange keeps expectations aligned. When information is public and steps are simple, most problems become smaller and faster to resolve. Public trust also grows when people see consistent behavior. When a business replies on time with dates, receipts, and next steps, the record shows it. When an issue is fixed, that outcome remains visible for the next person. The bureau is not a court, but it is a reliable forum that rewards documentation and good faith. Over time, those routine cases create a living picture of how companies act when things do not go perfectly. O’Hara’s community talks come back to the same idea. Consumers and businesses share the marketplace, so they also share the habits that keep it healthy. When both sides use clear information, written terms, and a calm process, trust becomes the default. That is the promise the BBB has offered for decades, and it is the one his office continues to deliver across Mississippi
When bothsides use clearinformation, writtenterms, and a calmprocess, trust becomesthe default.
dated receipt can make all the difference if a dispute arises later. These are small steps that fit busy lives, and they work whether the pitch shows up as a text, a social message, or a call.His public talks keep the tone steady. When he meets with business owners or students, he frames trust as a set of repeatable behaviors. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to respond with specifics rather than arguments. Confirm promises i...
Safe Custom Wooden Toys for Kids in Mississippi
Parents often hesitate before buying hand-painted children's gifts—and for good reason. Safety isn't always visible from the outside. Across Mississippi, small workshops craft wooden toys with remarkable patience and skill, yet each uses different paints, finishes, and construction methods.
Understanding these details empowers families to choose items that are both beautiful and safe for daily play.A well-made step stool demonstrates how safety and design work together. Stability requires a wide base, balanced legs, and smooth edges that won't catch on skin or clothing. Mississippi
8 | HelloRidgeland, Mississippi • Spring Issue
Safe Custom Wooden Toys for Kids in Mississippi
Parents often hesitate before buying hand-painted children's gifts—and for good reason. Safety isn't always visible from the outside. Across Mississippi, small workshops craft wooden toys with remarkable patience and skill, yet each uses different paints, finishes, and construction methods. Understanding these details empowers families to choose items that are both beautiful and safe for daily play.
A well-made step stool demonstrates how safety and design work together. Stability requires a wide base, balanced legs, and smooth edges that won't catch on skin or clothing. Mississippi craftspeople carefully shape each piece to eliminate sharp corners, then sand the surface until it's perfectly smooth. Since toddlers climb on stools daily, the surface must handle shifting weight without rocking or tilting.
Painted decoration deserves close attention. Water-based paint is the safest choice—it dries without harsh fumes and bonds gently to the wood. Ridgeland shops typically use non-toxic paint that meets national safety standards for children's products. Thin, even coats prevent chipping during rough play. Chipped paint isn't just unsightly; loose flakes pose a real hazard to younger children who explore with their mouths.
A sealed finish protects both the paint and the child. Craftspeople use clear coats rated specifically for children's furniture and toys. These finishes harden into a smooth, protective shell that resists scratches and moisture. This final barrier is essential—it keeps paint stable and allows parents to wipe surfaces clean without worrying about wear. The sealed layer also preserves the artwork's brightness, maintaining the gift's visual appeal.
Keepsake boxes raise different safety considerations since they combine storage with decoration. Children open and close lids repeatedly, so hinges must be firmly anchored in the wood. Some Mississippi artisans install slow-close hinges to prevent pinched fingers. The interior should be smooth, free of rough patches in corners or loose hardware. Even simple boxes require sturdy construction given how frequently children handle them.
Age recommendations guide parents toward appropriate pieces. Toddlers need larger shapes that can't be swallowed, along with rounded edges and simple designs. Older children can appreciate more detailed artwork and smaller components, though the finish should remain strong and smooth. Safe custom wooden toys in Mississippi typically include age ranges that match their size and function—Ridgeland makers routinely provide this information with each order.
Talking with the artisan is often the most valuable step. Many creators gladly explain their process—from the wood species they select to how they seal each paint layer. This transparency builds trust and reveals the care invested in every hand-painted gift from a small shop.
Parents can feel confident when they know how these items are made. Checking the paint, finish, construction, and age range will help families select gifts that are both safe and lasting. With a little guidance, hand-painted toys and keepsake boxes become meaningful parts of childhood.
Melissa Skelton
craftspeople carefully shape each piece to eliminate sharp corners, then sand the surface until it's perfectly smooth. Since toddlers climb on stools daily, the surface must handle shifting weight without rocking or tilting.Painted decoration deserves close attention. Water-based paint is the safest choice—it dries
without harsh fumes and bonds gently to the wood. Ridgeland shops typically use non-toxic paint that meets national safety standards for children's products. Thin, even coats prevent chipping during rough play. Chipped paint isn't just unsightly; loose flakes pose a real hazard to younger children who explore with their mouths.A sealed finish protects both the paint and the child. Craftspeople use clear coats rated specifically for children's furniture and toys. These finishes harden into a smooth, protective shell that resists scratches and moisture. This final barrier is essential—it keeps paint stable and allows parents to wip...
It keeps paint stable and allows parents to wipe surfaces clean without worrying about wear.
About the Author
Melissa Skelton, Owner of The Commissary, leads Mississippi’s long-standing children’s boutique known for handcrafted and personalized gifts. She is dedicated to safe materials, thoughtful design, and locally rooted craftsmanship, creating meaningful toys and keepsakes that support early learning and family connection., Owner of The Commissary, leads Mississippi’s long-standing children’s boutique known for handcrafted and personalized gifts. She is dedicated to safe materials, thoughtful de...
