Behind the Business: Gulf Light Treasures

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – In Biloxi, one couple has combined their hobbies to create Gulf Light Treasures.

For years, Joey Olier has collected and cleaned oysters for his wife Deonne Olier to repurpose them into keepsakes.

“We like to recycle, so we started with the Jenny Lynd spindles and that started before the oyster crosses,” explained Deonne.

Five years ago, Deonne and Joey combined their crafting and building hobbies to form Gulf Coast Treasures. The small business created model boats, oyster keepsakes, angels, and more. They only set up shop at community markets.

“[Deonne] came up and said, ‘I want to do oyster crosses,’ so I came up with a pattern and I cut them out and bring them in, and she started the oyster work and painted them,” said Joey. “We’re now doing the state of Mississippi.”

The Oliers say Gulf Light Treasures will always be a longtime hobby they share with the community, donating various items to the community and charity organizations year-round.

“We’ve given a boat to almost every family member,” explained Deonne. “We’ve given away so many churches. I can’t say that we ever really make money, That’s why I don’t really call it a business, because we would never make any money out of it. So, when someone needs something, they know we would be more than welcome to give anything.”

The name Gulf Light Treasures was inspired by Joey’s grandpa’s boat, which carried the same name.

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