The Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce has named Friends Gifts and More as its August 2025 Business of the Month.

Friends first opened in December 2023 and relocated to its current location at 209 South Abel Street a year ago. The business was recognized as the chamber’s New Business of the Year in 2024.

The shop carries a variety of unique gift items, many of which can be personalized. Customers can find school spirit gear, candles and freshies, Bibles and devotionals, jewelry, and specialty engraved items. Friends can even engrave signatures, recipes and messages in a loved one’s handwriting.

The store is owned by Cristy Carter and also features several in-house vendors: Heather Jones with gift items, skinny syrups and bath products; Amy Kelly with dry tea mixes; Mattie Claire Womack with Lucy Goosie handmade bows; and Cindi Beaubouef, also known as Crayon Princess, with hand-painted specialty items.

The chamber expressed its appreciation for the business, noting the value it brings to the community.