On November 10, 2008, two businesses opened their doors and have kept them open for ten solid years of black excellence. Joshua Mundy opened his Music City Cleaners directly on Jefferson Street at 624 Jefferson Street. The same day, Mignon Francois launched her cupcake business, The Cupcake Collection, nearby in the Germantown/Jefferson Street district.
As previously reported in the PRIDE, Nashville bakery The Cupcake Collection was the grand prize winner of the First Tennessee Bank’s statewide ‘Best Small Business’ contest in 2016. Owner Mignon Francois was presented then with a check for $10,000. The Cupcake Collection, located in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood, had previously been named ‘Best Cupcake’ by The Tennessean and one of ‘50 Things to Eat in Nashville Before You Die” by Thrillist. It was also recognized as Black Enterprise magazine’s Family Business of the Year. A member of the 2016-17 Leadership Nashville class, owner Mignon Francois is one of Nashville’s up-and-coming business leaders. Her past honors include ‘Emerging Business Leader of the Year’ and ‘Woman of Legend and Merit’ by Tennessee State University.
“I started this bakery in 2008 on a wing and a prayer with no prior experience in or knowledge of the food industry,” said Francois. “It’s been a dream come true to serve my friends and neighbors in Nashville, and I have a lot to smile about.”
Joshua Mundy opened Music City Cleaners on his birthday, November 10, in 2008, and he celebrated his birthday and a decade in business with a birthday brunch at his more recent enterprise, The LAB, on November 10, 2018. Dozens of friends and associates came out on a bitter cold Saturday afternoon to the establishment he opened next door to Music City Cleaners (in the same building) on September 1, 2017.
“Being a part of history in bringing the resurgence of business back to Jefferson Street” is what Joshua says he is most proud of. Memberships are still available to entrepreneurs who want a nice co-working space on historic Jefferson Street with wi-fi, snacks, and printing. The space is also available for and frequently used as an art gallery with beautiful paintings and sculptures, nice couches and chairs and tables for various events, such as Joshua’s birthday brunch.
Black excellence is a theme Joshua likes to invoke, referring to his and Mignon’s businessess, as well as those of the participants in the party. The music was provided by a DJ who works at 92Q FM, the food was catered by Dream Cuisine, and libations by a new whiskey company, Guidance.
Mignon recently held a Grand Opening for her New Orleans location of The Cupcake Collection, at 2917 Magazine Street, on Sunday, June 3, 2018. She has sold over 5 million cupcakes at press time, and counting! As their mortto says, “Our cupcakes taste homemade because they are homemade.”
Jason Ridgel lauched his new whiskey, GUIDANCE, and brought a few bottles for tasting and toasting at Joshua’s birthday brunch. The spirit will soon move into statewide distribution. The Dream Cuisine food provided by Ashley Bunch was phenomenal! Check her out online on Facebook. And if you need a dj this season, book Corey “DJ C-Dub” at The Music City DJs. This is what Joshua means when he talks about black excellence! Just like Music City Cleaners and The LAB.
