DONELSON, Tenn. - The Cupcake Collection Cafe on Lebanon Pike celebrated its one year anniversary Tuesday, and as part of the celebration, the owner helped other businesses.
The Cupcake Collection started in Germantown seven years ago, and opened a full-service cafe in Donelson last September.
"It's been a good year, it's been a learning year. I have had struggles through the year, but I've had many triumphs through this year," said owner Mignon Francois.
The success of The Cupcake Collection can be traced back to Franscois' determination. She did not even know how to back when she set out to open her cupcake bakery.
"I can take flour, and sugar, and salt and science and make something happen, I can do it on my own," Francois explained.
All these years later Francois said she has been imparting her recipe for success to other small business owners.
"I've been wanting to spend my time not only pouring over ideas with people, but some of my wealth that is my space," Francois said.
She had nearly 2,00 square feet of space next to her cafe that she was using for storage. The cupcake maker decided to turn that area in the TCC Business Suites, so other small business owners would have a prime location to succeed.
"If you don't have that storefront, if you're not visible, then people may forget about you. This gives me a chance," said Kia Jarmon, owner of MEPR Agency.
She opened her office in the back of the space Francois had available to sub-lease. The front portion of the store is occupied by Paper Kuts Studio.
Jarmon said the space will make a big difference in her business that was running out of her home.
"Her being able to invest in my business is going t allow me to go after bigger contracts, to go after bigger opportunities with clients, and have a footprint in the Donelson market, which is growing and thriving in a good way," Jarmon said.
Francois said she has been working on other opportunities that would expand her 'The Cupcake Collection' brand, creating even more success.
