Community Highlights: Meet J’Mihyia Whitsett of Whitsett Enterprise

Today we’d like to introduce you to J’Mihyia Whitsett.

Hi J’Mihyia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey as a teen mom, navigating the challenges that came with it. Despite the hurdles, I accumulated much corporate experience over the years. All the while, I held onto a dream of creating the unique Marjae vibe, although I didn’t quite know what it would entail at the time. It wasn’t until a random and unexpected turn of events that I planned to bring Marjae’s to life. Four years ago, on my birthday, I visited the space that would eventually become Marjae’s, open for the past three successful years. I met my wife, who shared my entrepreneurial spirit along the way. Together, we ventured into opening The Breakfast Spot and Filter Coffee and are gearing up to launch The Baby Bar. The fulfillment of these ventures paved the way for me to delve into business coaching and establish my social club, Flutes and Flowers. The vision behind Flutes and Flowers is to create a supportive community for like-minded individuals, fostering growth, empowerment, and connection. Through business coaching and Flutes and Flowers, I aim to inspire others and share the lessons I have learned during my entrepreneurial journey.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While my entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, my biggest struggle was navigating and identifying my target audience, or as I like to call them, “my people.” Understanding who would resonate with each of our businesses fully took time and experimentation. However, everything else fell into place once I discovered our target audience for each venture. Of course, like any business, we faced the challenges of slow seasons and the necessity for hard work. However, with a well-thought-out strategy and a little extra boost from Filter Coffee, we could easily handle those challenges. Despite the occasional difficulties, our determination and adaptability have propelled us forward.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Whitsett Enterprise?
Under the umbrella of Whitsett Enterprise, we have a diverse range of businesses that cater to various needs and preferences. The brand encompasses various businesses I co-own with my wife and is more than just a collection of ventures – it’s a community-driven hub that fosters connection, empowerment, and growth.

Marjae’s, our wine bar, specializes in offering an extensive selection of wines and expertly crafted cocktails. We also provide mobile bar services, directly bringing our exquisite wine, cocktails, and mocktails to events and gatherings. Filter, our coffee shop, takes inspiration from popular chain coffee menus but adds a local touch. We aim to create a cozy and welcoming environment while serving high-quality coffee to our valued customers. The Baby Bar, our Montessori-inspired indoor play space, is designed for children aged newborn to 4 years old. Here, kids can explore and learn while their parents enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and can even catch up on their favorite shows. We have high chairs for juice, creating a comfortable space for families to come together. Additionally, The Baby Bar offers two party rooms for hosting events and holds fun public events catering to younger children. The Breakfast Spot is our southern-style breakfast spot, specializing in soulful dishes such as chicken and waffles, corn beef hash, liver pudding, and salmon croquettes. We pride ourselves on serving a mouthwatering breakfast that satisfies the soul. Barber Nails and Beyond, our barber shop, embraces the traditional barber shop setting while providing top-notch grooming services for our valued clients.

J’Mihyia, as co-owner, offers business coaching to support the success of our ventures. With her strategic expertise and dedication, alongside the unwavering support of Paris, our businesses are continuously thriving. At Whitsett Enterprise, we take pride in our diverse offerings and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and services. Whether you’re looking for a wine bar, coffee shop, child-friendly play space, a hearty breakfast, or grooming services, we have it all. Join us and experience the unique offerings and warm atmosphere at Whitsett Enterprise.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is when my family didn’t have much. We would go to the beach and spend the entire night fishing, sleeping in the car, and on the pier. I had my little tent and toys, and it felt like an adventure. Despite our circumstances, my parents, who were both entrepreneurs, created memorable moments for our family. We would sit on the floor and enjoy shrimp and crab, fostering a sense of togetherness and warmth. My grandma played a significant role in my upbringing and became my best friend, along with my mom. They taught me the values of loyalty, love, and passion. Additionally, my dad instilled in me the importance of hard work. This cherished childhood memory serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of my family, as well as the importance of creating meaningful experiences with the ones we love, regardless of the circumstances. It has shaped my perspective on entrepreneurship, loyalty, and the power of love, fueling my drive and determination in my ventures today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitsettenterprise.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marjaeswinebar?igsh=MWJyNWhkOWhwMnA3OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Kyle McCarty, Jodie Brim