Mignon Francois
Was born on the 4th of July 1974 to Alvin & Theodalinda Theriot, and truly is a firecracker. Much to her parents disappointment, in 1991 Mignon made her first of what would become many bold decisions when she forfeited her Valedictorian status by opting to graduate a full year early from John F. Kennedy Senior High School in New Orleans.
At 16, Mignon went on to attend Xavier University where she studied Biology PreMed. After struggling to live up to her childhood dreams of becoming a physician, Mignon realized that she wanted to embark on something new. Her mother said no and encouraged her to continue in the path she had been forging. Obedience being one of the many virtues Mignon exhibited, she stuck to her studies at Xavier until 1994, when at the age of 20 she met and married her husband, Alvin Francois, a single father from New Orleans. The newlywed couple quickly moved their young family to Houston, TX and Mignon, an astute stay at home mom, or household manager as she calls it, sought to be a better example for her children. She had a burning desire to complete the degree she was so close to obtaining before their move and therefore enrolled at Houston Baptist University where she decided to pursue her true dream of becoming a journalist. It would prove to be the biggest feat she’d made to date. She attempted all this while caring for a toddler, elementary school age children, pregnant and carrying a full load 21 hours to complete her education. Within a few short semesters, and a 3.7 GPA, her tenacity became a reality. Mignon holds a Bachelor of Science in the areas of Psychology and Mass Communications with a focus on Photography.
She felt called by God as an entrepreneur early on, dabbling in many facets of business ownership, including her own photography company, her children’s grass cutting ventures, a tween magazine, children’s book, and her husband’s craftsmanship. After many years of financial hardship, Mignon began seeking an answer from God as to her true life’s purpose. Raised in a devout Seventh Day Adventist home, she was taught that seeking meant finding, and knocking meant the door may be opened. In 2007, following many restless and sleepless nights of bible studying, Mignon felt she heard a personal call from God to make cupcakes. She began studying and practicing the art of baking as if her life depended on it. And It DID! With her knowledge of chemical reactions, a few long distant calls to her favorite Baker, Grandmother Virginia “Jenny” Mathews, and a lot of help and harsh criticisms from her family, Mignon developed a recipe for success in the family living room. In 2008, this converted living room has become known to Nashville as “The Cupcake Collection”.
In operation since Nov, 2008, The Cupcake Collection has been chosen Best Bakery by the Tennessean Readers Choice Poll for 3 years running, The Editors Pick for Best Bakery in Nashville Scene, Best Dessert Food Truck, and Best Roving Food Truck in Nashville by The Nashville Scene.
From foreclosure to notoriety, Mignon Francois says she’s got a whole lot to smile about. Through her journey, she has come to experience true joy. If you can’t tell it from her wide toothed smile, then Mignon admonishes that Melba Colgrove said it best…”Joy is the feeling of grinning inside”.
Of the many names she carries including daughter, sister, friend, and wife, she is most proud of her role as mother to 6 children (4 boys and 2 girls).
Mignon Francois is founder and owner of The Cupcake Collection located in historic Germantown at 1213 6th Ave N of Nashville, TN
