Behind the Business: That Gumbo Life

GAUTIER, Miss. (WLOX) - One South Mississippi business works hard to preserve antiques and vintage furniture pieces.

That Gumbo Life is located at 4353 Gautier Vancleave Road in Gautier.

“It’s a place where old things are made new again,” said owner Monica Mingo.

Mingo started That Gumbo Life in her garage, and it has since grown into a blossoming business.

“I started redoing furniture just as a hobby, got really good at it, and started doing it for other families and friends,” said Mingo.

“I got a booth, and we were selling on Marketplace, then my booth turned into two booths.”

Mingo operated out of the Vintage Flamingo in Gulfport and then the Business Incubator in Pascagoula, before making Gautier home.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it, but the opportunity presented itself,” said Mingo.

“I was driving down this street to go to Pascagoula, and this building was open. I saw it was for rent, and I thought it would be this astronomical price, so I called, and I was like I think I can do that.”

When you hear of That Gumbo Life, it’s easy to think of food, but it’s a place where old things are made new again, a passion that drives Mingo.

“You find these pieces that are solid wood, that have aged very well, and have probably been passed down from family to family, and because it’s solid wood, you can just bring it back to life easily,” said Mingo.

“I am someone who will tell you don’t go buy particle board or engineered wood. Go find you a thrifted piece that is solid wood, and you can always make that come back to life.”

Early on, Mingo mainly worked on dressers and painted furniture at clients’ request. Since then, the business has grown, offering a broader range of services with a larger team.

That Gumbo Life also sells vintage clothing. Mingo said anything creative or eye-catching will always have a home inside her store.

Mingo came up with the name That Gumbo Life because it takes many different ingredients to make a good pot of gumbo, just like a business.

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