For Vintage Furniture & Collectibles, Visit That Gumbo Life In Mississippi
By Marisa Roman|Published August 17, 2021
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Anyone who has been through the Southern United States knows that there is so much more than what meets the eye, especially in Mississippi. While most visitors tend to stick to the big cities like Jackson and Gulfport during their travels, those smaller cities that are filled with community spirit are just as worthy of exploration. However, with our recent series of Small Business Spotlights, we are able to shed light on a smaller coastal area of Mississippi. The next time you find yourself adventuring through the small Gulf city known as Gautier, Mississippi, we recommend stopping at a beloved community shop known as That Gumbo Life.
Nestled in the heart of Gautier, Mississippi, you’ll find a cherished antique furniture shop known as That Gumbo Life.
Brimming with vintage furniture and unique home collectibles, That Gumbo Life has become a community staple for anyone looking to level up the atmosphere at home. With help from owner Monica Mingo, That Gumbo Life is a welcoming space for anyone who wants to peruse vintage treasures, shop local finds, or even find help searching for specific pieces you know will add to the overall feel of your house.
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While you might be asking yourself how That Gumbo Life became a furniture store rather than the ultimate foodie’s paradise, the name is simply a metaphor. As it takes all different types of ingredients to make a delicious pot of gumbo, such is the case of this wonderful store.
That Gumbo Life isn’t just a one-stop furniture shop. Rather, the shop repairs, refinishes, restores, and even paints furniture, and that’s just the beginning. According to Mingo, they also do custom window treatments, upholstery, and cushions, plus curate and sell antique finds and Mid-Century Modern decor.
Anyone who has a knack for furniture and home design will love perusing this shop. As Mingo states, “we believe all rooms need a bit of something fabulous that is uniquely your personality and we pride ourselves on having an eclectic array of fabulousness for you to choose from.” Finding unique pieces at That Gumbo Life not only brings character to your home but also creates a sense of individuality that you won’t find from any big box store.
That Gumbo Life started years ago with Mingo redoing personal pieces inside her home garage. That passion soon spawned into selling pieces in antique malls, which only steamrolled from there. Fast-forward to now, as Mingo set up shop within a small business incubation center with 11 employees, still finding the same inspiration with clients as she did in her home garage.
Mingo credits her success as a small business owner to her staff, which she dubbed as being “simply amazing.” But in addition, Mingo explains that her favorite part of being a business owner and something that still motivates her to this day is the freedom she has to start something new.
Within a small business, if something isn’t working it can be changed. Without the need to go through any gargantuan changes or red tape, small businesses like That Gumbo Life have much more flexibility to pivot during tough times.
The most coveted furniture pieces that any visitor to That Gumbo Life will come across are Mid-Century Modern pieces.
Mingo and her team spend a few days on each piece ensuring that the quality and craftsmanship are out-of-this-world. What sets this small shop apart from so many other antique stores is the level of attention to detail that is given to each and every item that crosses the threshold.
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By simply stepping into That Gumbo Life you’ll feel welcomed. With music playing through the speakers and hot coffee available to guests, this isn’t your average shopping experience. In fact, it is encouraged for guests to walk around, touch things, and even sit for a while. Not only does Mingo want visitors to enjoy their visit, but she also wants them to feel connected to the furniture that could potentially thrive in their homes for years to come.
But perhaps the best part of it all is how That Gumbo Life gives back to the community. By bringing awareness to the area, Mingo loves that "people know something cool is going on at I-10, exit 61."
For more information about That Gumbo Life, including their current hours of operation and all available items within the store, visit their website or follow them on Facebook Page. Also, if you found a piece that you already have your eye on, shoot them a text at 301-693-7717! Have you ever been to That Gumbo Life in Gautier, Mississippi before? Share with us what your experience was like in the comments section!
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