By Jessica Ford
From cakes to wine, 31-year-old Greensboro native J’Mihyia Drayton has established herself as a business owner with a dedication to serving her hometown. Now, she’s launched a coffee shop and play space to attract a different audience.
Her entrepreneurial story started with “Mommy and Me Cupcakes,” a home-based venture creating custom treats. The idea was inspired by her cherished memories from baking with her daughter. It didn’t take long for Drayton to become known among friends as the “cake lady,” gaining viral fame and attracting sweet-tooth clients, including celebrity party planner Jahlil McAllister.
With profits from her cake business, she and her partner ventured into a brick-and-mortar business, opening Greensboro’s first Black-owned wine bar, Marjae’s Wine Bar, in 2021. (The couple are no longer together.) The bar in the Idlewood neighborhood, a mile northeast of downtown, became a local favorite for couples’ date nights because of a cozy ambiance and quality drinks.
Drayton’s goal was to create a welcoming, nurturing community. While every business faces challenges, Marjae’s faced some unusual ones, including some patrons who questioned Drayton’s wine credentials. She says she gained expertise because of her passion for relaxing with a glass of wine and listening to gospel music. Overwhelming community support has proved instrumental in sustaining Marjae’s, which is Drayton’s middle name.
This summer, Drayton took on a new challenge with Baby Bar, which she calls the world’s first indoor play space and coffee bar. The concept blends a cozy café atmosphere with a safe indoor playground, designed for families with young children seeking an affordable, engaging option. It’s about a mile northeast of Marjae’s, not far from Grimsley High School.
Parents can enjoy a coffee while their children play nearby. Unlike traditional kids’ play areas, Baby Bar features a neutral color palette with no loud music, creating a calming environment. A 90-minute play session costs $15.
Baby Bar also offers event rooms where families can host birthday parties or other private gatherings. Drayton, drawing from her own experiences as a teen mom, envisions hosting community baby showers to support mothers in need.
Motherhood and entrepreneurship
Balancing the roles of motherhood and business owner is no easy feat, but Drayton says her children are her greatest motivation.
“Being a mom has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences,” she says. “I want my children to see that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Drayton has encountered problems common to many entrepreneurs, including building trust as a young Black woman, navigating staffing issues, and balancing home and business life. Each obstacle has been a stepping stone to growth, she says. She also has a side business mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Owning a business isn’t just about profits,” she says. “It’s about making a positive impact, creating opportunities, and giving back to the community that supports us.”
“As a business owner, J’Mihyia is very diligent,” says Justice Terry, a Greensboro personal trainer who is a client and friend. “She’s hardworking, detail-oriented, and highly organized. She is persistent and never shies away from putting in the effort required to achieve excellence.”
Drayton envisions broadening her impact by creating innovative spaces that leave an impression, long after customers leave her establishments. “I want to inspire young Black girls to dream big and pursue their passions,” she says. “It’s about showing them that they have the strength to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, no matter how daunting they may seem.” ■