For husband and wife Christian entrepreneurs David and Claudia M. Vaughn, opening the Uptown Business Center has been a dream come true. Claudia said the Uptown Business Center, located at 231 E. Marion St., in Uptown Shelby, has now been open for 14 months.

"We own three businesses total in the mini-mall; The Kingdom's Cup; Golden Solutions Insurance, LLC; and Vaughn Home Improvement," said Claudia, who runs and manages Golden Solutions Insurance.

The couple's first business adventure was Vaughn Home Improvement, she said, adding it started "...over 22 years ago." She continued, "Then, about three years ago, we decided to purchase and remodel the old Bost Bakery retail location, located at 231 E. Marion Street, Shelby," with the ice cream and coffee shop, The Kingdom's Cup, opening May 31, 2021.

Said Mrs. Vaughn, "We are a Christian family-owned business. Our motto is, 'Where the coffee is strong, but our GOD is stronger!'"

The Kingdom's Cup is managed by Jennifer Tomlin, with baristas Tajuana Tate and newcomer Lainey Bradley helping out. Mrs. Vaughn said while she does help out at the shop when needed, her main job is with Golden Solutions Insurance, an insurance company designed to help those who are turning 65 soon to find the right plan to meet all of their Medicare needs.

"I also assist in life insurance, hospital indemnity plans, final expense, dental and vision plans," Claudia added.

Kingdom's Cup sells a variety of coffees, milkshakes, and ice creams and they also have specialty gifts such as sterling silver jewelry, fresh water pearls, handbags, all occasion cards, and such with homemade baked goods coming soon, according to Mrs. Vaughn.

In addition to The Kingdom's Cup and Golden Solutions Insurance, Mrs. Vaughn said other businesses located in the Uptown Business Center are Jenny Do Nails - manicures and pedicures (Jenny Do, owner); Heather's Healing Hands - Massage Therapy (Heather Brown,owner); and Pinks Uniforms Inc., which sells medical scrubs for all medical offices (Mary Kelso, owner).

The Kingdom's Cup held a Dec. 13, 2021 coloring contest for the elementary schools in order to, said Vaughn, "...reach out and offer some joy to our Cleveland County students, teachers, and faculty during the Holiday season."

She said the contest winners will be announced soon, possibly this week, she noted, adding that, "All of our First place winners will receive a large homemade ice cream sundae bowl with their choice of toppings. The First place runners-up will receive a large ice cream cone with their choice of flavor. All participants with receive a small ice cream with their choice of flavor too. All of our teachers who made this possible will receive a FREE cup of coffee compliments of The Kingdom's Cup!"

Claudia and David also noted they are trying to get more families and their children to come in the shop, wanting it to be a fun place for the kids and their folks.

As for David Vaughn, he said he is a General Contractor who specializes in remodeling and renovations. David has help in the person of protégé, Chris Campbell, who helps him out in his construction business.

Said David, "We are finishing the last phase of the building to prepare for a new hair salon and new restaurant coming soon."

When asked why they started the Uptown Business Center, the Vaughn's noted, "Since we are small business owners it is why we created the Uptown Business Center mini-mall to offer opportunities to other small business owners. Each time a new client walks into our buildingthe first words out of their mouth is. 'Wow! I had no idea all of this is here. I love it!'" They continued, We are pretty excited about what we're doing here, so come by, have a cup of coffee or an ice cream and check us out!"

You can reach Claudia at Golden Solutions at (704) 477-1426, or David at (919) 207-7040, or just go by and visit them at the Uptown Business Center or The Kingdom' Cup, at 231 E. Marion St., Shelby.