From Indian clothing to kickboxing, dance, here are four new Mt. Juliet businesses to see

The growing Indian population is bringing Mt. Juliet a dedicated women’s clothing boutique to serve the community, but not exclusively.

Maharani Collections is scheduled to host a soft opening April 17 with a larger grand opening on June 1.

Pinal Patel, 41, is opening the store with her husband Sanket "Sam" Patel. He owns a number of businesses in the region, but his wife will be the primary operator of Maharani Collections.

“We have a big Indian community, especially in Mt. Juliet,” Pinal Patel said. “Not everyone can afford to go to India, and this will be much more convenient."

Indian clothing – known for an abundance of colors, intricate designs and patterns, sometimes with American variations – has made strides with the overall population, especially for events like weddings and proms.

Patel plans to travel to India, where she was born, once or twice a year to get her clothes and items like shawls, purses, shoes and jewelry for Maharani Collections. Some clothes will be ordered as well, and Patel plans to include some of her own designs, she said.

Men’s and kids sections may be added moving forward.

Patel says she also wants to hold events at the store around Indian festivals.

The new store is at 2728 North Mt. Juliet Road behind the Middle Tennessee Electric building in Mt. Juliet.

Online ordering will be offered.

Milele Academy dance school to open

A prominent Nashville dance school, Milele Academy, will move from Church Street to Mt. Juliet, setting up shop in a new building under construction on Lebanon Road, east of Golden Bear Gateway on the city's northeast side.

Studio Director Jamie Milele operates the academy, and her adult children serve as lead instructors and choreographers.

Daughter Marissa Milele is a former Tennessee Titans cheerleader and choreographer who has danced for a number of high-profile artists including Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Ricky Martin and others. She was also on season 12 of the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Jamie Milele's son Justin also dances professionally, and his work has included television and concert tours.

Hopes are to open in Mt. Juliet on or around June 1, Jamie Milele said.

Classes are for aspiring dancers ages 4-19 in multiple dance genres, according to the website. Milele Academy students can also go to competitions and conventions. The academy plans to launch recreational classes for ages 2 and up in Mt. Juliet.

A more community-oriented area, parking and a location that will be easier for students to get to were among reasons cited for the move from Nashville to Mt. Juliet, Jamie Milele said.

9Round kickboxing fitness studio to open

A new 9Round fitness studio that incorporates kickboxing training for all levels is expected to open in May or June at 9600 Lebanon Road Suite 100.

Karen Smith is the franchise owner.

The program is designed around a proprietary and copyrighted circuit of nine kickboxing-themed workout stations that last three minutes each. The training was developed by world champion kickboxer Shannon Hudson, the brand’s founder, Smith said.

Workouts are varied and can be suited for beginners and more advanced athletes. Trainers are on site. There are no scheduled class times so members can use the facility to fit their schedule.

Shiloh Music Center hits 50 years

The landmark Mt. Juliet business Shiloh Music Center celebrates 50 years this month, after opening April 1, 1974, in Shiloh Plaza.

The family-owned business started by Fred Hedges, sons George and Richard Hedges, and family friend Russ Henson has been at 4056 N. Mt. Juliet Road since 2001. Shiloh Music Center has been in its expanded space on North Mt. Juliet Road since 2013.

Shiloh Music Center teaches about 500 students a week in multiple instruments. The center also does music instrument repair and sells instruments and music equipment.

George Hedges, his wife, Karen, and sons James and Paul Hedges now operate Shiloh Music Center.

“A true family business,” James Hedges said.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), a music retail organization, included Shiloh Music Center in its list of the top 100 music dealers for 2024.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle Tennessee businesses: Indian boutique, performance, fitness