Where New Orleans Legacy Meets Detroit Pride
Founder & CEO — Lucille’s Snoballs LLC
Meet Raquel Ne’Cole
Born in Flint, raised in Troy, and now proudly rooted in Metro Detroit, Raquel Ne’Cole is the visionary behind Lucille’s Snoballs — a vibrant New Orleans-inspired experience bringing Southern flavor, culture, joy, and soul to Metro Detroit and surrounding communities.
For Raquel, this business is far more than frozen treats. It is family tradition, heritage, entrepreneurship, celebration, and love — all inspired by one remarkable woman: her grandmother, Lucille.
Raised in a family filled with entrepreneurs, creators, storytellers, cooks, and dreamers, Raquel always knew she wanted to build something meaningful of her own. More than 10 years ago, the vision for Lucille’s Snoballs was born — and now, that dream is finally becoming reality.
“Every cup represents legacy, family, celebration, Southern culture, entrepreneurship, community, and a little New Orleans magic.”
The Heart & Soul Behind Every Snoball
Grannie Lucille — 100th Birthday Celebration
Lucille Mackel — New Orleans, Louisiana
The Story Behind Lucille’s
Lucille — lovingly known as “Grannie” and affectionately called “Mrs. Mackel” by many — was born and raised in New Orleans and remains the heart and soul behind the brand. Lucille “Grannie” as a young woman — New Orleans, Louisiana.
At nearly 104 years old, Grannie is still vibrant, joyful, full of personality, and still very serious about her sweets — especially chocolate. She sings, dances, laughs loudly, tells unforgettable stories, and will still let that true Naw’lins spirit shine through at any moment.
After growing up in New Orleans, Lucille moved to Natchez, Mississippi with her husband, Robert D. Mackel III, where they raised their family in the historic city while still frequenting New Orleans and the surrounding areas throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Their roots ran deep — and the Mackel family name carries an extraordinary legacy. The family owns one of the oldest Black-owned funeral homes in Mississippi: Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Homes, which is still operating today. This entrepreneurial foundation planted the seeds of business ownership that would flow through generations — including Raquel.
Lucille’s love for snoballs didn’t stop with her. It ran like syrup through the veins of her three daughters and eventually her many grandchildren and their children. Grannie’s house was the gathering place — where cousins, family, friends, and neighbors all grew up together. The grandkids sold ice cups on the corner, and everyone raced out of the house to be the first one into the cars headed to the snoball truck or stand that sat right there in Mississippi. Those memories are the heartbeat of Lucille’s Snoballs.
Growing up, Raquel spent her childhood traveling throughout Mississippi and New Orleans during summers, spring breaks, holidays, and family gatherings. One family tradition remained constant through every season:
Not a snow cone. A real New Orleans snoball — soft, incredibly fine ice drenched in rich syrup overflowing down the sides, vibrant flavors, and the kind of joy that instantly transports you back to childhood.
HBCU Support
After two successful years of operations, a portion of proceeds will support HBCU-bound students right here in Metro Detroit — investing in the next generation.
Metro Detroit First
We are proud to be a Metro Detroit business. Every event we serve, every snoball we pour, puts roots deeper into the community we call home.
Legacy in Every Cup
As a proud Xavier University of Louisiana graduate, Raquel understands firsthand the importance of opportunity, community, and support — and pours those values into everything we do.
Our Promise
Every Cup We Serve
Represents Something Greater
Snoball
“Soft as snow. Sweet as soul. That’s the Lucille’s way.”