The winner of our Salisbury-Rowan Black Business Pitch Contest was Kari Johnson of K’s Kicks! Our winner received a monetary, service, and media package that was provided by local black owned businesses and organizations. Because of our community’s generosity, we were able to provide a service package for all contestants! Our other contestants were Sierra Watkins of SieBration Bar and Destiny Stone and Daniel King of The Music House Inc..

Kari is a lover of all things creative. Music, writing, and art are passions of hers. She is a 2007 graduate of Livingstone College with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She hopes to continue growing her business K’s Kicks as well as writing her Children’s book series Dallas Does based on her 6 year old daughter.

Kari began K’s Kicks in 2018 after personal projects she shared online were praised and people began to inquire about her work. She realized that everyone has a pair of shoes they aren’t ready to part with that she is able to bring back to life. Over the course of a year through social media and word of mouth, a buzz has began in the Rowan community as well as other places about her work. Her ultimate goal is to be able to focus 100% on her business and partner with schools in the community to provide shoes to students each year.

Tonya Cross – Visionary of The Vine Event Planning

Black Business Pitch Contestants – SieBrations Bar, K’s Kicks, and The Music House

Pitch Winner Kari Johnson with Pitch Judges

Pitch Winner Kari Johnson with Pitch Committee

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