Category Archives: Uncategorized

Posted by: Sacha Blalock

An interview with LaToya Renae Porter, a lifestyle brand entrepreneur who specializes in small business support.

Q: What is your start up story?

My start-up was quite circumstantial. I had been laid off in 2009/2010 at the height of our modern day “economic depression” I was laid off and subsequently left Chicago for the much cheaper cost of living state of WI. The job market was horrible with more lay-off and companies collapsing than hiring in any state. During my down time, my mentor and “aunt” Emmy award winning Rae Lewis-Thornton recruited my help in planning the 1st ever Chicago HIV/AIDS tweet-up. What started as me simply drafting a few letters, soon turned into me being the lead event marketer designing flyers, securing sponsorships and leading a team in the execution of the event. ALL from my cell phone and laptop.

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Kathy Elliott is currently the Vice President, Entrepreneurship for Greensboro Partnership a merger Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, Action Greensboro, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. She has been with the Partnership since its 2005 inception, previously working as the Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Small Business for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce in Greensboro.  With twenty years of experience cultivating entrepreneurs and growing their businesses from the ground up, she is also is a former small business owner and a veteran of the US Navy. Kathy holds a degree in Business Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Elliott as an undergraduate student at Bennett College as she is a professor in Entrepreneurship at numerous Colleges in the Greensboro area. I have built a bond with Kathy over the years and look at her as a mentor; it was a pleasure speaking with her.

Email: KElliott@greensboro.org

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Posted by: Sacha Blalock

Brandon Norman is a 25-year-old, Charlotte native who is the co-founder of the urban clothing/ lifestyle brand, Sophisticated Genius.

Brandon’s quote to live by: “Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity”   – Will Smith

 Q: Tell me a little about yourself?                          

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Posted by: Curtis A. Wright 

Bill Cornelison – Owner of www.extremeprelude.com

1.       Could you tell me little bit about yourself?

My name is Bill Cornelison and I was born and raised in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area.  I attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte and received a bachelor’s degree in Business.  I am the owner of www.extremeprelude.com where I specialize in selling OEM, and aftermarket JDM parts for 1997 to 2001 Honda Prelude parts.  I have always had a passion for cars.  My favorite hobbies include spending time with my family and friends and I also enjoy working out and camping.

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