1000+ Collaborations
Kenny Brown, owner of KB Enterprises, has made exceptional achievements in the black owned business world. Starting his own athletic wear company and very recently releasing his new shoes, the KB 1’s, he is going strong with his set out role to “inspire the people.” I had an opportunity to speak with Kenny about KB Enterprises and where he wants his business to go next. The word that stuck was “collaborations.” Along with No More Suits LLC, Kenny has already collaborated with four other black owned and operated businesses. I asked KB, “Why are these collaborations important to you?”, “What exactly are you getting out of networking with others?” Of course, his answer was vividly clear,
We see big brands collabing like Nike and Off-White showing that it is vital to collab to share networks and shine light on each others creations.
He then stated that collaborating with others is important so that the people can know about your company and what you represent from many different states. One vital goal for KB would be to collab with 1000 other companies. His vision is to solely “share all of our genius, creativity and what we offer with the world.”
The collaboration between KB Enterprises and No More Suits LLC started back in 2018 around the time for Winston-Salem State University’s homecoming. Kenny, along with Darrell Slade, owner of No More Suits LLC, felt that it was time to “put a staple in the culture” by creating the first snapback from KB Enterprises and No More Suits LLC. From Darrell’s point of view, working with other businesses is a way for you to “expand your brand and also bring in another string of revenue.He then went on to say,
“KB is like Nike to me, why would I go to Nike when KB around the corner”
-Darrell Q. Slade, CEO No More Suits, LLC
KB | Skrewhed
Gratefully, I was able to get some insight from other black owned companies that KB Enterprises has collaborated with. I interviewed Keith Haynie, owner of Skrewhed, his identity for photography, videography and graphic design work. This collaboration became a reality when Kenny reached out to Keith earlier this summer. The idea was to collab on a jersey design. Keith stated that “the ideas for the jersey came naturally to him.” Keith stated that collaborations are important to him because,
“It shows unity within our community, reflects a sense of admiration, and expands your network.”
The vision for Skrewhed is to become a content factory. This company should be a “safe space for ideas and designs that are fun and atypical.”
KB | Kennyarda Cosmetics
Following, I had the opportunity to interview Kenyardda Callaham, owner of Kenyardda Cosmetics. Kenyardda kicked off her cosmetics line by only selling lashes. Over time, her business has expanded with handmade lip oil, hair extensions and accessories, skincare and lash adhesive. She has also added tailoring as a new service. The collaboration with KB Enterprises was simple. Kenny took interest in the socks that Kenyardda advertised on her Instagram page. He wanted her to be apart of releasing the first KB socks. From there, one piece leisure pieces were created. Collaborations are important to Kenyardda because
“It gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to market to each other’s fan base and audience what we both have to offer.”
There is absolutely no limit to what KB Enterprises and other black owned businesses can reach with teamwork. Sharing a platform with other entrepreneurs to broadcast merchandise helps stretch content to places that may not have been reachable alone. Kenny Brown has willingly teamed up with other black owned businesses to not only highlight his brand, but to also share the light with other business owners.