After years of hardship, Northlake Mall is looking for a Black entrepreneur to help turn things around.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We have space to help Charlotte-owned businesses get a fresh start.
Northlake Mall has been struggling for several years.after suffering from economic problems and an increase in crime.
But now the mall is embracing black entrepreneurs to turn things around. Mall owners say the situation is changing for the better.
“A lot of the negative things you heard or knew were silenced.” Daniel Butler, co-owner modified kickSaid.
For Butler, he is living his dream.
Download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app to get the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts.
“Going back just a few years ago, I was homeless and sleeping in my car.” Butler said.
With a few paints and paintbrushes, he worked his way up to owning his own store, Modified Kicks, at Northlake Mall. From shoes to clothes, he uses his creativity to create new experiences.
“It’s kind of surreal to get to this level,” Butler said. “This place is becoming more and more a mecca for black people. Companies with unique styles are coming into the mix.
RELATED: 'When Women Succeed, America Succeeds' | Charlotte roundtable highlights upward mobility for women
Across the country, small businesses are being used to rekindle the love affair with shopping malls, especially after internet shopping and the pandemic accelerated the demise of brick-and-mortar stores.
Northlake Mall currently has 19 Black-owned businesses, representing 17% of all businesses, according to mall officials.
“I don’t think this is a coincidence as we build community in Northlake. [with] Black-owned and locally owned businesses in the retail industry saw a significant reduction in violence. ” LaToya Evans, Owner Charlotte's nailsSaid. “Because that includes your neighbors, your family, your brothers, your cousins.”
Evans saw an opportunity in shopping malls. Charlotte's Nails opened in November. She said investing in Charlotte entrepreneurs is changing the culture. She also gives people the opportunity to follow their dreams and build generational wealth, she said.
“Having more Black-owned businesses is not only great for the economy within the Black community, it’s great for the local economy,” Evans said. Anyone can grow here. ”
In response to several crimes, the mall has beefed up security by deploying gun-sniffing dogs, installing more cameras and increasing police presence.
Contact Lexi Wilson. lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her Facebook, X and Instagram.