Kingdom Corners Becomes a Landmark for Fayetteville
Felicia and Winchel Elibert have achieved a remarkable milestone by developing Fayetteville’s first Black-owned shopping plaza, Kingdom Corners. The four-acre plaza is home to thriving businesses, offering new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and fostering community growth.
The Eliberts named the plaza “Kingdom Corners” to reflect their faith and the sense of purpose behind the project. “The verse Matthew 5:5—’Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’—came to mind at the groundbreaking ceremony,” Winchel shared.
Kingdom Corners hosts a variety of businesses, including Frida’s Bar and Grill, Southern Fire Kitchen, Tanzar Nail Bar, Dough Boy Pizza, and Cleansing Waters Wellness Center.
A Vision Sparked by a Simple Sign
The journey to Kingdom Corners began when the couple noticed a “land for sale” sign across from their Smoothie King and Cleansing Waters Wellness Center. They reached out to their realtor and were encouraged by the investment potential.
“We made the call and learned it was a good price,” Felicia recalled. That call sparked three to four years of planning and development, turning their vision into a reality.
Their shared determination paid off, making Kingdom Corners a hub of opportunity and a symbol of Black entrepreneurship.
Paving the Way for Wealth Creation
Winchel and Felicia bring years of entrepreneurial experience to their latest project. Winchel has owned multiple barbershops, while Felicia is a nurse and founder of several Cleansing Waters Wellness Centers.
Their entrepreneurial journey also includes owning a Smoothie King franchise, which helped prepare them for the challenges of developing a shopping plaza. Now, Kingdom Corners serves as a beacon for Black-owned businesses in Fayetteville.
Community Recognition and Inspiration
The Eliberts learned they were the first Black developers to own a shopping plaza in Fayetteville during a dinner with the mayor. This recognition reinforced the importance of their accomplishment.
“We’ve been getting phone calls and messages from people saying what an inspiration we are,” Felicia shared. “It’s not just about us—it’s about what this means for our community.”
