A Fayetteville couple has achieved a significant milestone in the community by opening the city’s first Black-owned shopping plaza. Kingdom Corners, which opened in November, has already been fully leased out, just three months later. The plaza is now a thriving hub for business and commerce in the area.
The Eliberts: Entrepreneurs with a Vision for Fayetteville
Winchel and Felicia Elibert, the owners of Kingdom Corners, have a long history of entrepreneurial success. Together, they have built multiple businesses, including Cleansing Waters Med Spa and Smoothie King. Their dream of owning a shopping plaza became a reality when they opened Kingdom Corners in November 2024. The couple had purchased the land in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, which added challenges to their journey. Despite these obstacles, the couple remained determined to bring their vision to life.
“Even with just financing, dealing with developers and contractors, prices changed … banks said ‘no’,” Felicia recalls. She continues, “I want the next generation to see you can do it … just don’t give up.”
A Diverse Range of Businesses at Kingdom Corners
Since opening, Kingdom Corners has attracted a variety of businesses. The plaza is home to several well-known names, including Cleansing Waters Med Spa, Fridas Mexican Grill and Bar, Tanzer Nail Bar, and Smoothie King. Exciting new businesses are also on the way, with Salata Salad Kitchen, Southern Fire Kitchen, and Doughboy Pizza all listed as “coming soon.”
The diverse businesses in the plaza create a vibrant atmosphere, offering residents a range of services and dining options. This success story highlights how determination and hard work can turn a dream into a thriving business center.
Overcoming Financial Hurdles in the Face of Lending Discrimination
The path to opening Kingdom Corners wasn’t easy. The Eliberts faced challenges not only from the timing of their property purchase but also from financial institutions. The couple faced difficulties securing loans due to lending discrimination, which has historically been a barrier for many Black entrepreneurs.
Winchel Elibert, a child of Haitian immigrants, and Felicia, originally from LaGrange, faced setbacks but were resolute in their pursuit of success. Their perseverance paid off as they saw their plaza quickly leased and thriving within months of its opening.
The Importance of Kingdom Corners for the Community
For the Eliberts, Kingdom Corners is more than just a business venture—it’s a symbol of the American Dream and a way to inspire future generations. “You’re not really thinking about what this could mean to your community,” says Felicia, “but now it’s really important for us to understand that and grasp onto that.”
Kingdom Corners stands as a testament to resilience, demonstrating that hard work and a commitment to community can lead to success despite the odds.
The Significance of Black-Owned Commercial Real Estate
The Eliberts’ achievement is even more significant when considering the disparities in commercial real estate ownership. According to a Brookings Institution report, only 3% of Black households own commercial real estate, compared to 8% of white households. This gap has existed for decades, dating back to the practice of redlining, where Black Americans were systematically denied access to loans and property ownership.
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