The entrepreneurial spirit was in full bloom as RICE Stakeholders from the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) journeyed to Bentonville, Arkansas, for the prestigious 2024 Walmart Open Call in September. This annual event brings together dreamers, doers, and disruptors from across the nation for a chance to earn a coveted golden ticket—a fast track to Walmart’s store shelves.
The RICE family did not disappoint! Representing a diverse range of innovative products, these entrepreneurs embodied resilience, creativity, and a vision for the future. Their hard work paid off when Shanise Thomason of Khroma Kolors, Charmaine Gibbs-West of Essence Tree, and Savannah Stephens of Kindred Paper each earned golden tickets, signaling Walmart’s belief in the transformative potential of their products.
The Bentonville Experience
The Open Call provided RICE Stakeholders a platform to pitch their products, engage in networking opportunities, and receive critical feedback. It wasn’t just about the pitch—it was about the journey, the growth, and embracing the challenges of scaling a business.
- Shanise Thomason, founder of Khroma Kolors, dazzled with her vibrant and inclusive line of premium vegan hair dyes designed to empower every individual to celebrate their unique beauty.
- Charmaine Gibbs-West, the visionary behind Essence Tree, impressed Walmart with her luxurious, plant-based self-care products that promote wellness and sustainability.
- Savannah Stephens, creator of Kindred Paper, won hearts with her beautifully crafted stationery line that celebrates connection, mindfulness, and creativity.
Each pitch was not only a showcase of their exceptional products but also a testament to the grit and determination required to navigate the competitive retail landscape.
What It Means for RICE Stakeholders
Golden tickets represent more than access to Walmart’s vast distribution network—they symbolize a leap forward for small businesses, especially those rooted in underrepresented communities. For our RICE Stakeholders, this victory also highlights the importance of collaborative support and the resources provided by the Russell Center.
The RICE Retail Readiness Academy (RRA) equips Black entrepreneurs with essential skills for scaling consumer product brands, focusing on retail entry, operations, and strategic growth. This preparation was instrumental for RICE Stakeholders in securing golden tickets during Walmart’s Open Call. By mastering supply chain logistics, retail storytelling, and pitching strategies through RRA, Stakeholders were positioned for success. The RRA waitlist is now open and you could be in Walmart stores next!
A Heartfelt Congratulations
Congratulations to Shanise, Charmaine, and Savannah—you make us all so proud!
Remember, this is only the beginning for these businesses, visit the websites and social media pages of our RICE Stakeholders today to shop with them now. Stay tuned for updates on their journey to Walmart shelves and how they plan to continue innovating for consumers everywhere!
