We had the good fortune of connecting with Kali Chevis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been very blessed to have been raised by both my parents and grandparents. I come from a very tight-knit family where I was brought up worshiping every Sunday because my great grandparents were pastors. That special upbringing of family and faith laid a strong foundation in me and prepared me for the struggles that have prematurely transitioned me from thinking and acting like a child, to now living in my early adulthood years. As a result I birthed Genuine Gentlemen, Established 2019 a non-profit organization which enables minority males the opportunities to bridge the gap with resources made ready to support and encourage their journey of college enrollment and preparation, social skills, job readiness, and dressing for success. The motivation of Genuine Gentlemen is rooted through my adolescent trials which left me no options other than success, and to not only build but, however, leave a legacy for my four brothers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Genuine Gentlemen a non-profit organization which enables minority males the opportunities & resources made ready to support and encourage their journey of college enrollment & preparation, Social skills, job readiness, financial literacy, and dressing for success. What sets me apart is that I am a minority graduate of The Texas A&M university, currently enrolled as a law student. I am most proud that I am a first generation graduate of a PWI. I am also proud to make the difference with seeing a high school student smile & hug me with gratitude after providing as many resources and essentials to help them succeed.

Overall, it has not been a smooth road but, I now understand the true meaning of “Anything in life worth having, is worth fighting for.” Life’s trials and tribulations during my adolescent years being a child of parental incarceration, single parent home, first generation college student, grief of losing a parent and immediate loved ones resulted in determination to make a difference in not only my life but, be an example to my siblings and community youth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow! I really don’t know how to answer this question specifically but, I must say being from the Dallas area there are many things to explore especially since we are growing on daily basis. Personally, my favorite place to go is Deep Ellum, I simply enjoy the scenery, the food, and the events that take place often! My all time favorite would be STIRR, I enjoy the rooftop, the flatbread pizza, and of course the drinks my second favorite place would be Sneaker Politics not because I am a sneaker head but because I love the vibes, the customer service, and of course I love to shop!

However, when I am not in Deep Ellum, I do enjoy brunch after a good Sunday morning church service. I recently tried the famous “Brunch Burger” at Ebb & Flow in Plano, TX and it was amazing!

Overall, the most fun, adventurous, and interesting places are the ones that you least expect to see yourself at. I say this to say, I don’t get out much but when I do I never limit where I can go or what I can do because you have to live in that specific moment and enjoy every bit of it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like first like to give a major shout out to God because without him I wouldn’t be where I am today. Secondly, I would like to thank my grandparents and parents for instilling in me the importance of faith and foundation. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for never leaving my side and simply pushing me to my full potential.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Genuinegentlemen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_genuinegentlemen/

Other: Email: ggcommunityorg@gmail.com

Image Credits
@Otisclayborne @Photosbydesireec

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.