I met KoKo, as most people called her (and how she got the name for her coffee shop), a couple of years ago while I was an associate editor for Charlotte magazine. I was always looking for story ideas and interesting people to profile, and a mutual friend told me about this "young woman who was a Johnson C. Smith graduate who had just opened her second coffee shop." She was just the kind of biz profile I looked for.
I remember going by the Uptown location of KoKoMo's to interview her for the article and how she was extremely busy and kept apologizing for being so busy since she and I had an appointment. I told her I didn't mind waiting, and as I soaked in the atmosphere, the scene would become the basis for the article: "The Right Flavor."
A couple of months later when the article came out, KoKo thanked me profusely because she said she felt it would be good publicity for her business. And she also said the photo that accompanied the article was one of the best ever taken of her (which is the photo you see above). But credit for that goes to Charlotte magazine's photographer Chris Edwards.
I would sometimes see KoKo out at events. She didn't get out nearly as much as she liked because she had a demanding schedule as a small business owner. The last time I saw her was back in June at Pop Life--the weekly event at Apostrophe. We talked for about 10 minutes and I enjoyed catching up with her. I didn't know that would be our last conversation.
This is a reminder to us all that tomorrow isn't promised, and that we should take time to enjoy life.
My friend and colleague Glenn Burkins, editor and publisher of Qcitymetro.com, has written a great article about KoKo. And in it, he details what led to her death, but more importantly how she will be remembered. Click here.
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of my friend, Tiwanna. I worked for her shortly after she opened KoKoMo's in Huntersville and admired her determination and drive. I had no idea she was ill. What a loss to the community and to young women in Charlotte who looked up to Tiwanna as a business woman. Lots of love to her family.
ReplyDeleteJulie Rauschenplat-Pili, England
I didn't know her but she appears to have been a fantastic person. We should remember to give people flowers while they are alive.
ReplyDeleteI looked up to Tiwanna as a Mentor. She was doing something that I had the desire to do and hope soon to be her competition one day...A matter of fact I told her that and she smiled and said we will se Ms. Purdie..Its funny how you had just spoken to someone and then the next day they are gone. I had just spoken to Tiwanna that Monday about teaming up together to help with my non profit organization...She definitely has left her mark on charlotte...And make all those who can make sure you are sending out lots of love and prayers to her mom and family.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know her... she seems to have a radiating spirit about her. Condolences to the family, friends and our JCSU family...
ReplyDeleteRhonda, 2006
Coco and my daughter were JCSU classmates and best friends. I spent lots of time with her.
ReplyDeleteShe was dedication to her business endeavors. She lived life to the fullest!
Sincere sympathy to her family.
S. Greene
I moved to Huntersville last year, and was lucky enough to be KoKo's neighbor. I didn't get to spend near enough time with her due to her demanding schedule. But she left her mark not only on me, but on my children. She was a very special lady that we will sorely miss!! God bless you KoKo, and all our love and support to your family.
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely stunned by the loss of this phenomenal woman. Koko was a pint sized dynamo - the bright, blazing star on 4th & McDowell. She knew every customer by name and no matter how busy and crowded Kokomo's was - she'd flash her radiant smile and juggle multiple orders with sheer perfection and ease. I stopped by Kokomo's Monday afternoon for my regular Muchmo and, as usual, Koko had a zillion things going on - training a new employee, conducting an interview, asking about my daughter's dance classe - and now....she's gone. I'm going to miss you, Koko - God bless you and your family - you are in my heart and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI remember the night Tiwanna was born. Her Aunt and I took her mom to the hospital in Washington DC and we brought her home to spend a few days with me. It was a special event then and it's inconceivable to think that she has passed. My heart and prayers go out to Arlene, Phyllis and the rest of the family at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteAlways luv u T.
ReplyDeleteITS AMAZING THAT THE WORDS YOU SHARED WITH OTHERS CAN STILL BE READ TODAY. ITS BEEN THE LONGEST FIVE MONTHS EVER. I THINK OF YOU OFTEN CUZ YOU WERE THE BEST LISTENER....NEVER TRYING TO BE FUNNY, AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH MY GOOD GIRLFRIEND FROM THE THIRD GRADE. SHAVON
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