Jewelry with a Journey

Empowering Artisans, Preserving Tradition

For Kathy Mitchell, founder of KATROCENTRIC, jewelry is not just an accessory– it tells  a full-fledged story. Her online boutique features fine jewelry and accessories crafted from natural, sustainable materials sourced from West Africa, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and totes made using traditional techniques passed down by generations of artisans.

Kathy’s journey to entrepreneurship began long before launching her business. With a background in education and broadcast journalism, she also had a deep love of travel. During a visit to West Africa, she encountered a family of artisans in a remote village who had been creating  beautiful jewelry from recycled glass for generations. Inspired by their craftsmanship and ingenuity, Kathy knew she wanted to bring their work to audiences in the United States.

Through KATROCENTRIC, she now showcases these handcrafted pieces while highlighting the artistry and cultural traditions behind them. Each item reflects not only skilled craftsmanship but also a broader story about sustainability, heritage, and the creativity of African artisans.

The business has gained momentum through a growing number of pop-up markets and vendor opportunities. A major milestone came when Kathy was selected as a featured vendor in the 2025 Navy Pier Small Business Accelerator Program, where she joined a cohort of Chicago-area entrepreneurs. The program provided mentorship, marketing guidance, and professional coaching, culminating with the opportunity to vend during the holiday season at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest, introducing her brand to thousands of visitors.

Kathy also credits Sunshine Enterprises with helping her strengthen the business side of her passion. After hearing about the program through fellow entrepreneurs and community connections, she joined a Community Business Academy® cohort to gain practical training, and through the experience, she learned the importance of tracking finances, managing cash flow, and building a sustainable business foundation.

Today, Kathy runs KATROCENTRIC as a solopreneur with a vision for growth. Her long-term goal is to expand the business in ways that create economic opportunities both in West Africa and in her native South Side community — supporting artisans while sharing the beauty and history behind their work.

Follow KATROCENTRIC:
Website: www.katrocentric.com
Facebook: KATROCENTRIC