Building a business takes more than passion; it takes vision, resilience and a commitment to something larger than yourself. 

At Mosaic’s February meeting, attendees heard first-hand how entrepreneur Kellen James turned his love for sneakers into a thriving business that is not only shaping Tulsa’s sneaker culture but also strengthening the Greenwood community. 

The first installment of Mosaic’s Journey Unseen series featured a conversation with James, owner of Silhouette Sneakers & Art in Tulsa, and Jonathan Long, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The meeting explored James’s evolution from sneaker enthusiast to entrepreneur, the significance of Silhouette’s location in the historic Greenwood District, and his dedication to making an impact beyond just selling shoes. 

James’s affinity for sneakers, especially those he couldn’t get as a child, eventually led to his owning a business. 

“The shoes that sparked the most passion were the ones that you couldn’t get your hands on,” he said. 

Silhouette’s presence in Greenwood is significant for James and his family. More than a sneaker store, it has become a hub for community engagement, hosting events such as Dreamland and fundraisers for Booker T. Washington High School’s girls’ basketball team. 

“The proudest moments I’ve had don’t have anything to do with selling shoes,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together in Greenwood.” 

James also spoke about the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple responsibilities. In addition to running Silhouette, he is a firefighter, husband and father. 

“Without [my wife], I fall apart for real, man,” he said, acknowledging the importance of family support and time management in his journey. 

James envisions Silhouette as a defining part of Tulsa’s identity, a landmark that reflects the city’s history, culture and creative energy. 

“When you think of Tulsa, when you think of Black Wall Street, when you think of Greenwood, I want it to be, ‘You have to go to Silhouette,’” he said. 

As the Journey Unseen series continues, Mosaic meetings will highlight more leaders making an impact through inclusive leadership. Check out tulsachamber.com/events for more information and registration for the next meeting in this series.  

Watch the full February Mosaic meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXtU6byP3NY&ab_channel=TulsaRegionalChamber