photo by steed media service

Co-Owner, Cotton Exchange Bar & Lounge/ CEO, Palava-Hut Marketing & Promotions

Karton Zawolo, who owns a marketing and promotions company and refers to Sean Combs and Destiny’s Child as “clients,” is also co-owner of the Cotton Exchange Bar & Lounge in Houston. If that’s not impressive enough, consider the fact that the veteran businessman accomplished most of these feats before the age of 30.

The Cotton Exchange, which celebrated its second anniversary this year, is located in Houston’s      downtown historic district. Patrons enjoy a mature, sophisticated atmosphere and a musical gumbo consisting of reggae, top 40, hip-hop and jazz, alternating nightly.

“We’re going to continue to get the word out there about [the bar] … we’re trying to make [The Cotton Exchange] a staple in the city,” he says.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Zawolo says he knew from a young age that he would be his own boss. “I learned a long time ago that I wanted to do my own thing and be more of an entrepreneur,” he says. “It gratifies me to be able to do my own thing and see the results.”

After working under the apprenticeship of Bad Boy Records’ Mel Smith, Zawolo branched out and began developing his own client base, founding Palava-Hut Marketing and Promotions.

While his entrepreneurial spirit keeps Zawolo constantly looking for his next business venture, he doesn’t forget the importance of giving back to the community. He recently organized the SpaceCity Classic, a high school all-star football game supported by the city of Houston.

“Proceeds go to nonprofit athletic programs to help different community activities in the city,” he says. –cherice e. norman
For more information, log on to www.cottonexchangelounge.com and www.palava-hut.com.

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