INTRODUCING COBLE’S LANDING THE SOUTHEAST’S NEWEST NATURE PRESERVE

Coble’s Landing is the perfect example of a safe space that leaps and bounds outside of the original concept. Owned by Rex and Shawanda Coble of Charlotte, NC; Coble’s Landing is 25 acres of natural, untouched land that has been transformed into the ultimate safe space. Like most families that loved the outdoors, the Coble’s would frequent public areas to hike, fish and enjoy the time, along with their children; however, it became increasingly hard to ignore the disparities within the outdoor community and People of Color.

While the “Nature Gap” was no surprise to the Coble’s, they were not going to allow it to keep the experience from their family. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rex was forced to take some time off from his successful barbershop in Charlotte and had time to spend in his hometown of Burnsville, NC. As he returned to his roots, he saw an opportunity to fill a void. Not less than five minutes from where Rex grew up, was an available mass of land that held every element that the Coble family loved about the outdoors. After researching the land and planning out how the space would serve a purpose to the community, the Cobles purchased the acres in October of 2020 owning what would be the first Black-Owned nature preserve in the southeast and the second on the entire east coast.

Tell me about what makes your destination stand out?

Coble’s Landing: The energy and vibration because we have created a space of inclusion and acceptance.

Can you tell me about the beginning of your business journey?

Coble’s Landing: During COVID, I had to close my barbershop because of the health mandates. I began spending a lot of time in my hometown of Anson County. At first, I was looking for a simple house and land in the area that my family is from, then I came across the acreage and believed it could be something big.

What have you learned in opening your business?

Coble’s Landing: It takes patience, it takes planning and when you are doing something bigger than yourself, people will gravitate towards it.

What was the most surprising response you had about your business?

Coble’s Landing: People are very surprised when they find out that we are black owned. Nature preserve, hiking trails, ATV trails, camping….these are some things that haven’t always been associated with the Black community, so people are very surprised.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you when you opened?

Coble’s Landing: Just seeing the excitement on our kids' faces to know that this is theirs and they take pride in helping out and being part of the development.

What is your business “why”?

Coble’s Landing: Uplifting and providing a solution. This land is a resource. It’s going to be a sustainable community.

What attracted you to this business?

Coble’s Landing: I have always loved nature and doing things outdoors, but I moved to a larger city because of my businesses. During the pandemic I was able to reconnect and see that this was missing for a lot of us.

What inspires you?

Coble’s Landing: I am inspired by my people, especially the next generation. Every time I achieve something, I know it will make it easier for my kids and their generation. That’s inspiring to me.

How did you know when it was time to launch your business?

Coble’s Landing: I saw a need. I saw many of us missing that connection to nature and when the land was available, I jumped on it. I think it was divine timing.

What is the biggest challenge you feel that black owned businesses face?

Coble’s Landing: Lack of knowledge on the process, forms, tax exemptions etc. Again, these are things that sometimes stop a lot of small businesses, especially Black-owned businesses, but I was determined to make it work and learn as I go if I had to.

What did you do to try to solve this challenge on your own?

Coble’s Landing: I did my own research and asked a lot of questions. The paperwork for a nature preserve or camping space is a lot different than a barbershop. I taught myself about land development, structures, nature-scaping, all of that. I was determined to make this work. A lot of days, it’s just myself and my family there clearing trees and knocking things down.

What would you say to someone considering opening a venue/business similar to yours?

Coble’s Landing: You can do it. I don’t want to just be the “only” . If my story inspires another and another, this will become the norm. So the gap can close.

Contributor

Chandra Gore has worked with entrepreneurs to help them create foundations for success through her boutique consulting and public relations firm, Chandra Gore Consulting. Quietly making strides with placements for small businesses, entertainment, authors, therapists and motivational speaking clients on local and national news outlets she has been leaving her mark as a publicist in the industry. Launching Conversations with Chan - her personal brand that includes a podcast, online publication and YouTube Interview series. She is also a contributing writer for publications such as Pretty Women Hustle Magazine.