W IMANI KHAYYAM
hile Christopher Lomax was working to develop an app, he noted that at the time, Mississippi didn’t have many technology incubators or co-working spaces. That gave him the idea to found Mantle, which is a technology incubator and co-working space for creators and entrepreneurs to work and receive guidance on launching their creations, in April 2016. Lomax was born on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, but he was raised in Mobile, Ala. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2004 from the University of Mississippi and then graduated from UM’s law school in 2009. He received his master’s of business administration from Millsaps College in 2013. Lomax moved to Jackson in 2010. He named Mantle after the part of an oyster that produces a pearl from sand and debris that get trapped inside, with the idea of creating a proverbial tech sandbox in Jackson. On the business’ future, Lomax, 37, says, “We are in the process of transforming from more of a focus on co-working and working to what we’re calling ‘Mantle City Club,’” he says. “… You’re not precluded if you have an office elsewhere, but we still want all those creatives, entrepreneurs, those types of people to have a place that is their clubhouse so that they can run into other people that are doing the same thing to hopefully spur innovation and entrepreneurship in Jackson and Mississippi.” —Maya Parker
COURTESY KAMEL KING
from page 15
Chris Lomax
June 14 - 20, 2017 • jfp.ms
David Lewis is making a difference. GJAC is proud to have him on our team.
16
Kamel King
K
amel King, a Jackson native, is a practicing entertainment attorney, educator and proponent for Mississippi tourism who loves music. He says his work as the special projects manager for Visit Mississippi allows him to share the state’s gems with others. “We just have so many resources,” he says. “First of all, we’re the birthplace of America’s music. And our culinary history has influenced the entire world. I get to help proliferate Mississippi’s brand to the rest of the world in the right way.”
King’s company, The Copyright King, brings together his love for music and the law. “I’ve loved music since I was a kid following my father, Lee King. He was a promoter and radio host who toured with James Brown out of high school,” he says. Kamel King attended Tougaloo College. He received his pre-law degree and bachelor’s degree in international relations in 2003 and his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2006. From 2006 to 2016, he was director of operations and in-house counsel for Terminal Recording Studios. From 2007 to 2013, he practiced at Frascogna Courtney PLLC. He started his business, Copyright King LLC, in 2012. Starting this month, King will teach an entertainment law class at Mississippi College. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and giving young law students a bird’s eye view on what it’s really like to be a part of this industry, that it’s real work,” he says. In addition to his many professional hats, King is a father. “I have a 4-year-old daughter (Kennedy),” he says. “She keeps me very busy. Fatherhood is about time. It’s about having a relationship where your children can be honest with you. I can talk to my parents about anything, and that has given me the selfesteem to feel like I can do anything.” —Kendra Wright