d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
C
harleston J. Wilson is the founder of Exotic Pop, a Houston-based company, globally recognized as the “Unique Beverage Boutique” which features rare and signature flavored beverages and snacks that are sourced from around the world. From its humble beginnings, Exotic Pop has flourished into a national network of over 70 stores, in addition to its online sales, and it attracts a clientele featuring prolific entertainers and soda connoisseurs. Last year, the shop successfully closed a deal bottling its own signature line of beverages through PepsiCo. In less than nine months, Exotic Pop’s signature line of products has tripled in size, growing from originally offering four flavors, to by month’s end, offering twelve flavors. By integrating fashion, art, music, and an authentic voice into its own line of branded products, Exotic Pop has fostered a distinct and innovative culture within the snack and beverage industry. The creativity that this soda brand brings to the table has artists all over the country intrigued and interested to get their face on an Exotic Pop product. Exotic Pop DJ Screw Cotton Candy, Exotic Pop Mac Dre Bubblegum Thizzle Pop, and Exotic Pop King Comb’s Wave Juice are just a few of the flavor and artist collaborations Exotic Pop has been able to produce.
Charleston J. Wilson 2021 TOP P&E
millennials and generations to come.
Charleston is also committed to giving back to the community and providing opportunities for the community to learn about financial literacy and entrepreneurship. He has made numerous donations, sponsored several events, and volunteered for both Houston I.S.D and Alvin I.S.D. Charleston, through his company Exotic Pop, has participated in community-based events in the Greater Houston area, such as the first Annual Cactus Jack Foundation Turkey Drive and Charleston is known around the world as the Fort Bend County Expose Excellence “the go-to concierge for hip hop artists” Youth Program. according to the Houston Chronicle. Wilson was inspired to create Exotic Pop Charleston also launched Exotic Pop in 2016, after he began purchasing sodas Kids Academy, a financial literacy and exclusive to Louisiana and reselling entrepreneur workshop program, which them at a Houston barber shop for a provides hands-on opportunities for youth significant markup to compensate for the as well as the community to learn about acquisition costs of the products. Given financial literacy and entrepreneurship. the increasing demand, he established Exotic Pop Kids Academy will host its first an Instagram profile (@ExoticPop), began Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship posting photos of the goods along with Workshop on March 13, 2021, to youth prices, and offered free delivery to eager across the world. customers. The requests immediately Charleston also collaborated with the came pouring in. A serial entrepreneur Relief Gang for an annual holiday toy drive since kindergarten, Charleston gave up and donated blankets and socks to the St. his other business ventures to pursue Dominic Nursing Home. With the advent Exotic Pop full-time. His dream is to of the recent public health emergency, build a snack and beverage empire for Exotic Pop has collaborated with Houston
Council member, Edward Pollard, for a COVID-19 rental assistance program. Exotic Pop has also provided thousands of meals to the Third Ward Community, established a book donation program on behalf of youth in Acres Homes, and partnered with Houston I.S.D to provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing a degree in business and/or interested in entrepreneurship. On January 4, 2021, Charleston was recognized for his outstanding acts of goodwill within the community and innovative contributions to the beverage industry. The City of Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, declared January 4, 2021, “Exotic Pop Day.” Charleston has proven he takes pride in giving back to the community. In doing so, he stands by his motto, “By circulating the dollar more in our community and teaching financial literacy to our youth, we strive to upgrade us from a community to a family.” Charleston J. Wilson Founder and Owner Exotic Pop 1000 South Loop West. Suite 190 Houston, TX 77054 www.exoticpop.com @exoticpop TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
131
