Kara Wilkins is the owner of Flyght Black, a wine consultation company that seeks to inspire a passion for wine and increase diversity in the wine industry in Arkansas and throughout the South. Launched in 2020, Flyght Black hosts private virtual and in-person wine education classes where individuals can learn about the basics of wine, practice the tasting process, and discover new varieties.
Kara is also a principal at K. Wilkins Consulting Group and co-founder of Tidal Partners. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIV and serves on various nonprofit boards. A native of Little Rock, Kara attended Hendrix College and was named one of Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders and a 2023 Woman to Watch.
As a small business owner, what is your vision for your business and our community?
Flyght Black began after realizing that there were not many networks for people of color to tap into if they were interested in pursuing wine studies or as a profession. In the United States, less than 1% of the 8,000 wineries are Black owned or employ Black winemakers. Flyght Black is a way to bring attention to those challenges and encourage greater inclusivity in the wine industry. One of our core values is to create a space where people can feel comfortable learning about a field that is new to them in a relaxed setting.
What advice do you have for keeping a team focused and motivated in challenging times?
Don’t just fail fast – rather fail intelligently. It is important to recognize when it is time to pivot early but also take notes of how and why something didn’t work so that you don’t repeat the same mistake again.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being named as one of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Top 100 Women in Arkansas. The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas played a pivotal role in helping me launch my career – they were one of my first clients. To be selected by the WFA to be recognized among some of the top leaders in the state was a very unexpected honor.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and career?
My mother, who recently retired after building an illustrious career in housing and community development. She was my first introduction to prioritizing the needs of people and that has remained my business motto to this day.
Tell us the most meaningful piece of career or life advice you have received.
Do the work and plan in silence. Many people will talk loudly about what they are going to do, but rarely execute. There is inherent value in not only coming up with great ideas but also being able to implement them.
How do you like to de-stress after a difficult day/week?
I am attempting to be more mindful about using exercise as a way to de-stress – followed of course by a glass of wine.
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