Cary Mitchell , a native of Richmond , Virginia has been dubbed "Designer to the Stars". Mitchell is a 1983 graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte , North Carolina . After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the HBCU, Mitchell headed to Paris where, while working for an American sporting goods store, he began designing men's sportswear. Upon returning to the United States, Mitchell worked for a major airline. Six years later, Mitchell would put his designing genius to work full time by forming his own custom apparel company. While the company was still in its infancy, Cary's client and friend, Stedman Graham, gave him a bit of advice that he describes as "one of the most important pieces of business advice I ever received." Graham encouraged Cary to include his name in the name of the apparel company and thus the distinguished Cary Mitchell Designs was formed.
As a nationally-recognized custom clothing designer, Mitchell has fashioned the attire for professional athletes of the NBA, NFL and MLB, which represent his largest clientele base. On this constantly growing client list is golfer Tiger Woods, the NBA's Lebron James, Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, Vince Carter, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning, Grant Hill, MLB's Ken Griffey, Jr., TNT's Charles Barkley and ESPN's Stuart Scott. Cary Mitchell Designs also offers wardrobe consulting.
Mitchell's design freshness and creativity, as well as his business accomplishments, has created a storm of attention from numerous national publications. In September 2003, Mitchell was featured on CNN’s Southern Living TV Show. Mitchell was also featured in the May 2004 Sports Illustrated Magazine for his pants design and craftsmanship for golfer Tiger Woods. His work has previously been featured in GQ, Ebony, ESPN the Magazine, Sister 2 Sister, Code, Black Voices Magazine, Street and Smith's Sports Annuals, Charlotte Business Journal, Charlotte Magazine, The Charlotte Observer, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other national newspapers. During the 2002 NBA Draft, Mitchell was featured on ESPN's program Outside the Lines. The segment highlighted Mitchell and the suits he designed for six of the top twelve first-round draft picks. During the 2003 NBA Draft Mitchell was flown out to appear on Fox’s “Best Damn Sports Show- Period”, to critique the NBA draft wear.
In June 2003, Mitchell was chosen by billionaire and Charlotte Bobcats team owner Bob Johnson to design the player uniforms for the NBA's newest franchise. Mitchell has also received numerous awards. In 2001, he was honored with The Charlotte Post Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In September, Mitchell will be named 2003 Man of the Year by the Bobby Phills Scholarship Foundation in Charlotte . The 100 Black Men of Charlottes Small Business Development Award.
To those who know him, Mitchell is defined by his dedication to a life of "giving back". The recipient of most of Mitchell's philanthropic generosity has been his beloved alma mater. In 2000, Mitchell was elected to the Johnson C. Smith Board of Trustees, becoming the youngest alumni ever elected to the Board. Mitchell also serves on numerous local boards in the city of Charlotte.
In 2000, Mitchell's humanitarian spirit led to the creation of The Legacy Basketball Classic Foundation. The concept of the Foundation was to combine his passion for giving and his growing community influence. Over the past six years The Legacy Basketball Classic Foundation has contributed over $300,000 to numerous historically Black colleges and universities. Primarily thru special events and fundraisers.
Mitchell's biggest, most enthusiastic supporter is Vanessa, his beautiful wife of eleven years. The Mitchells reside in Uptown Charlotte's historic Fourth Ward community. The couple loves vacationing when possible, and can often be spotted around Charlotte enjoying dinner with friends.