Rattlers on the Rise: FAMU Entrepreneurs Featured on Award-Winning ‘Bet on Black’ Series
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University students Jayden Sparkman and Khari Jackson took a leap of faith that ended on an award-winning national television series, placing them before millions of viewers.
The rising seniors were among nine HBCU entrepreneurs selected to appear on "Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures" Season 5, a REVOLT television series that highlights emerging Black-owned businesses and connects student entrepreneurs with accomplished investors and business leaders. The series recently earned multiple Telly Awards, which honor excellence in television, video and digital storytelling across broadcast, streaming and online platforms.
Jayden Sparkman, front, a Florida A&M University business administration student,
poses with fellow participants from REVOLT's "Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures" Season
5. (Photo courtesy Jayden Sparkman)
"Being on the show was surreal honestly," said Jackson, a public relations scholar from DeLand, Florida. "When they first reached out, I thought it might be a hoax. I was pleasantly surprised as the process unfolded, and I eventually found myself being flown out to pitch my biggest dreams to major names in entrepreneurship."
Sparkman, a business administration student from West Palm Beach, Florida, shared
a similar reaction when producers first contacted him.
"I wasn't even going to respond at first because I thought it was a scam," Sparkman said. "But once I did my research, I realized it was real, and everything happened pretty quickly after that."
Filmed in Atlanta, the series gave participants the opportunity to pitch their businesses before a panel of successful entrepreneurs, including Baron Davis, former NBA player and entrepreneur, and Janell Stephens, founder of the Camille Rose beauty brand. For both students, the platform provided far more than television exposure.
Florida A&M University students Jayden Sparkman and Khari Jackson joined fellow HBCU
student entrepreneurs during the filming of REVOLT's "Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures"
Season 5. The award-winning television series provided participants with the opportunity
to pitch their businesses, connect with industry leaders and gain national exposure
for their entrepreneurial ventures. (Photo courtesy Jayden Sparkman)
"We had the honor of representing not just our organization, but FAMU as a whole," Jackson said. "I always say that choosing to attend Florida A&M was the best decision for my personal growth and my business, and I attribute so much of my success to my time at the No. 1 public HBCU."
Both students arrived on the show with businesses they had spent years building.
For Sparkman, entrepreneurship began shortly after arriving at FAMU. Inspired by his father, a FAMU alumnus who cut hair while attending the University, Sparkman picked up a pair of clippers and started offering haircuts to friends.
Jayden Sparkman, owner of a thriving campus barbering business and a rising senior
at Florida A&M University, gained national exposure through his appearance on REVOLT's
award-winning series "Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures." (Photo courtesy Jayden Sparkman)
What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a thriving campus business.
"I started cutting because I didn't want to pay for haircuts anymore, but once I started, I fell in love with it," he said.
Over the last three years, Sparkman has expanded his clientele, built a social media following and used his platform to give back through free haircut giveaways, career fair grooming events and scholarship support for students in his hometown.
"My biggest goal is impact," he said. "I want my impact to go beyond the clippers."
Jackson's entrepreneurial journey began even earlier.
Khari Jackson, a Florida A&M University public relations scholar and founder of KTVDIDTHAT,
participates in a business pitch challenge during the filming of REVOLT's "Bet on
Black: Visions to Ventures". (Photo courtesy Khari Jackson)
At age 12, he launched KTVDIDTHAT, a multimedia company specializing in lifestyle
and studio photography. Since then, he has developed a reputation for creating memorable
visual experiences while documenting events, organizations and student life both on
and off campus.
"I pride myself on going beyond the product to provide my clients with an unforgettable
experience, documenting moments that truly have an impact," Jackson said.
The visibility both students gained came after years of consistency and hard work. Producers discovered each entrepreneur through their social media presence and growing influence within their respective industries.
When the series earned multiple Telly Awards, the recognition served as validation not only for the production itself but also for the entrepreneurs whose stories were featured.
"I was thrilled to see the show perform so well at the Telly Awards," Jackson said. "It's one thing to star in a TV series, but to say you were part of an award-winning series is definitely something to brag about."
Jackson was selected as one of nine HBCU student entrepreneurs featured on the award-winning
series, where he showcased his multimedia business and entrepreneurial vision before
industry leaders. (Photo courtesy Khari Jackson)
Even without taking home individual honors, both students say the opportunity reinforced the importance of persistence and believing in their vision.
"The biggest lesson I've carried forward is that not every loss is truly a loss," Jackson said. "Often, it's just an opportunity to reflect and propel yourself toward something even better."
Sparkman credits much of his growth to the opportunities and mentorship he has found at FAMU, particularly within the School of Business and Industry.
"When I researched SBI and saw how well it prepared students for success, I knew it was where I needed to be," he said.
Jackson echoed those sentiments, pointing to leadership opportunities across campus and experiences in both the School of Business and Industry and the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
Former NBA player and entrepreneur Baron Davis, right, speaks with participants during
the filming of REVOLT's "Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures" Season 5. (Photo courtesy Khari Jackson)
"FAMU has taught me not just to be bold and confident in my work, but to execute with
eloquence and elegance," Jackson said. "It instilled in me to speak as if I already
belong in every room I walk into."
As they prepare for their final year at Florida A&M University, both entrepreneurs continue to grow their businesses while pursuing new professional opportunities. Sparkman is spending the summer interning with PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, while Jackson continues expanding his multimedia brand and serving clients throughout Florida.
Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple.
"Just start," Jackson said. "Don't let self-doubt hold you back from reaching a level you never thought possible."
Entrepreneurs representing HBCUs across the country pose during the filming of REVOLT's
"Bet on Black: Visions to Ventures" Season 5. Among them were Florida A&M University
students Jayden Sparkman and Khari Jackson, whose businesses were featured on the
award-winning television series.
(Photo courtesy Khari Jackson)
Watch These 9 HBCU Entrepreneurs Battle For $100,000 In Business Funding | Bet On Black.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
