Meet Krushani Patel: By day, Krushani is an entrepreneur, childcare provider, and community advocate who seems to have a knack for keeping several things moving at once. She is the owner operator of Kiddie Academy of Harrisburg and Red Chillez Indian Restaurant, and she is currently developing Union Sky, a new rooftop restaurant in downtown Concord. Through her businesses, Krushani is passionate about creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to the continued growth of the community she is proud to call home. Her greatest source of strength and encouragement is her husband, Ronak, who has supported her entrepreneurial journey and community involvement.
Giving back is a big part of Krushanis life. She serves with Healthy Cabarrus and the Cabarrus County Early Childhood Task Force and has been appointed to Historic Cabarrus. She also volunteers with organizations and initiatives supporting children and families, human trafficking awareness, food assistance, and other community needs. Her work as a childcare provider has given her a particular passion for early childhood education.
As for dancing, Krushani says she is not professionally trained, but she has always enjoyed music and dancing at celebrations and social events. This year, she is taking that enjoyment a step further and stepping outside her comfort zone to learn something new.
For Krushani, Dancing for the Arts is exactly the kind of opportunity she loves: a chance to try something new, have some fun, and give back to the community she cares so much about. We have a feeling this entrepreneur is about to add one more title to her résumé: dancer.
Getting to know Krushani:
If you had to give a TED Talk on something completely unrelated to your job, what would you talk about?
I would speak about the courage to step outside your comfort zone. Moving from India to Australia and then building a life in the United States taught me how embracing change, taking risks, and believing in yourself can lead to opportunities you never imagined.
What's one thing people are always surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I have a degree in forensic science. My professional journey eventually led me into entrepreneurship, early childhood education, hospitality, and community service.
Krushani is paired Lucinda Stewart, who has been dancing since the age of four. She began teaching during college at Strykers Studio in Wingate and later at Lets Dance Studio. She was also a member of Wingate Universitys inaugural dance team. Beyond dance, Lucinda serves as a local level judge for the Miss America Organization and is a member of the Piedmont Choral Society.
You can support Krushani and Lucinda by making a donation and spreading the word. Then mark your calendar forNovember 7, 2026, when they'll light up the stage at the Davis Theatre!
Grab your tickets atcabarrusartscouncil.org/dancing-for-the-artsor call704.920.2787
The Cabarrus Arts Council was founded in 1980 in response to the North Carolina Arts Council's plan to establish a local arts council in every county. In 1982 the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners selected the arts council to serve as its Designated County Partner, receiving and distributing Grassroots funding from the state and the state arts council.
Today the arts council programs and operates the Davis Theatre and The Galleries, conducts one of North Carolina's largest art-in-education programs for both the Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school systems, supports arts organizations and artists through grants and workshops and serves as a catalyst and consultant for public and corporate art.
