Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Franks.
Kimberly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was doing sales for a local ethical boutique brand and kept receiving inquiries from customers about whether I was a Black-owned brand. The ethical marketplace, while often impacting POC around the globe is predominantly white-owned and white-led. I was also encountering amazing local Black makers who were bringing vital energy and innovation to the city but seemed to feel alienated by life in St. Louis. At the same time, uprisings across the country were raising awareness of the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses. From this, I was inspired to build a Black-owned and curated, decolonized, haven centered on celebrating Black culture and creativity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a mission-driven, values-based business is never a smooth road. My brand values include the intersection of social conscious, Black empowerment, and sustainability. As a retail brand, I curate thru tiny eye of the needle. This limits my brand collaborations, but hopefully, as I continue to build trust in the brand, this will open the door to custom collaborations with other brands who share my brand values. Another challenge has been time. I launched the brand while juggling my kids attending virtual school. My high schoolers went back in the fall, but my 3rd grade was at home most of the school year while my husband also worked from home full-time. It has been difficult to carve out time to work. I am everything to the brand at this point, marketing, graphic design, accounting, sales, you name it. I struggle with perfectionism. There is so much I want and need to accomplish, I have internal expectations, but as I work mindfully to decolonize my thought processes, I am being more graceful towards myself and finding more joy and beauty in purpose and pursuit.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It is hard to claim just one category for who I am and what I do. Call me the type who refuses to fit in boxes! Lol! I am a professionally trained as lawyer who fled traditional practice and stumbled into the world of civic service and social activism. For me, Liberated Roots Collection is a culmination of my life experience launched from a creative activist perspective. I carry a collection of statement apparel, accessories, home decor, and bath and beauty products sourced from Black Indy makers mixed with hand-picked modern vintage apparel. I enjoy curating an experience for shoppers that is unique and inspired. Additionally, I LOVE creating gifting experiences. So, I offer custom gift bundles to businesses and retail customers. My goal is that our guests will experience Liberated Roots Collection as an oasis of Black creativity.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There were many but one of my favorites was visit my father’s side of the family in Rock Hall located on the eastern shore of Maryland. My dad came from a large family and I was the youngest of 83 grandkids in that particular generation. It was special for me because my grandmother still lived in the farmhouse where my dad lived, there was an uncle who lived right next door and an aunt, one my favorites, Aunt Florabelle lived the other way 2 doors down. The family has had ties to this historical area for many generations. I guess I have always been fascinated with ancestral connections. If you descend from enslaved heritage, it is hard to know your roots. I enjoyed the sense of connection that Rock Hall gave me to my heritage. I find this strong connection to ancestral energy is a commonly shared story among Black creatives.
Contact Info:
- Email: kim@liberatedrootscollection.com
- Website: www.liberatedrootscollection.com
- Instagram: @shopliberatedroots
- Facebook: Liberated Roots Collection
