Today we’d like to introduce you to Katina Walker.
Hi Katina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was working in the healthcare industry as a coding auditor. In 2020 the pandemic hit my family hard, and I had to leave my job. I already had another business going; however, when the distractions were coming from all directions, I had no other option but to jumpstart another business to try and make it work. I had no business plan for this business, but I had a name that was birth on my inside. The name was ROOTS; I already had experience with startups, but I had yet to learn about the beauty supply stores that had just closed next door to my company. The landlord offered my husband and me the space, and I was about to quit my coding job, which was being of Roots Beauty Supply. I withdrew my 401k and dived into entrepreneurship head first. I could bring other entrepreneurs into the industry with me. I threw my net out there to market myself as a business owner who supports local entrepreneurs during the pandemic. They invested in the business by shelving their products and gaining their profits with the help of my business as the founder of the Tulsa Entrepreneurs HUB storefront. Today, I have created a contract with 6 local entrepreneurs who sell out my business. I host monthly CEO meetings to help brand & market their business and my business. Today, I’m still working in a medical office because I’ve been able to qualify for funding since my 401k ran out, and many people are still shopping online. Therefore, I’m generally working to support my brand & business. I’m a woman of color & Native American born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have a husband and an 8-year-old, so my everyday sacrifice makes it worth building a business and legacy for myself and my family. We’re ROOTS operating in the same spirit as the people in 1921 on Black Wall Street.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. The main struggle along the way is getting colorism and competition out of some individuals’ minds and building healthy relationships in our community of black and brown businesses.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My purpose and mission as a black & brown business owner are to lead by example. I’m a creative person who works well with my hands. I make homemade sugar scrubs & self-care products. But, I’m stepping back from making products unless customized or requested because I want to give the local creatives contributing to the brand of Roots a spotlight for their products. I’m most proud of being able to thrive in the market for 2 years this May 2023, and what set me apart from others is that I understand boundaries and healthy community interests. I’m a sociologist major, and we must be selective and intentional with our relationships.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Absolutely! I’ve been taking a risk since 2012, when I knew it was time to invest in my future. And I went back to college to finish my bachelor’s degree, start a family in 2014 in my late thirties and start buying property assets. Taking those investment risks along was something I had to teach myself about quickly because I had learned where the economy was headed in one of my sociology classes. Entrepreneurship boomed as the pandemic & recession took hold of many businesses across America. We’re here in gridlock across the country.
Pricing:
- Sweet Kitty Yoni Sugar Scrub $20
- Black Wall Street Candles $13 each or 2 for $20
- Artist Black Wall Street Booklet $20
- Artist Black Wall T-Shirts $30
- Body Butters $20, Jewelry $9, Natural Hair Care Products $7
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Roots Barber and Beauty Supply
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063950449049&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Roots Barber & Beauty Supply LLC
