Lori Nair’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. Her journey began 22 years ago when she sewed a special bag for her daughter’s wheelchair, leading her to expand into embroidery. Today, her business, Tatermash Embroidery, has grown so much that she opened a brick-and-mortar location near 31st and Harvard in Tulsa. When asked about her success, Nair attributes it to the support of her team and being in a city that loves small businesses.
In recent years, Tulsa has seen an increase in female business ownership. With a score of 61/100 on equality indicators, this reflects the city’s growing support for women entrepreneurs. Networking with other small businesses has been crucial for Nair’s success and highlights the importance of community support in shaping the future of Tulsa’s business landscape.
However, not all aspects of life in Tulsa are positive. The city has also seen a significant decline in homelessness by disability status, with a score dropping from 35/100 in 2018 to 20/100. Walt Lewis, who uses a wheelchair, shared his struggles and the need for more resources to support individuals facing homelessness. Mayor GT Bynum acknowledges these challenges as part of a larger narrative for the city of Tulsa.
Despite these differences in experiences within the Tulsa community, both Nair and Lewis highlight the importance of support systems and resources in shaping their respective journeys. As such, their stories serve as reminders that no matter what challenges individuals may face, they can still achieve great things with dedication and hard work.