Tulsa has been seeing a surge in female business ownership, with a score of 61/100 in the latest data on equality indicators. This reflects a positive trend in the city’s support for women entrepreneurs. Lori Nair, a female business owner in Tulsa, started her shop by chance 22 years ago when her daughter needed a special bag for her wheelchair. She began sewing and eventually expanded to embroidery. Her business grew so much that she opened a brick-and-mortar location near 31st and Harvard in Tulsa. Nair expressed her love for being in Tulsa and enjoying the work she does with the support of her team at Tatermash Embroidery.
On the other hand, Tulsa has also seen a significant decline in homelessness by disability status, with a score dropping from 35/100 in 2018 to 20/100. Homeless man 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.
The stories of Lori Nair’s success as a female business owner and Walt Lewis’s challenges as a homeless individual reflect the diverse experiences within the Tulsa community. Despite the different realities they face, both highlight the importance of support systems and resources in shaping the city’s overall landscape. Networking with other small businesses has been crucial for Nair’s success, highlighting the importance of community support in business.