Lori Nair, a female business owner in Tulsa, began her shop by chance when her daughter needed a special bag for her wheelchair 22 years ago. She started sewing the bags and eventually expanded to embroidery. Taking her business to trade shows led to the opening of a brick-and-mortar location near 31st and Harvard in Tulsa. Nair expressed her love for being in Tulsa, despite traveling for her business, and credits the success of Tatermash Embroidery to her dedicated team.
According to equality indicators, Tulsa has seen a rise in female business ownership, with a score of 61/100. Nair emphasizes the importance of networking with other small businesses for success. However, the city has seen a significant decline in homelessness by disability status, with the score dropping from 35/100 in 2018 to 20/100 currently. Homeless individual Walt Lewis, who uses a wheelchair, shared the challenges and struggles faced by those in similar circumstances.
Mayor GT Bynum acknowledges these statistics as part of a larger story for the city of Tulsa. The community’s support for small businesses like Nair’s and the need for additional resources to address homelessness by disability status are key aspects of Tulsa’s ongoing growth and development.