Lori Nair, a woman from Tulsa, started her business by chance when her daughter needed a special bag for her wheelchair. She began 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’s love for being in Tulsa has kept her dedicated team going strong, despite traveling for their work.
Tulsa has seen an increase in female business ownership in recent years, with a score of 61/100 on equality indicators. Nair emphasizes the importance of networking with other small businesses for success. However, the city has also experienced a decline in homelessness among those with disabilities, with the score dropping from 35/100 in 2018 to 20/100 currently. Walt Lewis, who uses a wheelchair, shared his struggles and challenges 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 among those with disabilities are key aspects of Tulsa’s ongoing growth and development.
