Business

Gullah Roots – Everything African

CHARLESTON CHRONICLE — Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots, an African clothing store in North Charleston, is really looking forward to February.

Published

5 years ago

February 6, 2019

Oakland Post

By Patrice Smith

Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots, an African clothing store in North Charleston, is really looking forward to February.

“It’s Black History Month and a lot of people will be looking for traditional African garb to wear to all the celebrations that will take place. February will tell the direction that I can go in. Black History Month is going to tell the story,” says Dowling, who has been in his current location for less than a year. He believes God led him to this space after he struggled to a find an adequate place for his store.

[/media-credit] Octavious Dowling, owner of Gullah Roots

“Several years ago I transformed a work trailer into a mobile boutique and I would ride around to different areas to set up shop. But I always needed permission and I never could find out who to talk to. So I prayed about it and doors literally started to open up,” according to Dowling.

Gullah Roots opened its doors at 4391 Dorchester Road, Suite 180 in April 2018 and carries diverse, unique and beautiful merchandise. Dowling says he has a one stop shop.

“I actually started off selling girl’s clothing and then incorporated African wear and those sales surpassed all the others so I brought in more African attire,” he says.

Gullah Roots has suede African print jackets with matching bags and hats in rich purple, beige and black, colorful skirts with coordinating purses and items Dowling says you don’t usually see. “I have patent leather Michelle Obama print wallets and purses,” he adds.

Dowling has also created Gullah Roots Bridal and Gullah Roots Prom. “Prom season is in a few months and I have beautiful gowns and men’s wear.” Dowling says.

Gullah Roots has everything African from art to jewelry and even African drums. “And I do support several entrepreneurs that I carry in the store. One woman makes facial creams and herbal products and another lady makes African themed jewelry. I carry 10k gold custom rings made by a local jeweler. We also have a clothing line developed by some local ladies called Gullah Baby. I try to buy their products wholesale,” Dowling says.

Dowling is a bricklayer by trade and has owned Dowling Construction Company for over 25 years. “I can build whatever needs to be built and now I’m building this business. I can see the growth and potential that God has provided,” he states.

Gullah Roots is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also find more Gullah Roots merchandise on their Facebook page. Also, a big Gullah Roots fashion show is scheduled for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Revelation Church Word & Deed (418 Old River Back Road) in Goose Creek. The store phone number is (843) 276-8703.

This article originally appeared in the Charleston Chronicle.

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State Controller Malia Cohen Keynote Speaker at S.F. Wealth Conference

California State Controller Malia Cohen delivered the keynote speech to over 50 business women at the Black Wealth Brunch held on March 28 at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center at 301 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco. The Enterprising Women Networking SF Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) hosted the Green Room event to launch its platform designed to close the racial wealth gap in Black and Brown communities.

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American Business Women’s Association Vice President Velma Landers, left, with California State Controller Malia Cohen (center), and ABWA President LaRonda Smith at the Enterprising Women Networking SF Chapter of the ABWA at the Black Wealth Brunch.

By Carla Thomas

The Enterprising Women Networking SF Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) hosted the Green Room event to launch its platform designed to close the racial wealth gap in Black and Brown communities.

“Our goal is to educate Black and Brown families in the masses about financial wellness, wealth building, and how to protect and preserve wealth,” said ABWA San Francisco Chapter President LaRonda Smith.

ABWA’s mission is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

“This day is about recognizing influential women, hearing from an accomplished woman as our keynote speaker and allowing women to come together as powerful people,” said ABWA SF Chapter Vice President Velma Landers.

More than 60 attendees dined on the culinary delights of Chef Sharon Lee of The Spot catering, which included a full soul food brunch of skewered shrimp, chicken, blackened salmon, and mac and cheese.

Cohen discussed the many economic disparities women and people of color face. From pay equity to financial literacy, Cohen shared not only statistics, but was excited about a new solution in motion which entailed partnering with Californians for Financial Education.

“I want everyone to reach their full potential,” she said. “Just a few weeks ago in Sacramento, I partnered with an organization, Californians for Financial Education.

“We gathered 990 signatures and submitted it to the [California] Secretary of State to get an initiative on the ballot that guarantees personal finance courses for every public school kid in the state of California.

“Every California student deserves an equal opportunity to learn about filing taxes, interest rates, budgets, and understanding the impact of credit scores. The way we begin to do that is to teach it,” Cohen said.

By equipping students with information, Cohen hopes to close the financial wealth gap, and give everyone an opportunity to reach their full financial potential. “They have to first be equipped with the information and education is the key. Then all we need are opportunities to step into spaces and places of power.”

Cohen went on to share that in her own upbringing, she was not guided on financial principles that could jump start her finances. “Communities of color don’t have the same information and I don’t know about you, but I did not grow up listening to my parents discussing their assets, their investments, and diversifying their portfolio. This is the kind of nomenclature and language we are trying to introduce to our future generations so we can pivot from a life of poverty so we can pivot away and never return to poverty.”

Cohen urged audience members to pass the initiative on the November 2024 ballot.

“When we come together as women, uplift women, and support women, we all win. By networking and learning together, we can continue to build generational wealth,” said Landers. “Passing a powerful initiative will ensure the next generation of California students will be empowered to make more informed financial decisions, decisions that will last them a lifetime.”