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

7 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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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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March 22, 2026

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Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

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