Author Archives: REI OK

In 2016, Juan Carlos and his wife Cristina were on the search for their first family home. With a growing family, they were eager to find the perfect starter home. They toured over 25 houses, and during this process, they found themselves captivated by the art of rehabilitating and remodeling—transforming the old into something new.   Juan Carlos, with a background in marketing and operations management, was no stranger to hard work. Yet, the idea of becoming a business owner had never crossed his mind. However, when the opportunity arose, he was ready to take on the challenge.   Guided … Continue reading →

Norma has never been one to put limits on her career. She’s worn many hats, moved across the country more than once and is always ready to try something new. From customer service to cosmetology to baking to onboarding managers and to now running her own handcrafted skincare business! The throughline for Norma in all her roles is her passion for educating and helping others succeed.   ChloeBella Handcrafted—named after her two cats—didn’t start from a love of soap and body butter, it came from a desire to switch things up.   After moving back to Oklahoma to be closer … Continue reading →

When you get to know Kim, founder of Knowledge Works Environmental, it quickly becomes clear that there’s no stopping her once she gets an idea or interest in something.   From the time her father put a basketball in her hand at five years old to when she realized she was faster than the other kids in elementary school, Kim has always been determined to do her best. That same drive is evident in how she has created and built her business.   Kim was referred to REI Oklahoma by Sharon, her advisor at Metro Tech at the time, and we’re … Continue reading →

Raia Brooks has always been passionate about giving back to her community and her favorite way to do so is with food made with love.   What began as a hobby quickly grew into a side hustle in 2018 when Raia, working at a call center, decided to start making and delivering lunch plates for extra income. By 2019, Love on a Plate was born.   Through trial and error, Raia realized she preferred catering events and preparing meal prep orders over selling individual plates. Over the years, she has catered church gatherings, weddings, as well as family and corporate … Continue reading →

As far back as Vinita can remember, she has always loved numbers.   She excelled in her mathematics and physics classes growing up. When it came time for her to go to college, she left her home in India to attend Southern Nazarene University to study Computer Science and Mathematics. She eventually earned her associate’s degree in mathematics from Oklahoma City Community College but did not complete her bachelor’s because she needed to work instead.   Vinita met her husband while working as a desk clerk at a motel. After they were married, he asked her what she wanted to do … Continue reading →

In 2014, Brandy Dodd was a project manager looking to expand her horizons and start her own company. Always a curious person, she wanted to know what she could accomplish if she started her own contracting company. Her stepfather founded a construction company and Brandy saw firsthand what it took to create and grow a company.   So, that year she took the leap and founded Mia General Contracting.   With a small but mighty team of two employees, Mia General Contracting’s first jobs started off small but mighty, too. They started working with financial institutions doing clean-up, renovation and … Continue reading →

Mazey had been a hair stylist for 12 years and found herself wanting to provide a cleaner, less toxic alternatives in haircare to her clients and the community. She wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone without hurting the environment.   When Mazey decided to open her own salon, she began researching all the different products she would have to purchase. She soon realized how much waste a typical salon produces. Concerned with her future business’ environmental impact, she made the decision to use more sustainable alternatives to things she would need—from toilet paper to hair dye … Continue reading →

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THREE AWARDS GIVEN AT DREAM BIG OKLAHOMA REI Oklahoma’s Dream BIG Oklahoma event has opened nominations for the event’s top three awards: Dr. Fern Green-Bowling Diamond Award, Dream Big Award, and the coveted Vision Award.   (OKLAHOMA CITY, April 9, 2024) – REI Oklahoma, an economic development nonprofit serving all 77 counties, has announced that nominations are now open for the top three awards at their annual Dream BIG Oklahoma event. Nominations will be accepted through May 30, 2024. Award winners will be celebrated at the annual event scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Grand … Continue reading →

Aileen was a longtime renter and found herself believing it was time to make a move and invest in a home for her family. As a mother of three, she wanted her children to have a permanent place to call home but was unsure if she could purchase a home on her own.     She was smiling as she shared that she found herself talking to God and saying, ‘You know I’m paying so much money on two bedrooms…my lease is about to expire. If it’s okay with you for me to have a home, I’m okay with that.” … Continue reading →