Katrena Griggs is vice president of showroom operations for luxury, home decor wholesaler CODARUS. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising graduate has over 30 years experience in both fashion and home furnishings. Griggs spoke with rolling out recently to discuss her work background, diversity in home decor and the importance of leadership in the workplace.
How did you make a career for yourself in the home decor industry?
My background prior to getting into home decor was in fashion retail. I went to school for fashion merchandising at FIDM in Los Angeles. I worked in retail in a management capacity from the time I graduated up until moving to Atlanta. I moved here about 30 years ago. I have been in home décor now for 10 years. I love the home décor side because it follows some of the dictates of fashion. It was one of those situations where I knew someone that worked in one of the showrooms and it was time for them to start preparing for market. They asked if I was interested in helping with setup and shortly after they asked me to permanently stay. The manager at the time was getting ready to leave and I would come in a couple times a week to work with her. The next thing you know they asked me to manage the showroom. I was there for five years. When I left there I was referred to CODARUS and they hired me. I’ve been here ever since. It’s very much like fashion; it’s just fashion for the home.
Why do you think the ratio of African Americans working in the wholesale business is extremely low?
I think a good part of it is that people just don’t know some of the positions that go along with this trade are viable career paths. It’s not something that you learn in school. People have walked past this building every day for years and don’t have a clue about what’s going on inside. When they come in they are just mesmerized by it all. It’s all about exposure. I am always happy to see African Americans who are coming into this. There is so much more that is needed. I certainly thought about doing some kind of workshop to give insight to people who are interested in getting into this industry.
Have you faced any kind of adversities being a Black woman in this industry?
I really have not felt any kind of racial discrimination, be it the fact that I am a woman or a woman of color. It’s an industry that’s very gay-friendly. I think that has a lot to with it being open and accepting of all people. You have people from different countries, as well. It just makes it a more welcoming atmosphere.
What is the most common misconception about your craft?
People don’t realize that this is where designers come to buy products. If they are smart designers and running their business in a very profitable way, then they are shopping to get the best price for products. This is where they are going to get the best selection for their projects, whether it be residential or commercial. Retailers, as well as online owners, are shopping these markets and not just in Atlanta, but in other cities, too. Many of the showrooms located here are based in other markets, as well. CODARUS has four different showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, High Point and Vegas. People just don’t understand how this business works. They come to buy here at a wholesale price where they can mark it up for their businesses from the Nordstroms and all those in between. It’s a very big and vast opportunity.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
It’s probably a lot easier for me than others because I’m single. It’s just me and my two dogs. I tend to work a lot more than some people because it’s just me. I do feel like sometimes we as people of color have to put in a little bit more so that we can be viewed as equals. I try to stay a little longer and not be the first one out of the door. There are also times when I’m here on the weekends, but then I do really enjoy my time off. I am kind of a loner. I am very much a home-body. In terms of balancing, I do try to travel and take a trip at least once a year ideally out of the country. I enjoy being at home and I’ve really gotten into podcasts lately about different designers. That’s taken over much of my free time.
What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?
I’m always asking myself questions every day in terms of leadership and kind of gauging how well I’m doing and once I hear the feedback from the people that work for me it helps me better myself. It’s a team effort. You can’t be this person that just barks and demands and not being willing to get in there and do it yourself. Anything that I ask of anyone I certainly am doing it or have done it. People work differently so I try to meet them where they are to get them where they need to be. I think that is the key.
What has been the most satisfying moment in your career, thus far?
The proudest moment that I’ve had in my career is being able to bring in people of color. If someone was given the option of having someone not of color or someone of color they are typically going to choose the person who is not. I’m always going to pick the best person, but I am certainly going to want to give an opportunity to my own.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to God. He takes good care of me. I look for direction and guidance from him. I feel like I make good judgment calls and decisions only because of the direction that the Lord gives me. I am sometimes faced with situations and ponder on them, but before you know it I’ve got my answers. My creativity, work ethic and sound judgment are what I attribute my success to. I’ve always worked hard.
What quote do you live by?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13. That scripture keeps “no” out of my vocabulary.
