There’s no question that Tameka Foster Raymond is a consummate professional. The seasoned entrepreneur and celebrity stylist, whose profile was raised even higher when she married (and divorced) one of the hottest R&B stars to hit the scene, Usher, continues to baffle her critics.
Earlier this year, she celebrated the grand opening of three of her business ventures – KangaZoom, Estella and Estella Home boutiques – located in the northern Atlanta-area suburbs.
KangaZoom is an indoor play center featuring inflatable houses, giant slides, obstacle courses, a toddler exploration area, parent lounges, retail space and private party rooms, and a special treat: a mix of the Estella boutiques, the pint-sized version.
Estella, named after her maternal grandmother, are boutiques, one that sells samples from leading designers, contemporary and earthy pieces for men, women and children and the Home store offers candles, chic furniture, antique jewelry and scented candles.
Foster Raymond is eagle-eye focused on her business goals, thus raising the bar for other members of the ex-wives club. She gives rolling out readers a little insight.
On deciding to open KangaZoom, a business out of her comfort zone of fashion …
I‘ve always had a passion for childcare and education. I began inquiring about opening a children’s based business about eight years ago, and with [my] younger [sons’] love for “jump houses,” I decided to move forward last year.
The A-ha! moment …
I think it’s been a long time coming. I guess I finally got tired of searching for and renting others’ spaces for my sons’ birthday parties.
Business philosophy …
I really try to be as self-reliant as possible. I feel that no one will ever share your exact level of passion or commitment for your dreams. I always say, if you want it done a certain way, do it yourself; however, I do believe that having a great, strong and an intelligent team is an integral part to the success of any business.
Next move …
Currently, I’m focusing on making all three of my businesses a pure success. I’m also doing freelance styling work with a few select artists. I [am] continuing my efforts with my non-profit organizations, The Lost Ones Foundation and Oakland Natives Gives Back. My foundations’ goals are to help uplift and inspire youth, which is needed because the teenage years can be so tumultuous and impressionable.
Foster Raymond turns a blind eye to the fodder and distractions that come with being a celebrity so she can focus on being a loving mom, philanthropist and positive role model. She donates a generous portion of profits to The Lost Ones, a non-profit charitable organization she founded that mentors young women who’ve been ostracized. –yvette caslin
KangaZoom is located at 5530 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta, Ga., and Estella boutiques are located at 1159 and 1158 Canton Street in Roswell, Ga.
{source}
[[!– START EMBED CODE –]]
[[script type=”text/javascript” src=”https://rollingout.slideshowpro.com/m/embed.js”]][[/script]]
[[div id=”album-204600″]]
[[/div]]
[[script type=”text/javascript”]] SlideShowPro({ attributes: { id: “album-204600”, width: 550, height: 400 }, mobile: { auto: false }, params: { bgcolor: “#000000”, allowfullscreen: true }, flashvars: { xmlFilePath: “https://rollingout.slideshowpro.com/images.php?album=204600” } });[[/script]]
[[!– END EMBED CODE –]]
{/source}
