Today we’d like to introduce you to Takela Corbitt.
Hi Takela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In Jan. 2013, I moved from Atlanta GA to Los Angeles with a transfer from the company I had been working for in Corporate America for 13 years. The following year I resigned to go into business for myself. I tried several businesses including event management, artist management, car lot, etc.
I had purchased a home in North Hollywood in September 2014. After living in this neighborhood for 5 years and being from Mississippi and living in Atlanta for 12 years, I thought this neighborhood needed some Southern food and some Southern vibes. I missed the South and the East Coast in general. Being in the neighborhood, I noticed that there had been an influx of people of color and I thought they would enjoy having a Soul Food option as much as I would have. That is what made me open Blaqhausnoho.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! The restaurant industry is a very tough industry and I had no prior restaurant experience whatsoever. Not ever even been a server. We also couldn’t predict COVID was coming and we opened in June 2019. We were just really getting the hang of things and then boom…Covid comes and we didn’t know what to do. I literally went into survival mode. We changed our entire menu to make it TO GO based, we even sold Spiked Lemonades in gallon milk jugs to go lol. It was a trying time but we made the most of it. We took the downtime to fix things that are hard to fix when you are open every day and it really accelerated our growth as a business. The band-aid was literally ripped off of our “new to the industry” grace we were expecting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am involved in several partnerships including the (2) locations of Blaqhaus in Noho and Atlanta. I have joint ventures in cannabis and I also have my own brand in that space. I think I am very well-rounded in business as I understand and excel in business structure and accounting is one of my favorite things to get better at. I am also very creative and love the marketing side and coming up with new ideas and seeing them come to life. I have a special God-given knack with people and connecting the right people at the right time to make the most of opportunities. I am a Christian first and foremost and I am a people person. I love all people and their differences are the most intriguing because there is always commonality in difference and God has blessed me with a heart to always seek that. I like to see people win and see people happy. I am known for being honest, fair, tough, accountable and will hold you accountable as well. I am most proud of how diverse our business is although it is known to be “Black-owned.” I am most proud that we have introduced black culture to the valley in a professional safe environment and we are proud to be “Black-owned” so all cultures and all races can experience our offering and enjoy it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in favor. Favor is the direct result of your faith in God and his ability to put you and your business and everything you touch in the right space at the right time for the success he planned for you. When you practice your faith daily, you learn to expect God’s favor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Blaqhaus.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blaqhausnoho
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/blaqhausnh
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blaqhaus-noho-north-hollywood
