We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Greg Grovey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Greg , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
The great Kendrick Lamar once said, “ Heavy is the head that chose to wear the crown, to whom much is given much is required now.” I remind myself of this quote almost daily because it prompts an immediate change in any negativity that could come from the pressures and stress of being successful in your field or in life period, especially when at some point you can be looked at as a figurehead for a group of people. Fortunately for me, I have, and assumingly will continue at some point be in rooms where I’m the only one that looks like me. I use the word fortunate because I know when I say what I say and do what I do, others that look like me will be afforded the opportunity to be in these or similar rooms. I never take any opportunities lightly, but the motivation to succeed is multiplied in my mind when I know my actions may lead to opportunities for others. For example, I was the first and am currently the only black-owned business at the Domain NORTHSIDE, however, I feel like my business has been an amazing example of what black businesses can do at the Domain so optimistically I am hoping we have inspired others black-owned business to believe they can be successful in such area. So with all things considered, I realize how much is riding on my success and actions when no one in the room looks like me so a failure in any compacity is not an option.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have the extreme pleasure of being the Founder and CEO of Kicking It at the Domain Northside in Austin Texas. We are a retail sneaker social with a full-service bar and lounge area. We refer to ourselves as a social and not a store because we are much more than a store. We encourage people to come in hang out, shop, enjoy a drink, pick up some new shoes, and of course, Kick It! We carry all the major shoe brands such as Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Saucony, Vans, and New Balance for retail prices, as well as some really awesome clothing and accessories. We are always looking for the opportunity to provide our customers with an unforgettable experience and we do so in the form of shoe release activations, community give-back events, and our free weekly Happy Hour from 5-8 every Friday. We have been open for a little over 4 years and will be expanding our market footprint soon! So if you haven’t come check us out and follow us on social media @kickingitatx
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Honestly, this question can be answered in several ways but simply put, three of the most important skills that have been the most impactful have been dedication, motivation, and prayer life. The dedication will help you get to your desired finish line, the motivation for me made me realize my success is about more than me, and the prayer life will help you when all else fails and when all is going great as well!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As any business owner can attest feeling strained over overwhelmed is somewhat common. It is easy to let the hustle and grind of running a business get to you, but I’ve found a few things that help me calm down and get back in the mood I need to be in. The most important thing I do is step back, take a breath and analyze the situation and pinpoint what is making me feel so anxious. Once that is done, I make a to-do list based on the importance or deadline of each task, this helps me stay focused on what needs to be done and when. Finally, to help me settle down I pray! For me praying literally and figuratively releases a ton of stress and welcomes in peace and calmness. You have to remember; you can’t complain about your plate being full if your main goal and objective was to eat.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Kickingit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickingitatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KickingItAtx/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KickingItATX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVd1sOjMZWKbu2ve4C9Yyyg
Image Credits
Kash Concepts Chris Baker Karlton Johnson
