By: Dee Warren
OMAHA, NE – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, minority and women owned business are on the rise with growth driven by Black women like Christi Ballard, founder and owner of Status luxury handbags and accessories who said her journey had its own hurdles.
Based on a 2021 U.S. Census Bureau business analysis conducted by OnDeck, 21.4 percent of businesses in the U.S. are owned by women. According to NPR, during the pandemic, the number of black female-owned businesses in the U.S. is currently around 30 percent above pre-pandemic levels.
While being Black owned and Black operated, Status has been an ever-growing beacon of trendy and exclusive fashion in Omaha. According to owner, Christi Ballard, the business had its start four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Christi noted that because of the circumstances of the pandemic, that ushered in a greater demand for her merchandise.
The front entrance of the Status store in the Aksarben area of Omaha, NE. (Photo/Dee Warren)
As a business owner and entrepreneur, Christi says her biggest asset has been being able to adapt in any type of business environment. In addition, it allows her to deliver the highest quality products and services to her patrons and customers.
