Raquel Graham had a successful track record with helping corporate companies build their brands, but her biggest accomplishment was in creating her own – as an entrepreneur. In 2014, she started her own business, ROQ Innovation, a product innovation company that develops problem-solving solutions that aim to make life a little easier. “We develop, solve and invent solutions daily to meet the needs of our families. I enjoy providing solutions to making anyone’s life a bit easier. We all need that.”
That year, she developed and launched NEKZ™, a scarf alternative that she created for her children since they refused to wear scarves. The NEKZ™ line quickly expanded to include men and women. NEKZ™ launched on HSN (Home Shopping Network) in November 2016, selling out in under an hour of airtime. NEKZ™ was also selected as one of the top launches on The Grommet’s product launch platform and can be found at 40 Top NCAA colleges in team colors. Raquel was also a featured nominee on Martha Stewart’s “American Made” for the product, which spotlights the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Raquel’s second invention, HEADLIGHTZ™, had a very successful debut in November 2017, selling out on HSN during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Named to Oprah’s O List in 2019, HEADLIGHTZ™ is a rechargeable LED winter beanie that is perfect for outdoor running, walking the dog and many practical and safety uses for hands-free lighting. Raquel has big plans for the future by creating many more innovative products that span consumer categories.
Headlightz® Beanies are designed with an innovative integrated light. With a compact design, our USB-rechargeable LED is lightweight and removable. Choose one of three brightness levels, and the battery will last between approximately 1.75 and 8 hours. Recharging is super easy, and there are no cords to lose. The light flashes as it charges and is lit solid when the battery is fully charged.
Sized to cover your ears, one size fits most heads – from kids to adults. All of our beanies are comfortable, soft and warm – regardless of your choice of fabric or color. Just pop out the light, and Headlightz® are completely machine washable! Dry on low or hang them up to dry.
Headlightz® are great for all outdoor activities such as running, biking, hiking, fishing and more. We recommend keeping an extra one handy, as they are useful in emergency situations like power outages, ice storms, blackouts, hurricanes, or changing your tires at the side of the road.
Prior to ROQ Innovation, Raquel to start her own marketing company, ROQ Marketing Group in 2009. The company offered strategic marketing solutions to corporations looking to develop their reach and brand awareness. She served as one of the executive producers of the 2010 McDonald’s 365Black Awards and aired on the TVOne network. Raquel was an integral player in winning the business and secured the initial media partnership to air the event nationwide. She also led all strategy – including media planning, digital strategy, creative development and event execution. Occasionally she will offer her services to companies with unique marketing needs. Last year, she produced 150 marketing videos for Honey Can Do – an international company that manufactures organization and storage solutions.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she moved to Chicago and joined Johnson Publishing Company where she served as vice president, national marketing director for seven years. In this role, she also facilitated multiple strategic partnerships that made a tremendous impact on advertising revenue. One of her most significant achievements was spearheading and negotiating EBONY’s first media partnership to expand the publication’s reach. Known for creating strategic alliances – she also forged partnerships for the publication with the NFL, Anheuser-Busch, Procter & Gamble, Chrysler and Clorox during her tenure.
In 2009, Raquel earned her MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management while working full-time and having her second baby. She also holds a B.A. in history with an economics minor from Wesleyan University.
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