Raquel Graham Crayton
Personal Information
Born: Unknown
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: Black
Education
Wesleyan University BA History with a minor in Economics 1990; Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management MBA Marketing 2009
""I'm always seeking solutions to create a life better lived." (linkedin.com); "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.” (roq-innovation.com); “You have to know the right people. They have to believe in you, and you have to be able to take action…” (chicagodefender.com); “You can’t let fear paralyze you.” (forbes.com); "Always be your own advocate. When you feel something is not right, or even slightly off — whether it's your health, your education, your career — ask all of the stakeholders involved the proper questions to alleviate your worries." (thelist.com); "
— Raquel Graham Crayton
Professional Life
Field of Study: Entrepreneur; Inventor
Institution/Corporation: Roq Innovations; Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
Degrees & Memberships: Member: Board of Advisors National Lewis University (2020); Board of Women in Entrepreneurship Institute DePaul University
Awards & Achievements
Awards: None found
Achievements: 2014 invented NEKZ a scarf when her children refused to wear theirs & in 2017 Headlightz an LED rechargeable beanie to light outdoor activities; founded Roq Marketing Group 2009; 2022 launched a line of Headlightz baseball caps;
founded ROQ Marketing Group in 2009 & they offer strategic marketing solutions to corporations looking to develop their reach and brand awareness
was a financial analyst at JP Morgan after college
invented NEKZ because she couldn't find a scarf her children would wear & launched it on HSN in 2016
launched Headlightz on HSM in 2017
aooeared on Season 13 episode 11 of Shark Tank & formed a partnership with Kevin O;Leary & Peter Jones
is a past VP & head of Marketing for Ebony Magazine
was in the process of launching Handy Lightz (a lightweight glove with 2 LED lights so you didn't have to hold a flashlight) when COVID hit & switched her focus to designing & making facemasks (had 16 models) that allowed for the insertion of a filter in her Face Maskz
before beginning her alliance with HSN she spent 3 months in the hospital with a misdiagnosed doses before a correct diagnosis of fungal pneumonia was made, she was given a 20% chance of survival, suffered from a stroke, lung failure twice & cardiac failure, it took her 1 year to recuperate fully
toured with a dance company at age 9
is an active runner & exerciser; holds 2 patents