Hang Ten is an easily-digested, quick-to-read interview series. I created it to pick the brains of some powerhouse women that I’ve been fortunate enough to know because of SFB. I fire off the questions, you give the answers.
Just what has Kartika Carr been able to accomplish by opening Khari’s Cafe? She’s successfully created a celebration of life, community, and family – one that occupies one of the City’s more unique spaces on the West Side.
The menu at Khari’s has a little something for everybody: coffee and espresso, wellness shots, breakfast food, sandwiches and wraps. There’s also vegan alternatives available for our plant-based friends.
As the owner, Kartika makes it her business to champion social justice causes and give back to the Cafe’s neighborhood, as well as the community-at-large. Buffalo is better for having such a forward-thinking and self-aware business woman at work in our region.
Hang Ten
1. What’s an outdated stereotype that needs to be banned once and for all? That women can’t rule any and everything.
2. What’s a bad habit you’re in the process of kicking? Swearing in front of the kids – it jumps out of my mouth and straight to their ears.
3. What’s your favorite local business? Mine, Khari’s Cafe (shameless plug)! Also, Brother’s, The Place, Black Monarchy, and Put a Plant on It…I can’t pick just one!
4. Who do you have a career crush on? Padma Lakshmi, the way she loves food and culture is amazing. Such a boss!
5. What do you think about when you’re falling asleep? “Dear God I hope I didn’t forget to do anything today.”
6. How do you start your day? I thank my ancestors for choosing me to be a vessel, then I dive into my emails.
7. Who’s the most iconic female TV character? Angela Bassett killed her role on American Horror Story: Coven and Apocalypse.
8. How do you define feminism? The effort to make the community whole through the liberation for womxn, by womxn, and specifically centered around women of color.
9. What’s your love language? Music and food should be an option. Being that it’s not, acts of service.
10. What’s one thing you’re most excited to do when the pandemic is over? Celebrating with the community as we build collective power.
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Kartika Carr is the owner and CEO of Khari’s Cafe, a black [woman!]-owned cafe located on Buffalo’s West Side. You can learn more about the business by visiting khariscafe.com or following @khariscafeny on Instagram.