Raquel Graham, the visionary founder of Roq Innovation, has taken the world by storm with her innovative products, particularly the iconic Headlightz Beanie. This unique beanie, equipped with built-in LED lights, has revolutionized the way people navigate the dark, whether they’re running, hiking, or simply walking the dog. Headlightz has been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things and was recently highlighted on Good Morning America (GMA). Additionally, the brand is actively fundraising for LA Wildfire Relief and was recently seen on celebrities attending the Sundance Film Festival.
The idea for the Headlightz Beanie was born out of Graham’s own personal experience as a runner. “I came up with the concept for headlights because I’m a runner and during the winter it gets dark really early and it’s cold and there was nothing where I could find a product that could keep me warm and where I could see where I was going,” she explains. “The only thing on the market at the time were headlamps, so I created a solution that would keep my head warm, allow me to see where I was running, and also make sure that cars could see me. That’s literally how Headlightz was born.”
While the Headlightz Beanie was initially designed for outdoor enthusiasts, its versatility has expanded its appeal to a wider audience. “So while the hat was created for outdoor recreation, it really has also taken on a very large safety usage,” Graham notes. “The basics like we know—camping, running, biking, etc.—but for safety, it’s hands-free lighting. There’s changing a tire at the side of the road, dealing with power outages, walking your dog, or even just making sure I can be seen.”
Graham’s target audience primarily consists of individuals aged 35 and above, particularly women who are often the primary decision-makers for household purchases.
Graham’s journey as an entrepreneur was inspired by her role as a mother. “Children were the original inspiration for Roq Innovation,” she reveals. “Roq Innovation was born out of a need that I created for my kids. When my kids were younger, they hated wearing scarves, and this became an issue, particularly during the polar vortex.”
This experience led her to create a practical and stylish solution, which eventually caught the attention of major retailers like HSN and led to the birth of Roq Innovation.
As a Black woman entrepreneur, Graham has faced numerous challenges, including access to capital and industry recognition. However, she remains steadfast in her mission to empower others. “I’m a huge cheerleader for it, but I always start with the reality that entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Just because it’s not for everyone doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “It is very difficult, with lots of lows, but the highs are incredible. You will need a significant amount of money—more than you think—but if it’s a dream, why wouldn’t you pursue it?”
Roq Innovation is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. “This is the first year that we are actually PFAS-free, which means we have no forever chemicals in our beanies,” Graham shares. “We also have another certification that speaks to our factories being above board.”
As Roq Innovation continues to grow, Graham has ambitious plans for the future. “I have products coming out in different categories. I have products coming out in hydration, self-care, kitchen, home cleaning, and organization. The first of these new products will launch in February—it’s a new kind of water bottle. I have a book full of ideas, and I’m ready to share them with the world. Hopefully, they will garner as much success as Headlightz did.”
When asked about her vision for the future of Roq Innovation, Graham shared, “I want to build a company that not only creates innovative products but also inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Roq Innovation.”
With her unwavering passion, innovative spirit, and dedication to sustainability, Raquel Graham is poised to make a significant impact on the world of product design and entrepreneurship.
