Today we’d like to introduce you to Karma Isis Clark.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karma. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in VERY rural Kentucky in the middle of 10-acres of woods about 1.5 hours southwest of Louisville in a small town called Brandenburg. I’m the oldest of 4 children raised very modestly with little monetary means, as my father was an artist, musician, and carpenter and my mother put herself through nursing school in my later teen years. We grew most of our own vegetables in our garden and went to the grocery store about once a month when our assistance was available. From a very young age, the grocery shopping experience to me was magic – it was an adventure and a celebration. I got to pick out one candy each time – so I had them planned out as far as I could think.
When I moved away to college in the early 90s, I attended the University of Louisville as a political science/sociology double major with pre-law focus. I had my “mid-life crisis” early and decided that law school wasn’t the path meant for me, and I moved out to Austin Texas to find myself and discover my purpose. There, I met my husband and first became introduced to Whole Foods Market. At the time, he was a chair massage therapist at the Gateway location and he invited me to come up to “hang out” at the store one evening. I couldn’t fathom why in the world I would want to “hang out” in a grocery store…until I took him up on the offer and discovered the adventure that WFM shopping truly is. Ah Ha – now I get it!
Coming from such humble beginnings, I was in genuine awe of the store and all the interesting and new foods I was discovering. It opened my eyes and mind to a new world of possibilities with food, lifestyle, and consciousness. At the time, I was working as a commercial property manager for a small local firm, and one of our investment groups’ members happened to be John Mackey and other founders of Whole Foods Market – the small web of connectivity was coming together and I didn’t even know it.
Fast forward a few years, and I returned to live in Louisville, KY to be with my family while my grandparents were passing on. Wild Oats and Whole Foods Market came into our community during this time and we eagerly became loyal customers while I worked in the salon and spa industry as an aromatherapist, massage therapist and spa technician/trainer. A close friend of mine elected to take a job with Whole Foods Market as the Marketing Team Leader for the newly opened Green Hills location in Nashville, TN and she insisted that I consider joining as a team member. After a few months of prodding, I elected to apply for some open positions.
I was selected to join the Whole Body Team as the Associate Team Leader at the Kirby location here in Houston – so back to Texas, we came on yet another adventure. I absolutely loved working for WFM and wanted to grow as quickly as possible with the company. I was promoted to the Specialty Team Leader and quickly thereafter selected to be an Associate Store Team Leader working in several stores, including another stint in Austin to work at Gateway and the Flagship Lamar locations.
When the Store Team Leader position came available at the Bellaire Location, I jumped at the opportunity and was given the chance to lead a store. I loved every second of it and was asked to serve the Southwest Region as the Specialty Coordinator. This role was a completely amazing experience – I led the purchasing efforts and programming efforts for all of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma for 46 stores in the categories of Beer, Wine, Cheese, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Housewares, Juice Bars, Coffee Bars and Beer/Wine Bars. I also had the incredibly fulfilling experience of leading the Whole Foods Market Brewing Company project – the country’s first craft brewpub in a grocery store, right here in our Post-Oak location.
After countless miles and flights serving the region for three years, the opportunity to come home and lead the Bellaire location as the Store Team Leader once again became available and I jumped on the chance. I’ve not been here again for a little over a year and with the company for just over ten years.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe firmly that when you are living in your truth, there will always be bumps in the road. Anytime we are truly exploring WHO we are, we are given the opportunity to bounce ourselves up against ideas, situations, and routes that are not in alignment with the truth of who we are. When we can recognize those bumps in the road as just the signs of our path, we are able to become more self-aware and make the life adjustments that make the road smoother.
The young me from Kentucky would not recognize herself now after the adventures I’ve seen and experienced through Whole Foods Market – I’ve traveled the world (all over the US, Costa Rica, Italy and more), I’ve helped to build a beer brewery, I achieved my Level I Sommelier and Cicerone, studied to be a certified cheese professional, and been given the keys to a Fortune 100 business. I’ve leaned into my courage countless times to speak in front of thousands of team members, appear on television teaching people about how to cook and shop with us, make the hard but right decisions in the face of adversity, and along every step of this road with WFM, I’ve discovered more and more about the truth of who I am and my purpose.
After a few years of traveling extensively for the region and being a part of over 25 new store openings in 4 states, I started to realize that this style of work and travel becoming a tougher and tougher fit for me. I needed full-sized toiletries, more face time with my husband, more class time for my yoga practice and less obsession with luggage and packing methods. I also recognized more than I revel in the magic at the store level, developing long-term relationships with my customers and team members…and I’m just nuts enough to LOVE the unpredictability of the retail environment.
Coming to the conclusion that the coordinator job was no longer the best fit for me was a vulnerable struggle for me – what a “cool” job to walk away from – what would other people think about me? That I failed? That I wasn’t good enough? – I fought this idea for a while – and recognize after a year back as a Store Team Leader, that I’ve never been happier, more fulfilled in my work and in alignment with my purpose as a leader. Those doubts were only my own and the happiness gained from stepping back into my purpose and passion unleashed a huge sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in my work and life. I’m a much stronger Store Team Leader as a result of my service as a regional specialty coordinator. I see a much bigger picture of how my store fits into a region and a community, how the region fits into the company at large and how my company supports mankind and our planet – all through my work.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Whole Foods Market – what should we know?
Whole Foods Market is the world’s largest natural and organic grocery store. We differentiate ourselves in countless ways – we are the first certified organic retailer in the US, our quality standards are unmatched, I’m super proud of our animal welfare standards and to top it all off – we’re true foodies and value adventures in eating and the celebration of the meal to connect people with memories that last a lifetime.
I’m honored to be the leader of the Whole Foods Market Bellaire store – we are part of people’s daily meal, their special celebrations like birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. We are part of people’s health journeys and recovery roads from illness. We provide more than just a place to buy your groceries when you visit my store – we have weekly events and community activities, you can eat a full meal or just a snack, you can be educated and inspired by my talented team members and their deep knowledge, you can walk around a pick up your kale and quinoa while sipping a pint of beer or a glass of wine. My team is very diverse, hailing from all over the world, speaking 12+ languages from countless backgrounds and cultural identities. We are loving, supportive, welcoming and inclusive for all peaceful people in our community and we are proud to provide an experience worth remembering every time you visit us.
We partner with our customers to live, eat and consciously vote with their dollars for a company that partners with suppliers around the world that truly make a difference for the planet through sustainability, eco-consciousness, welfare-focused operational models. Our non-profit organizations, Whole Planet Foundation, Whole Kids Foundation, Whole Cities’ Foundation, help bring resources to underserved communities around the world.
As a huge organization, we’ve done our very best to live up to John Mackey’s vision of changing the way people eat and do business. The way that I eat and the way that I do business has forever been positively impacted by my time with Whole Foods Market. I’m very proud to lead in an organization focused on these values that are so very integral to me and my family.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
EVERYONE who has crossed my path deserves credit – I’ve had mentors at every level of the company, and have been so blessed to have developed lifelong friendships with my peers, partners, and team mates.
I count on an amazing “tiny gang” of women here in the Southwest region. We live all over the states of TX, LA, and TN and We connect daily via text, phone, sister-trips and vacations. We are each other champions and biggest fans. I value their connection, feedback, and support beyond words.
My regional leadership is incredibly supportive and connected. My newly retired former regional president gave me chances and encouragement that I never expected and he continues to believe in me and stay connected and engaged with my growth as a leader. He gave me a shoulder tap to grow into store leadership way before I had the confidence to take that leap and without his recognition, support and mentorship, I wouldn’t have had the courage to put myself out there in the region as a leader.
My peer Store Team Leaders here in the metro are my fiercest friends. Together we navigated the hurricane, supported our communities and team members’ recovery efforts and continue to lead 10 amazing stores and thousands of team members, serving our community and remaining keepers of the core values.
My Team Members are everything – each one does their part to advance the mission and values of Whole Foods Market daily. They are so passionate, inspiring, and FUN to serve. I’m SO proud of my Bellaire Team – always growing, innovating on how to better serve our customers and community and relentlessly being champions of change in a time of evolution for our company.
My husband is by far my biggest champion – he’s my mirror of truth, he’s my very best friend After 18 years of being married, we’re still falling in love with one another every single day. Without his love, support, encouragement, clarity and partnership, I could not do what I get to do. He is the rock in my stream of energy, passion, and enthusiasm keeping me grounded and focused. From a simple reminder to “drink lots of water today” to being a shoulder to rest or cry on when I need, he’s never faltered in his steadfast love and support. He pretty awesome and I’m a lucky gal.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4004 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77025
- Website: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/bellaire
- Phone: 713.667.4090
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