Lori James

Lori James established Solid Roots as both a milestone and a mission—a culmination of her lifelong passion for uplifting others and giving back to the community. Drawing inspiration and clarity from her faith in The Most High God, Lori sees this endeavor as a way to plant deep, enduring roots that will nourish future generations.

Lori’s entrepreneurial journey spans more than 25 years, with every initiative reflecting her dedication to service and empowerment. Her path has been marked by a series of groundbreaking ventures. She co-founded the Institute for Minority Development (IMD), an organization committed to advancing equity and providing direct support for underrepresented communities. Lori also opened The Chewery, a soulful, 1970s-inspired sandwich shop that made history as the first Black-owned restaurant in Minneapolis City Hall.

Deeply connected to her heritage, Lori takes immense pride in her family’s 100-year history in Minnesota. The values of hard work, community, and compassion instilled by her parents continue to guide her every step. She credits these roots as the foundation for her unwavering sense of self and her commitment to spreading joy and positivity through every interaction.

Solid Roots represents the next chapter in Lori’s impactful journey—a platform for building strong, resilient communities by fostering connection, growth, and empowerment for families impacted by incarceration. As the founder and president, Lori directs her wealth of experience in business and leadership to make this vision a reality. Despite life’s challenges, she views each triumph and setback as a blessing, fueling her resolve to create meaningful change.

With deep love, loyalty, and purpose, Lori James is not just planting seeds of hope but nurturing them into flourishing trees of progress and unity.