Who is Katina Hamlar, and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I am a quiet, humble person who is Christ-centered and takes pleasure in helping others. I’m also a hard worker who will always go the extra mile to get things done. I know perfection is not possible, but it is always my goal. I love my immediate and extended family and friends. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure they are okay.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Roanoke; however, I lived in Charleston, SC and Prince George’s County, MD, during portions of my childhood. I was raised in a two-parent household where there was an expectation to be respectful, kind and educated.
Before moving from Roanoke, I lived in a community where most of my extended family resided. We had a tight bond and looked out for one another. When I moved away at nine, it was traumatic to leave all the people I loved. My cousins were like siblings. Although it was heartbreaking, it was also one of the most rewarding parts of my upbringing because it enabled me to experience different people and cultures. It also helped with the establishment of my own identity.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I attended James Madison University, where I graduated with a major in Mass Communication and a minor in English. My initial goal was to become a journalist because I loved to write and always had a desire to seek the truth. I was offered a position with a newspaper in Indiana, but decided to return home. With an unexpected shift in my career plans, I obtained employment with Allstate Insurance Company as an associate manager supporting an after-hours call center.
I quickly realized that effectively leading people and driving positive results was a skill that I had acquired. I was promoted three times, with my final position being a department manager. I was the youngest, black female to obtain that level of management in the Roanoke office. As a department manager, I had accountability for hundreds of frontline employees as well as frontline and division managers.
After 23 years, I decided to leave Allstate to assist with running Hamlar Properties, a real estate company that my husband and I established. As the owner of Hamlar Enterprises, I was ready to focus all my energy on the business; however, God had a different plan. After a year or so, I started assisting with tasks at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory.
One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was enrolled in mortuary school, which led me to another college degree and certification as a Licensed Funeral Director. Throughout my career, I never fully lost sight of my first love – journalism. While at Allstate, I served as the co-editor of our office publication, The Spirit, for many years, and was also a freelance writer for The Neighbors section of The Roanoke Times.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the owner of Hamlar Properties. I partner with my husband to establish our business strategies and plans for execution. At Hamlar-Curtis, I meet with families to provide emotional support and handle all aspects of end-of-life services. I also partner with my fellow directors to establish standards of procedures and process improvements to continuously ensure our clients receive efficient, effective service.
How important is family to you?
Family is everything to me. If I ever have a choice, I will always choose to spend time with family. My husband and I love to take family trips and have gatherings at our home. There’s never a need for a special occasion for us to get together to eat and fellowship. Our children spend quality time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
I love various genres of music, but gospel and R&B are my favorites. If I had to create my ultimate playlist, Michael Jackson, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds, Kirk Franklin, Tamala Manns, Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill would all be on it.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
I loved going to concerts at the Roanoke Civic Center and attending the fair with my cousins. This may sound odd, but I used to love going to the downtown market to see all the farmers with their fruit and vegetables.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to sing. I’ve been with the praise team at my church for many years. I also love to travel.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
So many people that I worked with at Allstate. They taught me about business, how to be an effective leader, how to build personal wealth and how to emotionally, physically and financially take care of myself. They showed me what was possible if you were willing to work hard, listen to the advice of others and learn from mistakes.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
To extend as much grace to yourself as you extend to others. I would also say to not stress so much and be okay with taking calculated risks. The worst thing that can happen is that you may fail; but if you do, it’s okay because failure will make you stronger, smarter and better.
