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What if a heartfelt gift could ignite a groundbreaking entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of The Dollpreneur™ Podcast, we’re joined by Brooke Hart-Jones, the visionary founder of HBCYou Dolls. Brooke’s journey began with a deeply personal mission: to find the perfect birthday gift for her best friend’s daughter. Her friend, a proud HBCU soror, inspired Brooke to create a gift that would honor their shared cultural heritage and celebrate the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities. When Brooke couldn’t find what she was looking for, she took matters into her own hands—giving rise to HBCYou Dolls.

We also dive into the unexpected opportunities that arose during the pandemic, which allowed Brooke to expand her vision and create personalized HBCU-themed dolls that resonated with so many. As Brooke shares her incredible story of transforming an idea for a gift into a thriving business, we also discover how her background as a buyer and her collaboration with Purpose Toys became key drivers of her success, and hear her advice on resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing retail landscape.

Her work underscores the vital importance of representation in children’s toys and the broader impact it has on shaping identity and inspiring future generations.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a supporter of cultural heritage, Brooke’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the importance of community support for diverse doll makers. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about turning passion into purpose and sparking meaningful dialogues about education and identity—one doll at a time. To learn more about HBCYou Dolls, please visit HBCYou – Purpose Toys

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Thanks for joining us on The Dollprenuer™ Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the episode and feel inspired by our amazing guests and learn something new about the creative people within the doll community.

We would love for you to stay connected so please subscribe to us on Instagram, FB & our Youtube Channel all @thedollpreneurpodcast

You can also subcribe to The Dollprenuer™ Podcast newsletter by visiting our website The Dollpreneur™ Podcast to subscribe.

Until next time, have a Dollpreneur™ Fabulous Day!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring a beloved story to life, while also honoring the superhero in your own life?

Join us on the Dollpreneur™ Podcast for an enlightening conversation with CJ Charles, the visionary mind behind the bilingual children's brand "My Mother is a Superhero."

CJ's journey from a passionate storyteller to an esteemed author is nothing short of inspiring. Born of a deep love for superheroes and motivated by her own mother's legacy, CJ's heartfelt book not only celebrates her mother but also connects with mothers worldwide, especially those who often feel unseen. By crafting her book in both English and Spanish, she has created an educational resource that transcends linguistic barriers and fosters community connections.

Delve into the intricate art of doll creation as CJ shares the fascinating challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. From collaborating with artisans across the globe to the invaluable guidance of Azhelle, from the Toy Creators Academy, CJ's journey through the toy industry is a testament to perseverance and innovation.

The conversation touches upon the financial investments and societal stereotypes she navigated, especially around black dolls. Through her experiences, CJ emphasizes the power of universal appeal and the critical need for diversity in the toy market as we head towards 2024.

Our discussion culminates in the powerful theme of representation in dolls and books, highlighting CJ's dual journey as a teacher and a creator of African-American dolls. This episode explores the joy and challenges she faces, striving to provide children with relatable dolls that resonate with their heritage.

CJ's story is a vibrant tapestry of love, gratitude, and human connection, honoring parents as heroes and leaving a legacy that bridges generations. As she looks to expand her doll line with new characters and a book-plush combo, CJ continues to inspire creativity and motivation in children and families everywhere.

To learn more about her book, My Mother is a Supero Hero and plush please visit www.mymotherisasuperhero.com

Send us a text

Thanks for joining us on The Dollprenuer™ Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the episode and feel inspired by our amazing guests and learn something new about the creative people within the doll community.

We would love for you to stay connected so please subscribe to us on Instagram, FB & our Youtube Channel all @thedollpreneurpodcast

You can also subcribe to the dollpreneur Podcast newsletter by visiting our website The Dollpreneur™ Podcast to subscribe.

Until next time, have a Dollpreneur™ Fabulous Day!