67. Growing a Purpose-Driven Business Through Networking, Pitch Competitions, and Fellowships

Yelitsa Jean-Charles is the creator of the Healthy Roots Doll, Zoe. Healthy Roots is a toy company Yelitza founded that creates dolls and storybooks that reinforce positive self-perceptions of the richly diverse, varying shades of complexion, and natural hair textures among girls of color. Societal beauty standards negatively impact the self perception of girls of color. She aims to empower, educate and inspire self-love. In this episode, Yelitsa tells us how a class project led her to the development of the doll Zoe and the creation of a purpose-driven company. We also discuss how she used crowdfunding, fellowships, pitch competitions, and more to grow her company. Her story will inspire you to take action. Healthy Roots Website: healthyrootsdolls.com Facebook: healthyrootsdolls Instagram: @healthyrootsdolls Youtube: Healthy Roots Doll Twitter: @rootsdolls Yelitsa Jean-Charles Instagram: @blackgirlvstheworld Twitter: @theYelitsa Studio 78 Podcast Website: nachesnow.com Facebook: studio78podcast Instagram: @nachesnow Youtube: Nache Snow Twitter: @nachesnow LinkedIn: nachesnow Podcast: Studio 78 Pinterest: Tallook