What happens when deep pride in your alma mater meets a moment of unexpected stillness? For Brooke Hart Jones, it sparked a creative fire that ignited a thriving multimedia brand. Her company, HBCyoU Kidz, is more than just a business; it’s a mission to introduce the next generation to the unparalleled magic and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
From Corporate Career to Creative Calling
Brooke’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from Hampton University, she built a solid career in finance and merchandising. But when the pandemic hit, she, like many, faced a furlough. This unexpected pause, however, brought a rare sense of calm to her usually hectic life. It was this stillness that finally gave her the mental space and time to act on long-cherished creative ideas.
She admits, ‘I didn’t really see myself as an entrepreneur.’ What started as a detour has become a passion she’s wholeheartedly embracing. ‘This was a detour I wasn’t expecting, but I’m loving it,’ she shared.
The Birth of HBCyoU Dolls
The spark for HBCyoU Kidz ignited with a simple birthday gift. Jones wanted to send her friend’s daughter, a proud HBCU alum’s child, a Hampton cheerleader doll. When she couldn’t find one online, she decided to create it herself, designing the uniform and crafting the doll by hand. The response on social media was overwhelming, leading to a pivotal realization: ‘Maybe this is something I can do.’
What began as a small-scale endeavor soon caught the attention of Purpose Toys. This collaboration was instrumental in bringing HBCyoU Dolls to retail, with lines representing various HBCUs appearing in major stores like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s. Jones credits their support for enabling her brand’s expansion.
Expanding the Mission: Multimedia and Mentorship
Jones’s vision extends beyond dolls. She launched an animated YouTube series and a children’s book series to further amplify the HBCU message. Creating video content involved a learning curve, but it’s proven to be a powerful way to keep the brand’s mission alive and reach more children. ‘I decided to start a multimedia component of the brand to further the mission and reach more children,’ she explained.
A key lesson learned was the importance of delegation. Jones embraced outsourcing, hiring skilled professionals for illustration, animation, and music production. ‘Outsourcing is something I had to learn,’ she admitted. ‘I have skilled people to assist me with this… I’m more like the executive producer who comes up with the ideas and finds people who help me execute. Fiverr is my best friend, for sure.’
Championing Black History for Future Generations
Her children’s book series, including ‘Miss Juneteenth: Nicole’s Big Dream’ and ‘Which Yard Should I Go?: Alyssa’s HBCU Road Trip Adventure,’ directly introduces young readers to the vibrancy of HBCUs and Black history. Jones’s own childhood, enriched by early exposure to Black history through programs like PBS’s ‘Eyes on the Prize,’ instilled in her a profound sense of self and guided her life decisions.
She passionately states, ‘I want to be remembered as a person who really championed Black history.’ Her goal is to provide children with that same foundational understanding of their heritage, empowering them to make informed choices and build a strong sense of identity.
Balancing Motherhood and Purpose
As HBCyoU Kidz continues to expand into new product categories and aims to become a household name, Jones masterfully balances her entrepreneurial ambitions with the joys of motherhood. Being present for her two sons, making them lunch, and fulfilling her passion simultaneously is a gift she deeply cherishes. ‘Seeing my sons and being able to be home with them and fulfill my passion, my purpose, and be able to make them lunch—I don’t take that for granted,’ she said.
For Brooke Hart Jones, achieving this balance is the ultimate reward—having the best of both worlds brings her immense joy and gratitude. Her journey is a powerful testament to how passion, purpose, and motherhood can beautifully intertwine.
What are your favorite children’s books or brands that celebrate Black history and culture? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
