Brooke Hart Jones transformed her HBCU pride into a thriving multimedia brand for children. The creative force behind HBCyoU Kidz and HBCyoU Dolls shares Black excellence with the next generation. What started as a single handcrafted doll has blossomed into an animated YouTube series, music, and books.
The Hampton University graduate built her brand to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Her dolls now appear in Target, Walmart, Macy’s, CVS, and Amazon stores nationwide. Jones is teaching children about HBCU magic through multiple creative platforms.
From Corporate Career to Unexpected Entrepreneurship
Jones never planned to become an entrepreneur. After graduating from Hampton University, she built a successful corporate career in finance and merchandising. Her path changed dramatically when COVID-19 hit and she was furloughed.
“I didn’t really see myself as an entrepreneur,” Jones admitted. “So this was a detour I wasn’t expecting, but I’m loving it.” The furlough gave her something she rarely experienced—”some calmness in my life.”
Her previously hectic lifestyle had left no space for creative pursuits. She’d always generated ideas but never had time to act on them. “That time, that stillness, allowed me to do it,” she explained.
A Birthday Gift That Sparked a Business
The HBCyoU Kidz concept began with a friend’s daughter’s birthday during the pandemic. Jones wanted to send something special since traditional parties weren’t possible. Her friend was a proud HBCU alum like herself.
“I said, you know what, I want to send her a Hampton cheerleader doll,” Jones recalled. “Let me go online and buy that and send it to her.” However, her search came up completely empty.
Jones ordered art supplies, designed the uniform, and handcrafted the doll herself. When her friend shared it on social media, the response was overwhelming. “Maybe this is something I can do,” Jones realized.
Scaling From Handmade to Major Retail
Jones made dolls on a small scale for over a year. Then Purpose Toys approached her about bringing HBCyoU Dolls to retail stores. The partnership transformed her small operation into a national brand.
“I would have never been able to expand to retail without their support,” the mompreneur said. The line features cheerleader dolls representing multiple HBCUs. Schools include Clark Atlanta, FAMU, and Morehouse among others.
The dolls soon appeared in major retailers across the country. Each doll celebrates the unique spirit and pride of its respective HBCU. Jones successfully brought representation to toy aisles that desperately needed it.
Overcoming Fear to Fulfill a Greater Purpose
Jones experienced nervousness about expanding her brand nationally. However, she recognized the potential impact her work could have. Her Hampton experience taught her the unique energy and community that make HBCUs special.
“I was definitely nervous, but I knew that this was bigger than myself and it had the potential to be impactful,” she shared. The dolls could make a real difference in children’s lives. Jones refused to let fear prevent her from fulfilling the mission.
“I told myself, ‘I’m not gonna let my fear prevent the purpose and the mission,'” she explained. Her determination to share HBCU culture with children drove her forward. The brand represents more than business—it’s about cultural preservation and pride.
Expanding Into Multimedia Content Creation
Beyond dolls, Jones launched a YouTube channel for HBCyoU Kidz. She also released a book series that debuted earlier this year. Video content creation involved plenty of trial and error.
“I decided to start a multimedia component of the brand to further the mission and reach more children,” Jones said. The creative freedom energizes her daily work. “Now that I’ve had the opportunity to be creative, I’m really just relishing in that.”
The multimedia approach allows her to shine more light on HBCUs. Different platforms reach different audiences and learning styles. Jones sees tremendous opportunity for continued growth across all channels.
Learning to Delegate and Outsource Effectively
Running a multimedia brand requires skills beyond Jones’s expertise. She learned an important lesson about delegation through experience. Trying to handle everything herself created numerous roadblocks.
“Outsourcing is something I had to learn,” Jones admitted. “That’s why I was running into a lot of roadblocks, because I was trying to do a lot of things myself.” She now hires skilled collaborators from Fiverr to bring her vision to life.
Her team includes an illustrator, animator, and music producer. “I’m more like the executive producer who comes up with the ideas and finds people who can help me execute,” she explained. “Fiverr is my best friend, for sure.”
Children’s Books Celebrating Black History
This past spring, Jones released two children’s books. “Miss Juneteenth: Nicole’s Big Dream” and “Which Yard Should I Go?: Alyssa’s HBCU Road Trip Adventure” teach young readers about Black culture. The stories make learning about HBCUs fun and engaging.
“I want to be remembered as a person who really championed Black history,” Jones stated. Her mission stems from her own childhood education in Dallas. She learned about Black history at a very young age.
“I was very, very blessed to learn about Black history at a young age,” she recalled. Watching “Eyes on the Prize” on PBS as a young child seemed unusual then. However, she appreciates that early education now more than ever.
Why Early Black History Education Matters
Jones credits her early Black history education with shaping her identity. “It really helped me have a sense of self and to make better decisions,” she explained. Understanding what her ancestors endured guides her life choices.
“I have an idea of what my people have endured. So it’s helped guide me throughout my life, and I want that for children,” she said. Her books and dolls serve as educational tools for families. They create opportunities for parents to discuss Black history naturally.
Young children absorb information differently than older students. Starting these conversations early builds strong foundations for cultural pride. Jones wants every Black child to experience that same sense of self she developed.
Balancing Motherhood and Building a Brand
Jones runs her growing business while raising two sons. She doesn’t take this opportunity for granted at all. Being able to pursue her purpose while spending quality time with her boys brings immense joy.
“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 shared. This balance represents the ultimate reward for her hard work.
“Having the best of both worlds, that brings me joy and I’m grateful for it,” Jones added. Her sons witness their mother building something meaningful. They see entrepreneurship and cultural pride modeled daily.
Teaching Self-Love Through Representation
HBCyoU Kidz addresses a critical need in children’s products. Black children deserve to see themselves represented positively in toys and media. Jones’s dolls show them images of excellence and achievement.
“Skincare is my self-care,” she wrote on the brand’s website. “YES DAY is for me, my friends and people like us who want to live their boldest, baddest lives. Full of positivity, free of worries.” Self-love starts with seeing yourself celebrated.
The dolls teach children that their culture deserves celebration. HBCU pride becomes accessible even to young children. These early impressions shape how children view themselves and their potential.
Future Plans for HBCyoU Kidz Brand
Jones plans to expand HBCyoU Kidz into new product categories. She wants the brand to become a household name nationwide. The foundation she’s built supports sustainable growth and expansion.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for growth, but I’m very proud to get to this point,” she said. Each new product reinforces the core mission of celebrating HBCUs. Jones remains focused on quality and cultural authenticity.
Her vision extends beyond commercial success to cultural impact. She wants children everywhere to know about HBCU excellence. Through dolls, books, videos, and music, Jones is making that vision reality.
