ARKANSAS, USA — Brooke Hart Jones, is the founder behind “HBCyoU dolls”— the first and only Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) doll brand in major retailers. Jones is a trailblazer as she conquers the toy industry with a unique doll brand HBCyoU which stands for: Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“I'm proud of what the brand is doing and sharing the magic of historically Black colleges and universities, and also planting the seed of higher learning, but I don't think about my particular role in that," Jones said. "I'm just very proud of what the brand is doing to elevate the awareness of HBCUs with the younger generation."
The meaning behind the name "HBCyoU" is so that children know they are capable and have the power to make history. They're designed to show kids they play an integral role in American history and Black history and inspire them to set their path and create history with their own legacy.
The Hampton University alumna started the brand during the height of the pandemic.
“I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend's daughter, and it just turned into so much more," Jones said. "I'm a former toy buyer, a lifelong doll lover, and a proud HBCU alum, and just kind of all those aspects of my life came together and decided to start this brand when I surprisingly couldn't find it in the marketplace.”
When she couldn’t find it in the store, she created it herself and filled a gap in the toy industry.
“Toys in general play a crucial role in the development of children. and so, using them as tools to help, you know, lead them toward positivity, and to really instill good values and tools to be successful, it's just a perfect combination," Jones said.
So, just kind of marrying those ideals together. And to me, it was a no-brainer."
All of the dolls have different majors, extracurricular activities, skin tones, and hair textures. The founder says it's important to show diversity in all the dolls.
“African Americans are not monoliths," she said. "We look different. We have various, beautiful skin tones and hair textures. And we also have different, you know, interests, goals, and beliefs. And so, we wanted to encompass all of that within the line.”
But it doesn’t just stop at dolls.
“We wanted something soft and cuddly that would appeal to a more mass audience, and so we thought the teddy bears would be a great opportunity," Jones said. "You know, who doesn't love a cute, cuddly teddy bear, soft teddy bear?"
As far as what’s next for the brand, Jones has a lot of things in the works.
You can find the inclusive brand at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, and on Amazon. Or click here to head to their website. Jones expressed how imperative major retailers have been for her business.
“Our partners have been extremely supportive," she said. "Walmart, especially has been a major supporter of the HBCyoU brand and of purpose toys. They've been a huge supporter in helping us with space on their shelves, and we're really grateful. But partners are helping to extend the hand to Black creators and founders who typically don't have those opportunities."
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