We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Hart Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brooke, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea came to me in the middle of the night—one of those moments where you are jolted awake. My mind was racing with inspiration, so I grabbed my phone and started jotting everything down in my notes app. I couldn’t shake the feeling: this idea had the potential to make a real impact. It felt big—like something that could make a significant difference. What excited me most was that it offered a fresh, untapped perspective, something I haven’t seen represented in the content space before. The thought of using this platform to expand my mission and connect with even more children lit a fire in me. I knew I had to run with it.
Brooke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Five years ago, I launched HBCyoU Dolls —and recently, I expanded the vision with the launch of HBCyoU Kidz™. As a proud HBCU alum, my passion is rooted in one powerful mission: sharing the magic of HBCUs with the next generation. Through books, animation, and toys, I create experiences that inspire children, spark curiosity about Black history, and celebrate education—all while planting seeds of confidence and pride. Nothing makes me prouder than hearing how these brands are opening up meaningful conversations in families and empowering kids to dream big.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I made the decision to pivot, I’ll admit—I was nervous. People loved the dolls, and part of me feared that shifting direction might disappoint them. But deep down, I knew this move wasn’t just a business decision—it was a calling. Expanding to YouTube was about something bigger: reaching more children, telling more stories, and fulfilling a mission that goes beyond products. Even when doubt crept in, the recent challenges in the import and manufacturing industry became clear signs that I was on the right path. The pivot wasn’t just necessary—it was purposeful.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Launching this new brand has been anything but easy—but I was determined to bring it to life. I stepped into an entirely new space with no experience, no roadmap, and a very limited budget. For months, it felt like I was running into wall after wall, challenge after challenge. But I kept going. Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place. The content may not be perfect yet, but it’s real, it’s meaningful, and it’s mine. And I know this is just the beginning—it will only get better from here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hbcyoukidztv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbcyoukidz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbcyoudolls
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbcyoukidz/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/hbcyoukidz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hbcyoukidz
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hbcyoukidz
Image Credits
Brooke Hart Jones