Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colavito Tyson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Colavito, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Pretty and Precious Girls was inspired by a touching photo I came across on Facebook. The image featured a father and daughter sharing a joyful moment at a Father/Daughter Dance. After seeing it, I couldn’t help but comment “pretty and precious” under the post. That simple remark triggered a profound realization within me.

As I reflected on the image, I began to consider the many girls who might not have a father available to take them to such events, whether due to absence, circumstances beyond their control, or other challenges. This thought weighed heavily on my heart, and I found myself wrestling with it for nearly two weeks.

During this time, a still voice within me kept asking, “Why can’t you do something about this?” It was a compelling question that stirred a desire to make a difference. I started to envision a space where every girl could feel cherished and celebrated, regardless of her situation.

However, I knew I needed a name for this initiative, something that would encapsulate its essence. It was then that I revisited my comment under the photo “pretty and precious.” Those words resonated deeply with me, capturing the spirit of the project I envisioned.

And that’s how Pretty and Precious Girls came to life—a heartfelt mission to ensure that every girl knows her worth and feels special, even if her circumstances differ.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Colavito Tyson was born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She is married to Bobby R. Tyson, and together they are the proud parents of six beautiful daughters, as well as grandparents to 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A retired educator, Colavito has always had a passion for helping students with reading, which motivated her to return to the classroom after retirement.

In addition to her teaching, she published her first children’s book, titled “My Dark Skin.” In this book, she shares her own experiences as a little girl who faced bullying throughout her school years.

Colavito is also the Founder and CEO of Pretty and Precious Girls, a nonprofit organization established on March 22, 2019. The mission of this organization is to inspire, empower, and uplift young girls ages five to twelve. Pretty and Precious Girls provides the tools necessary for these young ladies to lead better lives, encouraging them to pursue education and graduate from high school while chasing their dreams. Through the program, each girl will learn to embrace her own beauty and uniqueness, fostering joy, health, and confidence.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When we first launched Pretty and Precious Girls, the journey was filled with challenges that tested our resolve. One of the most memorable moments came during our inaugural workshop. We had high hopes and plans for a big turnout, but when the day arrived, only a handful of girls showed up. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. Had we failed to reach our community?

But as I looked at those few eager faces, something shifted inside me. Instead of seeing this as a setback, I recognized an opportunity to connect more deeply. We gathered in a circle and began sharing stories, dreams, and fears. Each girl opened up, sharing her unique challenges and aspirations.

That day, we created a safe space where they could express themselves freely. We laughed, we cried, and we learned from one another. By the end of the workshop, I realized that it wasn’t about the number of attendees; it was about the quality of the experience.

From that moment on, we committed to valuing every girl who walked through our doors, understanding that each one has her own beautiful story to tell. We adapted our approach to focus on creating meaningful connections, and it transformed our organization.

This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships; it’s about finding strength in vulnerability and embracing the unique beauty of each individual. Every girl who joins Pretty and Precious Girls deserves to feel cherished and empowered, and that lesson remains at the heart of our mission.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation for Pretty and Precious Girls has been a deeply rewarding journey, shaped by several key elements:

Authenticity: Sharing my personal story has allowed me to connect genuinely with our community, fostering trust and understanding.

Community Engagement: Involving families and local leaders in our events has created a sense of belonging, ensuring our programs resonate with the girls we serve.

Consistency: By consistently delivering high-quality programs, we show our dedication to making a real difference in their lives.

Empowerment Focus: Our commitment to empowering young girls to embrace their uniqueness has established a strong identity for our organization.

Collaborations: Partnering with local organizations has expanded our reach and enriched our impact, creating a supportive network.

Celebrating Success: Highlighting the achievements of our girls reminds us why we do this work and reinforces our reputation as a positive force in the community.

Through these heartfelt efforts, we strive to inspire the next generation, reminding every girl of her worth and potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prettyandpreciousgirls.weebly.com
• Facebook: Pretty and Precious /girls
• Youtube: comeoninyall_itzstorytime

Image Credits

Manley Williams
Quniton Rogers