March 19th 2024.
Nyla Choates, a junior at Spelman College, recently made headlines for winning the top prize in Amazon's "Black is Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition." Her brand, 'My Roots Are Rich,' impressed the judges and earned her a $7,000 prize. The event, hosted by Morehouse College in Atlanta, was a Shark Tank-style pitch contest sponsored by Amazon's Black Employee Network. In an interview with Rolling Out, Choates shared her excitement about the win and her plans for the future of her business.
As a young entrepreneur, Choates has big ambitions for her brand. Her ultimate goal is to empower, inspire, and educate children about the rich history of African American contributions to America. She wants to go beyond just children's books and apparel, and expand her product line to include toys, dolls, backpacks, and even an animated television show. "The sky is definitely the limit," she said.
Growing up in California, Choates knows what it feels like to be the only Black girl in the classroom. She remembers opening textbooks and only seeing negative images of African Americans, which made her feel sad and insecure about her roots. Her mother then taught her about the untold, positive history of people of African descent, which inspired her to create her brand, My Roots Are Rich.
Since its launch, My Roots Are Rich has gained attention from celebrities like Alicia Keys, Kevin Hart, and Thasunda Brown Duckett. Choates also hosts book tours and workshops at schools, libraries, and after-school programs. In 2022, she was recognized by the Milpitas Unified School District for publishing her children's book, also titled "My Roots Are Rich." This achievement came when she was still a freshman at Spelman.
Choosing to attend Spelman College was a deliberate choice for Choates, who wanted to be surrounded by Black women and Black excellence. She hopes her brand will inspire young Black boys and girls to start dreaming and planting the seeds for their own success. My Roots Are Rich products are available for purchase online, and Choates continues to make waves in the world of e-commerce and entrepreneurship.
The success of My Roots Are Rich has also brought attention to other cultural merchandise and women-owned brands in the e-commerce industry. Choates' determination and passion have set an example for other young entrepreneurs, and she is proud to be a part of the growing community of Black and Positively Golden Change Leaders. With her drive and vision, the sky truly is the limit for Nyla Choates and My Roots Are Rich.
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