GEORGIA — A Georgia teen who turned a childhood idea into a thriving business is now helping other young entrepreneurs follow in her footsteps.
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At just seven years old, Zoe Oli wanted a doll that looked like her. When she couldn’t find one, she teamed up with her mother to create one herself. That idea grew into Beautiful Curly Me, a company focused on dolls and products that celebrate natural hair and encourage confidence in young girls.
“When my mom and I started, we knew nothing about starting a business at all,” Oli said. “I was seven. I could barely write and read.”
Now 14, Oli has expanded the brand beyond dolls to include books, puzzles and educational products. She said the journey involved plenty of trial and error, especially when it came to creating dolls with hair that could be washed and styled.
“That was one of the most important things,” she said.
Oli said the company has grown into a movement aimed at helping girls embrace their natural beauty and build confidence.
“From there, it just took off to this whole movement around helping other girls feel confident in themselves,” she said.
Now, she’s using her experience to help the next generation of innovators through the inaugural Youth Mean Business Summit.
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The event is designed for young people interested in entrepreneurship and will offer access to mentors, coaching, educational workshops and networking opportunities.
“It’s really an ecosystem helping young people who are interested in entrepreneurship or have their own businesses to grow by giving them access to community, content, coaching and capital,” Oli said.
Participants will also have the chance to compete in a pitch contest, with up to $10,000 available for young entrepreneurs.
“I just hope that we’re able to inspire and encourage and uplift those young people that have bright ideas to really pursue them,” Oli said.
The entrepreneur’s product line includes dolls representing a variety of careers and aspirations, including scientists, ballerinas, entrepreneurs and a “Madam VP” doll inspired by former Vice President Kamala Harris as part of the company’s Inspire Her collection.
“Just showing girls that if they put their minds to something, they can do it,” Oli said.
Years after identifying a gap in the toy market, Oli is continuing to grow her business while encouraging other young people to pursue their own dreams.
The Youth Mean Business Summit takes place Sept. 12.
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