Lily Adeleye started out making hair bow’s as a hobby. Now, the young CEO has made history with a new Walmart deal, becoming the youngest Black-owned brand in the store’s history.
“Lily Frilly started out as a brand my daughter Lily and myself created, as I have always believed it’s important to let your children follow their passions, whether that be art, sports or in this case, growing a business,” Adeleye’s mother, Courtney, said in a statement. “Now, Lily Frilly has become so much more than just that–it’s become a brand children love, as well as a symbol of inspiration and confidence for young girls as well as for the Black community. It’s amazing to see what kids can do, and we’re so glad Walmart is providing this platform to give Lily Frilly the room and attention it warrants.”
Lily Frilly offers accessories, backpacks, lunch boxes, and more for little fashionistas to add to their style chests. However, that is not all. The company also offers kid-friendly networking events to empower young people across the country.
“From the time Lily was 3, I knew then she had a business mindset,” Courtney said of her daughter in a past interview with Black Enterprise. “At an early age, as she watched me build a successful business, (The Mane Choice), from the ground up, it exposed her to many possibilities and goals, so with that, we didn’t wait until she was an adult to help her pursue them.”
Lily’s mom goes on to say in an interview with WWD that her daughter is only six and she is the only one of her children that has her own company.
“Lily is inspired by business overall. I have three kids and she is the only one who has her own company. She is constantly creating logos and asking to bring new items to market. I don’t know if it’s genetic or that something is just in her,” Courtney told WWD. “The plan is to go down as many aisles as we can.”
This tiny incarnation of entrepreneurship, or in other words, the Cutest Executive Officer, CEO, has lined up distribution in more than 1,000 stores nationwide.
“Don’t let her pint size fool ya! She has just as much interest in dolls as she does business and learning,” the Lily Frilly website says of its little leader.”
According to WWD, Lily Frilly is expected to bring it nearly $2 million this year, “with hair bows and accessories accounting for 70 percent of the volume and apparel comprising the remaining 30 percent.”
Congratulations, Lily! You are a true inspiration to young and old alike! We cannot wait to see what is next on the agenda for you.
