From Kitchen Startup to National Success: Play Pits Founder Shares Her Inspiring Journey

From Kitchen Startup to National Success: Play Pits Founder Shares Her Inspiring Journey

Chantel Powell, founder of Play Pits, shared her inspiring journey through entrepreneurship's challenges at the Essence Festival's Soko Mrkt panel "Real Talk – Lessons from the Entrepreneurship Trenches." Powell, who started Play Pits in her kitchen in 2018, detailed the remarkable growth of her company, from its humble beginnings to becoming the largest Black-owned natural deodorant company in the country.

Overcoming Obstacles:

Powell's journey wasn't without its challenges. In 2022, she faced a devastating warehouse fire, losing everything she had worked for. Despite this setback, she persevered, drawing strength from her faith and the belief that this was simply a part of her story. She emphasized the importance of protecting your business, highlighting the need for thorough paperwork and backend processes as a business grows.

Community and Support:

Powell also stressed the importance of tapping into your community, especially when navigating the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. She recommended joining organizations like New Voices Foundation, Black Ambition, and the Rice Center in Atlanta, which provide valuable resources for business owners.

Knowing Your Why:

Ultimately, Powell says her greatest lesson is knowing her why. "I think I would say my biggest thing is really understanding your why, so when you get those noes along the journey, that’s not going to stop you from getting out there every day. I had $0 days. If I had stopped on the $0 days, I would have never been able to hit the $20,000 days. So don’t let noes and rejection in the beginning or even on the journey stop you from getting out there and going to get it."