Be inspired by the revolutionary concepts that emerged from Philly’s Pull Up and Pitch competition sponsored by VISA. These winning founders have demonstrated their ability to challenge the status quo and drive positive change. Discover the innovative solutions they’re bringing to the forefront and the bright future they’re paving. Congratulations ladies on shooting your shot!
LaVaughn Jones – 1st Place Winner
Aruba’s Halal Kitchen Ltd. is a unique business founded by LaVaughn Jones, a West Philadelphia native who converted to Islam in her twenties. The company specializes in providing affordable, frozen halal meals for Muslim American families, a niche that was largely unexplored. After struggling to find convenient halal meal options that fit her family’s American roots and Islamic dietary requirements, Jones created meals catering to working-class Muslim families.
Jones’ meals, such as Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes, reflect the cultural fusion of American cuisine with halal standards. Her products were launched through a partnership with a ShopRite business incubator program and are now available in several grocery stores. By creating these frozen meals, Jones addresses the growing demand for halal options in the U.S., where only 5% of frozen meals meet halal standards.
Bessie Lee-Cappell – 2nd Place Winner
Bessie Lee-Cappell founded Baby Bottle Brush Bib Co., a company she started after inventing the “Brush Bib.” This product is a silicone barrier designed to prevent the splashback that occurs while cleaning baby bottles, an issue she encountered while caring for her youngest child, who had been in the NICU and relied heavily on bottles. Dissatisfied with the existing bottle brushes on the market, she took matters into her own hands and created a solution, eventually launching her business.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Bessie is a licensed social worker based in Philadelphia. Her journey reflects a blend of her roles as a mother, social worker, and innovator, with the Brush Bib company standing out as a Black woman-owned baby product brand in an industry typically dominated by others.
Kady Meier – 3rd Place Winner
Kady Meite founded Veil Street, an apparel brand that blends modesty with streetwear. The brand is best known for creating the world’s first hoodie-hijab combination, designed for those seeking modest clothing that also fits into urban street fashion. Veil Street draws inspiration from 90s hip-hop and 2000s street fashion, with oversized, modest silhouettes at the core of its aesthetic.
Kady’s innovation in merging hijabs with hoodies has gained significant attention, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. She has secured design patents for her products, emphasizing her role as an entrepreneur and an inventor. The brand also reflects Kady’s personal mission to provide functional, fashionable options for individuals who prioritize modesty in their clothing choices.
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