11-Year-Old ‘Beautiful Curly Me’ CEO Zoe Oli Has an Unbelievably Inspiring Story

Randomly scrolling through Instagram today, I caught a glimpse of Zoe Oli beautifully discovering her creation, Beautiful Curly Me, on the shelf at Target. Though I didn't know her story, Zoe's reaction pulled at my heartstrings and brought me to tears.

At just 11 years old, she is the inspiring CEO of Beautiful Curly Me—an Atlanta-based toy and media company dedicated to instilling confidence in young girls. Zoe's vision has birthed a line of beautiful Black dolls and empowering puzzles, coupled with her role as an author of several children's books. Her incredible accomplishments have earned her features across various platforms, including Good Morning America and Forbes, and she has been recognized as a Time & Nickelodeon Kid of the Year Finalist and the world’s youngest Black TEDx speaker.

A determined 7th grader with a passion for reading, art, music, and STEM, Zoe is committed to giving back. For every doll purchased on beautifulcurlyme.com, one is donated to a girl in need, spreading confidence far and wide. Zoe passionately speaks at conferences, schools, and corporate events, inspiring young people to dream big and pursue their goals.

The spark for this incredible journey ignited when Zoe, at age six, felt disappointed that her hair didn't look like her classmates'. Her mother, Evana, empathized with her daughter and sought to help her embrace her natural beauty through positive affirmations and role models. However, Zoe soon realized that while her doll shared her skin tone, it lacked the curly hair that represented her. This led to the inception of Beautiful Curly Me, a brand designed to uplift young girls and encourage them to celebrate their unique identities.

Now, as the savvy and creative founder and CEO—affectionately known as Zboss—Zoe is hands-on in every aspect of her mission to make a difference in the world. Together with her mom Evana and the entire Beautiful Curly Me team, they are determined to inspire and empower the next generation of #curlyandconfident girls, because all girls deserve to glow.

Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the wild ride that is the 2024 election season! As the political circus unfolds, it's essential to prioritize your sanity and well-being.

The 2024 presidential race has taken several surprising turns in recent months:

The next four months are sure to bring more unexpected developments in this already wild and unprecedented presidential election. But fear not, for I have compiled the ultimate self-care guide to help you navigate these turbulent times with a smile on your face and a spring in your step, (hopefully).

Designate a room in your home as a political-free sanctuary. This is where you can escape the endless debates, mud-slinging, and poll-obsessed pundits. Fill this space with calming elements like scented candles, soothing music, and a life-size cardboard cutout of your favorite non-political celebrity. Remember, in this room, the only party allowed is the one that involves dancing and laughter.

Master the art of selective hearing when it comes to political discussions. When someone starts ranting about their preferred candidate, simply nod and smile while mentally transporting yourself to a tropical beach. If all else fails, perfect the phrase, "Oh, look at the time! I have to go water my pet rock."

When the stress of the election season becomes too much to bear, indulge in some good old-fashioned retail therapy. Treat yourself to that fancy kitchen gadget you've been eyeing or splurge on a cozy blanket to hide under until the inauguration. Just remember, money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a lifetime supply of ice cream to drown your political sorrows.

Laughter is the best medicine, especially during an election year. Seek out political satire, comedy shows, and memes that poke fun at the absurdity of it all. Host a "political roast" party with friends, where you take turns impersonating candidates and their ridiculous campaign promises. Just be sure to keep it light-hearted and remember that laughter unites us all, regardless of political affiliations.

When the 24/7 news cycle becomes too overwhelming, it's time to unplug and recharge. Take a break from social media, turn off the TV, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Go for a walk in nature, read a book (preferably not a political memoir), or take up a new hobby like underwater basket weaving. Disconnecting from the political noise will help you maintain your sanity and perspective.

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine to manage election-related stress. Take deep breaths and repeat calming mantras like, "This too shall pass," or "I am not defined by my political views." When tensions run high, visualize yourself in a peaceful place, like a serene meadow filled with frolicking puppies and kittens wearing tiny "I Voted" stickers.