6-Year-Old Makes History As Youngest Black-Owned Brand In Walmart

Lily Adeleye recently made history as the youngest Black CEO to line the shelves of Walmart. At just six years old, she is co-owner of Lily Frilly, a collection of children’s clothing, hair bows, and other accessories, that is now stocked in more than 1,100 of the retail giant’s stores and on its website.

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“We are excited to bring Lily Frilly to Walmart and honored to work with Lily Adeleye, as she represents the youngest founder among our Black-Owned business initiative,” said Jennifer Aguirre, Walmart’s Omni Associate Merchant Hair Accessories. “We have been enchanted by Lily’s ingenuity and designs. We are certain that the assortment will captivate our young customers and inspire them to express their beauty and confidence with their hair.”

The retail partnership marks Adeleye’s second groundbreaking move in less than a year. In June 2020, she also made history as the youngest CEO with her first retailer launch in Target.

And it turns out, being a retail boss runs in the family. Adeleye’s mother, Courtney Adeleye is a beauty and lifestyle mogul who founded multimillion-dollar haircare brand, The Mane Choice, and in 2019 launched a $30 million financial literacy fund for women. Now, she is priming her daughter to make waves.

“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,” said Courtney, in a recent 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.”

For the launch, the young CEO created an exclusive collection of designs for the retail launch. The Lily Frilly X Walmart collaboration features four new hair bows — Gold & Glitter, Galaxy Girl, Safari Party, and Candy Rush — and are available now in stores and online.

For more information and to find a store location near you, visit LilyFrilly.com or Walmart.com.