Meet Krystal Jones | CEO @ Brilliant Babies

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krystal Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystal, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Representation is so important. Children being able to see themselves in all areas of life and to be affirmed in their identity is they key to their successes and opens the door for them to be able to thrive.

My business was born out of lack of representation. Upon looking and searching the internet for weeks for Emotion flashcards to work with my daughter to help her navigate her big feelings, I could find nothing that resembled my child. Seeing as how we were gong to be learning feelings, there would be much emphasis on the face so her being able to se characters that at the very least had her skin color was not optional for me. When I could not find anything, I decided ok as a former educator i can just make her some, no problem. After talking with a few other moms, they were asking for me to make them some as well for their children. At this point was my AHA moment and I know I was been called to create Flashcards for all little black and brown children, not just mine. And The Brown Brilliance Collection was born!

It is my mission to get these cards into the hands of as many black and brown children as possible. The bright eyes I’ve seen when they open the cards and say with excitement, “She looks like me!” are some of my most priceless moments. The messages I’ve received from moms with non verbal kids that have been using the cards and seen progress and growth has brought tears to my eyes. We are just getting started on our journey of making sure that our babies know that their skin is beautiful and their mind is brilliant.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Brilliant Babies as a hobby while I was a classroom teacher. I affirmed my students of their brilliance each day and I loved my students as if my own “babies”. I saw the power of making learning fun and the impact engaged, interactive learning activities had on cultivating a love of learning. The Brown Brilliance collection was born out of the lack of representation I saw as a teacher and later as a mother in learning resources for black children.

I remember growing up I never saw little girls on anything that looked like me. Not on cartoons. Not in the books I read. Not on lunch boxes or backpacks and surely not in classroom learning materials. I’m so grateful that my mom continuously affirmed my beauty in her own way that I didn’t actually grasp the importance of what I was missing until I was much older. When I became a teacher, I was then reminded of the difficulty of creating an inclusive classroom for my students Then as a mother I absolutely knew I had to be the change. So these moments are full circle for me because, I never thought I would be the one helping to bridge that gap for our Black children, but I’m happy that it is me and I’m definitely proud!

It has definitely not been easy, being a fulltime SAHM to a 2 and 4 year old while navigating starting and running your business simultaneously but I get it done. When there is passion behind your purpose, you’ll always figure out a way to get it done.

I always teach my students that they can learn absolutely anything. I don’t allow them to put limitations on themselves one bit. I want to share the importance with parents of making learning fun and engaging for their children. I want them to understand the importance of purposeful play and that a child’s work, is play. That is how they first learn. As building the foundation on a house is of the utmost importance for the stability of a house, as is their most formative early years of learning, to the remainder of their educational career. I want the importance of social emotional development to be equally as sought after as math and science skills bc being able to healthily manage our feelings in mature ways will enhance our lives in ways that are priceless.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Baybrook mall is always a go to for me! The outdoor shopping experience is always a vibe. You have more options than you can choose from for lunch and dinner. There are shops, games and activities for everyone to enjoy and have a great time. And we are definitely booking a hotel at ZAZA in the museum district which is also a beautiful area to explore as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother will always be my biggest influence. She raised me to be the woman I am today, to keep God in the forefront of every single thing I do, and to always be kind. She preached daily on my attitude determining my altitude.

My father instilled determination, hard work and to never give up on my gifts. His support has been unmatched.

In my adult life, my sorority Delta Sigma Theta has consistently reminded me that I can always push past the limits and barriers I set against myself.

My mentor Teacher Bianca Garret saw my skillset from the very beginning of my career and poured into me heavily. I carry so much of what she taught me as an educator.

My life mentor Ebony Weddington has encouraged, inspired, supported and helped me so much in so many areas of my life. I am so grateful for the village that has shaped who I am.

And last but not least I am the wife to the most wonderful husband who believes in me more than anyone I know. He constantly prays for me, supports and invests in my endeavors and more than anything has allowed me this season to be fully present in motherhood and my business as he fully carries the financial load of our family. For that I am immensely grateful.

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