Afro Unicorn, a conscious brand founded by visionary entrepreneur and CEO April Showers, has made significant strides in the retail industry since its inception in 2019. The brand's mission is to uplift and impact women and children of color by celebrating their uniqueness and promoting representation. Starting as an e-commerce business, Afro Unicorn has now expanded into major retailers, offering a wide range of products that cater to the diverse needs of its target audience.
In 2022, Afro Unicorn made a groundbreaking move by launching its party supplies and apparel in 3,800 Walmart stores across the United States and Puerto Rico. This marked the brand's first foray into retail, with its products being placed alongside iconic children's brands in the party aisle. The collaboration with Walmart allowed millions of young girls to see themselves and their beauty represented through the Afro Unicorn's distinctive designs.
The brand's success continued in February 2023, when it announced new products and retail partnerships, including a launch at Walmart Canada. Afro Unicorn now offers products in more than 25 categories, ranging from apparel and accessories to toys, puzzles, books, bedding, bandages, backpacks, and collectibles. With over 45 licensee partners worldwide, the brand serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the licensing space.
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Ms. Showers hopes her success is the "blueprint" to empower and inspire women of color to enter the licensing space with 40 + licensee partners worldwide. Shattering the glass ceiling, Ms. Showers is the first Black woman to own a fully licensed character brand in major retail. This past summer Afro Unicorn hit the shelves of over 3,800 Walmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico this past summer with party supplies and apparel.
Afro Unicorn's expansion into major retailers like Walmart and Target has been fueled by its dedication to promoting representation and empowering underrepresented Black women and young girls. The brand's online community, which includes influencers and celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Tiffany Haddish, and Sherri Shepherd, has played a crucial role in raising awareness and garnering support for Afro Unicorn's mission.
April Showers' journey with Afro Unicorn highlights the importance of representation and the power of perseverance. Her brand has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for other Black-owned businesses to find success in the retail industry. As Afro Unicorn continues to grow and make a positive impact on the lives of women and children of color, it serves as a testament to the magic that can be achieved through determination, creativity, and a commitment to uplifting others.
