Represent This Back To School Season With Cocoa Cuties
We’ve reached our annual back to school milestone. Children are gearing up for a fantastic year of learning. Teachers are gathering supplies and curriculums. Parents are coping with school supply shopping, daily routines and beyond. This school year and always, representation matters at home and also in the classroom.
Cocoa Cuties is your supplier for all melanin inspired apparel, home decor and lifestyle needs. Founded by Denise Butler, Cocoa Cuties takes us on a lifestyle journey that truly represents our unique shades, interests and culture. Her brand curates home essential items that we’ve always longed for within our community.
“My youngest niece wanted a tutu for her 4th birthday and me being the “Extra” Auntie that I am, I wanted to buy a whole outfit with a little black ballerina. At the time, I couldn’t find one, so I created her whole outfit including hand painting the ballerina. I then realized others were probably looking for the same and went on the journey to start this business in 2013,” Denise explains. Since 2013 Denise has expanded on how representation matters by adding new product lines. We have her lovely niece to thank for the current offerings of books, bags, lunch bags, home essentials, clothing and more.
“Words have power and visuals are POWERFUL. It’s important for kids to have representation in the products that they use such as backpacks because it builds self-esteem,” she explains. “It helps kids to love who they are by seeing images with their skin tone and hair texture. Unfortunately, in the black community we sometimes pigeon-hole ourselves and think that only black people should be only this or only do that but we are a diverse people not only by skin tone but also by our interests, hobbies, and imagination. So, it’s important for kids to see themselves doing the things they are interested in, aspire to be; and even imagine,” Denise continues. Her love for the culture is evident in all that she does. Her positive images are instilling hope with every product. “It’s about celebrating the whole child,” she expresses.
“My Black Girl Magic is celebrating the awesomeness that is me from the inside out,” Denise adds. Her awesomeness is creating fond childhood expressions that are both kid and parent approved. The retailer also has shops on Etsy and Amazon. Here’s how you can connect with the amazing Cocoa Cuties brand:
IG: @cocoacuties
FB: @cocoacuties
TikTok: @cocoacuties
Pinterest: @iamacocoacutie
Website: cocoacutie.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-butler-cocoa-cutie/
Writer, C. Scott, is a mompreneur, social worker, educator and lover of all things literary related. Follow her online as @curls_coils.
(Images courtesy of Cocoa Cuties.)
