This week, I was honored to attend the Invite-Only Target Retail 101 Session during the 10th Annual DFW Startup Week—a powerful and insightful opportunity for founders preparing for retail expansion.
Led by Le’Spencer Walker from the Target Forward Founders Program, the session provided a full walkthrough of what it takes to get your product on big-box shelves. From intake and live review prep to pitch decks and packaging—it was a crash course in retail readiness.
When I wrote I Miss You Papa, it was to help my grandchildren navigate grief. I never imagined that one book would spark a brand, a movement, and a mission to empower children through diverse stories and literacy-rich products.
Now, I’m dreaming bigger.
📚 I’m boldly declaring this today: Lil’ Marco and Friends WILL be on the shelves of Target.
It’s a vision rooted in faith, fueled by purpose, and backed by the kind of preparation this session provided.
✨ If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
✨ This year, I choose to Jump Afraid.
Stay tuned—big things are coming.
#LilMarcoAndFriends #DFWStartupWeek #JumpAfraid #TargetAccelerators #AuthorLife #RetailReady #BlackOwnedBrands #ChildrenDeserveRepresentation