Chantel Powell, founder of Play Pits, has turned a simple homemade deodorant into a successful Black-owned business now featured on Target’s shelves. The journey was anything but easy, marked by immense challenges and life-altering setbacks. Powell’s perseverance, however, proved that determination and purpose could turn adversity into triumph.
From a Simple Idea to Target Shelves: The Birth of Play Pits
Powell’s journey began when her son, Kam, came home from summer camp one day smelling “like a grown man,” as she humorously recalls. Concerned about the chemicals in most deodorants, Powell began crafting a homemade, kid-friendly alternative. As a mother and someone with eczema, Powell was already mindful of the ingredients in the products she used, often finding commercial options unsuitable.
“I didn’t want to put toxic ingredients on him,” Powell said in an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “The natural deodorants were boring, and they didn’t work well enough.” Her solution: Play Pits, a natural deodorant made with simple, safe ingredients. The brand’s mission was clear: provide parents with a trustworthy alternative that not only works but is also free of harmful chemicals.
A Devastating Setback: Fire Destroys Everything
As Play Pits grew, Powell’s business faced a major setback. In 2022, a fire broke out at the warehouse where the brand’s products were being made. Powell received a call at 3 a.m. that shattered her world. “I could see the fire off the highway,” she recalled. The blaze destroyed 7,000 units of deodorant, essential equipment, and raw materials. Even worse, the insurance coverage fell short, leaving Powell with only a fraction of the damages covered.
Despite the overwhelming loss, Powell remained resilient. “God told me the fire was just a part of our story, not the end,” she explained. Powell’s faith and determination pushed her to rebuild the business. In the years following the fire, Play Pits experienced significant growth, expanding to include adult products and forming new partnerships with organizations.
A Brand With Purpose: More Than Just Deodorant
Play Pits isn’t just about making deodorant—it’s about creating a brand that empowers the next generation, particularly children. Powell’s dedication to customer care is evident in the way she connects with her audience. She regularly engages with children, asking them what they want from the brand, ensuring their voices are heard.
“What makes us different is my ability to be in touch with my customers,” Powell shared. “I sit on the floor with kids at a round table. Kids have always been the center of it all.” Powell’s commitment to listening and understanding her customers has set Play Pits apart from other brands in the market.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Black CEOs
As a Black woman entrepreneur, Powell is determined to serve as a role model for the next generation of leaders. She believes that representation matters, and by showing up as her authentic self, she hopes to inspire young Black children to dream big. “When I walk into a classroom full of African American kids and tell them, ‘I’m a CEO,’ I want them to see that they too can achieve that,” Powell stated.
Her journey is about more than building a successful business—it’s about changing perceptions and creating a path for others to follow. Powell’s story is proof that no matter the obstacles, resilience and authenticity can lead to success.
Play Pits Today: A Household Name
Today, Play Pits is no longer just a small kitchen business. It’s a well-known brand featured in Target stores across the country. Despite the obstacles Powell faced, Play Pits has not only survived but thrived, becoming a symbol of what is possible when you stay true to your mission and your community.
