At the recent Women Who Mean Business Bruncheon, hosted by the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), the atmosphere was charged with inspiration and celebration. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Donata Russell Ross Award to Chantel Powell, CEO and Co-Founder of Play Pits. This prestigious accolade honors women entrepreneurs who exemplify excellence in business while uplifting their communities—a testament to Chantel’s unwavering dedication and impact.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
Chantel’s entrepreneurial journey began in her kitchen, driven by a mother’s desire to provide her son with a natural, safe deodorant. This simple solution blossomed into Play Pits, a brand now gracing the shelves of major retailers like Target.
However, the path was not without its trials. In September 2022, a devastating warehouse fire resulted in the loss of over 7,000 units of inventory and essential equipment. Compounding the challenge, Chantel discovered that her insurance coverage was insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. Faced with this adversity, she made the difficult decision to temporarily halt online sales and streamline her team.
Rebuilding and Reaching New Heights
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Chantel partnered with third-party logistics company Ecomspaces to rebuild Play Pits’ operations. By November 2022, the brand successfully relaunched its website, achieving impressive sales figures and reaffirming its market presence.
Chantel’s tenacity also garnered significant recognition and support. Play Pits was awarded a $100,000 grant from Kapitus’s Building Resilient Business contest and a $50,000 prize from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Foundation. These accolades not only provided financial assistance but also validated Chantel’s vision and perseverance.
National Recognition: Inc. 2025 Female Founder Honoree
In March 2025, Chantel’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were further recognized when she was named to Inc. Magazine’s 2025 Female Founders 500 List. This honor celebrates the top 500 women entrepreneurs who are making significant strides in their respective industries. Chantel shared her excitement on social media, stating, “Beyond proud to announce that our CEO & Founder, Chantel has made the Inc. Female Founders List 2025!”
Words of Wisdom
At the Women Who Mean Business Bruncheon, Chantel shared insights drawn from her experiences, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and heeding the guidance of mentors. Her journey underscores the value of resilience and the transformative power of community support in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership
Receiving the Donata Russell Ross Award and being named to Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders List are fitting recognitions of Chantel’s journey from a concerned mother crafting solutions at home to a visionary leader making waves in the business world. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, exemplifying how challenges can be transformed into stepping stones toward success.
As Chantel continues to expand Play Pits and mentor emerging business leaders, her legacy stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and community upliftment. Hear from Chantel in her own words; watch this short clip from RICE’s National Small Business Week spotlight on the PlayPits founder from last year: https://youtu.be/UR320LZErCc?si=B7dpuouSdQDjB1-4
