Tulsa, OK — Tulsa’s entrepreneurial spirit took center stage on November 7 at Build in Tulsa’s Product Pitch Night, held at the historic Big 10 Ballroom in North Tulsa.
Local founders pitched their innovative, manufacturable products to a panel of industry experts, competing for a share of $36,000 in prize money.
The event highlighted the creativity and drive of Black entrepreneurs working to make their mark on Tulsa’s business landscape.
Afropop
AfroPop, a soda brand inspired by Black culture, won first place and a $20,000 prize. Founder Jamel Stephens wowed the judges with his vision of using AfroPop as a platform for cultural storytelling, incorporating art and history into each flavor.
“AfroPop isn’t just a soda; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and creativity,” Stephens said.
His pitch emphasized the importance of representation in the beverage industry and hinted at national expansion plans.
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Queen Kisses at Tulsa Product Pitch Night
Queen Kisses All Natural Luxury Lipcare, created by Tamiqua Whittaker, secured second place and the Audience Choice Award, totaling $11,000.
Whittaker, who has a background in dental health, developed a three-part lip care system designed to address dryness and discoloration with toxin-free ingredients.
“I want Queen Kisses to be a brand you can trust for quality and results,” she shared, underscoring her commitment to clean beauty that caters to health-conscious consumers.
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K&K SMILES and more at Tulsa Product Pitch Night
Rounding out the top three was K&K SMILES, a natural toothpaste line by Kanicka Joseph. Earning $5,000, Joseph presented her vision for chemical-free oral care, crafted to support gum health and safe teeth whitening.
Her passion for accessible, natural products struck a chord with both the judges and audience.
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In addition to the winners, Product Pitch Night highlighted three other inspiring founders whose products are driving innovation in wellness, hydration, and financial technology.
Elonda Jones, founder of Daughter of Glow Candle and Wellness Company, introduced a line of hypoallergenic candles and skincare items crafted from natural ingredients aimed at promoting relaxation and healing.
Her products, designed with sensitivity in mind, offer a holistic approach to wellness that prioritizes self-care and mental health in the Black community.
Allen Eke, founder of Jam Hydration, presented an eco-friendly hydration powder packed with natural electrolytes and zero added sugars, catering to consumers who want a healthier alternative to sugary sports drinks.
His product addresses a growing demand for clean, sustainable wellness solutions that prioritize both health and environmental impact.
DUKAPAQ
In addition, Mbaluka Michael Mutinda, founder of DUKAPAQ and represented by Jackson Hayward, showcased a mobile point-of-sale platform specifically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Designed to streamline operations and improve transaction security, DUKAPAQ provides an essential tool for African entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses in a challenging economic landscape.
Together, these three founders exemplify how Black entrepreneurs are tackling critical gaps in wellness, hydration, and economic access—both in Tulsa and beyond. Their commitment to creating accessible, community-focused products reflects the spirit of Black Wall Street, driving positive change at the intersection of innovation and empowerment.
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