Business

'Their dreams matter:' Durham business owner inspires other Black women entrepreneurs after achieving her goal

Despite the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, one business owner in Durham is thriving with the community's support.

Posted Updated

By
Lora Lavigne
, WRAL Durham reporter
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Despite the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, one business owner in Durham is thriving with the community’s support.

A Kickstarter campaign helped Jackie Morin raise more than $20,000 in just a few days.

Soon her business — organic, spun sugar snacks known as Wonderpuff — will open in the new cluster of creativity at Frontier RTP called the ‘Boxyard.’

“Why cotton candy? Because I love sugar. I love candy," Morin said. The energetic, charismatic entrepreneur began Wonderpuff three years ago with very little funding.

“Just like a typical small business," she said. "We had our sugar in the trunk, our carts in the trunk, our decorations and we would pull it out."

In parking lots, at events and pop-up shops, Wonderpuff took off.

But, Morin said, it’s about much more than the flavorful dessert. “Cotton candy is the Wonderpuff product, but it’s also a ploy to lure people in so they can connect with people that look like me.”

Morin, a woman of color who is also a Muslim, has faced adversity. It became her mission to create a space of joy, peace, love and acceptance for all. “I feel like now we are living in very unique times. People are becoming more conscious of their neighbor.”

Because of that, she tells me, people in the Triangle are amplifying Black-owned businesses like hers more and more.

"It feels amazing. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.” Morin hopes this moment for her paves the way for other aspiring Black entrepreneurs with a dream.

“Their dreams matter. It’s valid, and it’s beautiful, and they deserve every good thing that comes their way and to never ever give up," she said. “Even though they may be tired and feeling unseen, that they’re never really alone.”

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