Tarila Morrone, a resident of Bradford, has made significant strides in advancing her business, Hearts of Gems, to new heights. This e-commerce venture specialises in developing products that promote parent-child interaction, thus enhancing the mental well-being of children. The enterprise seeks to infuse parenting strategies with mindfulness by offering simple, joyful, and effective products and resources designed to nurture children’s emotional health and confidence.
The products created by Hearts of Gems are intricately designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life, fostering positive parenting, emotional intelligence, and healthy family relationships. Innovative products include Conversation Cards, Lunch Box Notes, and the Family Digital Detox kit, comprising five different decks aimed at encouraging families to unplug and engage in meaningful interactions.
Morrone, who holds a Masters degree in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa, made a pivotal career shift upon becoming a mother. During her first maternity leave, she chose to move away from traditional employment, leading her to venture into a party supply business on Etsy. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the enforcement of social distancing measures called for a change in direction. It was during this period that Morrone seized the opportunity to strengthen her bond with her two young daughters, ultimately sparking the inception of Hearts of Gems.
Inspired by her profound experience in connecting with her children, coupled with the encouraging response from others, Morrone’s interest in child development intensified. Her business concept began to take shape as she deliberated on ways to make it easier for busy parents to connect with their children. Emphasizing the mental wellness of children, she focused her efforts on developing conversation cards, culminating in the launch of Hearts of Gems in early 2023.
During the process of refining her business, Morrone discovered the RBC’s Black Entrepreneur program, a tailored platform that aids entrepreneurs in establishing and advancing their ventures. With the program’s financial assistance in the form of a loan, as well as access to a wealth of resources and tools on an external website, Morrone also benefitted from the program’s Champion Network, offering the invaluable guidance of experienced advisors.
Through her involvement in the program, Morrone had the remarkable opportunity to participate in a G20 summit in India, providing her with the chance to engage with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. Tyson Jones, the regional vice-president of commercial financial services at RBC, expressed the significance of the program in supporting and bolstering the success of Black entrepreneurs.
Morrone’s partnership with the bank extends beyond financial support; it symbolizes a vote of confidence and backing from the community, signifying that she is not alone in her entrepreneurial journey. The capabilities and reach of the program have enabled Morrone to expand and grow her business in ways that would not have been feasible within the same timeframe.
Beyond financial aid, the program has opened doors for Morrone to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, providing her with a platform to share experiences and insights. In less than a year, Hearts of Gems has gained a network of 80,000 social media followers spanning across 16 countries through its online platform. Looking ahead, Morrone aspires to make full-time hires within the next year, striving to elevate her business to achieve a global impact. Her journey signifies the extraordinary potential and possibilities that arise when entrepreneurs are provided with the support, resources, and opportunities necessary to flourish.