Frobelles CEO, 12, Wins Santander-Backed Award For Her Afro Hair Game

At just 12 years old, Alyssa Awuah has become the youngest-ever winner at the PRECIOUS Awards, a platform celebrating the achievements of Black women and girls in the UK. 

Alyssa, the Co-Founder and “mini-CEO” of Frobelles—a dress-up game empowering kids to embrace afro hair—was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the event sponsored by Santander and supported by the Joseph Levy Foundation.

Frobelles Game Champions Afro Hair

Frobelles was born from Alyssa’s curiosity as a six-year-old, asking her mother, Yvonne Ottley, why none of her game characters resembled her with afro hair, according to a press release shared with POCIT.

When they couldn’t find inclusive options, Yvonne encouraged Alyssa to create her own. 

This  question sparked a journey that now has  over 100,000 users, a loyal fan base, and partnerships with tech giants like Apple and Google Play.

Designed with three main characters—Coco, Kelli, and Krista—Frobelles helps children celebrate afro hair through styling tutorials, fashion collections, and care routines.

A Historic Achievement

Alyssa’s win at the 18th PRECIOUS Awards highlights her role as a young trailblazer.

In her acceptance speech, she shared her hope of inspiring other kids to “be the change they wish to see.”

Foluke Akinlose MBE, Founder of the PRECIOUS Awards, praised Alyssa for embodying the event’s values of representation, talent, and innovation.

The recognition is the latest in a string of accolades for Alyssa and Frobelles, including features in major outlets like the BBC and Entrepreneur magazine, a licensing deal with Hero Brands, and a spot in the Startups 100 for 2024.

Feature Image Credit: MyLondon