9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment have signed two new licensing deals that are part of an initiative to support Black-owned businesses.

LA’s CurlyKids Mixed Texture HairCare (shampoo, conditioner and hairspray) and Stafford-based Firstline Brands (silk bonnets and pillowcases) have developed their Karma’s World products (pictured). CurlyKids Mixed Texture HairCare has already launched them in Walmart stores across the US.

9 Story has also teamed up with LA-based private club The Gathering Spot, which specializes in Black business development and networking for entrepreneurs. Black-owned Karma’s World licensees will benefit from Gathering Spot offers, club memberships and networking opportunities at Licensing Expo in June.

“As we build licensing strategies for our properties, we are looking to increase our partnerships with underrepresented groups to bring new voices into the licensing space,” says 9 Story Brands co-VP Kyra Halperin.

This initiative also supports the company’s broader mission to launch products that tap into the core elements of the Karma’s World brand. Last year, Mattel rolled out a line of Black dolls and a karaoke-inspired microphone that lets kids rap along to Karma’s music. 9 Story also worked with up-and-coming students from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to create 50 pieces of clothing for the doll line. 

Created by rapper, actor and producer Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Karma’s World (40 x 11 minutes) premiered worldwide on Netflix in October 2021.