Ava N. Simmons Lands Her STEM Toys Line In Whole Foods Market Stores At Just 11 Years Old

In October 2023, AFROTECH previously shared that the STEM toy line landed retail partnerships across the U.S. and Canada. The inaugural store launch was in Marbles PlayStore in Raleigh, NC.

“My sister Chynah Jeter and I did an amazing thing! Our cost-effective Educational S.T.E.M. Kits that we started with wire & plastic pouches at our kitchen table are now available on store shelves,” Simmons wrote in an Instagram caption at the time.

Now, the 11-year-old has announced the new location to find her brand’s products. According to Black News, Team Genius Squad is set to launch in Whole Foods Market stores.

“To be able to visit one of my favorite retail stores and see S.T.E.M. toys I developed on the shelf is a dream come true,” Simmons shared in a statement, according to the outlet. “We are so excited to work with Whole Foods Market and make our S.T.E.M. Toys accessible to more families across the country. I used S.T.E.M. to help me build my confidence and to overcome my learning challenges. I want to share my story and encourage other children to believe in themselves, focus on their strengths that make them unique, and remember never to let their challenges define their success or future.”

Specifically, Team Genius Squad’s Alternative Energy Experiment Kit series, which allows kids to create electricity from alternative sources, will be on Whole Foods Market stores’ shelves, the outlet details.

“Whole Foods Market is thrilled to join forces with Ava and Team Genius Squad, bringing their innovative S.T.E.M. toy line to our stores,” Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market Casey Gaston shared. “We share Ava’s commitment to offering enriching products that inspire learning, curiosity, and exploration.”

The announcement comes after Simmons shared her goal of reaching two million households across the world.