Artist Vegalia Jean-Pierre’s journey as a TikToker opened up opportunities for her dream to build innovative products. In 2020, the Minnesota native launched her TikTok account, where she amplifies representation for the community through drawing Black cartoon characters, as well as social activism following the passing of George Floyd. Jean-Pierre’s social media presence — now at over 500,000 followers — landed the young artist a $50,000 TikTok grant to grow her innovative business, by.Vegalia. As previously reported by AfroTech, TikTok and MACRO awarded 10 Black creators, including Jean-Pierre, with $500,000 in grants. The young entrepreneur’s brand is her own set of digital brushes that draw Black hair textures including braids, curls, locs, twists and more. @byvegalia The curl brushes are for Procreate. Photoshop and CSP! What software would you like to see them on next? #brushbyvegalia ♬ WFM – Realestk