Wells Fargo Freezes Business Accounts Without Warning
Zoe Oli, a 12-year-old entrepreneur, is showing remarkable resilience after her business, Beautiful Curly Me, had its funds frozen by Wells Fargo. The bank reportedly closed and zeroed out the accounts without prior notice, leaving the Black-owned business without access to its finances for up to 15 days.
The company, co-founded by Zoe and her mother, Evana Oli, has been inspiring young girls of color with its line of dolls, books, and accessories designed to boost confidence and self-love. The sudden freeze of funds caught the mother-daughter duo off-guard, as they have been long-time customers of the bank.
Zoe explained on Instagram, “As a product-based business, we need money daily to keep things running. This is unacceptable.”
Address Discrepancy Leads to Account Closure
Wells Fargo claimed that the business accounts were closed due to an “address discrepancy,” despite the fact that the address provided belonged to a legitimate Atlanta office building. The bank allegedly stated that the office was not a physical location, which led to the closure of Beautiful Curly Me’s accounts.
When Zoe’s family reached out to customer support, they were told that nothing could be done to restore the funds immediately. Instead, they were informed that a cashier’s check would be mailed within seven to fifteen business days. Zoe expressed her frustration online, asking, “Why should Wells Fargo close our accounts and hold our money?”
Zoe Oli Launches Campaign to Overcome Setback
Despite this unexpected setback, Zoe has not allowed the situation to defeat her. In response, she and her mother launched a 20% off campaign to encourage their customers to purchase products, including dolls, books, and puzzles, to keep the business running until their funds are returned.
In a heartfelt post, Zoe wrote, “Family, please help us get through this by buying a doll, book, or puzzle this weekend. Use code SUPPORT20 to save 20% off our site.” This campaign is not only helping generate immediate funds but also reminding customers of the company’s positive impact.
A Business That Empowers Young Girls of Color
Beautiful Curly Me has touched the lives of hundreds of young girls since Zoe founded the company at the age of seven. The business donates a free doll for every doll purchased, spreading confidence and self-love to young girls of color. Zoe’s products celebrate natural hair and offer representation that many young girls don’t often see in mainstream toy stores.
Zoe’s story is one of resilience and community support, showing how Black women and young girls continue to uplift each other in times of challenge. Despite the obstacles placed before her, Zoe’s determination to keep her business alive shows strength beyond her years.
Rallying Community Support for a Bright Future
Zoe’s experience has sparked an outpouring of support from her community. Customers have responded to the 20% off campaign, helping Beautiful Curly Me stay afloat during this difficult time. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that when challenges arise, a strong community can make all the difference.
Through this setback, Zoe Oli has demonstrated leadership, resilience, and the power of rallying those around her.
