Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO and Founder of World of EPI, the maker of Dr. Lisa Brands’ Fresh Dolls, shares how valuable strategic partnerships have fueled their company's growth and expansion. For over 20 years, The Fresh Dolls has maintained a solid relationship with Walmart, leveraging this partnership to bring diverse, multicultural dolls and toys to Walmart shelves nationwide. This long-standing collaboration recently expanded, including a line of baby items and the introduction of a new coloring book for kids—demonstrating the power of enduring partnerships.
“Walmart has always been there to support us,” Williams shares. "They’ve walked the walk, especially when it comes to helping small, minority-owned companies. They understand the challenges we face and are committed to creating pathways for us to succeed." Williams, who founded World of EPI in 2003, highlighted Walmart’s role in supporting companies beyond traditional means, including introducing Bridge to facilitate access to short term funding.
Bridge connected World of EPI with Star Funding, a Purchase Order financing lender on the Bridge network whose responsiveness and commitment have been key in meeting their short-term cash flow needs. “Bridge knew Star would be able to scale with us,” Williams says, noting that the partnership with Star underscores the importance of strategic financial connections that can grow alongside the business.
Reflecting on the impact of working with Bridge, Williams commends their collaborative spirit. "We got the right people on the bus," she states. “Bridge went above and beyond to make sure our customer relationship is pristine with listening, insights and most importantly, action. This Bridge platform is actually a ‘bridge’ for us, and we were happy to be working with them!” Williams emphasizes that having a financing partner that understands and supports their business needs has been instrumental in keeping their operations smooth and their customer relationships strong.
Williams also offers valuable advice for new companies looking to navigate complex retail landscapes: “Cultivate relationships with partners and advocates within organizations like Walmart. Don’t hesitate to raise your hand when you need help—you don’t know what you don’t know.” She stresses the importance of mentorship and accessing resources, noting that many new businesses may not initially realize the support and programs available to them and retailers like Walmart.
As The Fresh Dolls continue to grow, these partnerships illustrate how collaboration, mutual support, and strategic financing can transform opportunities into success stories. Bridge’s role in connecting World of EPI to the right financial partner highlights its mission: to be a bridge to opportunity, supporting businesses as they scale and thrive.
Learn more about the World of EPI's Fresh Dolls at https://freshdolls.com/