In this episode of The Equity Blueprint, we sit down with Lizz Rene, founder and CEO of PO’ UP!, the card game brand transforming how we celebrate Black culture—from college kickbacks to corporate mixers.
Lizz shares how she turned a moment of uncertainty into a movement—growing a six-figure, community-backed business rooted in joy, nostalgia, and Black brilliance. From funding her company without giving up equity to learning how to pay herself as a founder, this episode is a masterclass in building boldly, sustainably, and with intention.
We talk about:
Turning audience feedback into product strategy
The importance of delegation and building a team
Financial mindset shifts that changed her business
The emotional impact PO’ UP! has had on Black women
Whether you’re launching something new or looking to pour back into yourself, Lizz’s story reminds us: joy is not a luxury—it’s a business strategy.
About Lizz Rene
Lizz Rene is the CEO and founder of PO’ UP!, a brand of party games celebrating Black experiences from college to the workplace. Since launching PO’ UP! Card Game in 2020, she has built a thriving community centered on celebrating Black culture, bringing together 60,000+ supporters across social media platforms.
Through pitch competitions and accelerator programs, she has also secured nearly $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to grow the brand. Her entrepreneurship has been featured in The Washington Business Journal, REVOLT TV, and more. PO’ UP! Card Game is available on Amazon and in local retailers, including Busboys & Poets right here in the DMV. Lizz is also a proud graduate of the University of Georgia and a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
