Meet Our Team

We bring decades of CPG sales expertise to your business, combining proven retail relationships with strategic vision to accelerate your growth.

Kate MacAllister

Kate brings over 15 years of experience in the Juvenile Product Industry, with a unique career path that began at Nordstrom in the Infants & Toddler department and evolved to selling products into Nordstrom and numerous other retailers.

During her decade in senior management and director roles at leading brands, Kate has specialized in:

  • Retail placement strategy

  • International expansion

  • Sales team development

  • Product and print development

In 2022, Kate identified an opportunity to develop a business around fractional sales management—similar to the fractional finance and human resources roles already common in the industry—and Joyful Ventures was born.

"I've been on both sides of the retail relationship and understand what buyers are looking for and how to position your brand for success."

Emily De Sousa

With nearly 20 years in consumer goods and over 18 years specifically in the juvenile industry, Emily has sold products in virtually every category within the baby space. This comprehensive experience has fueled her passion for the industry and allowed her to build an extensive network of buyer relationships.

In 2023, Emily made the strategic decision to leverage her two decades of professional expertise to benefit multiple brands rather than just one organization. Her approach centers on:

  • Sharing extensive industry knowledge

  • Delivering rapid, measurable results

  • Building and coaching high-performing teams

  • Developing strategic retail partnerships

"There has been no greater achievement in my career than watching those I've had the opportunity to mentor prosper in their roles. I bring that same dedication to developing your team and business."