For almost a year, my mother has been making dolls. Black dolls specifically. She told me she makes them because “(Black) children need to see themselves.”
She’s disturbed by the lack of diversity that has existed in the doll market and also by the past and present effects this lack of diversity.
While she creates her doll collection, we’ve decided to share other entrepreneurs who have created their own Black doll business.
Black Doll Businesses
Queens of Africa dolls and materials are designed, through fun and engaging materials, to promote African heritage.
Pretty Brown Girl empowers and inspires girls and women to celebrate their shades of brown with a simple yet powerful message.
My Natural Doll was created to give little girls a doll to play with that looks like them.
Natural Girls United features ethnic dolls, with customized natural hair inspired hairstyles.
Positively Perfect Dolls encourages girls to embrace their unique qualities and personalities by standing behind who they are!
Malaville is a doll line is dedicated to young girls who struggle with finding dolls that reflect their physical features and backgrounds.
Makedaa Dolls introduces to dolls uniquely designed with their own identity, tailor made dresses and accessories.
Ikuzi Dolls celebrate our diverse beauty.
Herstory Doll is a reflection of diversity within kids of African Descent with different brown skin tones, more true facial features, and textured hair of different types.
EthiDolls was founded on the idea that strong, smart & confident girls need relevant role modes that are reflections of themselves.
Trinity Designs creates dolls that celebrate the flawless beauty of Black women.
Made In My Image Kids is an online toy store specializing in black dolls, multicultural dolls and toys.
Kay Customz creates dolls that spotlight the unique and diverse attributes of real people.
-Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson (IG @thebusyafrican)
