Picture bringing a young friend to the toy store to purchase a doll for her. You desire a straightforward and cute doll, something that is not extravagant, noisy, or requiring batteries. Several individuals can either rest or go to the medical facility.
If your friend looks like my daughter Kalea, with white skin tone, blonde hairs and pleasant and pretty blue eyes. You will find many dolls that look like her. But what if your friend looks different? Maybe they have one arm, burn skin, or no hair from cancer treatment.
Will you find the similar doll? Probably no. That is where I feel terrible for those little special angles. I create dolls. I make dolls for children who won’t see themselves represented on store shelves.
I make dolls that look like the kids, with different conditions, mental or physical difference because I believe that every kid should see themselves in a doll.
I began this work due to Macey, a girl who had a leg amputated. I did not think of making dolls like her, not because I did not care but because I never needed to. That shows me it is not enough to care; we also see the missing and care.
Since that time, I have created dolls for kids with Down syndrome, birthmarks, facial distinctions, albinism, scars, baldness, and others. Every doll is unique, and all of them convey a special message: you are special and unique.
Before creating dolls, I served as a social worker in pediatric oncology. I noticed the significance of play for children. Dolls provided children with a sense of security, acceptance, and strength. However, when the doll resembles the child less, forming a connection becomes more difficult.
Some people say I did not have a doll that look like me and I turned out fine. But most of those people have visible differences. Seeing yourself in a toy really matters. It demonstrates to children that they are recognized, adored, and appreciated exactly as they are.
Currently, I create dolls from my home. I work on my dining table, and my family helps in any way they can. My family is really supportive of my mindset and work. My kids get excited when they see someone different; they said that person should really have a doll. I believe that we need a new story, once that includes everyone.
Every kid should find a doll that looks like them. This is my own way of giving back, and I am proud of it. Our unique qualities are what make us truly beautiful.
