An Interview by Shasha

In one of her new endeavors, to feature collectors on her blog, the wonderfully creative and talented Shasha recently interviewed me. I am honored.  The results of the interview have been published on her blog. Please check it out here.

If you are a playscale collector whose dolls may be in need of fabulous fashions, check out Shasha's, Etsy shop, "which brings you doll collecting and accessories that are fun, fresh, sassy, and sometimes dramatic."

Thanks again Shasha for all you do!

dbg

Black Dolls Opinion of a Collector

Stèphanie Benie, the owner of the French-language website www.chroniquebeautenoire.com, which is devoted to black beauty, asked my permission to grant an interview.  She explained:

One week ago we wrote a short article about black dolls and we have continued searching for information about this topic and we have just discovered your black doll collection.

We find interesting that you have a collection as we did not know it was possible to own so many. Therefore we would like to write about you and your work. Would you accept to answer a couple of questions for us?

Stèphanie's questions (black text), my answers (blue text), and a link to the actual article (written in French), which was published on 03/15/2016, follow:


- You say that it is important that black girls play with black dolls for their self love. Can you explain to us, how it contributed to your daughter's self love ?  Playing with black dolls, reading children’s books and viewing media with African American characters, residing in a home with décor that reflected her cultural heritage, in addition to teachings from me and her father about our worth as a people, all worked together as visual and mental tools to dispel the mainstream fallacy that only one form of beauty exists and that all non-white people are minorities.  The end result is a self-assured woman who values her whole being, who has never considered herself a minority or less than anyone else because of skin color or cultural heritage.
  
- Do you have any selecton criteria when you choose your black dolls ? If yes, what are the criteria ?  My main selection criterion when choosing black dolls is their aesthetic appeal.  The dolls must be adequate representations of black people.  

- Through your dolls one can see the evolution of the society and we would also say that they do tell the History of the African American people. Do you think your dolls could be used as an educational tool ?  Dolls can be used as an educational tool in many ways.  As playthings, baby dolls can cultivate girls’ innate tendency to nurture and mother.  For black girls, black dolls can be used to promote self-love, acceptance of self, and an appreciation for others who look like them.  In the hands of non-black children, black dolls can promote cultural diversity and encourage non-black children to value the lives of people whose outward appearance differs from their own.


-  We have seen another website where the owner has a collection of black men dolls. Do you think that the self love issue is the same for boys as for girls ?  Why ?  Yes, the self-love issue is the same for black boys as it is for black girls.  All children must be able to develop a strong sense of self-appreciation particularly in an environment where blackness is often falsely demonized, vilified, and looked upon as less than everyone else.  This is particularly true for black males.  It is very important for them to know, beginning in their impressionable years, that their lives matter.  Surrounding black boys with positive images of themselves and utilizing other tools (art, books and other media where they are included as positive characters) is very important in their impressionable years to encourage a strong positive sense of self.  

The article can be read or viewed at the following link:
www.chroniquebeautenoire.com/poupees-noires-avis-dune-collectionneuse/
Translation:  Black dolls opinion of a collector

dbg
Check out my eBay listings here.

Dolls That Inspire Girls to Dream

Prodigyrls Janelle and Nicole photograph courtesy of Dr. Daniela Wiggins

Today's post was originally published at the DOLLS magazine website, written when I was one of their "Voices of the Industry" bloggers.  During a several-week period in 2009, my blog posts were featured, usually weekly, under the heading:  Dolls in Black:  Chronicles and Perspectives.

This week as I prepared to share what inspired me to purchase Prodigyrls, Janelle and Nicole, for a "Doll a Day" activity, I discovered my interview of the founder of the Prodigyrls dolls is no longer accessible at the DOLLS website.   In fact, all blog posts written by the "Voices of the Industry" have been removed. 

Because others might enjoy the dolls' story and because they remain available to purchase, this post is a re-blog of my 2009 interview of Dr. Daniela Wiggins.

*****

Dolls That Inspire Girls to Dream
written November 1, 2009

I recently discovered the Prodigyrls after reading a fellow doll enthusiast’s blog about them (http://whosthemamahere.blogspot.com/2009/10/prodigyrls-now-available-for-pre-order.html).  She noted that two of the planned dolls are available for preorder and urged readers to vote for their favorite doll.

At the website, I voted for the doll I plan to preorder and followed the link to “Design a Prodigyrl.”  I designed a doll collector that would come with her own doll or two.  During my website visit, I inquired via the “contact us” link, why the dolls were not being released simultaneously.  I received a prompt reply from the dolls’ creator, Daniela Wiggins, MD, who wrote, “Releasing our dolls in phases helps with our research and product development.”

Intrigued about the dolls and their concept, I wanted to know more about them and asked a series of questions, which Dr. Wiggins again readily answered.  I believe doll enthusiasts (collectors and parents who desire to expose their daughters to wholesome dolls with a purpose) will delight in learning about the inspiration behind the dolls’ creation. 

http://www.prodigyrls.com/

Dr. Wiggins shared the following:

“The idea for Prodigyrls (named by combining prodigy + girls) came to me about two years ago. Two completely separate thoughts came together to form our doll company. The first idea came as a result of my frustration with the lack of black dolls on the market. The second idea was to write a series of children's books about health and nutrition based on the millions of questions my children asked me about medicine.  At the time, my daughter was 7 years old and I had NEVER purchased a doll for her.  She had been given dolls as gifts, but I had never seen a doll I felt compelled to buy.  When I asked around about black dolls, I was referred to a doll which was a freed slave.  Although slavery is an important time in our nation’s history to learn about, we have been and are so much more than former slaves.  I was also disappointed by the fashion dolls with heavy makeup and sometimes inappropriate clothes.  Every mother I spoke with wanted the same thing I did, dolls that actually looked like our children and that were positive and inspirational.  

“One morning, as I sat on the edge of my bed, the two ideas merged.  I would create a collection of African-American dolls, each with a special talent or passion, and I would use each doll's story to teach age appropriate health information to children, Prodigyrls was born.  Since then we have created many dolls with varying talents and interests, the first 5 of which appear on our website.  We are still in our research and development phase and are now selling Nicole (the doctor doll) and Janelle (the chef doll). 

“Our target market is African-American girls 5-8 years old.

“We have put a lot of time and energy into creating our dolls with features that represent the beauty and diversity of the African-American community.  This has not been easy. Manufacturers have historically not paid attention to such details.  Our dolls are 18 inches tall with vinyl head, neck, arms, and legs.  The torso is cloth, dyed to match the vinyl skin color.  Our dolls have varying skin tones and hair textures.  The hair is rooted on all of our dolls with Sienna being the only exception.  Sienna has locs and those will likely be wigged.  There will be extra clothing for the dolls and accessories.  Nicole has a doctor set and Janelle has a cooking set. Each doll will also have a picture book which will tell the story of her special talent or what she is passionate about.”

Prodigyrls retail for only $69.99, but the first 300 dolls are being presold, before the official national rollout for only $49.99. The first 300 will be individually numbered and signed by the company’s founder.  

*****

While several dolls were planned at the time of the above interview, to date the only two Prodigyrls that have been produced are the two I own.  At the Prodigyrils website Janelle and Nicole are now reduced from $69.99 to 56.99.  Parents:  Think Christmas.  Collectors of 18-inch dolls:  You'll love them.

See photos of actual dolls here, here, and read more about Dr. Wiggins here. 

 dbg

Tips on Collecting (Black) Dolls

I have often voiced a desire to "put Black dolls on the map," i.e. make a resounding noise for manufacturers and artists to realize the need for their lines to be inclusive... to understand that Black dolls are relevant... they are needed.

It seems the world has been notified.  In the past few months I have been interviewed on four separate occasions regarding Black-doll collecting by domestic as well as global reporters.  Links to the first three interviews, which have previously been shared under separate posts, are repeated below:

• "Black is Beautiful:  Why Black Dolls Matter" (Collectors Weekly) by Lisa Hix, February 21, 2013
• "Talking Dolls Challenge Racial Stereotypes" by Teo Kermeliotis and Ann Colwell, for CNN
• March 12, 2013
• "You've Come a Long Way Baby: Fashion Black Dolls in Demand Like Never Before" by Shaheera Asante –  Founder and Editor, BfabAfrica.com  March 28, 2013

The fourth, and most recent interview was also published on March 28, 2013.

Ms. Ann Brown asked me to give advice on collecting Black dolls for The Network Journal (TNJ.com) article, "Beyond Barbie:  Tips on Black Doll Collecting".


Black dolls are trending in print.  I hope this results in an increase in their three-dimensional presence and appreciation across all genres.


dbg

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Black Is Beautiful: Why Black Dolls Matter

Rashahn and Lil Bitty Kayla by Lorna Miller-Sands; and doll with painted cloth face by Rita Williams of Crafty Sisters.

I was one of several people interviewed by Lisa Hix of Collectors Weekly on the subject of black dolls. The results of the interview are included in Hix's beautifully written article, "Black Is Beautiful:  Why Black Dolls Matter."  The article was published today and can be read here. 

dbg

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An Interview with the President...

... of Trinity Designs, Inc.

"The Essence of" Collection by Trinity Designs, Inc., L-R:  The Essence of Lady Ivy, The Essence of a Zeta, The Essence of Lady Sigma, and The Essence of a Delta

I contacted Niccole Graves, President and CEO of Trinity Designs Inc. with a request for an interview after reading the company’s 2011 press release, which had been shared with me by fellow collector, E. J. Ferebee. I wanted to know more about this interesting line of fashion dolls and share that information with others who may not be aware of its existence.  Ms. Graves kindly agreed to participate in an in-depth interview and also shared images* of the company’s dolls. The interview results follow.

Note that my questions are preceded by the initials, BDC (Black Doll Collecting), and TDI (Trinity Designs, Inc.) precedes Ms. Graves’s answers.

BDC: What was the inspiration behind the creation of your dolls?

TDI: I wanted a "Delta" doll for myself years ago but was unable to find one that was not in statue or rag doll form. I wanted a fashion doll so I decided to create one myself.

BDC: Congratulations for taking the initiative to design the dolls yourself.  What medium is used for your dolls, vinyl or porcelain?

TDI: Vinyl and hard plastic.

BDC: If you are able to disclose this information, who created the dolls' sculpts?

TDI: I'm sorry; I'm unable to disclose that info.

BDC: Okay, I understand. How long have the dolls been in production?

Top-Bottom:  The Essence of Lady Sigma, The Essence of a Delta



TDI: The dolls have been in production since 2010. We launched the first doll, “The Essence of a Delta” in summer 2010 and they were delivered in January 2011. Our next 3 dolls are currently in a preorder campaign and will be shipped out late spring 2011.

BDC: I was able to tell from the images on your website that the dolls’ arms are articulated. Are their legs also articulated, if so, where? Are they jointed elsewhere?

TDI: The legs are articulated as well at the knee. The doll is a mix of injection molded and rotational molded joints and limbs.

BDC: Will other doll categories or sizes larger or smaller than 16 inches be included in your line; If so, when?

TDI: We are adding several other dolls to our Signature line, “The Essence of…” series.  We hope to be able to design a series of dolls that targets many of the various organizations and associations. People enjoy a collectible that really captures the essence of something they are a part of. The current Signature series of sorority collectibles are 16 inches.

We also have in design phase our first annual 12-inch Holiday doll and a collection of children's 12-inch dolls. I hope to have them in production by winter 2011.

BDC: What is the price of your Signature dolls?

TDI: The retail price is $149.99 which includes doll, doll stand, and shipping and handling.

BDC: What are the preordering specifics and do you offer layaway?

TDI: Preorder campaigns are typically 60 days and delivery is generally scheduled for 8-10 weeks following the close of preorders. We offer layaway for Special Edition dolls, which are a Limited Edition item and retail for $300 and we also offer layaway for larger orders. We accept credit cards online and mail orders with a cashier's check or money order.

BDC: Which doll or dolls are produced as a Limited Edition and are these dolls still available?

TDI: The only doll produced in a Limited Edition was “The Special Edition Essence of a Delta.” We produced 100 of that particular doll because she was our premier debut product. Quantities are still available.

BDC: Noting that the images you shared are of the prototypes, will the manufactured dolls differ much from the prototype images?

TDI: There are some slight differences in the manufactured dolls.

• The prototypes are initially bald so creating a hairstyle from scratch limits the different hairstyles that you can design.   The production dolls have rooted hair; styling them is much easier. So the hair on all the dolls is typically different.
• The makeup is different as well.  Full makeup on a prototype versus full makeup on a production doll is extremely different.  The production dolls have a more polished, smoother appearance because the heads are injection molded vinyl.
• The overall attire and accessories do not change much at all.

The Essence of a Zeta

• The skin tones of the dolls may change as well. We are trying to offer a range of complexions on our dolls ranging from light to a darker brown skin tone. We aren't able to offer different skin tones per individual doll but we are offering varying skin tones within the series.

BDC: Who are your main customers; doll collectors, sorority members, or both?

TDI: Our Signature series which is our line of Sorority dolls are targeted mainly for women of African American Greek lettered sororities although we have many collectors that are not in these organizations who purchase her because she above all is a collectible doll. I hope to capture the audience of doll collectors as well as sorority members looking for that special item to add to their collection of sorority paraphernalia.

BDC: What would you like potential customers to know about your dolls and your company?

 The Essence of Lady Ivy

TDI: My dolls are made with extreme detail in mind. We attempt to capture the essence and individual beauty in every doll that we design. The fabrics we select are excellent quality; the accessories include purses, jewelry and fur capes. Our Signature sorority dolls are also equipped with audio, so yes, they sing. The audio is housed in the doll stands that we provide for each doll. Our dolls also have custom sculpted hands. For example, “The Essence of a Delta” doll can be posed to hold up a pyramid and “The Essence of Lady Ivy” holds up her pinky finger. These special details really capture the essence of the doll it celebrates.

My mission is to produce designs that capture the beauty and essence of minority women and girls. Trinity Designs, Inc. endeavors to be the largest designer and manufacturer of minority inspired dolls for play and for collectors.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I would like to thank Ms. Graves for this very informative interview. Special thanks to Ellen Ferebee for sharing the company’s 2011 press release. 

For further information about the unique and quite lovely dolls produced by Trinity Designs, Inc. or to place a preorder, please visit their website:

http://www.trinitydesignsinc.com/

dbg

Please adhere to copyright notice (see bottom of blog).

*Images are courtesy of Trinity Designs, Inc.