Episodes

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com What if a doll could tell the truth about who we are? We sit down with Dr. Eric Dupree—author of Dolls Beyond Play, cultural anthropologist, and lifelong collector—to uncover how dolls carry stories of identity, memory, and belonging across centuries. From nineteenth-century French fashion dolls that globalized taste to handmade folk pieces stitched from scraps, we trace how design choices around skin tone, features, and body shape both reflect and reshape culture....

www.thedollpreneurprodcast.com Sometimes, art doesn’t just reflect us — it reaches for the parts of us we’ve hidden, forgotten, or been told to shrink. In this conversation with, Zimbabwean artist Tina Vincent she shares how her plus-size paper mâché dolls became more than sculptures — they became mirrors of beauty, courage, and wholeness. These captivating figures celebrate women of color with unapologetic confidence, showcasing diverse body types, skin tones, and attitudes that challenge...

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com When her granddaughter wished she could hear bedtime stories every night, Annette Bentley-Smith turned that heartfelt moment into Storytime Plush Tales. On this episode, Annette shares how she created Kobe—a cuddly, tech-enabled companion that lets loved ones record stories, songs, and messages to comfort children from afar. From helping her mother during a cancer battle to connecting families facing deployment or illness, Kobe is more than a toy—it’s a bridge acr...

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com What if the dolls children play with could empower them with confidence and self-esteem? Join us as we explore the heartfelt journey of Kia and Ricky Davis, the inspiring duo behind Early Affirmation Dolls. This episode shares their mission to combat societal challenges like bullying and body shaming through the innovative Kyya doll, which is designed to encourage young girls, particularly Black girls, with positive affirmations. Kiya opens up about the simple yet...

www.thedollprenuerpodcast.com How did a chance viewing of a documentary transform Dr. Lisa Williams from a successful academic into a pioneering entrepreneur in the doll industry? We sit down for an informative and wonderful conversation with Dr. Lisa, the visionary CEO and founder of Positively Perfect, The Fresh Dolls and The Fresh Squad to explore how one moment of awakening ignited her drive to champion diversity and representation in children's toys. Her mission—to create dolls that refl...

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com Join us for an inspiring conversation with Beth Nance, the co-founder and executive director of the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures. Beth shares the emotional journey that led to the creation of the museum, deeply rooted in the memory of her late sister, Amy, who lived with spinal muscular atrophy and had a profound love for dolls, especially Barbie. Discover how this personal connection blossomed into a cherished community space in Spencer, No...

www.thedollprenuerpodcast.com What if a heartfelt gift could ignite a groundbreaking entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of The Dollpreneur™ Podcast, we’re joined by Brooke Hart-Jones, the visionary founder of HBCYou Dolls. Brooke’s journey began with a deeply personal mission: to find the perfect birthday gift for her best friend’s daughter. Her friend, a proud HBCU soror, inspired Brooke to create a gift that would honor their shared cultural heritage and celebrate the legacy of historic...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring a beloved story to life, while also honoring the superhero in your own life? Join us on the Dollpreneur™ Podcast for an enlightening conversation with CJ Charles, the visionary mind behind the bilingual children's brand "My Mother is a Superhero." CJ's journey from a passionate storyteller to an esteemed author is nothing short of inspiring. Born of a deep love for superheroes and motivated by her own mother's legacy, CJ's heartfelt book not only c...