Videos

www.dollpreneurpodcast.com Join us as Joshua David McKenney, creator of the Pidgin Doll, reflects on a journey that began with childhood sketches of feminine icons, evolved through a fashion education at Parsons, and expanded into years of illustration and photography — all leading to the creation of his resin ball-jointed art doll, Pidgin Doll. What began as an artistic vision soon transformed into a muse with her own aesthetic language, a growing collector community, and a lifestyle brand that invites fans to wear the world she represents.He also shares how discovering Marina Bychkova’s work shifted his perspective, raising the bar for what a doll could embody as fine art. From that moment, he immersed himself in a self-taught exploration of molds, kilns, resin casting, and sculpting — designing a face that could become a canvas for limitless creative expression.In this episode, Joshua opens up about the artistry, the business pivots, and why authenticity — and fashion as a po…

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com. How Dolls Shape Culture, Identity, And Memory with Dr. Erick DuPree, Author of Dolls Beyond Play, Cultural Anthropologist and Doll Collector.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.Beneath it all is a call to honor folk traditions. Shaker, Amish, African American, and Appalachian dolls hold untold histories of resourcefulness and love, made from what was available to mirror what was desired. These pieces are not merely “mixed media figurative objects” but intimate records of families and communities. When we recognize that t…

Wanted to just share the Dasia Doll as she shares her love for our Dollpreneur podcast. Hope you enjoy seeing our favorite plus size doll come to life to help support one of her co-creators, Georgette Taylor, producer and host of The Dollpreneur Podcast. Daisa Doll is one of 3 (1st plus size dolls) created in 1999 by Audrey Bell-Kearney and Georgette Taylor of the Big Beautiful Doll company. This video was created with HeyGen by Georgette Taylor.

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com 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 conventional beauty standards. Rooted in tradition and wrapped in intention, Tina’s faceless figures speak to every woman who’s ever longed to be seen. Their curves tell stories. Their silence holds space. And their presence reminds us: you deserve to take up space — joyfully, fully, and without apology.

🌸 Share Your Doll Story with the World! 🌸Did you have a doll that meant something special to you?Maybe it was a source of comfort, imagination, or pure childhood joy?We’re inviting YOU to be part of Doll Stories Voices — a global video project celebrating the dolls that shaped our lives, in honor of World Doll Day!🎥 Just record a 3–5 minute video answering this simple question:"Can you share a story about a doll that was special to you and how it impacted your life?"You can also share:💬 Your name (first name is fine!)💬 Where you’re from💬 The name of your doll (if you remember it!)✨ Your story may be featured on The Dollpreneur™ Podcast YouTube Channel and shared with a worldwide audience!✨ Select stories will also appear as beautiful story breaks in upcoming podcast episodes.👉 Sign up and send your story today: https://forms.gle/8PvbLFxQZBnvYQYx9Let’s celebrate the dolls—and the memories—that still live in our hearts. 💖#DollStoriesVoices #WorldDollDay #DollMemor…

A Dollpreneur fun filled celebration song that honors dollpreneurs.

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 across distance and time. Throughout our conversation, Annette also opens up about her journey as a solopreneur, the challenges of bringing an innovative product to market - from manufacturing setbacks and funding constraints to the persistent belief in her vision. Her mother's wisdom "persistence beats resistance" carries her forward as she continues expanding the Kobe universe with new designs, features, and applications.Discover how one grandmother’s love sparked an invention bringing fami…

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.comWhat 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. On this episode @TheDollpreneurPodcast Kia & Rickey Davis share 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 profound practice that started it all—affirmations shared with their daughter, Kyla, inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother. Rickey delves into their shared vision of creating a world where children see themselves reflected in their toys, empowering them to dream big.Crafting dolls that genuinely represent diverse skin tones and hair types is a formidable task, yet Kia and Ricky have tackled it head-on with determination and cr…

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 reflect the beauty and diversity of real-world cultures—is reshaping the toy industry and fostering self-esteem and aspirations among young children who finally see themselves represented.Our conversation takes you through Dr. Lisa's courageous journey to revolutionize doll design, where authenticity reigns supreme. Despite having no initial connections or funding, her determination led her to China in pursuit of manufacturers willing to embrace unique and authentic features in dolls. Her story un…

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, North Carolina.Through Beth's heartfelt narrative, we'll delve into the joys and challenges of building a museum from the ground up, fueled by her family's entrepreneurial spirit and the unwavering support of their small town. Amy's legacy lives on through the museum, inspiring and uniting visitors while celebrating the endless possibilities that dolls represent.Step into a world where toys and miniatures serve as powerful storytellers, bridging the past and present. Explore the museum's cap…

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.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 historically Black colleges and universities. When Brooke couldn’t find what she was looking for, she took matters into her own hands—giving rise to HBCYou Dolls.

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com 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 celebrates her mother but also connects with mothers worldwide, especially those who often feel unseen. By crafting her book in both English and Spanish, she has created an educational resource that transcends linguistic barriers and fosters community connections.Delve into the intricate art of doll creation as CJ shares the fascinating challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. From collaborating with artisans across the globe to the invaluable guidance of Azhelle, from the Toy Creators Academy, CJ's journey through the toy industry is a testament to perseverance and in…