January Update: New Video, New Dolls and "Hot" Baby Tee Shirt

New Children's Video Series
Ever wonder if any of your favorite television characters do anything worthwhile after a long run on a successful TV series? Well Karyn Parsons (Hillary of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) has formed a new company that creates educational videos for children. The company, aptly named Sweet Blackberry, has released it's first animated DVD. It's a wonderful, uplifting tale of the slave Henry "Box" Brown who shipped himself to freedom in a box. Alfrie Woodard narrates. Of course, it is available at DollsLikeMe.com. Sweet Blackberry plans to bring several legends to the small screen, each narrated by a famous actor from film, television or stage. We'll let you know when a new one arrives. The videos are aimed at 4 - 8 year-olds and should be part of every classroom and home library. DollsLikeMe.com gives it our 5 Star rating. I particularly love the music.

New Dolls Coming Soon
On another note, look for us to add several new dolls in the coming weeks - including two beautiful play babies from Lee Middleton. I was really impressed by their quality. I only wish they had a better selection for children of color. It would be really great if there were a Native American baby available.

"Hot" New Baby Tee

Not for the faint at heart, this outrageous, downright outspoken baby tee is a miniature version of the one worn by Alicia Keys in Rolling Stone magazine. It's creator, Buttaflyunltd, says that they design clothes that "inspire those who wear the designs to love themselves and be proud of who they are." We think that's a highly appropriate sentiment for DollsLikeMe.com kids. Versions for adults and older children are available at Buttaflyunltd.com. Look for more cool stuff for multi-ethnic children in the coming months.

Russ Berrie Not Producing Amirah in 2006

We just heard that Russ Berrie has stopped production of "Amirah" the African American ballerina from their "Let's Dance" series. She was our most popular doll during the first couple of months we were open and we are going to miss her. Richard, our Russ Berrie rep, promises to lets us know about new ethnic dolls released for 2006 as soon as he knows. In the meantime, let's hope the new series is as cute as the last - as we are receiving at least 4 inquiries about Amirah weekly. Sad to say, we are completely out of stock - for good.

New Year's Update

Just a quick note to thank all of our customers and friends for a brisk, successful first holiday season at DollsLikeMe.com. By far, our number one sellers were the Baby Bottoms dolls - those little anatomically correct Asian, African American and Latino babies were a real hit (Latino dolls shown). We had to place so many orders, we were all dreaming about Baby Bottoms in our sleep. But it was all good and we loved every minute of it.

New Baby Section Online
We received a request to offer more infant toys for children of color and in response have created a new Baby/Baby Shower Section online. Only a few items are listed now; more are on the way - including a Spanish language baby heritage/memory book for our Latino babies. The African American Heritage Book is online and available now. I will be attending the Annual Toy Fair in February - specifically looking for new toys for infants and younger children.

Part Time Job Opportunities
On another note, we now have 5 national sales reps - in New Jersey, Upstate New York, Chicago and Atlanta. They are independent reps who organize DollsLikeMe.com parties and represent us at local events. By the end of 2006, we hope to have 50 reps. If you or someone you know is interested in a fun and rewarding opportunity, earning extra income in their spare time, please have them visit the Website or contact us at jobs@dollslikeme.com. Thanks once again for all the support and for sharing the Site with your friends, families and coworkers.

Happy New Year
The DollsLikeMe.com Family

Interracial Cards are "In"

I've been thinking for a very long time that Biracial and Interracial greeting cards should be readily available. Well I got my wish. Two biracial sisters (biological) in California have formed a greeting card company called Mix it Up. Check out their new line at dollslikeme.com. They are beautifully photographed cards featuring interracial relationships (primarily African American and Caucasian). They have blank interiors - making them appropriate for just about any occasion. Mix it Up will introduce an illustrated line next year - as soon as they come in, I'll let you know.
Look for Latino greeting cards (en Espanol) in the next two weeks - just in time for the holidays.

Forever Friendz Added to Line-Up

We were asked to locate smaller dress-up dolls. We found them. They are adorable. Their names are Jada and LiAnne and they are from the Forever Friends collection by Consolidated. Left is Jada, visit www.dollslikeme.com to see Lianne, who is a gorgeous Asian doll.

Shipping...Well gas prices are through the roof and so are shipping fees. The good news is - you can save gas by shopping online. They bad news is- no matter where you go, you cannot escape rising gasoline prices. Donald Trump says he can fix it. I say "Trump for president."

Talk to you soon.

Thanks for the Warm Welcome

I have met such wonderful people so far: an African American woman who lives in China (although most of the dolls are made there, she cannot find a single African American doll); an “admittedly gay” (his words not mine) parent raising an Asian daughter; and at least 50 “thank you’s” from African American parents who are pleased that I decided to open DollsLikeMe. Kudos to everyone and a special shout-out to Eleanor at HBCUconnect.com – they have been so helpful – and nice. I have just added Forever Friends by Consolidated to the lineup and have been asked to add porcelain collectibles – a business I know very little about. That’s all for now, if you have any requests or suggestions (other than lower the shipping fees which, unfortunately, I cannot do a thing about) please drop me a line at info@dollslikeme.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards    

Grapevine News

Word is out on the street that several new biracial dolls are coming this spring from Real-Kidz. I know that they are very busy over there, because I had a time getting my order in. Nevertheless, they are in and they are really cute – I particularly like Remsen (her mom is Asian, her dad is African American). We will also be adding the Earth2Jane dolls to our line. These are really cute fashion dolls from RC2. DollsLikeMe.com will carry the African American and Latina beauties Paris and Liberty. I promise, if you want the others, they'll be available everywhere.

I am off to the Javits Center today (Fall Toy Show) to see what is on the horizon for next year. I hope that I will be able to find quality Native American play dolls. I have had several inquiries.

Next week we will be releasing a poll, conducted on our behalf by UB. Look for it in the news. We’d love to get your feedback.