Interesting Perspective On What Color Dolls to Buy

I was at a biracial blog yesterday and saw a posting where a mother thought it was crazy that people asked another mother what color doll she preferred to give her daughter of color. Her response to the mother suggested that she thought a doll was just a doll and that it was not important what color the doll was. I immediately thought about all of the expert opinions I sought when developing DollsLikeMe.com (there were 14) and all of the research reports I read about the low levels of self esteem in girls of color. I reflected on what I have learned about self-esteem in children of color (particularly girls) over the last couple of years and how giving white dolls to younger girls of color actually jump-starts the problem (several articles on this topic can be found at DollsLikeMe.com). I also considered how well-meaning, but ignorant, parents cause little girls of color to grow up wanting to look and be white; hate their yellow, tan or brown skin; and despise their thick and wavy, coily-curled, or heavy straight black hair. Then I thought about how mothers like this contribute to the problem the rest of us are trying to solve.

Thanks for the Great Press

We've been receiving great press lately, thanks to all of our loyal customers and friends who are including us in their blogs and email messages. Saw a great write up on us at www.vivirlatino.com (VivirLatino is a daily publication featuring all the latest in Latino style, products, entertainment, culture, and politics created for the diverse and influential Latino and Latina community in the U.S.) . BlackNews.com is also featuring our story. Thanks for the shout out.

Forever Friendz Dolls Going Off Sale
In product news, the Forever Friendz dolls (Jada and Lianne) have been "deep" discounted (to $26.95 from $36.95) since our Grand Opening. On February 1, they will return to their regular price and another product will be deep discounted. You will have to check the site to see which one (Hint: It's a Duckhouse Doll).

Several new books and dolls will be joining us for African American History month, stop by to see the new lineup.

That's all for now. Look forward to getting with you later.

Denise and the DollsLikeMe.com crew

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.