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Doll Creators, Artists, and Makers: (Shows available at the podcasts page.)
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Niya Dorsey (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
You can get 10% off Brains & Beauty purchases through December 31, 2020 when you use the code: doll world
"Our Story: One day my one-month-old daughter and I were cuddling in the bed at home, and as I stared at her beautiful face and started to talk to her, suddenly, I got an epiphany: A doll is a girl’s best friend. As a child, I never had a doll that represented me or encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Most of the dolls taught you how to be a great mom, but I did not want to give my daughter a doll that would teach her how to be a good mom. I wanted to give her a doll in her image, one she could relate to. I wanted my daughter to have a doll that would encourage her to believe in herself and endlessly chase her dreams.
As I researched and spoke to other moms, dads, grandparents, and family members, I learned that I wasn’t alone. At that moment, I decided to create young black beautiful dolls that would represent and empower my daughter and little girls all over the world. I wanted to create each doll with a set of powerful phrases, designed to teach our girls to rise above stigmas and criticism and to love themselves for who they truly are. Children that hear positive affirmations and have positive role models tend to thrive in their self-awareness and use that energy to prosper. They are usually confident, strong, and follow their dreams.
We want to design beautiful multicultural dolls that represent little girls all over the world, encouraging them to be the absolute best they can be and to fearlessly chase their dreams. By giving every parent the chance to buy beautiful girl dolls online, we hope that we can truly make a difference in every young girl’s life." Information provided by Niya Dorsey.
If you are interested in learning more about Niya Dorsey and her Brains & Beauty dolls, visit: https://www.brainsandbeautydolls.com/
You can get 10% off Brains & Beauty purchases through December 31, 2020 when you use the code: doll world
"Our Story: One day my one-month-old daughter and I were cuddling in the bed at home, and as I stared at her beautiful face and started to talk to her, suddenly, I got an epiphany: A doll is a girl’s best friend. As a child, I never had a doll that represented me or encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Most of the dolls taught you how to be a great mom, but I did not want to give my daughter a doll that would teach her how to be a good mom. I wanted to give her a doll in her image, one she could relate to. I wanted my daughter to have a doll that would encourage her to believe in herself and endlessly chase her dreams.
As I researched and spoke to other moms, dads, grandparents, and family members, I learned that I wasn’t alone. At that moment, I decided to create young black beautiful dolls that would represent and empower my daughter and little girls all over the world. I wanted to create each doll with a set of powerful phrases, designed to teach our girls to rise above stigmas and criticism and to love themselves for who they truly are. Children that hear positive affirmations and have positive role models tend to thrive in their self-awareness and use that energy to prosper. They are usually confident, strong, and follow their dreams.
We want to design beautiful multicultural dolls that represent little girls all over the world, encouraging them to be the absolute best they can be and to fearlessly chase their dreams. By giving every parent the chance to buy beautiful girl dolls online, we hope that we can truly make a difference in every young girl’s life." Information provided by Niya Dorsey.
If you are interested in learning more about Niya Dorsey and her Brains & Beauty dolls, visit: https://www.brainsandbeautydolls.com/
Robert Tonner (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
"Robert Tonner’s early interest in creating immaculately detailed drawings led to a career in fashion. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Tonner was hired by Bill Blass to design his Sportswear line, Blassport. Throughout his 7th Avenue career, Tonner’s spin on modern American dressing continually caught the eye of the fashion world’s trend-spotters—his designs were frequently featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Town & Country, New York Magazine, the New York Times and Vogue.
Tonner’s long-time fascination with sculpting and doll art inspired him to try his hand at sculpting original figures. In 1988, Tonner was asked to join the elite National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA). During the years that followed, Tonner turned more of his attention to developing and perfecting his doll designs, eventually leaving 7th Avenue to start the Robert Tonner Doll Company, Inc. in 1991.
Tonner’s initial recognition came from many proprietary characters with their rich back stories and highly detailed clothing and accessories. This recognition resulted in product being sold in some of the most exclusive retail stores in the world, such as FAO Schwarz, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods in London, just to name a few. However, it wasn’t just his own character designs that gained notoriety. His interest in modern pop-culture resulted in numerous licensing agreements with some of the world’s top companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, DC, Sony and many more. Harry Potter, Big Bang Theory, Twilight, Avatar, Superman, Spider-Man and Snoopy are just a few of the many characters that Tonner has brought to life in doll form." Information taken from a bio provided by Robert Tonner.
If you are interested in learning more about Robert Tonner and his dolls, visit: https://www.roberttonnerdesign.com/
"Robert Tonner’s early interest in creating immaculately detailed drawings led to a career in fashion. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Tonner was hired by Bill Blass to design his Sportswear line, Blassport. Throughout his 7th Avenue career, Tonner’s spin on modern American dressing continually caught the eye of the fashion world’s trend-spotters—his designs were frequently featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Town & Country, New York Magazine, the New York Times and Vogue.
Tonner’s long-time fascination with sculpting and doll art inspired him to try his hand at sculpting original figures. In 1988, Tonner was asked to join the elite National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA). During the years that followed, Tonner turned more of his attention to developing and perfecting his doll designs, eventually leaving 7th Avenue to start the Robert Tonner Doll Company, Inc. in 1991.
Tonner’s initial recognition came from many proprietary characters with their rich back stories and highly detailed clothing and accessories. This recognition resulted in product being sold in some of the most exclusive retail stores in the world, such as FAO Schwarz, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods in London, just to name a few. However, it wasn’t just his own character designs that gained notoriety. His interest in modern pop-culture resulted in numerous licensing agreements with some of the world’s top companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, DC, Sony and many more. Harry Potter, Big Bang Theory, Twilight, Avatar, Superman, Spider-Man and Snoopy are just a few of the many characters that Tonner has brought to life in doll form." Information taken from a bio provided by Robert Tonner.
If you are interested in learning more about Robert Tonner and his dolls, visit: https://www.roberttonnerdesign.com/
Emilia Nieminen (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
"I am Emilia Nieminen, Finnish doll designer behind Inamorata dolls and Emilia Couture. I started collecting and repainting dolls in 2006 and the hobby soon gained a life of its own. In 2009 I won an international CDDC (Couture Doll Design Challenge), a contest in designing doll fashions and got my first two features in American doll magazines. It made me believe that the hobby could turn into a career.
In 2010, I began developing my own doll, and slowly hand sculpting it from wax for two years. In 2012, the first Inamorata doll was unveiled at the IDEX doll convention and the doll was awarded DOLLS magazine Award of Excellence in 2013. I feel so lucky and grateful for being able to make a living doing what I love all these years." Bio written by Emilia Nieminen
If you are interested in learning more about Emilia and her dolls, visit: https://www.inamoratadolls.com/
"I am Emilia Nieminen, Finnish doll designer behind Inamorata dolls and Emilia Couture. I started collecting and repainting dolls in 2006 and the hobby soon gained a life of its own. In 2009 I won an international CDDC (Couture Doll Design Challenge), a contest in designing doll fashions and got my first two features in American doll magazines. It made me believe that the hobby could turn into a career.
In 2010, I began developing my own doll, and slowly hand sculpting it from wax for two years. In 2012, the first Inamorata doll was unveiled at the IDEX doll convention and the doll was awarded DOLLS magazine Award of Excellence in 2013. I feel so lucky and grateful for being able to make a living doing what I love all these years." Bio written by Emilia Nieminen
If you are interested in learning more about Emilia and her dolls, visit: https://www.inamoratadolls.com/
Stacey McBride-Irby (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
"Stacey was a Project Designer for Mattel® in El Segundo and was with the company for 15 years. She created the So In Style™ line of African-American Barbie® dolls which were released in 2009. While at Mattel®, Stacey was tapped to design the sorority Barbie®, celebrating the centennial year of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African-American Greek Sorority. She also designed a one of a kind take on the 1980’s Black Barbie. In addition, Stacey designed some of the 2010 Barbie career dolls including Pet Vet Barbie®, Rock Star Barbie® and Bride Barbie®.
In 2011 Stacey took the skills and experience she gained in her time with Mattel® and co-founded the One World Doll Project. The main goal of the project was to produce diverse dolls that would make a difference in the lives of young girls of many cultural backgrounds. Then in 2013, after several years of development, The One World Doll Project released the Prettie Girls!™, an exciting line of multi-cultural fashion dolls.
The Prettie Girls! are unique in their physical attributes as well as their individual personal stories, goals and inspirations, capturing the essence of positive attributes that every little girl can embrace. In fact, the term “Prettie” stands for Positive, Respectful, Enthusiastic, Truthful, Talented, Inspiring, and Excellent. In 2015 these Prettie Girls made it on the shelves of approximately 3,000 Walmart stores, their online store and ToysRUs.com.
In 2018, Stacey was led to found her own company, McIrby, Ent. The first entity is IamU, Uniquely Beautiful dolls launching with Sunjai Williams, as seen on the hit TV show, "Bring It!" Stacey’s motto is, “A happy, inspired childhood creates happy, inspired and powerful women.” She has taken this philosophy with her throughout her endeavors inspired to create the Prettie Girl Doll Project, teaching girls through her previous dolls and IamU Dolls: Embrace your Unique Beautiy and follow your dreams. Stacey's Women of Tomorrow (501c3) and other community outreach efforts allows her passion to share and shine through. " Bio from Stacey's IamU website.
If you are interested in learning more about Stacey and her dolls, visit : https://www.iamudolls.com/
"Stacey was a Project Designer for Mattel® in El Segundo and was with the company for 15 years. She created the So In Style™ line of African-American Barbie® dolls which were released in 2009. While at Mattel®, Stacey was tapped to design the sorority Barbie®, celebrating the centennial year of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African-American Greek Sorority. She also designed a one of a kind take on the 1980’s Black Barbie. In addition, Stacey designed some of the 2010 Barbie career dolls including Pet Vet Barbie®, Rock Star Barbie® and Bride Barbie®.
In 2011 Stacey took the skills and experience she gained in her time with Mattel® and co-founded the One World Doll Project. The main goal of the project was to produce diverse dolls that would make a difference in the lives of young girls of many cultural backgrounds. Then in 2013, after several years of development, The One World Doll Project released the Prettie Girls!™, an exciting line of multi-cultural fashion dolls.
The Prettie Girls! are unique in their physical attributes as well as their individual personal stories, goals and inspirations, capturing the essence of positive attributes that every little girl can embrace. In fact, the term “Prettie” stands for Positive, Respectful, Enthusiastic, Truthful, Talented, Inspiring, and Excellent. In 2015 these Prettie Girls made it on the shelves of approximately 3,000 Walmart stores, their online store and ToysRUs.com.
In 2018, Stacey was led to found her own company, McIrby, Ent. The first entity is IamU, Uniquely Beautiful dolls launching with Sunjai Williams, as seen on the hit TV show, "Bring It!" Stacey’s motto is, “A happy, inspired childhood creates happy, inspired and powerful women.” She has taken this philosophy with her throughout her endeavors inspired to create the Prettie Girl Doll Project, teaching girls through her previous dolls and IamU Dolls: Embrace your Unique Beautiy and follow your dreams. Stacey's Women of Tomorrow (501c3) and other community outreach efforts allows her passion to share and shine through. " Bio from Stacey's IamU website.
If you are interested in learning more about Stacey and her dolls, visit : https://www.iamudolls.com/
Deja Dohl (aka Stephan Davidich) (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Stephen describes himself as follows: "I am perhaps best known as Deja Dohls' Designer, but I have been doing art for some time before Deja. I modeled my first figure in clay at 4 or 5 years old while my mother was teaching ceramics at summer camp. However, it was In High school that I first picked up a glob of sculptors' wax. I was hooked.
"However, while trying to render hair, I started looking longingly at fashion dolls, because they had this wonderful hair that was light, and stylable. Dolls were also free from being tied to a base. They were pose-able, dress-able, and just way more fun than sculptures that just sat there, attached to a base. While at K Mart, I walked past some cheap, $2, blow-molded Ms. Flare dolls. One was in her box smiling at me and I just HAD to have her. I got the idea of direct casting a ready made doll in place of a wax figure. After casting a few Ms. Flares, I found myself collecting Barbie dolls.
While at EMU, I got my feet wet in the gallery scene, at the student galleries, and the Depot Town Art Gallery. It seemed the local market was to week to base an income on as a sculptor. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I left for San Francisco. It was a tough choice because I had a position at the Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner School teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade wood carving.
"When I arrived in San Francisco, the Gallery scene there was mostly of two types: Those that displayed interesting student and no-name works for almost free, and those that featured stiff, pretentious works priced for wealthy patrons . I just couldn't see myself thriving in this context, so for years, I slogged along in a work-a-day existence. doing occasional lost wax sculpting here and there on the side. The passion for art was in a lull until Deja came along. She has since become my life's' work."
If you are interested in learning more about Stephan or Deja Dohl, visit Deja's FB page at : https://www.facebook.com/deja.dohl
Stephen describes himself as follows: "I am perhaps best known as Deja Dohls' Designer, but I have been doing art for some time before Deja. I modeled my first figure in clay at 4 or 5 years old while my mother was teaching ceramics at summer camp. However, it was In High school that I first picked up a glob of sculptors' wax. I was hooked.
"However, while trying to render hair, I started looking longingly at fashion dolls, because they had this wonderful hair that was light, and stylable. Dolls were also free from being tied to a base. They were pose-able, dress-able, and just way more fun than sculptures that just sat there, attached to a base. While at K Mart, I walked past some cheap, $2, blow-molded Ms. Flare dolls. One was in her box smiling at me and I just HAD to have her. I got the idea of direct casting a ready made doll in place of a wax figure. After casting a few Ms. Flares, I found myself collecting Barbie dolls.
While at EMU, I got my feet wet in the gallery scene, at the student galleries, and the Depot Town Art Gallery. It seemed the local market was to week to base an income on as a sculptor. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I left for San Francisco. It was a tough choice because I had a position at the Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner School teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade wood carving.
"When I arrived in San Francisco, the Gallery scene there was mostly of two types: Those that displayed interesting student and no-name works for almost free, and those that featured stiff, pretentious works priced for wealthy patrons . I just couldn't see myself thriving in this context, so for years, I slogged along in a work-a-day existence. doing occasional lost wax sculpting here and there on the side. The passion for art was in a lull until Deja came along. She has since become my life's' work."
If you are interested in learning more about Stephan or Deja Dohl, visit Deja's FB page at : https://www.facebook.com/deja.dohl
Bukola Somide (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Creator of Somi the Computer Science Doll, inspirational speaker and author Bukola Somide is inspiring youth to realize their passion early in order to pursue and excel in their purpose.
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, she migrated to the United States as a teenager with her family . Having decided to pursue a Computer Science degree as early as 10th grade, that proclamation was realized when she attained a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). She also acquired a Masters in Technology Management from UMUC and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate from PMI.
Bukola is a very passionate, inquisitive and creative individual, who credits her determination, ideas, ability to overcome adversity, perseverance, and success to her faith.
- If you are interested in learning more about Somi, Bukola, or the Somi books, visit : https://www.bukolasomide.com/
Creator of Somi the Computer Science Doll, inspirational speaker and author Bukola Somide is inspiring youth to realize their passion early in order to pursue and excel in their purpose.
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, she migrated to the United States as a teenager with her family . Having decided to pursue a Computer Science degree as early as 10th grade, that proclamation was realized when she attained a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). She also acquired a Masters in Technology Management from UMUC and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate from PMI.
Bukola is a very passionate, inquisitive and creative individual, who credits her determination, ideas, ability to overcome adversity, perseverance, and success to her faith.
- If you are interested in learning more about Somi, Bukola, or the Somi books, visit : https://www.bukolasomide.com/
Paulette Goodreau (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Paulette Goodreau's doll journey began as a child. Her mother, Eloise was an avid collector. Every Christmas Eloise bought Paulette a Madame Alexander doll. As a child, Paulette often accompanied her mother to doll shows.
In 2004, Paulette started designing dolls. Her first line, NONO dolls, was composed of quirky cloth dolls. Her second line was Snappy dolls. This line was brightly colored and had interchangeable parts. Paulette and her sister, Annette, attended a doll conference in 2007. At this conference, Paulette held her first BJD doll. Her fascination for that doll changed history! Paulette proclaimed that the following year, she was going to release her own line of BJDs. Paulette and Annette, but their minds, skills, and money together; and, the following year, they introduced the world to the first non-Asia faced BJDs! They named these dolls American BJDs.
In 2012, Paulette stopped manufacturing dolls full time and became an art doll maker. Since then, Paulette has created very limited lines of anthropomorphic dolls.
Paulette's dolls were also featured in the music video for the song Tea Party. The song was performed by the Estonian singer, Kerli, and was created for Tim Burton's concept album Almost Alice. The album was based upon Burton's movie, Alice in Wonderland.
Paulette has been a working artist for 35 years. She says she "dabbles" in most art forms, but she primarily art form is painting. She occasionally does paintings and illustrations by commissions. Paulette holds a degree in Painting and Drawing from California State University, Long Beach. She grew up in Michigan; but, she now lives in Cypress TX. Her roommates are 3 cats and a dog named Bob.
Paulette's most recent doll endeavors tend to involve Connie Lowe.
If you are interested in buying one of Paulette's dolls, check out Connie Lowe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/connie.lowe.7798
Paulette Goodreau's doll journey began as a child. Her mother, Eloise was an avid collector. Every Christmas Eloise bought Paulette a Madame Alexander doll. As a child, Paulette often accompanied her mother to doll shows.
In 2004, Paulette started designing dolls. Her first line, NONO dolls, was composed of quirky cloth dolls. Her second line was Snappy dolls. This line was brightly colored and had interchangeable parts. Paulette and her sister, Annette, attended a doll conference in 2007. At this conference, Paulette held her first BJD doll. Her fascination for that doll changed history! Paulette proclaimed that the following year, she was going to release her own line of BJDs. Paulette and Annette, but their minds, skills, and money together; and, the following year, they introduced the world to the first non-Asia faced BJDs! They named these dolls American BJDs.
In 2012, Paulette stopped manufacturing dolls full time and became an art doll maker. Since then, Paulette has created very limited lines of anthropomorphic dolls.
Paulette's dolls were also featured in the music video for the song Tea Party. The song was performed by the Estonian singer, Kerli, and was created for Tim Burton's concept album Almost Alice. The album was based upon Burton's movie, Alice in Wonderland.
Paulette has been a working artist for 35 years. She says she "dabbles" in most art forms, but she primarily art form is painting. She occasionally does paintings and illustrations by commissions. Paulette holds a degree in Painting and Drawing from California State University, Long Beach. She grew up in Michigan; but, she now lives in Cypress TX. Her roommates are 3 cats and a dog named Bob.
Paulette's most recent doll endeavors tend to involve Connie Lowe.
If you are interested in buying one of Paulette's dolls, check out Connie Lowe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/connie.lowe.7798
Joey Versaw (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Joey Versaw began his journey into dollmaking at the young age of seven. Inspired by puppetry and stop-motion animation, his first attempt (besides the paper dolls he had been making since age three) was a Sculpey-crafted head of Kira (the iconic gelfling from The Dark Crystal). Not allowed dolls himself as a child, Joey was driven by passion as well as necessity, and went to extreme measures to make his own. At thirteen, Joey rebelled, and started collecting dolls, and at sixteen started making little sculpted goth dolls for his friends as gifts. Obsessed with legendary doll artists such as Mel Odom, Robert Tonner, and Helen Kish, Joey started the journey to creating his own fashion doll at 18, with concept blueprints, while simultaneously producing and marketing a successful line of cloth dolls called “Million Dollar Babies”, which were sold in shops all over Oregon and Washington. At 21, Joey was already well known for his custom Jem, Blythe, and Licca fashions, as well as beautiful one-of-a-kind face-ups on popular fashion dolls like Barbie.
At 27, Joey brought his years of planning and dreaming to fruition. His first fashion doll, “Mary Magpie”, was made in a resin-type material called Forton. While Mary Magpie was originally more whimsical with a cloth body, long-time friend Ernesto Padro Campos encouraged Joey to step up his game with a fully realized full resin/Forton Mary doll. Shortly thereafter, toy designer friend Ion Tallman introduced the concept of using the new technology of 3D printing. Excited by the idea of not getting sick from resin fumes in his own kitchen, Joey and fellow doll designer friend Dennis Beltran collaborated on designing a boudoir doll together using this new technology, and in early 2013 history was made, when Joey introduced Mary Magpie as the world's first 3D printed fashion doll.
Since then, Joey has had his hands in many pies, with a storied wealth of solo projects and collaborations. Other doll lines emerging from his studio include “The Mudcakes”, “Lady Astrid”, “Pince'es Petits”, “Pixie-Trolls”, “First Love”, “Babette”, “A little head”, “Galactic Mary”, and more. Currently located in his home state of Oregon, Joey is now working on the evolution of Mary in a new resin doll, “Miss Mary”, and a new gay fashion doll line, also in resin. His favorite quote is accredited to Abraham Lincoln: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life. It’s the life in your years”.
For more information about Joey Versaw, visit: https://marymagpie.com/
Joey Versaw began his journey into dollmaking at the young age of seven. Inspired by puppetry and stop-motion animation, his first attempt (besides the paper dolls he had been making since age three) was a Sculpey-crafted head of Kira (the iconic gelfling from The Dark Crystal). Not allowed dolls himself as a child, Joey was driven by passion as well as necessity, and went to extreme measures to make his own. At thirteen, Joey rebelled, and started collecting dolls, and at sixteen started making little sculpted goth dolls for his friends as gifts. Obsessed with legendary doll artists such as Mel Odom, Robert Tonner, and Helen Kish, Joey started the journey to creating his own fashion doll at 18, with concept blueprints, while simultaneously producing and marketing a successful line of cloth dolls called “Million Dollar Babies”, which were sold in shops all over Oregon and Washington. At 21, Joey was already well known for his custom Jem, Blythe, and Licca fashions, as well as beautiful one-of-a-kind face-ups on popular fashion dolls like Barbie.
At 27, Joey brought his years of planning and dreaming to fruition. His first fashion doll, “Mary Magpie”, was made in a resin-type material called Forton. While Mary Magpie was originally more whimsical with a cloth body, long-time friend Ernesto Padro Campos encouraged Joey to step up his game with a fully realized full resin/Forton Mary doll. Shortly thereafter, toy designer friend Ion Tallman introduced the concept of using the new technology of 3D printing. Excited by the idea of not getting sick from resin fumes in his own kitchen, Joey and fellow doll designer friend Dennis Beltran collaborated on designing a boudoir doll together using this new technology, and in early 2013 history was made, when Joey introduced Mary Magpie as the world's first 3D printed fashion doll.
Since then, Joey has had his hands in many pies, with a storied wealth of solo projects and collaborations. Other doll lines emerging from his studio include “The Mudcakes”, “Lady Astrid”, “Pince'es Petits”, “Pixie-Trolls”, “First Love”, “Babette”, “A little head”, “Galactic Mary”, and more. Currently located in his home state of Oregon, Joey is now working on the evolution of Mary in a new resin doll, “Miss Mary”, and a new gay fashion doll line, also in resin. His favorite quote is accredited to Abraham Lincoln: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life. It’s the life in your years”.
For more information about Joey Versaw, visit: https://marymagpie.com/
Mel Odom (PODCAST: To hear Mel's interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Mel Odom’s art first attained prominence in the mid-1970s with a series of erotic illustrations done for skin magazines. These pencil and watercolor drawings soon attracted assignments from art directors higher up the publishing, food chain, including in a seventeen year, free-lance relationship with Playboy magazine, and covers for Time and Omni magazines as well as countless books.
During this period, a successful line of posters and greeting cards using Mel’s iconic images was published by paper Moon Graphics. The cards were distributed worldwide and triggered the release in Japan of his first book of drawings “First Eyes” published by Genko-sha Publishing in 1982. A second book followed in the USA with “Dreamer” published by Penguin in the mid-80s. A line of hand-drawn lithographs was produced with Eleanor Ettinger, and up to the mid-90s Mel was one of the hardest working illustrators in New York City, with dozens of industry awards to his credit.
In 1995 Mel retired from illustration and focused on a three-dimensional project, a fashion doll for adults named Gene Marshall. Gene’s story of being a movie star during the 1940s and 50s was irresistible to collectors, and within a year of her 1995 launch at Toy Fair, Gene was in fact a star. Bits of her story came with each doll and costume and in 2000 her lavishly illustrated biography: “Gene Marshall, Girl Star” was published by Hyperion Press. Gene has been voted the most influential doll since Barbie.
Mel returned to two-dimensional art several years ago by beginning a series of human-scaled oil portraits of mostly Civil War-era china dolls. These paintings are spooky and cool in tone compared with his highly sensual illustration style. They are a continuing series, until when and if he finds another subject he prefers. He occasionally takes an irresistible illustration assignment, like a portrait of Tori Amos for her autobiography cover. He continues to live happily in NYC.
For more information about Mel Odom, visit: http://www.mel-odom.com/
Mel Odom’s art first attained prominence in the mid-1970s with a series of erotic illustrations done for skin magazines. These pencil and watercolor drawings soon attracted assignments from art directors higher up the publishing, food chain, including in a seventeen year, free-lance relationship with Playboy magazine, and covers for Time and Omni magazines as well as countless books.
During this period, a successful line of posters and greeting cards using Mel’s iconic images was published by paper Moon Graphics. The cards were distributed worldwide and triggered the release in Japan of his first book of drawings “First Eyes” published by Genko-sha Publishing in 1982. A second book followed in the USA with “Dreamer” published by Penguin in the mid-80s. A line of hand-drawn lithographs was produced with Eleanor Ettinger, and up to the mid-90s Mel was one of the hardest working illustrators in New York City, with dozens of industry awards to his credit.
In 1995 Mel retired from illustration and focused on a three-dimensional project, a fashion doll for adults named Gene Marshall. Gene’s story of being a movie star during the 1940s and 50s was irresistible to collectors, and within a year of her 1995 launch at Toy Fair, Gene was in fact a star. Bits of her story came with each doll and costume and in 2000 her lavishly illustrated biography: “Gene Marshall, Girl Star” was published by Hyperion Press. Gene has been voted the most influential doll since Barbie.
Mel returned to two-dimensional art several years ago by beginning a series of human-scaled oil portraits of mostly Civil War-era china dolls. These paintings are spooky and cool in tone compared with his highly sensual illustration style. They are a continuing series, until when and if he finds another subject he prefers. He occasionally takes an irresistible illustration assignment, like a portrait of Tori Amos for her autobiography cover. He continues to live happily in NYC.
For more information about Mel Odom, visit: http://www.mel-odom.com/
Nav Sikand (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Nav Sikand is the founder of VA studio. Where he produces his very own fashion doll called Anouk. A. French miss in the style of vintage fashion dolls of the 1960s.
He has been a doll artist for 23 years. He began his journey as a doll artist after a serious illness. During recuperation, he began restoring vintage toys, which led to collecting. When friends began to request his services, the seed for making ooak dolls and restoration professionally was sown . He is currently producing his fashion doll Anouk full time. He just released series 4 at the end of last year.
For more information about Nav, Anouk, and VA studio, visit, lapoupeeanouk.blogspot.com
Nav Sikand is the founder of VA studio. Where he produces his very own fashion doll called Anouk. A. French miss in the style of vintage fashion dolls of the 1960s.
He has been a doll artist for 23 years. He began his journey as a doll artist after a serious illness. During recuperation, he began restoring vintage toys, which led to collecting. When friends began to request his services, the seed for making ooak dolls and restoration professionally was sown . He is currently producing his fashion doll Anouk full time. He just released series 4 at the end of last year.
For more information about Nav, Anouk, and VA studio, visit, lapoupeeanouk.blogspot.com
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Brenda Ragland (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Brenda Ragland is the Founder and CEO of My HeArt Expressions, an enterprise she says she created to “encompass and display her many God given gifts and talents.” Brenda says she created My HeArt Expressions Inspirational Fashion Doll Makayla to inspire and empower young girls. Brenda would like to use Makayla to help girls believe in their dreams, develop self-love, discover their inner-beauty, build self-confidence, discover their purpose, and understand their value—all while having fun!
Brenda’s ultimate goals are to do speaking tours where she and Makayla help empower young girls. Also, she would like to sell Makayla and fashions for Makayla in stores throughout the world. Makayla’s fashions are designed to fit some of the more popular 18-inch play dolls. The current line of Makayla’s fashions include t-shirts with words of encouragement like: I am Smart, I am Beautiful, I am Brave, and I am Amazing.
Brenda was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. After making a skirt in 8th grade, Brenda developed a love for fashion design. Once she graduated high school, she attended Bauder Fashion College in Miami Florida. Brenda has worn many hats in the world of fashion, including: model, and fashion designer. Brenda is also an entrepreneur. She started A Taste of Vogue Productions modeling agency, and Moments to Treasure Silk Flowers. You may reach Brenda and Makayla at:
Brenda Ragland is the Founder and CEO of My HeArt Expressions, an enterprise she says she created to “encompass and display her many God given gifts and talents.” Brenda says she created My HeArt Expressions Inspirational Fashion Doll Makayla to inspire and empower young girls. Brenda would like to use Makayla to help girls believe in their dreams, develop self-love, discover their inner-beauty, build self-confidence, discover their purpose, and understand their value—all while having fun!
Brenda’s ultimate goals are to do speaking tours where she and Makayla help empower young girls. Also, she would like to sell Makayla and fashions for Makayla in stores throughout the world. Makayla’s fashions are designed to fit some of the more popular 18-inch play dolls. The current line of Makayla’s fashions include t-shirts with words of encouragement like: I am Smart, I am Beautiful, I am Brave, and I am Amazing.
Brenda was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. After making a skirt in 8th grade, Brenda developed a love for fashion design. Once she graduated high school, she attended Bauder Fashion College in Miami Florida. Brenda has worn many hats in the world of fashion, including: model, and fashion designer. Brenda is also an entrepreneur. She started A Taste of Vogue Productions modeling agency, and Moments to Treasure Silk Flowers. You may reach Brenda and Makayla at:
Julian Stanislaw Kalinowski (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Julian Stanislaw Kalinowski is the creative mind behind many vintage-inspired fashion dolls including Lola, Lalka, Severine, Sevinyl, Solange, Sable, Stella, and Sylvain.
Julian's attraction to art began in his childhood. He attended university and earned an art history degree. After earning his degree, Julian moved to London where he attended The London College of Fashion to learn pattern cutting . Then, he worked as a fashion designer with his label ‘De Sade ‘ selling in London, Japan, and Los Angeles. Julian also collected dolls on-and-off. By the 1990's he realized he had a valuable doll collection.
In the Barbie Boom of the 1990’s, Julian turned his doll hobby into a business. In the late 90’s, he moved to LA and then to Johannesburg. In 2000, Julian returned to London and settled into an ‘ordinary ‘ job at a props house. A few years later, he turned to property development. It was during this period when he and his partner, Liz Lee, made his first dolls Lola and Lalka. After Lalka's success, Julian developed a series of dolls that began with the the letter "S". Julian also introduced a new edition of Lalka. The edition was called "Lalka 2".
Julian's new doll passion projects include three, new, luxury resin doll lines. Julian also has an extensive history of collaborating with other doll makers, doll clothing makers, and doll photographers. Julian says ‘I’m in this for the long haul."
Julian Stanislaw Kalinowski is the creative mind behind many vintage-inspired fashion dolls including Lola, Lalka, Severine, Sevinyl, Solange, Sable, Stella, and Sylvain.
Julian's attraction to art began in his childhood. He attended university and earned an art history degree. After earning his degree, Julian moved to London where he attended The London College of Fashion to learn pattern cutting . Then, he worked as a fashion designer with his label ‘De Sade ‘ selling in London, Japan, and Los Angeles. Julian also collected dolls on-and-off. By the 1990's he realized he had a valuable doll collection.
In the Barbie Boom of the 1990’s, Julian turned his doll hobby into a business. In the late 90’s, he moved to LA and then to Johannesburg. In 2000, Julian returned to London and settled into an ‘ordinary ‘ job at a props house. A few years later, he turned to property development. It was during this period when he and his partner, Liz Lee, made his first dolls Lola and Lalka. After Lalka's success, Julian developed a series of dolls that began with the the letter "S". Julian also introduced a new edition of Lalka. The edition was called "Lalka 2".
Julian's new doll passion projects include three, new, luxury resin doll lines. Julian also has an extensive history of collaborating with other doll makers, doll clothing makers, and doll photographers. Julian says ‘I’m in this for the long haul."
Cleave (CJ Starz) Wycoff (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcast page. )
Founder, Chief Executive Design Officer Cleve will be leading all aspects of Product Design, Mass Production, Brand Marketing, Consumer Insights and Public Relations. In 2016, Cleveland created “Social Life Dollwear”, a line of doll clothing for 16’ fashion dolls. Cleve secured relations with one of the top factories in China to produce the high-quality Adult level collector line of doll clothes. The high quality professionally mass-produced doll clothing line was met with much success and caught the attention of the prestigious publication Haute Doll and was featured in their final issue of December 2016. Cleve followed up the success of the clothing line with Social Life Doll in November 2018. The limited-edition resin pieces were praised by collectors and were hailed as “a breath of fresh air in Black doll collecting”. In late 2019 Studio XOXO! Will be offering our first introduction into the 12inch doll market with SHADE Downtown line of products. Cleve leads a digital sculpting creative team that brings his visions to life. Publications: Haute Doll Magazine – November/December 2016- ‘Glam Bam, Thank you Ma’am!’ Cleve has been an advocate for diversity on various online doll forums and has even established several online groups devoted to Black doll collecting over the past 20 years. Cleveland has established the following doll collecting groups: • Founding member of the Black and Beautiful Doll Club (influencing the 2006 Barbie Doll Convention to be held in Los Angeles) • Social Life Dollwear Group on Facebook.
Studio XOXO!’s Mission Statement: Studio XOXO!’s mission is to produce beautiful, high quality, ethnically diverse fashion dolls influenced by real people. Studio XOXO!’s vision is to create alternative choices for doll consumers who seek real world relatability and urban style authenticity. At XOXO! we believe in diversity and inclusion as our team consists entirely of People of Color and Women, this level of inclusion impacts our product offerings with authenticity and an artistry that can’t be found elsewhere in the doll market.
Studio XOXO! has recently formed our Young Adult Collector Label aimed and addressing the ever-changing world of millennial Tweens/Teens while creating products that will capture their attention. Our focus is not only on making quality dolls, but also support of Charity Organizations and Community Service Programs assisting in community building and arts programs for youth and adults. We want to infuse Urban/Hip Hop culture into the doll with respect, integrity and authenticity in their development. We want to create change that the world can’t ignore, using high quality dolls of color with storyline and entertainment property values. https://www.studioxoxodolls.com/
Founder, Chief Executive Design Officer Cleve will be leading all aspects of Product Design, Mass Production, Brand Marketing, Consumer Insights and Public Relations. In 2016, Cleveland created “Social Life Dollwear”, a line of doll clothing for 16’ fashion dolls. Cleve secured relations with one of the top factories in China to produce the high-quality Adult level collector line of doll clothes. The high quality professionally mass-produced doll clothing line was met with much success and caught the attention of the prestigious publication Haute Doll and was featured in their final issue of December 2016. Cleve followed up the success of the clothing line with Social Life Doll in November 2018. The limited-edition resin pieces were praised by collectors and were hailed as “a breath of fresh air in Black doll collecting”. In late 2019 Studio XOXO! Will be offering our first introduction into the 12inch doll market with SHADE Downtown line of products. Cleve leads a digital sculpting creative team that brings his visions to life. Publications: Haute Doll Magazine – November/December 2016- ‘Glam Bam, Thank you Ma’am!’ Cleve has been an advocate for diversity on various online doll forums and has even established several online groups devoted to Black doll collecting over the past 20 years. Cleveland has established the following doll collecting groups: • Founding member of the Black and Beautiful Doll Club (influencing the 2006 Barbie Doll Convention to be held in Los Angeles) • Social Life Dollwear Group on Facebook.
Studio XOXO!’s Mission Statement: Studio XOXO!’s mission is to produce beautiful, high quality, ethnically diverse fashion dolls influenced by real people. Studio XOXO!’s vision is to create alternative choices for doll consumers who seek real world relatability and urban style authenticity. At XOXO! we believe in diversity and inclusion as our team consists entirely of People of Color and Women, this level of inclusion impacts our product offerings with authenticity and an artistry that can’t be found elsewhere in the doll market.
Studio XOXO! has recently formed our Young Adult Collector Label aimed and addressing the ever-changing world of millennial Tweens/Teens while creating products that will capture their attention. Our focus is not only on making quality dolls, but also support of Charity Organizations and Community Service Programs assisting in community building and arts programs for youth and adults. We want to infuse Urban/Hip Hop culture into the doll with respect, integrity and authenticity in their development. We want to create change that the world can’t ignore, using high quality dolls of color with storyline and entertainment property values. https://www.studioxoxodolls.com/
Jozef Szekeres (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Jozef Szekeres is an Australian artist, animator, writer, toy designer, sculptor, creative director and arts lecturer. He is best known for his doll creation Elizabet Bizelle launched through his company Jozef Szekeres Dolls, released in 2003. He was a finalist in the Australian Cartoonist Association Stanley Awards 2011, with nominations for Best Australian Illustrator and Australian Comic Book Artist. He co-created and illustrated the comic book series ElfQuest/WaveDancers circa 1993–94, and co-wrote and illustrated for Black Mermaid Productions the comic book series Elf-Fin:Hyfus & Tilaweed in collaboration with co-creator Julie Ditrich, using the original characters and concepts they created for the previous series. The preview was released April 2011, with a later expanded edition released in May 2013.
Szekeres has had a fascination with figural sculpture from childhood, early in his career sculpting maquettes for Disney's Aladdin and Jasmine, Dylandra and adult Wendy. Szekeres further explored sculpture adding new sculptural elements to Barbie and G.I.Joe purchased toy parts.
The 2000 Olympic Mascots, Syd, Millie and Olly – three native Australian animals that represent earth, air and water – were designed by Jozef Szekeres and Matt Hatton, for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Szekeres also created the original three-dimensional physical sculptures/maquettes of these mascots. In 2003, Szekeres released his first fashion character/doll Elizabet Bizelle (with sister character Kotalin Bizelle) titled Dangerous Discovery, the first Australian created fashion doll. In 2006, Szekeres released his doll editions Elizabet Bizelle Lady in Red, and Kotalin Bizelle Birthday Bash. Szekeres is currently in production of his new line of fashion dolls, GlamourOZ Dolls, featuring the return of characters Elizabet Bizelle with sister Kotalin Bizelle, and introducing two new characters Lucille Lei and Bindi Merinda. All featuring new head sculpts, and a new articulated supermodel body sculpt.
To see more of Jozef's work visit his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jozef.szekeres
Jozef Szekeres is an Australian artist, animator, writer, toy designer, sculptor, creative director and arts lecturer. He is best known for his doll creation Elizabet Bizelle launched through his company Jozef Szekeres Dolls, released in 2003. He was a finalist in the Australian Cartoonist Association Stanley Awards 2011, with nominations for Best Australian Illustrator and Australian Comic Book Artist. He co-created and illustrated the comic book series ElfQuest/WaveDancers circa 1993–94, and co-wrote and illustrated for Black Mermaid Productions the comic book series Elf-Fin:Hyfus & Tilaweed in collaboration with co-creator Julie Ditrich, using the original characters and concepts they created for the previous series. The preview was released April 2011, with a later expanded edition released in May 2013.
Szekeres has had a fascination with figural sculpture from childhood, early in his career sculpting maquettes for Disney's Aladdin and Jasmine, Dylandra and adult Wendy. Szekeres further explored sculpture adding new sculptural elements to Barbie and G.I.Joe purchased toy parts.
The 2000 Olympic Mascots, Syd, Millie and Olly – three native Australian animals that represent earth, air and water – were designed by Jozef Szekeres and Matt Hatton, for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Szekeres also created the original three-dimensional physical sculptures/maquettes of these mascots. In 2003, Szekeres released his first fashion character/doll Elizabet Bizelle (with sister character Kotalin Bizelle) titled Dangerous Discovery, the first Australian created fashion doll. In 2006, Szekeres released his doll editions Elizabet Bizelle Lady in Red, and Kotalin Bizelle Birthday Bash. Szekeres is currently in production of his new line of fashion dolls, GlamourOZ Dolls, featuring the return of characters Elizabet Bizelle with sister Kotalin Bizelle, and introducing two new characters Lucille Lei and Bindi Merinda. All featuring new head sculpts, and a new articulated supermodel body sculpt.
To see more of Jozef's work visit his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jozef.szekeres
Cee Robinson (a.k.a.) Queen Cee (PODCAST: To hear the interview, visit our podcasts page. )
Queen Cee is a mother of 5, wife, singer/songwriter, actress, community activist for the empowerment of women & girls and Black doll artist. She’s a 2010 recipient for the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Awards for Arts and Creative Energy and has two organizations, When Sistahs Get Together and Be-You-tiful Girls Club Inc., a Not-for-profit who's focus ia building self esteem and powering girls through creative and artistic means. 2014, Queen Cee was the recipient of the John C. Holland Award for Community Arts and was also officially awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from MP David Christopherson.
Queen Cee and her husband made the cover and were featured in Hamilton Magazine has one of the top influential and inspiring couples in the city. She has been a guest speaker at quite a few elementary, highschool and post secondary schools, as well as empowering women focused events around the city. She also had the honour to be one of the Black Canadian Women to featuring her story on CBC's multimedia feature, "HERstory in Black" created by Emily Mills this year.
Over the past 4 years Queen Cee has added doll artist to her artistic passions under the name, Queen Dollylama. She customizes and reimages Black dolls and turns them into more positive representations of Black people and creative characters. Queen Cee has also designed and developed her own Black doll line called Herstory Doll, to represent the beautiful diversity of girls (and boys) of African descent. It is also to and promote the importance allowing kids to express themselves through the creative arts, creative writing, innovation and storytelling. Queen Cee has many more ideas towards building up of her people, youth in the communities around her, and pushing the dialogue and spotlight on Black women in arts, entrepreneurship and creating their paths through their passions. For more information or to purchase a doll, please visit: http://www.herstorydoll.com/
Queen Cee is a mother of 5, wife, singer/songwriter, actress, community activist for the empowerment of women & girls and Black doll artist. She’s a 2010 recipient for the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Awards for Arts and Creative Energy and has two organizations, When Sistahs Get Together and Be-You-tiful Girls Club Inc., a Not-for-profit who's focus ia building self esteem and powering girls through creative and artistic means. 2014, Queen Cee was the recipient of the John C. Holland Award for Community Arts and was also officially awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from MP David Christopherson.
Queen Cee and her husband made the cover and were featured in Hamilton Magazine has one of the top influential and inspiring couples in the city. She has been a guest speaker at quite a few elementary, highschool and post secondary schools, as well as empowering women focused events around the city. She also had the honour to be one of the Black Canadian Women to featuring her story on CBC's multimedia feature, "HERstory in Black" created by Emily Mills this year.
Over the past 4 years Queen Cee has added doll artist to her artistic passions under the name, Queen Dollylama. She customizes and reimages Black dolls and turns them into more positive representations of Black people and creative characters. Queen Cee has also designed and developed her own Black doll line called Herstory Doll, to represent the beautiful diversity of girls (and boys) of African descent. It is also to and promote the importance allowing kids to express themselves through the creative arts, creative writing, innovation and storytelling. Queen Cee has many more ideas towards building up of her people, youth in the communities around her, and pushing the dialogue and spotlight on Black women in arts, entrepreneurship and creating their paths through their passions. For more information or to purchase a doll, please visit: http://www.herstorydoll.com/
