When Ona James was growing up, her understanding of beauty was skewed, all thanks to the dolls she played with. As a young girl of color, none of her playmates reflected her own appearance. Once she became a mother, she was determined that her children would not face the same struggle with self-esteem.
Thus, she founded Ikuzi Dolls, a brand dedicated to producing dolls that celebrate diversity. Each doll is meticulously crafted, reflecting a variety of brown skin tones and hair textures. The goal? To provide children of color with dolls they can truly relate to and see themselves in.
What Sets Ikuzi Dolls Apart?
Ikuzi Dolls stands out by offering a range of dolls of color, showcasing various skin tones and hairstyles. Unfortunately, the market is lacking in options for dolls that represent children of color. Often, these kids are left with dolls that don’t resemble them at all. Ikuzi Dolls aims to change that narrative by ensuring every child can find a doll that looks like them.
How Did Motherhood Influence Your Decision?
Being a mother of four, including two daughters, deeply influenced Ona’s choice to create Ikuzi Dolls. She recalls having only one black doll as a child and not finding her particularly attractive. She believes that positive role-playing in childhood is crucial for building self-esteem, self-love, and pride. By offering dolls that resemble her children, Ona hopes to instill a sense of identity and pride in them.
Will You Expand the Range of Dolls?
Ikuzi Dolls began with just two dolls in 2015 and has grown to include 11, with plans for more. While the focus is currently on dolls of color, Ona is open to expanding the line based on customer requests. If there’s a demand for dolls representing other races, she’s willing to explore that possibility while staying true to her brand’s mission.
How Has Motherhood Prepared You for Business?
Parenting involves a lot of multitasking and decision-making, skills that are equally important in running a business. As a parent, you make choices that you hope will work out, and if they don’t, you adapt and reassess. This flexibility is essential in both parenting and entrepreneurship.
How Do You Balance Everything?
Ona prioritizes her family above all. Interestingly, she structures her business around her children’s schedules. It’s not a standard 9-to-5; her work hours are flexible and often unconventional.
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In summary, Ona James turned her childhood experiences and the needs of her children into a thriving business that empowers kids to embrace their identity through representation. Ikuzi Dolls not only fills a gap in the market but also promotes self-love and pride among children of color.
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