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www.inthedollworld.com  In this wonderful episode of In The Doll World,  I am joined by Azhelle Wade, the Toy Coach. Her journey to a key figure in the toy industry is an incredible testament to the power of passion and commitment and her love of teaching and being creative. Embark on Azelle's journey as she shares her reasons for leaving corporate life to pursue her dreams. Explore the challenges and misconceptions of entering the toy industry, enriched by Azhelle's valuable insights. Discover the Toy Creators Academy, a platform designed by Azelle to support and guide emerging toy creators, offering a wealth of resources and industry insights. As our conversation deepens, we explore the crucial issue of representation and inclusivity in the toy industry. Azhelle opens up about her experiences as an African American woman in the field, highlighting the rise of black-owned toy companies and her aspiration to create black dolls. We wrap up with an inspiring discussion about fostering entrepreneurship and expanding toy culture. So, grab your headphones, tune in and let's embark on this fascinating journey into the world of toy making. To find out more about Azhelle , The Toy Coach or the Toy Creators Academy visit www.thetoycoach.com #thetoycoach #toycreatorsacademy #ITDW #inthedollworldpodcast #dollpodcast #georgettetayloritdw #dolls #toys Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Welcome to an inspiring conversation with Andrea Furtick, the innovative CEO and founder of AGC Toys, and the creative force behind the Afro Goddess Warrior Dolls and Project. www.inthedollworld.com Get an intriguing glimpse into Andrea's artistic journey that led to the creation of the Afro Goddess Tarot Arkanas and ultimately, these unique, representation-rich dolls. Discover how she overcame the hurdles of cost-effective doll creation, and ushered in the creation of Nova: Goddess of the Universe and The Afro Goddess Warrior Doll Collection. Learn how her dolls empower and promote self-discovery, and how licensing can help ease the financial burden in the toy industry. We also discuss the concept of 'Sticker Shock' and the reality of high costs in creating a vinyl doll. Have you ever wondered about growth and licensing in the toy industry? We've got you covered. Tag along as Andrea divulges her experiences at the New York Toy Fair and shares her invaluable insights into the significance of proper systems for business growth. But there's more to the toy business than just creating dolls. Andrea shares the power of delegation, collaboration, and representation in building an impactful toy business. Listen to the exciting future plans of AGC Toys and how seeking the right support in business can make all the difference. To learn more about Andrea and AGC Toys visit AGC Toys, Inc. (agctoysinc.com) #ITDW #ITDWpodcast #dollpodcast #podcast #georgetteITDW #AndreFurtick #afrogoddesswarriordolls #agctoysinc #agctoys Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Listen at www.inthedollworld.com     Karen  Oyekanmi, the founder of the American Black Beauty Doll Association, opens up the conversation as she shares the inspiration behind her quest to fill the market gap for beautiful black dolls and to provide positive representation for children of color - a mission that still holds significant relevance almost 40 years later, as they celebrate their upcoming annual Festival of Black Doll Show and Sale, Nov 4th 2023. As we chat with this panel of remarkable women - Karen Oyekanmi, Kynisha Daisy Decre, Cheryl Buckley, Lillian Black, Adwoa Cooper, and Stacelina Monique - we uncover the crucial role of dolls in reflecting and celebrating the diverse world we live in.   Our panel of esteemed guests, wear many hats - they are doll makers, authors, interior designers, balloon artists, crocheters, and Barbie repainters. We navigate the rich and multifaceted world of doll making, a journey that transcends the creation of children's playthings to become a profound medium of art and cultural expression and as the conversation evolves, we also get the perspective of each guest on the importance about their decision to join the American Black Beauty Doll Association, as well as create and attend the Festival of Black Dolls Show and Sale, an event that has always been about educating and representation, with many of the years of the Festival showcasing themes from Egypt to Black Marriage. So, join us for this enlightening conversation and discover the art, the expression, and the cultural significance behind the world of doll making and the importance of being a member of the American Black Beauty Doll Association.   To see more about the women who are featured today, as well as vendors at the upcoming Festival of Black Dolls Show and Sale:    ABBDA 2023 Vendors @KarenOyekanmi Kissing Kousins Dolls Www.weloveblackdolls.com Stacy @Stacelinamonique https://www.etsy.com/shop/StacelinaMonique Lillian Black Lillian’s Dolls & Things Www.weloveblackdolls.com Adwoa Cooper @adwoadesign www.AdwoaDesign.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdwoaDesign Kynisha Ducre @Daisytheclown www.clowninaround.net Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Our latest podcast episode introduces Samantha Ong, the innovative CEO of Joeydolls, celebrating the diversity and beauty of the Asian diaspora. www.inthedollworld.com Samantha's story begins with a simple desire - to create dolls that reflected her daughter's Asian heritage. Frustrated with the lack of diversity in the toy market, she embarked on a journey to make dolls that would allow children of Asian descent to see themselves in the toys they play with. Joeydolls are more than just dolls, they are lifelines connecting children with their heritage. They are sources of comfort for mixed families, adopted children, and those getting accustomed to new environments.  Samantha's work has instilled a sense of belonging in these children, subverting societal messages that often devalue people of darker skin tones. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of representation.  Join us for this insightful conversation with Samantha Ong, and prepare to be inspired. To learn more about Joeydolls visit Joeydolls Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

A journey into the heart of the doll industry with our enthralling guest, Diana Jones, the dynamic owner of Dolls Magazine.  www.inthedollworld.com  As a child, Diana enjoyed altering her dolls' hair, creating unique looks for each of them, Diana has since navigated through life's turns, acquiring a microbiology degree, raising seven children, and eventually taking the reins of Dolls Magazine. Her tale is a testament to the power of passion she has for what she does. As we converse with Diana, we delve into the captivating transition of Dolls Magazine from print to digital media and navigating through the tumultuous waters of the doll industry in 2020-2021. She shares her insights on exclusive collaborations with doll artists, creating unique dolls for the magazine's ardent audience, and the thrill of interacting with industry icons like Jack Johnston. In the concluding segments, we go under the hood of Dolls Magazine, discussing innovation, marketing, and the magazine's future trajectory. Diana imparts insightful anecdotes about the continuous evolution of doll artistry and the role marketing plays in the magazine's success. From her early days at the company to her heartwarming fangirl moments and awards, Diana's narrative is a gripping saga of aspiration and determination. Join us on this fascinating journey in the world of dolls. #dollsmagazine #inthedollworld #georgettetaylorITDW #inthedollworldpodcast Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Join us on a fascinating journey as we travel into the world of miniatures with our special guest Kat Picot, the inspiring publisher behind Shrunk magazine. www.inthedollworld.com Kat's story is a testament to passion and perseverance, as she beautifully recounts her transition from working in a doll's house shop to launching her own internationally acclaimed miniatures magazine. In our discussion, Kat sheds light on the highs and lows of independent magazine publishing and the unique challenges that come with it. Kat’s experiences dealing with the Royal Mail system hack, which impacted her magazine distribution, give a raw and real insight into the hurdles of bringing a creative vision to life. But with every challenge comes a moment of triumph, and for Kat, it came when she met her favorite artists, leading to some unexpected 'fangirl' moments. We also chat about the energy and support she received at the Kensington Dolls House Festival, a memorable moment in her journey. Deeper into our conversation, Kat reminisces about her supportive family, who stood by her side even with the early arrival of her baby. We also talk about the shift of Shrunk from a quarterly to a biannual format, hinting at the exciting future plans for the magazine. Our journey ends where it all began, in the enchanting realm of miniatures, where Kat Picot brings the tiny to life in the most grandeur way. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that promises a heartwarming journey through perseverance, creativity, and passion. To learn more about Kat and Shrunk Magazine visit Shrunk Magazine or visit them at Instgram @shrunkmgazine #minatures #shrunkmagazine #inthedollworld #ITDW #georgettetaylorITDW Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

A beautiful and delightful interview with Zoe Oli, the 11-year-old mastermind behind Beautiful Curly Me. Zoe's inspiring journey starts at the tender age of six, when she decided to tackle her self-confidence issues head-on by creating her own line of dolls that feature curls and braids just like hers.  Don't miss Zoe's incredible tale of resilience and ambition, and how even the youngest among us can make a significant difference when they dare to dream.   Zoe's story is not just about business; it's a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the importance of representation. She sheds light on how she navigated the complexities of manufacturing to bring her dolls to life, and how she learned the art of delegation, all while being a regular school kid. But, there's more to Zoe than being a remarkable young entrepreneur. She's also a TEDx speaker committed to spreading the message of empowerment and representation to other young girls. With the guidance and inspiration from powerful black women like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams, Zoe continues to expand her brand and impact. She shares powerful anecdotes, such as the heartwarming feedback she's received from young girls who connect with her dolls, and gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for Beautiful Curly Me. To learn more about Zoe and the Beautiful Curly Me line visit www.beautifulcurlyme.com #beautifulcurlyme #zoeoli #blackdolls #ITDWpodcast  #DollMakers  #DollCreators #DollCommunity #DollInterviews #DollAdvocates #blackdollartists #blackdollmakers #DollArtistry #DollCollectors #DollPassion #DollInspiration #DollShowcase Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

What if you could transform a childhood hobby into a thriving Instagram account, creating a community around the love of doll collecting? Cassie Jenkins, the talent behind Dolls On The Scene, did just that, and she's here to share her journey with us. www.inthedollworld.com Cassie's passion for dolls sparked at a young age, and her enthusiasm only grew with her age, with her family playing a considerable role in fostering this love. She opens up about the pivotal role her mother had in her hobby and how her husband encouraged her to share her passion with the world.  She gives us a peek into her creative process in designing dioramas and selecting dolls, with delightful stories of her daughters' enthusiasm for picking dolls. Cassie believes in the joy of collecting dolls, creating unique pieces, and most importantly, building a supportive community around it. Juggling content creation and family life can be quite a challenge. Cassie shares insights on how she manages to strike that delicate balance. She encourages us to let go of perfectionism, emphasizing the joy in just 'going for it'. She shares her organizational strategies, and the importance of batching content.  Cassie's work is not just about sharing her love for dolls, but also about making a difference by supporting Black-owned brands and promoting sustainable shopping. As we discuss her plans for expanding her show, we also touch on her upcoming venture into YouTube. Join us in this episode for a deep dive into the world of doll collecting, the importance of community, and the joy of connecting with others over shared passions.  Visit Cassie on Instagram@dollsonthescene #inthedollworld #ITDW #dollsonsthescence #cassiejenkins Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

What happens when a doll enthusiast, collector, and social media star joins In The Doll World to share their unique journey?  You get an inspiring conversation with the talented and passionate Clawdeena   www.inthedollworld.com Clawdeena found solace in their love for dolls, creativity, and makeup transformations growing up in a small conservative town after being born in Queens, New York. With an impressive following of over 3 million fans and followers across various social platforms, Clawdeena is best known for their extraordinary make-up transformations, captivating TikTok and YouTube videos, and insightful doll reviews that showcase their extensive knowledge of various doll types, notably the iconic "Monster High Dolls" and explores the fascinating world of dolls, identity, and self-expression. From the tender age of 10, Clawdeena faced the challenge of feeling different in their small hometown. In response, they embarked on a remarkable journey of self-expression by creating online content and sharing it with the world. In our chat, Clawdeena opens up about their appreciation for Monster High dolls, the importance of dolls for children, and how these toys can help kids express themselves and explore their emotions. They also discuss their documentary project, aiming to bust the stereotype of doll collectors as "crazy hoarders" and shining a light on the positive aspects of this unique hobby. But that's not all! We also dive into Claudina's experience as a crisis counselor, working with Crisis Text Line, and how their passion and mental health struggles have influenced their documentary project. By using docu-style storytelling, Claudina aims to normalize their hobby and proudly showcase their identity. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about dolls, creativity, and authenticity. #ITDWpodcast #georgetteITDW #inthedollworld #inthedollworldpodcast #clawdeena # Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

We continue our Part 2 conversation with my guest Aniqua Wilkerson, Fiber Artist Dollmaker and Owner of My Kinda Thing.  www.inthedollworld.com We continue our Part 2 conversation with my guest Aniqua Wilkerson, Fiber Artist Dollmaker and Owner of My Kinda Thing. www.inthedollworld.com As Aniqua continues to share her wonderful doll journey, we find her moving into another pivotal and proud moment in her life as she becomes very instrumental in helping to create for Lions Brand for the first time, yarns that highlight 12 different shades of brown, from light to dark and how this came about. We also get to talk about her My Kinda Thing University, a virtual handmade school comprised of over 30 courses geared towards teaching other crocheters how to create dolls of color.  As you will hear throughout these interviews, Aniqua continues to be passionate in offering beautiful crochet dolls that inspire, encourage and help to enhance all the beautiful shades of browns in this world and beyond. To find more of Aniqua’s creations, please visit http://www.mykindathing.com/ or visit her on Instagram @mykindathing #ITDWpodcast #georgetteITDW #inthedollworld #inthedollworldpodcast #mykindathing #aniquawilkerson #crochetdolls #fiberartdolls Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

Another wonderful In The Doll World show with my guest Aniqua Wilkerson, Fiber Doll Artist and Owner of My Kinda Thing.   (Pt.1)     www.inthedollworld.com  What a great and purposeful doll journey Anqiua's shares with us, the educator is definitely in the house.  As the third child of seven children, creativity was always encouraged in her house growing up and Aniqua always had dolls to play with, from the time she can remember, but did not have her first black doll until she was eight years old. In the conversation she shares that when she did get the black doll, she literally could not put it down, carrying it everywhere, protecting her doll but on some level, she believe she was protecting and caring for herself as well.  She is a self-taught crochet artist. She became interested in crochet at around 19 years old, when her cousin found some old fiber arts books and has spent most of her adult career as a teacher, using art to be a more effective educator.    She loved teaching but was a little disheartened with the education system and wanted to so something else with art and so as she listened to her nieces and their friends talk about how they felt about themselves, and not always in a positive light, she wanted to embark on something that would help them to see how truly beautiful they were.  We also get to talk about another proud moment in her life and how this excellent opportunity of working with Lion Brand and introducing Skien Tones came about.  Aniqua uses crochet as a tool to teach and promote self-esteem in girls, particularly girls of color and help to impart a sense of pride in the lives of young girls and women through art and dolls. Don’t forget to check in next week for Part 2 of this great conversation and Aniqua’s amazing doll journey. To find more of Aniqua’s creations, please visit http://www.mykindathing.com/ or visit her on Instagram @my_kinda_thing Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"

A passionate and powerful interview with Flora Ekpe-Idang, the CEO, Founder and creator of Corage Dolls. www.inthedollworld.com   Flora shares with us her inspiration for creating Corage Dolls, out of her experience of watching the documentary “Gril Like Me”.  She was struck by the lack of positive diverse representation in media and products had on black children and even though this ‘doll experiment” was done more recently than the historical “Doll Test” done by Dr. Kenneth and Mamie Clark, the results we unfortunately just as troubling.  As Flora shares in her interview, she wanted to do something about it and create a doll that had a strong sense of herself, an unstoppable spirit and offer information about diverse careers, build sistership and advocate for the empowerment of girls of color. We also talk about her devastating loss of all the work she created due to a bad manufacturing experience and how she had to start all over.  Despite that experience, bad supply chains during COVID and more she has been constantly driven to move forward to create multicultural dolls and books that encourage girls of color to be unstoppable. To learn more about Corage dolls please visit them at www.coragedolls.com or Instagram @coragedolls Support the showHey!!! Get a shout out on an upcoming episode as a thank you for your monthly support of In The Doll World. Click here to support. Thank you for listening to In The Doll World, to see all the artists we have featured on the show or to leave a review visit www.inthedollworld.com or to see our video interviews please visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/inthedollworld.com. Did you know you can now listen to In The Doll World on Alexa, just ask Alexa to open "Doll World"