Which Refupea is it that designs toys? This video

I saw this earlier today and posted it on my FB page. I think it is really cool. I would have liked to have dolls like that when I was young.

I just posted a link to this on her FB page, so hopefully she'll drop by soon.

A tree change is basically a lifestyle change. We also use the term sea change. It basically means making a conscious decision to give up elements of your current lifestyle in exchange for something you have always wanted to do or are passionate about, and usually requires a move from the city to the country/coast. So someone who gives up a hectic lifestyle in an industry like banking to move to the country to run the B&B they have always dreamed of owning has made a tree change.

First I have to say that watching this video brought tears to my eyes. THIS is what dolls should be- not sex symbols or "bad girls" or villains! I have no problem with fashion dolls in general, but I personally don't have much talent for designing fashion dolls. I've done a few, but I love play dolls! This lady has captured the spirit of dolls as playmates.
One term we use a lot in the toy biz is "aspirational". Do children aspire to do something or be something? I suppose some little girls aspire to be tarts, but that isn't something I have ever promoted. Personally I prefer "friend" dolls, small dolls, maybe a little fantasy or magic, etc. I love girls toys that are creative, challenging, nurturing, adventurous, unique. I applaud Goldie Blox and other similar toys that challenge little girls to explore new worlds of adventure and creativity.

Its always surprised me how few doll designers and developers are moms. Most places I worked, most of the designers were young and single- with relatively little knowledge of how little girls really play- not how they play in focus groups. Being a mom myself, I always thought that was an advantage.

When I watched the lady repaint the doll's face, it made my fingers itch to do that. I love to paint doll heads. It's one of my favorite things. That's how you make the doll come to life. So fun!

Bratz were designed and developed by friends of mine, so I know a lot about their story and history. It's hard for me to completely hate them because I was involved to some degree in the politics of their creation. (I didn't actually do anything more than work on a few fashions to help my friend who designed all of the original outfits and accessories.) So i know their story and appreciate that one person singlehandedly toppled Barbie from her throne. But that aside, I struggle with the whole fashion doll genre. Just not my thing.

I'm going to the New York International Toy Fair on Monday- who knows? Maybe I'll show some of my industry friends this video.

Thanks Chinagirl.