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When her granddaughter wished she could hear bedtime stories every night, Annette Bentley-Smith turned that heartfelt moment into Storytime Plush Tales. On this episode, Annette shares how she created Kobe—a cuddly, tech-enabled companion that lets loved ones record stories, songs, and messages to comfort children from afar.

From helping her mother during a cancer battle to connecting families facing deployment or illness, Kobe is more than a toy—it’s a bridge across distance and time. Throughout our conversation, Annette also opens up about her journey as a solopreneur, the challenges of bringing an innovative product to market - from manufacturing setbacks and funding constraints to the persistent belief in her vision.

Her mother's wisdom "persistence beats resistance" carries her forward as she continues expanding the Kobe universe with new designs, features, and applications.

Discover how one grandmother’s love sparked an invention bringing families closer—one story at a time.

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Thanks for joining us on The Dollpreneur™ Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the episode and feel inspired by our amazing guests and learn something new about the creative people within the doll community.

We would love for you to stay connected so please subscribe to us on Instagram, FB & our Youtube Channel all @thedollpreneurpodcast

You can also subcribe to The Dollpreneur™ Podcast newsletter by visiting our website The Dollpreneur™ Podcast to subscribe.

Until next time, have a Dollpreneur™ Fabulous Day!

www.thedollpreneurpodcast.com

What if the dolls children play with could empower them with confidence and self-esteem? Join us as we explore the heartfelt journey of Kia and Ricky Davis, the inspiring duo behind Early Affirmation Dolls.

This episode shares their mission to combat societal challenges like bullying and body shaming through the innovative Kyya doll, which is designed to encourage young girls, particularly Black girls, with positive affirmations. Kiya opens up about the simple yet profound practice that started it all—affirmations shared with their daughter, Kyla, inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother.

Rickey delves into their shared vision of creating a world where children see themselves reflected in their toys, empowering them to dream big.

Crafting dolls that genuinely represent diverse skin tones and hair types is a formidable task, yet Kia and Ricky have tackled it head-on with determination and creativity shining a light on their collaboration with manufacturers to ensure every doll they create is a true reflection of diversity.

Kia and Ricky’s story is not just about dolls; it's about inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams with fervor.

Join us as we celebrate their passion and dedication, and learn how you can stay connected with the Dollpreneur community for more stories that inspire and empower.

#earlyaffirmationdolls #affirmations #dolls #thedollpreneurpodcast #dollpreneurpodcast #kiadavis #rickeydavis #dollpodcasts #dollpreneur #thedollpreneur

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for joining us on The Dollpreneur™ Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the episode and feel inspired by our amazing guests and learn something new about the creative people within the doll community.

We would love for you to stay connected so please subscribe to us on Instagram, FB & our Youtube Channel all @thedollpreneurpodcast

You can also subcribe to The Dollpreneur™ Podcast newsletter by visiting our website The Dollpreneur™ Podcast to subscribe.

Until next time, have a Dollpreneur™ Fabulous Day!

www.thedollprenuerpodcast.com

How did a chance viewing of a documentary transform Dr. Lisa Williams from a successful academic into a pioneering entrepreneur in the doll industry? We sit down for an informative and wonderful conversation with Dr. Lisa, the visionary CEO and founder of Positively Perfect, The Fresh Dolls and The Fresh Squad to explore how one moment of awakening ignited her drive to champion diversity and representation in children's toys. Her mission—to create dolls that reflect the beauty and diversity of real-world cultures—is reshaping the toy industry and fostering self-esteem and aspirations among young children who finally see themselves represented.

Our conversation takes you through Dr. Lisa's courageous journey to revolutionize doll design, where authenticity reigns supreme. Despite having no initial connections or funding, her determination led her to China in pursuit of manufacturers willing to embrace unique and authentic features in dolls. Her story underscores not only the power of resilience and purpose but also the importance of community and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. From authentic sculpts to inclusive designs, Dr. Lisa's dedication to diversity is creating ripples throughout the toy industry and beyond.

Beyond the world of dolls, Dr. Lisa shares how prioritizing passion and family led her to a balanced life, where self-care and professional fulfillment coexist. As she embarks on new ventures, including a skincare line and a podcast for those over 35 pursuing their passions, her story is a testament to the strength of purpose and the impact of leaving a legacy. Join us as we explore how Dr. Lisa’s work continues to empower future generations, inspiring them to embrace their uniqueness and realize their dreams.

#drlisawilliams #thefreshdolls #postivelyperfect #thefreshsquad #representation #dolls #blackdolls #animation #thedollprenuerpodcast #dollprenuerpodcast #podcasts

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks for joining us on The Dollpreneur™ Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the episode and feel inspired by our amazing guests and learn something new about the creative people within the doll community.

We would love for you to stay connected so please subscribe to us on Instagram, FB & our Youtube Channel all @thedollpreneurpodcast

You can also subcribe to The Dollpreneur™ Podcast newsletter by visiting our website The Dollpreneur™ Podcast to subscribe.

Until next time, have a Dollpreneur™ Fabulous Day!