Monday, September 8, 2014

Jacq's Dolls: For Kids of All Colors

Welcome to our newest partner, Jacq's Dolls



 
Meet owner Jacqueline Bryant: 
 
I did not start out as an artist; I am a recovering economist. I worked for a number of years in development, concentrating on west Africa, and then more years as a public health consultant. A lot of my contract work dried up during the recession, however. I had been making art quilts and dolls for a few years, but mainly as gifts. Economic upheaval gave me the push I needed to start my business in 2010. 

The tag line for Jacq's Dolls is "inspired by you." Though I am generally inspired by the sweetness of children, I was specifically inspired by my daughter. When she was about 5, she asked me if I could make a doll for her. Because I made art quilts, it made sense to her that if I could sew a quilt, I could sew a doll. This was not true, and the first doll was only successful because she loved it. I felt compelled then to make better and better dolls, and to have them look like my daughter and her friends. That is why I decided to hand-dye the fabric for their skin; commercial fabrics did not reflect a true range of skin tones.
 
Jacq's Dolls are customizable and come in a variety of sizes. People sometimes email me a picture of the child so that I know who I'm making the doll for. I have even had moms send me an outgrown favorite dress from which to make the doll's dress! Making the dolls is a true labor of love, and I hope that love comes through in the finished product. 
 
Want something you don't see? Email me at jacq@jacqsdolls.com
 
You can find Jacq's Dolls on Facebook and Twitter, as well.
 
White Sugar, Brown Sugar readers...
get 10% off your first order by entering the code SUGAR10

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

BIG NEWS! It's HERE!

My first children's book went live this morning on Amazon!  Keep up with the latest news on the Black Girls Can Facebook page.