The New Dolls Brand Encouraging Young Girls of Colour To Become CEOs

Maths teacher turned entrepreneur, Charlotte Francis created the new Dolls brand Biankha and Friends after her daughter, Cali, came home one day and asked for “straight, yellow hair” after falling out of love with her own natural hair. Crafted to empower, motivate and inspire young girls of colour to excel in the 21st century, Biankha and Friends was born out of the lack of Black dolls within the UK toy market.

After spending most of her life educating or mentoring young women, Francis felt inspired to launch her own range of dolls that celebrates the beauty of Black women, serving as ‘play role models’ for little girls to become whatever they want to be. Educating and encouraging girls to embrace their culture and heritage is placed at the heart of the brand, whilst also symbolising inclusivity and diversity in play activities for children. These dolls ensure that children will not only see themselves represented in their toys but their friends too.

With Biankha’s name inspired by the feminine ankh symbol and wanting to inspire young girls of colour in a positive light, the CEO said: “I also wanted them to have high aspirations and have the confidence to embrace being multi-faceted; being in tune with their heritage whilst being fiercely successful and knowledgeable about their history.”