EthiDolls
A COLLECTION OF FASHIONABLE AFRICAN-INSPIRED DOLLS DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY…
Passion Style Public Relations is proud to introduce its latest collaboration with EthiDolls. EthiDolls is the first educational collection of unique, impeccably crafted, African-inspired dolls and accessories that represent historic African women leaders.
Established in 2003 and based in New York City, EthiDolls has made it their goal to “encourage children and adults alike to embrace the colorful and captivating African heritage, culture and tradition” says Salome Yilma, EthiDolls' chief executive officer.
Salome Yilma Biography
Salome Yilma was born in Ethiopia and lived in Washington D.C during her early years, when her father served as the Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations. She studied in Addis Ababa as well as in the U.S., where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Adelphi University.
Fueled by her passion for raising awareness of the rich history of the Africa she grew up in and loves, Salome co-founded Ghenet Enterprises, Ltd. (mostly known to the public as EthiDolls®). Salome already had a 25-year career in the publishing industry as a seasoned executive with broad experience in developing successful business strategies, launching targeted businesses and leading high performance sales and marketing teams. She worked for major publishing companies such as Essence Magazine, The New York Times, CMP, Miller Freeman, and VNU.
EthiDolls is her first collection of educational, fun and collectible African-inspired dolls and accessories. The dolls represent authentic African women leaders and are handcrafted by Madame Alexander, a producer of several popular collectible doll lines. Two dolls have been released so far: Makeda®, the Queen of Sheba, the first female ruler of Ethiopia; and Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ghana. An illustrated storybook and an audio book accompany each doll. Three additional dolls are in development.
“In this fast-paced and media-savvy age, our goal was to enrich the lives of young girls of African descent and their multi-cultural playmates. EthiDolls offers them a chance to imagine the possibility of leadership, accomplishment and adventure through the inspiring stories of some wonderful role-model dolls for the 21st century” says Salome, who has been interviewed for CW1, NY1, BETJ and Forbes.com regarding the mission of EthiDolls.
Salome currently resides in New York City, actively contributing to the growing and important movement of families researching heritage, reconnecting to cultural traditions and exploring Africa’s rich and dignified history.
Inspiration
The EthiDolls concept was born out of Salome’s strong passion for Africa and its global community. In choosing the leaders to feature, EthiDolls looked for remarkable and strong women whose actions and accomplishments would inspire today’s youth. Makeda and Yaa Asantewaa were two such leaders.
In fact, Makeda, who ruled the ancient kingdom of Sheba, traveled a long and difficult journey to Jerusalem to learn of the wisdom of the great King Solomon. In 1900, Yaa Asantewaa, at the age of 60, led the Ashanti rebellion known as “the War of the Golden Stool” against British colonialism.
“We wanted to show a positive aspect of Africa. It’s important to know people of African descent did not begin in slavery. In Africa there are proud and inspirational rulers, some of which are women” says Salome Yilma.
The Collection
The first doll in the series, Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, is the first woman leader from Ethiopia, the land known as the “cradle of civilization”
From East Africa to West Africa, the second addition to the EthiDolls collection is Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa of the Asante -- modern day Ghana -- the land known as “The Gold Coast of Africa.” Then, as now, she serves as a remarkable role model who fought for the rights and dignity of her people.
Craftsmanship
The dolls are of collector quality, exquisitely manufactured with no detail or expense spared. Hand-crafted by Madame Alexander, maker of popular collectible doll lines, the dolls stand about 16 inches tall and have 18 points of articulation from head to toe, including hair and lashes made of top-of-the-line kanekalon fiber.
The fabric used for their costumes is rich in detail: Makeda’s dress is hand woven in Ethiopia and is an authentic representation of the traditional Ethiopian dress still worn today. Yaa Asantewaaa’s authentic fabric design pattern for royal women is based on museum archives and represents The Gold Coast of Africa.
The accompanying items are of equal quality. The storybooks are beautifully illustrated and the CDs provide a compelling narration of their stories.
Education & Fun
“Our African Heritage Signature Collection is a complete package because anyone can make beautiful dolls. What we have is something educational and fun” says Salome. EthiDolls launched their merchandise as “edutainment”
EthiDolls help illuminate and communicate the rich culture and history of Africa to the rest of the world by offering culturally inspired figures and stories. These historical women excelled in their lives without the many resources we enjoy today and are role models for young women to lead them to self discovery and pride in their history.
Press
When asked about her future plans, Salome says that the current plan involves three more 16” dolls with storybooks and audio books. Moreover, each 16” doll will also be produced as a 9” play doll. In addition, more accessories such as backpacks etc. will be added to the collection. Long term plans include producing storied dolls from other continents.
EthiDolls are priced at 139.00 US Dollars each. They can be purchased at specialty toy, museum, online and book retailers across the United States (FAO Schwarz, Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe in Harlem, United Nations Bookshop, Amazon, Dolls Like Me, American Museum of Natural History and select African-American museum shops nationwide).
For more information on EthiDolls or other inquiries please contact Sandrine at Passion Style Public Relations at 212.564.5140 or email us at info@passionstylepr.com.
Passion Style Public Relations
171 Madison Avenue # 1105
New York, NY 10016
212-564-5140
info@passionstylepr.com
www.passionstylepr.com
