Children everywhere can now see themselves represented in their dolls, thanks to Kay Customz.
According to Hello Giggles, the custom-product company has designed a line of collectible and customizable vitiligo dolls, putting the superficial skin disorder on the map and advocating for inclusivity with each doll’s unique appearance. Created by store owner Kay Black, Hello Giggles says Black hand paints the dolls to ensure that they match the skin of those who order the dolls.
Continuing her latent mission of equal representation, TODAY reports that Black tries to be inclusive to all people.
“My goal is to go beyond the average assembly line-looking doll, to make relatable and realistic works,” she told TODAY Style. “I find new and used dolls at different thrift stores and yard sales and use them as a canvas. I’ve created ones with red hair and freckles and others with albinism.”
Through her work, Black says she sees firsthand just how important it is to have everyone represented and accurately portrayed.
“People are literally in tears when they get their dolls,” she told People magazine. “I want to create dolls everyone can relate to.”