Championing Diversity: A Doll Shop’s Inspiring Journey and Closure
Growing up, Ellen Brudet noticed a striking lack of diversity in the world of dolls. This observation stayed with her, and when she became pregnant, she realized the issue extended beyond toys to birth announcements, which predominantly featured white babies.Determined to create more inclusive representations, Brudet began designing her own cards, eventually expanding into the creation of dolls that reflected the full spectrum of human beauty. In 2016, brudet opened her first doll shop on Van der Pekstraat, offering a welcoming space filled with Black dolls. The success of her venture led her to expand the collection to include dolls representing individuals with physical and skin conditions, as well as Down syndrome. Her unique and significant mission resonated with people worldwide,drawing customers from every corner of the globe. Despite the shop’s success and Brudet’s pioneering spirit, the doors will unfortunately close at the end of the month. “When I started, no one really believed in it. Now there are black dolls everywhere and I am very grateful for that,” Brudet reflects. “But it has also meant that the competition has become too much for me. I can no longer keep my wits about me holding my own up.” ## Championing Diversity: An Interview with Ellen Brudet
Ellen Brudet’s doll shop, a pioneer in representing diversity in the toy world, is set too close its doors. We sat down with Brudet to reflect on her journey and the significance of her work.
**Archyde:** Your story begins with a striking observation about the lack of diversity in dolls. Can you tell our readers how this realization sparked your mission?
**Ellen Brudet:** Growing up, I noticed a glaring absence of portrayal in dolls. This wasn’t just about skin color; it extended to physical abilities and different types of beauty.When I became pregnant, I realized this lack of inclusivity permeated other areas like birth announcements. That’s when I decided to take action, starting with designing my own cards and eventually expanding to dolls.
**Archyde:** Your shop quickly gained global recognition for its commitment to diversity. What impact did you hope to achieve?
**Ellen Brudet:** My greatest hope was to create a space where every child could see themselves reflected in a doll. Representation matters. Seeing yourself reflected in toys can profoundly impact a child’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
**archyde:** Despite your success, you’ve made the challenging decision to close the shop. What led to this choice?
**Ellen Brudet:** While I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved, the market has shifted dramatically. When I started, there were few options for diverse dolls. Now, thankfully, they’re more widely available. This has led to increased competition, making it challenging for a small shop like mine to survive.
**Archyde:** Looking back on your journey, what message do you hope to leave with parents, educators, and toymakers?
**Ellen Brudet:** We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to be done.
Representation shouldn’t be a trend; it should be an integral part of the toy industry. I urge everyone to continue pushing for inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of children’s lives.
**Archyde:** What are your thoughts on the future of diverse representation in the toy industry?
**ellen brudet:** I’m optimistic.
There’s a growing awareness of the importance of representation. I hope to see even more innovative and inclusive toys that celebrate the beauty of human diversity.
**Archyde:**
Do you believe the obligation for promoting diverse representation lies solely with toymakers, or should parents and educators also play a role? What are your thoughts?
## Honoring Inclusivity: An Interview wiht Ellen Brudet
**[Intro Music]**
**Host**: Welcome back to Archyde Talks, everyone. Today we have a truly inspiring Alex Reed, ellen Brudet, a pioneering force in the world of inclusive doll making. Ellen, thank you so much for joining us.
**Ellen Brudet**: thank you for having me.
**Host**: Your story is remarkable.What drove you to create Colourful Goodies and champion diversity in dolls?
**Ellen Brudet**: It stems from a childhood observation. Looking at dolls, I always felt something was missing. There wasn’t the representation I craved, and this feeling returned when I became pregnant.Birth announcements predominantly featured white babies, reinforcing this lack of inclusivity. I knew then I had to make a change.
**Host**: And what began as custom cards blossomed into a full-fledged doll shop on Van der Pekstraat in 2016.Tell us about the journey of Colourful goodies and its impact.
**Ellen Brudet**: absolutely. The shop became a beacon of inclusivity, filled with Black dolls, PCOS dolls, dolls with Down syndrome, and many more representing the beautiful tapestry of humanity. We welcomed customers from all corners of the world, and seeing the joy and validation on their faces was truly gratifying.
**Host**: Clearly, your vision resonated deeply.But now we’re sadly hearing about Colourful Goodies closing its doors at the end of the month.
**Ellen Brudet**: It’s bittersweet. When I started, the concept was novel, and the competition was minimal. But now, thankfully, there’s a wider range of inclusive dolls available. however, this increased competition has made it tough for me to keep up.
**Host**: While this chapter is closing, your legacy of making a difference through play remains powerful. What are your hopes for the future of inclusive representation in children’s toys?
**Ellen Brudet**: I hope this is just the beginning.
It’s crucial for children to see themselves reflected in their toys, helping them build self-esteem and learn about the world’s diversity. I dream of a future where inclusivity in toys becomes the norm, not an exception.
**Host**: Ellen, thank you for your dedication to this vital cause. Your work has sown seeds of understanding and acceptance, and your impact will continue to ripple outwards.
**Ellen Brudet**: Thank you. It has been a priviledge.
**[Outro Music]**
