Mother buys doll with birthmark so her daughter has a toy that 'looks just like her'
She named her 'Princess Cheek'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Facebook post has gone viral after a mum bought her daughter a doll that was created to “look just like her”.
Ever since the first-ever Barbie was created in 1959, the doll has stuck to a formulaic look and, despite attempts to become more authentic – it’s Fashionista range includes different body types, skin tones and hairstyles - parents are still calling for more diversity in children’s toys.
That’s why one mum decided to take matters into her own hands by having a custom doll made to look just like her daughter.
In a now viral Facebook post shared by Love What Matters, mummy blogger Katie Crenshaw explained how she has always been outspoken about her daughter’s infantile hemangioma - a collection of small blood vessels that form a lump under the skin that are sometimes referred to as ‘strawberry marks’ - in a bid to raise acceptance and awareness.
Conscious that her daughter, Charlie, plays with toys she can relate to, Crenshaw wanted to buy her something special for Christmas and contacted a small shop owner who makes heirloom quality dolls.
The owner of Little Plain Jane, Kayla Baker, immediately agreed to make the custom doll for Charlie, asking for a photo of her face and other preferences such as hair, clothes, and shoes.
But, when the doll was finished, Crenshaw couldn’t believe her eyes.
“I could not believe how detailed the doll's birthmark was, and how much it looked exactly like Charlie,” she wrote.
“I had planned on giving her to Charlie at Christmas, but I could not wait.
“When I gave the doll to Charlie, her eyes lit up—she immediately touched her cheek and smiled. Now, Charlie has a baby doll that looks JUST like her.
“This is the most wonderful gift we could have received this Christmas. This little girl has never been happier.“
The post, which has since been liked 17,000 times, was quickly flooded with supportive comments from parents praising the doll maker and sharing similar stories.
“Omg that is absolutely amazing! Gorgeous girl and doll! So wonderful she can have a doll that she can see herself in,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Our daughter is three and has a hemangioma on her forehead, so I loved reading this. What a kind, amazing doll maker and present.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments