the most diverse dolls on the planet

It all started with a doll study, where a beautiful chocolate-skinned little girl said she preferred to play with a white doll because the black doll’s skin was nasty. Then she touched her own skin, to indicate her skin was nasty, too. Dr. Lisa watched with a heavy heart. Determined to shift the beauty ideal, she soon left a successful position as the highest ranking professor in her field to start the World Of EPI (EPI).  

From the beginning, EPI has been dedicated to creating authentic and beautiful dolls. This is why they custom blend skin tones, create authentic facial sculptures, design hairstyles typically worn by little girls and design more representative bodies—everything is done intentionally to show the beauty in multicultural children.

Today, EPI sells multiple collections of dolls including The Fresh Dolls, The Fresh Squad and Positively Perfect. BLK OCEANS connected with Dr. Lisa to learn more about this revolutionary brand. 

What sets EPI apart from other companies within the same category? 

Authenticity. Our dolls are designed to authentically represent the beauty in multicultural girls and boys. If you look at our dolls you immediately see the difference.  They have unique faces.  You’ll notice the beautiful full lips, almond shaped eyes and cute noses.  

The eye colors compliment skin tones and skin tones compliment hair color. Everything is mindfully and intentionally done to represent the beauty in multicultural children. The attention to detail and the authenticity is what sets us apart.

The dolls’ bodies are articulated.  This is done so that during play children can bend and move their dolls as they imagine what they will become. 

 In addition to the skin tones, eyes colors, hair textures and representative bodies – you’ll also notice our fashions are trendy; yet respectable. They are made from real materials (real denim, and cotton).  We don’t simply print denim patterns on material.  Our dolls fashions are made from the same fabrics as actual children’s clothing.  So everything about our dolls is different. 

What have been some of your best selling products to date?

That’s a tough one because everything sells well. But, if I had to rank them the best selling products are our boys — the Fresh Squad.  I think people really appreciate the authenticity in our male doll collection. They have afro hawks, braids and one is even bald. They come with goatees, sideburns and other authentic features. They represent the strength and chivalry in multicultural men. They are new and “fresh” on the doll scene. 

Then they are followed by the Fresh Dolls, Positively Perfect Toddlers and the 18” Positively Perfect Divah Dolls. Our fashion sells very well also! 

Looking forward, what can customers expect to see from EPI in the coming months?

Our Fresh Family can always expect to see us create authentic dolls from our heart. We are driven to create dolls and accessories that show children their power and their brilliance. 

We also want to create accessories so children can be enveloped in sacred spaces. I dream of children being surrounded by positive images where their beauty and brilliance is reflected back to them everywhere they look. I want things such as, bedroom comforters, blankets, shower curtains, towels to be next. 

Follow EPI and The Fresh Dolls collection on Instagram to watch them continue to rise to new heights!