for kids on a mission to change the world

Worldgirls was born in 1989 in Brooklyn, NY by Laken King and Carlissa King. Enough is enough, was their reaction after seeing the lack of diversity in fashion magazines. They knew this wasn’t an accurate reflection of the world. In their world, diversity was celebrated and enhanced their daily lives. 

I caught up with the Kings to learn more about this beautiful brand changing the definition of beauty for our children through their line of empowering dolls. 

How are your dolls different?

“Our dolls are for girls (or anyone--all are welcomed on team Worldgirls!) on a mission to change the world. What sets us apart are the traits, team, and story. Our dolls represent girls around the world who are chosen to attend the top-secret school, Worldgirls Hall. Each Worldgirl is assigned 1 of 5 traits: WARRIOR, HEALER, EXPLORER, REBEL, and SCHOLAR. We created the traits so that children could connect with the dolls' unique passions rather than their looks.  Our girls are a team--together, they can do anything. Ultimately, we hope to showcase as many dynamic stories as possible.”

Where do you draw your greatest inspiration from when designing your dolls?

“Designing our dolls is so much fun, because it encompasses almost all of our loves: education, fashion, storytelling, art, and children (Have to figure out how to get food in there!).  Our greatest inspiration comes from taking something ordinary and putting a twist on it; we call it "unwackifying," and it's all in the details. Our goal is to set trends and break barriers in the toy sphere and beyond, so design is agonizingly critical.” 

What are some of your customers’ favorite dolls? 

“Currently we sell three dolls: Zari (Scholar), Pemberly (Explorer), and Maud (Rebel). The honor of best selling doll would go to Pemberly, closely followed by Zari, but they are all bestsellers in our eyes!”

What’s on the horizon for Worldgirls? 

“We're working hard on our next two dolls, which will hopefully debut in 2021, as well as designing more accessories and outfits.” 

7 Quick Fire Questions: 

Favorite song for inspiration: 

Carlissa: Too hard! Right now, Brandy's new album, B7, Beyonce's, Black is King, and Lucky Daye's, Painted are getting me through the work days

Laken: Any 90s R&B will always inspire me

Favorite Black-owned brand (besides your own): Honey Pot; Last Dragon Pizza (shout-out to the amazing founder, Nicole Russell!) and Perfec-Tone, their acne products saved my (Carlissa) skin. Miraculous!

Favorite superhero: Not superhero people, but Black Panther, hands down. Will also throw in in a real-life G.O.A.T, Serena Williams!

One place on your travel bucket list: 

Carlissa: Australia  

Laken: Ghana

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset, 100%--mornings are a no-go

One thing you still have from your childhood: Our favorite teddy bears, Dia and Janaya

Last book you read: 

Carlissa: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Laken: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Follow Worldgirls on Instagram for more.