Caroline Hlahla and Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu Created Sibahle Dolls with Real Afro Kinky Hair!

Caroline Hlahla and Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu created the Sibahle dolls with dark skin and afro kinky hair. Now children of African Caribbean origins have dolls that they can relate to. Most people might not appreciate just how significant this is, but if you have a daughter who plays with light-skinned dolls, watches Barbie and other cartoons and then concludes that she’d rather have white skin and straight silky hair, then you probably appreciate how exciting this is.

 

 

 

How it all started

Caroline Hlahla is a tax consultant from Zimbabwe, but she grew up in Kenya. Currently living in the UK, she teamed up with Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu, who is from and still lives in South Africa. They developed the Sibahle collectio when they discovered that there weren’t that many dolls with African and Caribbean features in the market.

The push came when Khulile’s 3 year old daughter decided that she wanted blond and flowing hair. They decided to tackle the real lack of dark skinned dolls in stores. According to the duo, “We decided to do this, is because we want our children to know they are beautiful the way they are.  We hope the doll’s hair will teach our children how to take care of their own natural hair from a young age and to love the skin that their in.”

 

 

The Journey to Sibahle Dolls

Getting the African dolls produced was not an easy task. They faced so many bumps along the way, especially when they could not get manufacturers to produce their dolls because they were told that black dolls were too ugly and would not get sold. As shocking as this was to hear, they pressed on. Since then, they have sold out twice and are now working on expanding their brand.

 

 

What we find really amazing is the way they are using their products to provide jobs and livelihoods for women on the continent. They have partnered with two local clothing designers based in South Africa, one of them is a stay at home mother who sews from her dining room. These women now have a regular income, thanks to Sibahle and the goal is to provide similar opportunities for other women.

 

 

The Sibahle collection

The Sibahle dolls are really cute and cuddly. The princess theme is used because the producers believe that our children need to realize that no matter what shade of black they are, they are perfect African princesses.

You can get this dolls on Amazon UK and on their website. Each doll retails for £38.