Mala Bryan, a South-African based model, is the creator behind
Malaville Dolls. The Afro-Caribbean inspired doll line is dedicated to
young girls who struggle with finding dolls that reflect their physical
features and backgrounds. The collection features girls of
various complexions, multiple brown-skin tones, and most importantly
different textures of curly hair. There are four main dolls, and each is
given a unique backstory, which makes the doll even more relatable.
It's our #MaishaDoll 's week! Here we have a #Repost from @zanalee #dollcollectors #dollphotography #blackdolls #blackdollsmatter #blackgirlmagic #afrohair #curlyhair #fashiondoll #dollsofinstagram #dollstagram
While strides in representation have been made, some are still not accepting of the wide array of skin tones the dolls represent. Recently, Bryan was told by a Youtube commentator that the darkest doll, Maisha, appeared to be ‘a bit too dark.” The random critic mentioned that the doll was probably Bryan’s least selling item and even boldly suggested she eliminate it.
The customer wrote, “I think that one doll [Maisha doll] is a bit too dark. That’s like the Sudanese doll. I think its safe to say that’s the least best-selling… Keep the other three and create accessories etc. 🙂 Keep doing what you do sistah.”
In response, Mala Bryan kept it cute by simply sharing the comment on
the @malavilledolls
Instagram page, the other customer’s clap back response, and of course a few words of her own:
So this comment was made about my #MaishaDoll. I was thinking about just ignoring it but I’m sharing just so that people realize that our super dark people must still be facing a huge problem. This is just sad. Although I got a compliment at the end, the person had the nerve to talk about her being the least selling when she actually my second best selling. Ugh!
While strides in representation have been made, some are still not accepting of the wide array of skin tones the dolls represent. Recently, Bryan was told by a Youtube commentator that the darkest doll, Maisha, appeared to be ‘a bit too dark.” The random critic mentioned that the doll was probably Bryan’s least selling item and even boldly suggested she eliminate it.
The customer wrote, “I think that one doll [Maisha doll] is a bit too dark. That’s like the Sudanese doll. I think its safe to say that’s the least best-selling… Keep the other three and create accessories etc. 🙂 Keep doing what you do sistah.”
Instagram page, the other customer’s clap back response, and of course a few words of her own:
So this comment was made about my #MaishaDoll. I was thinking about just ignoring it but I’m sharing just so that people realize that our super dark people must still be facing a huge problem. This is just sad. Although I got a compliment at the end, the person had the nerve to talk about her being the least selling when she actually my second best selling. Ugh!
Sending lots of love to the beautiful dark skinned people out there, especially to those that share the same complexion as our #MaishaDoll just know that you black is beautiful, this comment really touched me today and I just needed to share it on here as well. Hopefully it will help us spread some extra love around. x MB #Repost @malabryan with @repostapp ・・・ So this comment was made about my #MaishaDoll. I was thinking about just ignoring it but I'm sharing just so that people realize that our super dark people must still be facing a huge problem. This is just sad. Although I got a compliment at the end, the person had the nerve to talk about her being the least selling when she actually my second best selling. Ugh!
Well handled, queen!
The line consists of Maisha, Mala, Malina, and Mhina, each are priced at $20 and are available for purchase here.
