“We are Instilling Positivity in Black Children through Toys” – Taofick Okoya says on African Startups | Watch on BN TV

On the latest episode of African Startup TV, the show showcases Queens of Africa Dolls and its founder, Taofick Okoya.

Far back in 2006 Taofick wanted to get his niece a gift for her birthday and because he wanted something special he thought that getting her a doll with African look will be unique. But after scouting the supermarkets without sighting any black doll, there were only white toys on display on the shelf; he left the stores thinking that producing an African looking doll will make sense.

But just like every idea that flies into your head then get stock there, Taofick did nothing about the idea until one day her daughter asked him the big question, ”what color are you”? And before he could finish explaining what color they were she added “I wish I was white”

At that point he knew there was an identity crises going on with most children of African descent since they only get to see white children in their cartoon animations and are used to white baby dolls.

So the Founder of Queens of Africa Dolls, Taofick Okoya started the long walk of not only creating black dolls but educating, inspiring and instilling positivity in black children plus re-orientation and self-discovery across board.

Speaking on the show, Taofick talked about the resistance he got in the early days, the challenges, the marketing strategies and the big break into international media and of course some future projects in the loop.

Watch below.