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.
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:
Well handled, queen!
The line consists of Maisha, Mala, Malina, and Mhina, each are priced at $20 and are available for purchase here.