Amy Jandrisevits, a former social worker turned artisan, is revolutionizing the world of dolls with her unique approach to inclusivity and representation.
Her craft is not just about creating toys; it’s about creating mirrors for children who seldom see themselves reflected in the playthings available on store shelves.
She crafts dolls that reflect the physical differences of children, ensuring each doll resembles the child who receives it
Jandrisevits began her journey into doll-making out of a profound sense of empathy and a desire to address a significant gap in the market.
This realization inspired her to combine her social work background with her love for crafting, leading to the creation of personalized dolls that reflect the unique physical traits of each child they are made for.
She conceived this idea for these cherished toys after noticing the limited variety and representation of physical appearances in the existing market.
This realization inspired her to combine her social work background with her love for crafting, leading to the creation of personalized dolls that reflect the unique physical traits of each child they are made for.
Her motto is, “If you see something that needs to be changed, take action.” True to this principle, she has dedicated the past four years to crafting personalized items for her clients.
For the past four years, she has poured her heart into crafting these special dolls, aiming to provide a tangible symbol of acceptance and diversity.
Jandrisevits’ creations are meticulously tailored to match the individual characteristics of each person for whom they are made.
Upon receiving a request from a client, she first studies the child for whom she is creating the doll. She takes great care in researching the reference photos and any additional information provided about the child. This meticulous attention to detail includes noting ethnicity, medical conditions, and other distinctive physical features that make each child unique. This preliminary phase is crucial for ensuring that the finished doll closely resembles the child it is intended for.
Once she has gathered all the necessary details, Jandrisevits begins the labor-intensive process of creating the doll.
Each doll is handmade with care and precision that can take up to seven hours.
She works at her round table, surrounded by an array of fabrics, threads, and other crafting materials. The round table symbolizes a space of inclusivity and attention, where every detail is considered to create a doll that is not just a toy but a reflection of the child’s individuality.
Each doll has its own story, some of which are difficult, touching, or deeply moving. Jandrisevits shared with My Modern Met, “I feel privileged to be a part of these stories and honored to have a window into their lives. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
When she starts her work, the real canvas is the children themselves. Over the past four years, she has crafted over 300 unique dolls.
Generally, each doll costs around $100, which includes shipping.
If someone is unable to afford a doll, she ensures that a craft still reaches the child by other means.
She has never viewed this as a business. What truly matters to her are the delighted smiles and tears of joy from children when they receive one of her handmade dolls.
Jandrisevits says that if we want society to embrace and value differences and inclusivity, we should begin with something as simple as this.
