Breaking the mould

CHALLENGING BEAUTY STANDARDS, BREAKING BARRIERS AND FOSTERING SELF-ACCEPTANCE

- GEETHANJALI

Step into a world of inclusivity and empowerment with Wild Little Society (WLS), a groundbreaking initiative founded by Sunaina Somu Divakar. Through their inclusive range of dolls, WLS aims to create a safe and accepting society where every child feels seen, valued, and embraced for their uniqueness. Join WLS in their inspiring journey to promote equality and acceptance, and be a part of a positive change for the next generation.

1. How did the idea of creating dolls that represent diverse skin tones come about?

When my son was born, I found myself eagerly exploring online stores to discover the variety of toys available in the market. It was the year 2020, a time when the world was grappling with the global pandemic and witnessing the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. I came across a remarkable handmade doll brand created by a black family, which had gained Beyoncé's support. This encounter sparked a thought within me why did a country as diverse as India still have its toy shelves predominantly stocked with white dolls (95%), while brown dolls constituted only 5%? Whom were we truly catering to? Motivated by the desire to bridge this disparity, I embarked on a new venture called Wild Little Society.

2. Can you share the inspiration behind the names Anya, Zaza, Maya, and Luna? Do they hold any special significance or meaning?

The names Anya, Zaza, Maya, and Luna were chosen with the intention of being short and sweet, allowing for easy pronunciation. In selecting these names, I specifically aimed to avoid any religious associations. Therefore, after careful consideration, I settled on these four names.

3. What has been the response from customers regarding the cultural representation in the dolls?