Carla Kemp, a grandmother and early childhood educator, co-founded LikeMe Doll Collection to address the lack of representation of Black dolls with authentic natural hairstyles.
Inspired by her five grandchildren and her own passion for fostering self-esteem in youth, Kemp, along with her three daughters, Candice, Merin, and Micarie created the company to celebrate Black beauty and individuality.
The first doll, Tori, is a powerful representation of confidence, creativity, and courage, showcasing a young girl with natural locs, melanin-rich skin, and a bold sense of style.
Facing financial challenges, the LikeMe team turned to the community for support, launching an Indiegogo campaign titled "Inspire Confidence, Representation and Empowerment" to fund the production of their first doll.
The Kemp family plans to donate dolls to schools and is in the process of creating an after-school program, the LikeMe Girls Club.
Carla shares information on upcoming products, including a boy doll named Co Wes, and dolls featuring HBCU gear.
The company's product line features affirmation journals, T-shirts, and accessories—all designed to nurture self-love and cultural pride in young children.
Through LikeMe Dolls, the Kemp family hopes to inspire children everywhere to embrace their uniqueness, honor diversity, and grow up with the confidence to change the world.
Click the audio to hear Kemp's interview.