I picked up my first American Girl doll Nanea shortly after my daughter got Luciana in January 2018. I had always wanted one as a child, and after joining the American Girl Doll Obsessed group on Facebook I found out that adult doll collectors and AGIG existed. In the first couple weeks after Nanea arrived I discovered the world of doll customization. I fell in love with the idea of unique hand-painted and rewigged dolls, but when I found out that I would have to decapitate my beloved doll to send her head off to be customized, I totally chickened out.

I thought that there had to be some other way to customize her. I searched and searched but found no simple solutions. I thought about painting her myself because I've always been a DIYer, but let's be real - I've never been much of a painter. However, I am a pretty skilled paper cutting crafter, and I just received a Cricut Explore Air 2 as a gift in December so I set out to cut the perfect eyeliner shape. Nearly 3 hours and a living room floor full of tiny paper scraps later the prototype for the Original eyeliner shape (originally called Shape 1) was born.

I posted photos in several AG Facebook groups for constructive criticism and opinions and after some minor improvements the Original eyeliner shape was perfected. I continued to post photos of my and my daughter's dolls with their eyeliner decals and sent some samples to friends. Then other people started asking if I would consider selling them, so I created my first sale post in the Obsessed group. Within the first 24 hours I received hundreds of orders, and within the first week the Everyday shape was created for those who preferred something more subtle.

For the next couple months I continued to sell my products à la carte. Between "real" work and being a mom of 2 young children, it was killing me to have to individually invoice customers and stay up all night to fill orders. I started talking to the owner of Elite Doll World on Instagram and sent her some samples, and she encouraged me to start selling my products in sets for my sanity. I came up with my initial sets and designed my packaging that night. Then the same week they were released American Girl Ideas posted her video demonstration and review of my products, and my business blew up again.

I knew I had to find a solution for the sake of my family and health so I started selling my products via this website. I've designed and released many new things every month since then. The possibilities are truly endless, and I can't wait to see what else I can create. I am so thankful for all of the friendships I've made through the doll community and for all of the things that I have learned in business and in life since I began my adventure.