I believe I’m developing something unique and very, very special. I’ve taken a loved memory from my life and I want to pass on that pleasure to someone else, of any age.
The realisation of this has come in the form of confirmation from the many families who have entrusted me to make their dolly. Some using items of clothing, or fabrics from their own beloved family members, while others I use new, quality fabrics from my own stash and create a beautiful gift.
Whether that gift is from grandmother to granddaughter, mother to daughter or son, or a gift for yourself. A doll lovingly crafted from a passed child’s clothing to help ease the pain of loss or simply a beautiful gift to a much-loved child, an Ātaahua doll is special and very unique indeed.
Although I make dolls, I do not view myself as a ‘doll maker‘. I see Ātaahua Dolls as temporary custodians, capturing special moments to be preserved today and passed onto the next generation as precious memories. This is why I work on only one doll at a time and pour all my love into its creation.
Only allowing myself to begin a new doll after the one I’m working on is completely finished allows me to keep moving through my schedule instead of stopping and starting.
A challenge I do have is my desire to deliver excellence. I believe that each doll carries my reputation with it and I write the script for my own reputation.
I can sometimes make several outfits or pairs of shoes before I’m satisfied that it’s excellent enough to go to its forever home. AND practice does make perfect, so I have honed my skills and found the most efficient way to deliver the excellence I’ve come to expect.
No-one else can step in to make an Ātaahua Doll as they are a creation from my heart and through my hands. They are all hand-made (even their shoes) and I’m it for now. Being a start-up, it’s my business to know my business, even the bits I don’t like. I’m the designer, maker, accountant, despatcher, marketer and more.
I pour my love into every doll I make and delight in seeing them adopted and the joy they bring. I get to call all the shots on my business and one day soon I’ll be able to work the hours I chose.
I’m working on expanding my business and developing something completely unique. It is under wraps for now, and I’m very excited, for my next steps will enable me to keep working on my dollies and providing pleasure to others. After all, the memory of that moment when I opened my teddy is mine alone, and only I can capture and replicate that special moment for others.
Thanks for taking the time to read about Ātaahua Dolls. I appreciate you.
I’d love it if you were to visit, LIKE, and perhaps leave me a comment
Head to the Ātaahua Dolls website to find out more and to shop for one of Penny’s beautiful creations. You can also join her communities on Facebook and Instagram.
