Joeydolls Named High Five Grant Finalist: A Win for Representation!

Representation isn’t just what we talk about at Joeydolls - it’s what we create every single day through our Asian American dolls. And today, we’re thrilled (and honestly a little teary-eyed) to share that Joeydolls has been named a High Five Grant Finalist! 🎉

This recognition means more than just a business milestone. It’s a moment that celebrates you - our community of parents, educators, and caregivers who believe in raising inclusive, proud, and kind kids.

Being a finalist for this grant reminds us why we started: to make sure every child can look at their toys and say, “That looks like me.”

Joeydolls began with one mom’s mission. Our founder, Samantha, couldn’t find dolls that looked like her daughter - so she created them.

Each of our Asian American dolls is 18 inches tall, super soft, and made for endless hugs. With embroidered facial details and cultural outfits that reflect real Asian heritages, these dolls are more than toys. They’re mirrors of identity and bridges of understanding.

Parents love that Joeydolls are safe for all ages and come with a QR code that lets families learn more about each doll’s culture, from language to traditions.

They’re soft, safe, and beautifully made, but most of all, they help kids feel seen.

Winning the High Five Grant isn’t just about funding. It’s about keeping representation alive.

Like many small businesses, this year has brought challenges - from rising production costs to manufacturing delays and tariffs that make it harder for purpose-driven brands to stay afloat.

But this recognition gives us hope. Hope that our community believes in what we’re building together: a more inclusive world for our kids.

With this grant, we’ll be able to:

• Develop new dolls that celebrate even more Asian-American cultures

• Expand our educational storytelling resources

• Keep prices accessible for families

• Partner with educators to bring representation into classrooms

Your vote isn’t just for Joeydolls. It’s a vote for representation in toys, for every little one who deserves to feel proud of where they come from.

This moment is a reminder of how community and purpose come together.

Being recognized by High Five for Moms means more than an award - it’s an acknowledgment of the heart behind what we do.

At Joeydolls, we’re proud to be a social enterprise that celebrates diversity and empowers the next generation through play. Our mission has always been to ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and proud of who they are - because representation in toys isn’t just about playtime, it’s about belonging.

Thank you for continuing to support our journey to bring more stories, more smiles, and more cultural pride into homes around the world.

Representation in toys isn’t just about what’s on a shelf. It’s about what’s in a child’s heart.

When kids see themselves reflected in play, their confidence grows. They feel proud. They ask questions. They learn empathy.

And for kids from other backgrounds, it’s an invitation to learn, appreciate, and celebrate diversity early on.

We’ve heard from countless parents who tell us their kids now know words like hanbok or sari or filipiniana - all because of Joeydolls. That’s the power of play infused with purpose.

We’re building more than a toy brand - we’re building a movement of parents and educators who care deeply about inclusion.

When you join our Joeydolls VIP list, you’ll:

• Get first access to new doll releases and cultural lessons

• Receive behind-the-scenes updates on how your votes and support make a difference

• Be part of a heartfelt community that celebrates representation in everyday life

Join our VIP list below and help us keep representation thriving for every child.