Camden is one of the most diverse places in Britain, indeed, one of the most diverse places in the world. People from different, backgrounds and cultures call Camden home. However, for many, representation is still an issue that Alisha Lestrade, a Camden native, looked to address through Thimble & Doll, a home business producing made-to-order dolls in 11 different skin tones. “Representation (in dolls) for different skin tones was severely lacking when I started,” Alisha told us, “When I was growing up you’d struggle to find black dolls, and definitely not any skin tones between white and black. I’ve always been a maker, so when I wanted to find a doll for my nieces I thought, let me give it a go, it just kind of happened by accident.”
Over time, interest in Thimble & Doll grew and she found a space in Camden market, which acted as both a workshop and shop. She began expanding the concept, organising sewing classes for children and pop-up market stalls. “I had a really nice moment where three little friends came to the stall, and each was able to pick out a different doll that looked like them, which was really great”. In many ways, the importance of this kind of representation is just as important for the parents as the children. “The parents love it, actually often my main customers are aunties looking for dolls for their nieces just like I was, a lot of the time it’s parents that are just happy to find something that represents their children, particularly with mixed families.”
“Because I grew up in Camden, and Camden is so diverse, I wanted my business to represent that as well ,it’s got Camden running through and through.”
Alisha Lestrade, founder of Thimble and Doll
Following the birth of her first child, Alisha has moved her business back home, where she’s still able to impact the community without being on the high street. Her home studio is littered with dolls of all sizes and all colours. “Because I grew up in Camden, and Camden is so diverse, I wanted my business to represent that as well, it’s got Camden running through and through”.
