By Hannah Kelley
Lived experiences often spark innovative ideas, but not everyone is able or willing to develop them further. Fortunately, Ashley Head and his wife, Lindsey, had the vision, motivation, and tenacity necessary to move Curls Poppin’ Dolls beyond a mental concept.
“The idea for a doll of color with curly hair came about in 2009 when I lived in the Dominican Republic while teaching abroad,” Head said. “I told a friend the world needs a doll of color with beautiful curly hair because every doll in the stores was white with blond hair or really dark with hair made of yarn or some other unfavorable material.”
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Head earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. Before entering the dollmaking realm, he and Lindsey founded Curls Poppin’, Inc., which offers hair-care products for individuals with textured hair. They became the first such company to branch out into the doll industry.
Head said, “Curls Poppin’ Dolls were designed in 2019 with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a wide range of curl patterns, skin tones, and styles. Each doll was crafted not just to be beautiful, but to stand tall — literally and figuratively — as a symbol of confidence and pride. The dolls even became officially licensed products for institutions like Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., making them the first and only HBCU dolls of their kind.” He added, “By bringing these dolls to collegiate institutions, we aimed to reach underrepresented students and offer them a novelty gift that resonated with their identity and culture.”
As is often the case in well-established industries, new brands generally face an uphill battle to gain recognition. Head said, “Curls Poppin’ Dolls had to carve out space in a saturated market while staying true to its mission of representation and authenticity. Gaining shelf space in the top HBCUs, online visibility, and trust from retailers and consumers required persistence and strategic storytelling.” The founders’ unwavering commitment paid off, as they’ve built a solid foundation of support from those who believe in the positive impact of their work.
“At its core, the mission of Curls Poppin’ Dolls is to empower children (especially girls of color with natural hair) to embrace their unique beauty and express themselves creatively,” Head said. “The dolls are designed with a wide range of hair textures, skin tones, and styles to reflect the diversity of real people. This mission is not just about aesthetics — it’s about helping children see themselves in the toys they play with and feel proud of who they are.”
Word of these dolls spread at an exponential rate. “It all started with a fast start on TikTok, where the dolls quickly captured attention for their beauty, authenticity, and message of representation,” Head said. “That early momentum helped the brand take off in 2023, gaining traction across communities that had long been underrepresented in the toy industry.”
Head shared, “One of the most unforgettable moments for us happened at the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. National Convention in Indianapolis. On one of the days, people were already lined up at our booth by 6:50 a.m. — eager to buy dolls and hair products. We ended up selling nonstop until 11 p.m., without even taking a restroom break! It was exhausting but incredibly energizing to see that level of excitement and support for what we’ve created.”
The couple is proud to own the first doll company headquartered in San Diego, California, where they live with their four sons, a flock of hens, an exotic rabbit, a bearded dragon, and two barn cats. Head noted that Curls Poppin’ Dolls is also “the first doll company founded by a Black man, bringing a fresh and much-needed perspective to the toy industry.”
Today, Head works as the company’s CEO, while Lindsey carries out the roles of chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Head said, “I continue to lead the business and product development side, working closely with manufacturers to bring the dolls to life. Meanwhile, Lindsey leads the creative direction — designing packaging, marketing materials, pitch decks, and media kits. This partnership ensures that every aspect of the brand — from the product to the presentation — reflects its mission and values.”
The husband-wife duo is working hard to grow the business so they can bring on employees, which would allow them to focus more on creative and strategic aspects. And they are already well on their way to reaching this goal. “From social media buzz to national recognition, Curls Poppin’ Dolls has evolved into more than just a toy — it’s a movement rooted in pride, identity, and joy,” Head said.
There are currently five dolls. Each new product takes about six months before it’s ready to be made available to consumers. With the high level of care taken throughout the process and increasing demand, it’s no wonder the company has become an industry standout. Head said, “In 2025, Curls Poppin’ Dolls was featured at the International Toy Fair in New York City, a major milestone that showcased the brand to a global audience of retailers and industry professionals.” The brand is launching on walmart.com this summer, a Curls Poppin’ Advent Calendar with fun surprises is being introduced for the 2025 holiday season, and new design reveals are planned for the 2026 Toy Fair.
Looking back on how far they’ve come is humbling, and Head has advice for those who are on the fence about pursuing similar ventures: “Find a manufacturer who believes in your idea, surround yourself with people who support your mission, and take it one step at a time. There will be challenges, but the joy of seeing your idea come to life — and the impact it can have — is worth every bit of effort. And remember: Your idea exists for a reason. If it fills a gap or speaks to a need, there’s a place for it in the world.”
