Because you’re never too old to love what makes you happy. 💕
Hello, doll lovers! 💕
I’m a proud doll collector who has a passion for fashion dolls, especially Barbie, Bratz, My Scene, and many other iconic doll brands.
My collection primarily focuses on Black dolls and other dolls of color because representation matters to me. However, I also collect Caucasian dolls that catch my eye. If she’s beautiful, fashionable, nostalgic, or simply speaks to my inner child, there’s a good chance she’s coming home with me!
But my love for doll collecting goes much deeper than pretty faces, fabulous outfits, and miniature accessories.
It’s a hobby that helped me reconnect with a part of myself I thought I had lost.
When My Childhood Collection Was Taken Away
I’ve officially been collecting dolls since I was 18, but my love for them began long before adulthood.
Like many little girls, I grew up surrounded by dolls. I loved dressing them up, creating stories, and letting my imagination run wild.
Unfortunately, that joy was interrupted when I was 12 years old.
My former stepfather decided I was “too old to play with dolls” and threw away my entire collection behind my back.
Yes, you read that correctly.
TWELVE. YEARS. OLD.
Apparently, childhood comes with an expiration date, and nobody bothered to tell me!
What he probably considered a simple decision to get rid of some toys was actually a traumatic experience for me. Those dolls weren’t just pieces of plastic. They represented memories, creativity, comfort, and a part of my childhood that I wasn’t ready to leave behind.
I lost dolls I loved and missed out on collecting so many others I wanted throughout my teenage years.
And the worst part? I never had a say in the matter.
How My Great-Aunt Helped Me Rediscover My Passion
When I turned 18 and left home for college, I finally had the opportunity to rediscover my love for dolls.
And one of my biggest supporters was my great-aunt, Mary Abernathy.
My aunt has been collecting dolls for decades, but her story is different from mine.
Growing up, she always wanted dolls, but her family couldn’t afford them. She never had the opportunity to enjoy something she deeply desired as a little girl.
So, as an adult, she decided to give herself what she couldn’t have during childhood.
And let me tell you, that woman has a HOUSE FULL OF BARBIES!
Not a little shelf. Not a tiny collection.
A HOUSE FULL! 😂💕
And she’s still collecting to this day!
Her passion inspired me to embrace my own love for dolls without feeling ashamed or worrying about whether I was too old.
She reminded me that growing up doesn’t mean giving up the things that make you happy.
In fact, sometimes adulthood gives us the freedom to finally enjoy what we couldn’t have as children.
Fifteen Years Later, I’m Still That Doll-Loving Girl
Fast-forward 15 years, and here I am, still collecting dolls and loving every moment of it!
What started as reconnecting with a childhood passion has become a meaningful part of my adult life.
For the past three years, I’ve also been creating doll-collecting content and sharing my collection with fellow collectors online.
Through Dolls of Abernathy, I’ve found a community of people who understand the excitement of discovering a rare doll, finding a childhood favorite, or finally getting their hands on a doll that’s been sitting on their wishlist for YEARS.
Because let’s be serious, fellow collectors.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding your holy grail doll!
Well, except maybe finding her at a reasonable price. Now THAT is a blessing! 😂
I’ve enjoyed connecting with collectors from different backgrounds, learning about various doll lines, and celebrating a hobby that brings so many people happiness.
Doll Collecting Is More Than Just Playing With Toys
One thing I want people to understand is that adults are allowed to have hobbies that don’t serve anyone else’s expectations.
Not every hobby needs to make money.
Not every interest needs to be considered sophisticated, productive, or age-appropriate by society.
Sometimes, something can simply make you HAPPY.
And that should be enough.
For me, doll collecting is about nostalgia, creativity, representation, self-expression, and healing my inner child.
That 12-year-old girl who had her dolls thrown away didn’t get to decide what happened to her collection.
But the woman I am today gets to decide what brings her joy.
And guess what?
She’s buying the dolls!
As long as my responsibilities are handled and my bills are paid, why should anyone else have a problem with what I choose to collect?
Life is already stressful enough without allowing strangers to dictate what happiness should look like.
My Mission With Dolls of Abernathy
My goal isn’t just to show off pretty dolls, although I absolutely love doing that!
I want to encourage other adults to embrace their interests, reconnect with their inner child, and stop feeling embarrassed about the hobbies they enjoy.
Whether you collect dolls, action figures, plushies, miniature houses, LEGO sets, or anything else that brings you joy, your hobby is valid.
You don’t need society’s permission to enjoy something harmless.
Take responsibility for your own happiness because nobody else gets to define it for you.
And if collecting dolls makes your inner child smile, then baby, make some room on that shelf! 💕
Let’s Connect, Doll Lovers!
Are you a doll collector or toy collector? I’d love to connect with you!
Let’s follow each other, share our collections, talk about our favorite doll brands, and celebrate the wonderful world of collecting.
You can also follow Dolls of Abernathy for doll collecting content, nostalgic finds, and everything fabulous about fashion dolls.
And for more personal stories about my doll collecting journey, lifestyle, opinions, and unapologetic adventures, visit and subscribe to my lifestyle blog, Pink She Wrote, at pinkshewrote.com.
Because around here, we believe in growing older without giving up the things that make us happy.
Now, tell me in the comments: What childhood toy or doll would you buy again if you had the chance? 💕