M'Simbi Dolls from Zambia

I adore African dolls! However, these dolls are not available locally. African American (AA) Barbie dolls were actually the first ones that I purchased when I started to learn how to do online shopping. It’s only now that black dolls were made available in local toy shops, but still limited.

I’d usually search for dolls from our local eBay, but sellers are scarce lately compared to about 6 years ago. So one evening, it was July 26th, I have thought of searching for a toy/doll shop through Facebook and one of the results presented to me has a very cute icon of a black little girl with an afro hair. It was too cute not to check out, so I did. I was directed to the M’ Simbi Dolls page. I browsed and found the dolls so pretty. The next thing I knew, without second thoughts, is that I was already typing a message in FB, inquiring if they are shipping to the Philippines.

I received a reply right away and confirmed that they can ship to my place. The very next day, July 27th, I already placed my order through Etsy. It was my first time to encounter the Etsy site, but ordering was a breeze. I am also glad that Paypal is the form of payment being accepted, so security was better.

In order to somehow save on shipping costs, I ordered 2 dolls: Mapalo and Luyando. However, it’s my first time to have items shipped from Africa, which somehow made me a bit apprehensive as there might be issues when they already reach our local postal office. But still, I waited, crossed my fingers that everything would be okay.

Photo was taken from their website.

Photo was taken from their website.

            

Then in August 14, I received a text message from our local post office asking where exactly was the shipping address located. At that same day, Mapalo and Luyando arrived! In 28 days, the girls arrived from Zambia to Manila and they were delivered right to our doorstep. (Unlike before where I had to travel to the post office and worry on how much tax I'd have to pay for me to claim my items.) 

The girls are gorgeous and I love the authenticity of their features. They are all made of vinyl and can stand on their own. The quality, especially the hair is superb! And they smell nice too. Although for Mapalo, I had to buy her a headband or else her face would be covered by her curls.

I also appreciate the story behind the conception of these dolls, which you may read in their website: https://www.msimbidolls.com/.

Whenever we can, the girls go with us during our local travels and we always get compliments on how nice the dolls are. On the other hand, racism is still a reality (sadly) and we sometimes get weird stares and questions on why we have black dolls. So far the worst question I received is if whether I am using the dolls for witchcraft. 

For me, they are one of the best dolls I have in my collection and I am so excited to know that I am the first one to own M'Simbi dolls in my country.

As for the ordering process, I appreciate the warm, personal approach of the staff. It's my first time to encounter an online shop as active as M'Simbi's, who'd literally reply from queries after few minutes no matter what time I send my message, especially when I was making follow-ups with the shipping status. This is also the reason why I grew confidence that my dolls would really be delivered. (You see, I've had several instances of my online-ordered items do not arrive at all.) 

I plan to purchase the rest of the batch, and I believe there are more to be released. I am just monitoring my budget. The dolls are affordable, but it's the shipping cost that's been keeping me to get all of them. Although shipping is something that I nor the seller has control over. 

So I guess I've said quite a lot already, so here now are Mapalo and Luyando. The following pictures were taken at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila: