When we become parents, we all want to keep our children safe, loved, and happy. And even when we send our children off to nursery or school, we are entrusting those institutions to nurture, protect, and allow our offspring to flourish. So, what would you do if you discovered that your child was being targeted because of how they looked?
That was the heartbreaking position Stephanie Mensah found herself in, when she found out her son was being bullied because of the colour of his skin. As painful as this was, it also proved to be the starting point for Bibinee Dolls, Stephanie's company that aims to make early years education more inclusive, celebrate diversity, and allow us all to embrace and celebrate the things that make us unique.
We spoke to Stephanie, who shared the highs and the lows of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and her hopes for the future.
Background
Discussing her background with Mother&Baby, Stephanie explained how hard work was instilled in her from an early age. Stephanie says, "I grew up in a family where entrepreneurship was an integral part of life. My mother ran several successful businesses, and as a child, I would often follow her around while she sold items to friends and family. I learned so much from her – not just about running a business but also about the joy of helping others and creating something meaningful.
"My professional background is in IT and procurement project management, where I worked on global accounts for over 15 years. Although I spent much of my career in corporate settings, I’ve always felt a deep desire to make a difference. This drive led me to create ventures where I could help others. Of all the businesses I’ve worked on, Bibinee Dolls is by far the most personal to me. It’s not just a business; it’s a movement and a cry for change."
It’s not just a business; it’s a movement and a cry for change.
Stephanie Mensah
Lighting the touchpaper: the inspiration for Bibinee Dolls
While Stephanie was a successful professional and well used to helping others, the inspiration for Bibinee Dolls was deeply personal. After discovering her son was being bullied at nursery, she felt compelled to do something to help him, and others.
"The inspiration behind Bibinee Dolls stems from my son’s painful experience with bullying. At just three years old, he was targeted at a nursery for the colour of his skin. As a mother, that was heartbreaking. No child should feel ashamed of who they are.
"My son’s journey was the catalyst for the brand, and I wanted to provide him, and others like him, with positive representation and affirmations that would help them build confidence. Bibinee Dolls is deeply rooted in the mission of ensuring every child, no matter their background, can see themselves represented positively."
Every parent wants to protect their child, whether that's from physical or psychological pain. And while nobody can control everything, for Stephanie, seeing this happen to her son at nursery hit particularly hard.
"Seeing my son come home upset and questioning his worth because of something he couldn’t control was devastating. As a mother, you feel a strong urge to protect your child, but in this case, I couldn’t control the outside world.
While Stephanie couldn't control everything, she did what she could to help her son deal with what was happening to him. She explains:
"We talked often, reassuring him that he was loved and special just as he was. To reinforce these positive affirmations, we created the Kojo doll. Kojo became a symbol of the affirmations we told him, and we dressed him in a Kente Print Top to reflect his cultural heritage.
"This was our way of giving him a tangible connection to his roots and fostering pride in his identity. This experience deeply influenced the direction of Bibinee Dolls, ensuring that every product we create celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity, helping all children build self-love."
The importance of an inclusive early years education
Early years education is a critical stage of childhood development, where they start to make sense of the world around them, and themselves. And for Stephanie, this is exactly why representation matters so much during early childhood.
She told us, "It’s crucial that children are exposed to inclusive learning materials from a young age. Between the ages of 0-5, children are forming key understandings about themselves and the world around them.
"This is when they begin to develop their sense of identity and empathy. If they are not surrounded by diverse toys, books, and materials that reflect the wide range of cultures, races, and family structures, they miss out on the opportunity to build a positive self-image or understand the value of others’ differences."
But, as Stephanie was keen to emphasise, this isn't just about self-image. It's also about helping to foster empathy, kindness and other valuable life skills.
"Inclusive early years education helps children learn empathy and fosters a healthy understanding of diversity, which is so vital in our increasingly multicultural society.
"When children are exposed to toys and books that celebrate different races, cultures, and abilities, they begin to form positive ideas about people who may not look like them. This not only enhances their own sense of self-worth but also encourages a more inclusive outlook, which helps break down prejudices and biases before they even have the chance to take root.
"The lack of diversity in early years education, however, only serves to reinforce division, leaving children without the opportunity to learn from an inclusive environment. As businesses, retailers, nurseries, and schools, we must embrace diversity in early childhood products and learning materials to bridge this gap and foster empathy, respect, and love for all cultures."
The challenges facing entrepreneurs
Knowing that much more could be done to promote inclusivity and diversity in early years education, Stephanie has set out to build the profile of Bibinee Dolls, and make it more accessible to children and families across the country. But Stephanie revealed that there are still enormous barriers to achieving this goal.
"One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of diversity in the mainstream toy market. Although consumers are calling for more diversity, large retailers are often reluctant to embrace change. We've faced numerous obstacles trying to get our products into these stores. Many retailers have told us that our products are not what their audience is looking for, or they've made racially biased remarks – some subtly, others openly.
"This highlights the gap in understanding the importance of inclusive products. When retailers shy away from diversity, they are not only missing out on a growing demand but also reinforcing the idea that products aimed at ethnic minorities are niche. This needs to change."
Parenthood and running a business
While Stephanie strives to build her business and improve representation in early years education, she still has the responsibility of being a mum to her two young children. That balancing act brings its own set of challenges.
"Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever faced. My children, aged 5 and 3, are my world, and I want them to be part of this journey. I take them to events, let them choose their favourite dolls, and explain to them what the business is all about.
"But there are times when I feel guilty for not being able to spend enough time with them, especially during busy periods. I remind myself that the work I’m doing now is building something meaningful for their future."
Although balancing motherhood and running a business isn't always easy, Stephanie appreciates that wearing both these hats brings its own benefits, explaining how being a parent has helped influence how she runs her business.
"As a mother, I’ve learned the value of patience, empathy, and resilience, and I bring these qualities into my leadership style. I understand the importance of listening, supporting, and being flexible – all key elements in nurturing both a child and a business. I also want to ensure that my leadership not only benefits the business but has a positive impact on the people we work with, whether they’re customers, suppliers, or collaborators."
Crucially for Stephanie, motherhood is a key driving force behind Bibinee Dolls. She told us that "my experiences as a mother have given me a greater sense of purpose; I’m building something that I hope will leave a lasting legacy for my children, as well as for all children who need better representation."
Advice for others
While Stephanie acknowledges that running a business and being a mum is not without its challenges, she still wants to encourage others to dream big. What advice does she have for parents who are considering starting their own business?
"My advice would be to believe in your idea and take the leap, even if it feels daunting. It’s okay to start small and take it step by step." Stephanie tells us. "Focus on what you're passionate about and how you can make it work with your family life. Seek support wherever you can, whether it's through family, friends, or professional networks.
"Surround yourself with a community that believes in you and your vision. There will be tough days, but it’s important to remember that your business is not just for you; it’s a part of something bigger."
Stephanie also emphasises the importance of self-care for parents, telling Mother&Baby that "You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make time for self-care and family when you can."
The future
Having founded Bibinee Dolls in February 2023, Stephanie still has plenty of ambitious goals to aim for, both for her business, and as a parent.
"As a mother, my goal is to continue finding a balance between family and business. I want my children to grow up understanding the importance of resilience, inclusivity, and following their dreams. I also want to ensure we’re taking time for fun and relaxation together, creating positive memories as we build something meaningful for their future."
And for her business?
"Looking ahead, my goal for Bibinee Dolls is to continue expanding our reach, both in terms of products and global impact. I want to see our dolls and educational resources in the hands of children around the world, promoting inclusion and representation. I’m also focused on building a stronger online presence and collaborating with like-minded brands to amplify our message.
"Through Bibinee Dolls, we are not just creating toys; we are fostering an environment where children of all backgrounds can learn to love and respect one another. The need for inclusive learning materials in early years education has never been greater, and it’s crucial that retailers, schools, and nurseries embrace this diversity.
"Representation isn’t just for one community—it’s for all families. By embracing diversity in early years products, we have the power to help children build empathy, break down biases, and cultivate a more inclusive world for future generations."
In a world that sometimes seems increasingly intolerant of anyone or anything that is different, the vision behind Bibinee Dolls – of kindness, love and respect for one another – has arguably never been more necessary.
Steven Shaw is Hub Editor for Mother&Baby, and joined the team in 2024. While he has previously written primarily about technology, Steven has two young children, and is well aware of the many challenges of being a parent.
When Steven isn't writing, he loves reading, and exercise, although not usually at the same time. He spends most of his spare time keeping his children entertained.