A Co Donegal businessman says that there is international demand from parents for dolls that are more suitable for little girls than what is on the market.
Donegal man Ian Harkin already has a successful company, Arklu, which has sold thousands of dolls including his famous Kate Middleton royal doll. Now Mr Harkin has launched Lottie, a “responsible” doll, and plans to create 10 jobs in the process.
The businessman, who is originally from Ballybofey, has already won three international awards for the doll.
“We did a lot of research amongst parents who were worried that their daughters were growing old too quickly and that many dolls appeared adult.
“The doll, which is aimed at three- to nine-year-olds, is based on the body of a nine-year-old using scientific data.
“And we have given her pets such as a dog called Biscuits and a horse called Black Beauty and we are concentrating on her getting outside into the outdoors and having a healthy lifestyle.
“We have her enjoying the things a nine-year-old should be doing and not being a pop star, going shopping or going nightclubbing,” he said.
The doll is already selling across Ireland and Mr Harkin is planning to launch her across the US next month.“Lottie has really taken off but as the market grows we will need people to fill those positions,” he said.