Young entrepreneurs Esi and Africa Orijin, aged 10 and 8, along with their mother, Melissa, have made history yet again with their company, Orijin Bees.
The family’s Cuddle Bees Collection—a line of plush dolls designed to reflect the skin tones and curly hair textures of Black and Brown children—has been honored on Oprah’s prestigious “Favorite Things” list for 2024.
This marks the second time Orijin Bees has been celebrated on Oprah’s list, following the 2021 recognition of their Baby Bee Doll Collection.
Empowering Young Children Through Diverse Dolls
The Cuddle Bees Collection, central to Orijin Bees’ mission, showcases a variety of skin tones and curly hairstyles, offering children a tangible way to embrace their unique identity.
Melissa and Esi founded Orijin Bees to address the scarcity of diverse representation in the toy market, envisioning a world where children of all backgrounds could feel seen and celebrated in their toys.
Their Cuddle Bees dolls go beyond traditional plush toys, instilling a message of self-love and belonging that resonates deeply with families.
“Our goal is to help children build a positive self-image from a young age,” Melissa shared. “Being chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things again is an honor that underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in toys.”
Impact on the Toy Industry and Beyond
Orijin Bees’ recognition by Oprah Winfrey is more than an accolade—it signifies a meaningful step toward diversifying the toy industry.
With the brand’s continued focus on creating inclusive products, Melissa, Esi, and Africa hope to inspire more change and representation across the board.
