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The Idea Of Barbie - History, Dolls, & Facts

How Ruth Handler Created Barbie Empire

By kanchan chauhanPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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The Idea Of Barbie - History, Dolls, & Facts
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

Ideas have the power to transform the world. They have contributed to the development and advance human civilization throughout the centuries.

Insane "giant ideas" from entrepreneurs or inventors have benefited us in society.

What is the reason that happens when a "pair" of innovative ideas originate from members belonging to similar families?

Over 50 years ago, a couple established the Mattel company. The company has revolutionized the industry of toys.

These toys, designed by Elliot and Ruth Handler, are still present in abundance a half a century.

The Mother of Barbie

Ruth was a businesswoman aspiring to be who was always in search of fresh and innovative ideas.

A few days ago, while watching their daughter Barbara have fun on "paper dolls," the thought came to her.

Ruth created the idea of dolls that were more durable. First, the Barbie doll was created and named after her daughter Barbara.

It was a huge success when it first came out in the year 1959.

A Barbie doll of 1959 sat sideways, with the tiniest smile. But in 1971, the Malibu Barbie offered an entirely new style that continues to be offered today.

The Barbie family came into existence over time. Barbie has many friends, and one of them, "Ken," is named in honor of Ken, who was the Handler and his wife's son Kenneth.

The concept of the Barbie doll transformed the look of the industry of toy dolls.

The Barbie doll is the very first toy to feature a female appearance in contrast to earlier dolls for infants. The unique aspect of the doll encouraged the girls of their earliest years to develop into confident and professional women.

The Barbie doll has opened the doors to nearly 180 professions.

"The birth" of Barbie dolls was on the 9th of March 1959. The full name of the famous "Barbie doll" refers to "Barbara Millicent Roberts." The Barbie dolls portray more than 40 nations from around the world.

"Mattel" is the name of the company "Mattel" gained notoriety in the early 1960s thanks to their Barbie doll.

Barbie reigns supreme over the socioeconomic differences in class.

Toys can be a fantastic activity for kids to enjoy.

They assist children in fostering imagination and enhancing the development of their relationships.

Barbie was a famous toy market for more than half a century. It has spread across the globe across various continents.

Most girls love to have fun with the toy regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The Barbie doll is now available in a range of different variations, to which children can pick to play with.

The basic doll is one doll and clips or combs made from plastic. Modern and costly models of these dolls often come with a wardrobe.

Barbie dolls may help to create a sense of an appropriate or better "dress code" for girls in their early years.

The very early childhood years significantly impact how we determine an individual's attitude and behavior.

These Barbie Dolls could evoke young girls who have a more fashion sense.

This toy helps children learn to care for themselves as they play and enjoy their time.

Ruth Handler was the mastermind behind the development of the Barbie doll, the world's most loved toy ever created. But did you not know that she was disapproved of when she first presented her idea for Barbie? Everyone was skeptical they could ever believe the Barbie doll would succeed. This is a remarkable account of Ruth Handler, the woman behind the famous Barbie doll. She was able to overcome many obstacles to get her ideas recognized and ultimately be able to realize her dream. Even though she wanted to, Ruth could not go to university.

The Struggle for Ruth Handler's Early Years

Then she became a bride and secured work as a secretary. However, after the war, the money fell short, and the newlywed couple struggled to survive before their daughter Barbara became a mother. She was forced to leave her job to be a mother to the family. However, when Ken was a baby, Ken was only six months old, Ruth realized that she needed something else to do other than caring for her children. She needed some purpose. At the time, she was just 30; however, she had big dreams for her future and huge plans for her family. A few days ago, Ruth Handler watched her daughter play with her paper dolls. She noticed that while they played, barbara imagined their lives as grown-ups.

Barbie's Dream

They would sit and have conversations, making them appear like individuals. In the early days, most toys for children were baby dolls. However, she realized a significant difference in the market when she proposed ideas for an adult doll to her husband, Elliot, the co-founder of the metal toy business. He was not a fan of the idea, and the executive committee of the company also rejected the idea. After that, Ruth Handler presented her idea to the director of a large advertising agency. He said the idea was not likely to get off the ground, "You're joking" while she was away during a trip to Europe with family. Ruth Handler saw the german doll in a shop and realized that the doll was exactly what she had been trying to sell to the company's executive committee. She took a few of them to her home and changed the look of the doll she named Barbie after her daughter barbara. My main idea behind Barbie was that the young girl could become anything she wanted to be through the doll.

Ruth's success

Barbie always portrayed the idea that women can make options, and Barbie was a huge success from the beginning. The figure was around 35,000. Barbie dolls sold in the initial year. The estimate is that nearly one billion Barbie dolls were sold in more than 150 countries.

It is not a secret that Barbie is now a cultural symbol and one of the most loved toys ever. Don't be deceived by people who convince you your ideas are naive. If you love something, discover a way to make it.

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About the Creator

kanchan chauhan

Kanchan is an innovative author and also professional photographer. She produces from her ranch in country India and the ranch's rolling areas and wealth of plant and digital photography.

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