Our society is a beautiful mix of different ethnicities, cultures, and personalities. Unfortunately, when a consumer ventures into toy stores or searches online, there aren’t many positive, educational, and diverse options available. Melanites is revolutionizing what it means to have toys and products for boys. We are challenging social norms about gender and diversity.

Melanites is introducing the first line of boy dolls of color. Our Action Pals combine the emotional appeal of a doll and the articulation of an action figure. Representation is the cornerstone of our foundation so each pal is designed with diverse skin tones, facial features, and hairs types.

• 16 inches tall 
• 11 points of articulation
• Full vinyl body
• Real wig hair
• For boys & girls ages 4+

Melanites Action Pals are based on four characters who are nine year old boys with different personalities. They represent the “Thinker, Doer, Maker, and Performer” in all of us. Our accompanying storybooks and games follow the crew as they go on different adventures that highlight S.T.E.M. and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Our philosophy of AND is reflected in their multi-faceted interests. Instead of crafting the characters to be within specific professions, I created four building blocks. They are meant to highlight the Thinker, Doer, Maker and Performer in every child. Who knows who the next entrepreneur, engineer, or artist will be!

The first four Melanites boys are Jaylen, Aiden, Marcus, and Sid! 

Now we need your help!  In order to make Melanites a reality, we have to meet our manufacturers minimum order quantity of 1,000 units. 

This is where YOU come in. Every pledge will go towards the production cost of making one of the first boy dolls of color! As we grow, we plan to include accompanying storybooks and games that represent the possibilities for every child’s future.

Our team of passionate advisors and experts make the great combination to make this a reality. As the founder, I have been a volunteer and mentor for over 7 years since high school. My combined passion and business degrees from the University of Miami (BBA 15’) and Babson College (MS ‘16) make me the driving visionary force. 

Impact

We are more than just a toy company. By backing this project, you’re helping create a world in which young boys can not only see their identity around them, but watch it be celebrated. 

Melanites means Melanin filled, it’s a reminder that the diversity of our society is a name and a face. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think by emailing us at Jennifer@BrownBoyhood.com

Risks and challenges

We are aware that there may be unforeseen production challenges with any manufacturing project. With this in mind, we have built relationships with more than one factory and any updates will be shared with our crowdfunding community.

Ship date: We have built in extra time for the manufacturing process and are confident we will ship by the projected dates, but there is always a chance that things will take longer than planned.

Product changes: As we refine the doll based on additional community feedback and more product testing, slight changes may be made. We'll only make changes that enhance the product experience.

Supplier coordination:  We work with a variety of suppliers to source the best materials and ensure the doll is developed correctly.