01/09/2026
No toy shaped my childhood quite like Barbie did. Whether I was playing with my sister, with friends, or making up stories on my own, Barbie was never just a toy; she was a full-blown lifestyle. Her Dreamhouse, her convertible, her endless wardrobe, and the expanding collection of dolls weren’t merely accessories. They were the foundation of entire worlds that I got to create.
Birthdays, Christmas, or any occasion became opportunities to grow the collection. I remember the excitement my sister and I felt on Christmas morning when we opened up a three-story Barbie Dreamhouse (complete with a functioning elevator) that had been at the top of our Christmas lists for several years prior. We could barely wait for it to be assembled before introducing our Barbies to their new luxurious house that would inspire imaginary storylines for years to come. My sister and I weren’t just playing; we were building narratives, designing lives, and shaping personalities.
But it wasn’t only about the dolls themselves. In our house, Barbie was an experience. She filled our TV screen with movies, appeared in our closets as clothes, and even showed up in the party decorations I insisted on having for my birthday each year. With every passing year, I asked for a new Barbie that reflected my own evolving interests and aspirations—whether it was Soccer Coach Barbie, Pop Star Barbie, or something entirely different.
Barbie wasn’t just a collection of toys; she was a lifestyle brand that wove herself into the fabric of my childhood. More than anything, she represented endless possibilities.
When I look back now, I see how much those moments influenced and shaped me into the person I am today. Barbie taught me the art of storytelling, inspired my imagination and creativity, and subconsciously taught me the importance of connection through branding. Thinking back, it wasn’t just about passing time; I was practicing the skills of a marketer without even realizing it. - Zoie Felske, Digital & Social Specialist
