After struggling to find a doll that her daughter could identify with, Fourways resident Fatuma Abdullah got the idea to launch Akiki, an African doll.

Already receiving a good response in the market, Abdullah explained that it was her daughter’s reaction to the doll that most encouraged her.

“The first time my daughter saw the doll she said to me… ‘mommy she’s like us – she’s brown and she has poofy hair’. Then I knew I was on the right track,” said Abdullah.

While creating the doll, she also decided to write a children’s book, Akiki’s Short Stories. It tackles important lessons such as giving, finding your way home when you are lost and others.

Although completely out of her comfort zone, Abdullah is now keen on writing a few books following the life of Akiki.

The book was launched at Skoobs Montecasino on 21 May.