How Ex-BBC Journalist Renee Is Reshaping Beauty for African Girls
How Ex-BBC Journalist Renee Is Reshaping Beauty for African Girls
When Renee Bissohong witnessed a young Black girl’s disappointment with her own appearance, she knew she had to act. Upon turning her back to the BBC newsroom, the journalist created The Nubian Princesses, a line of dolls celebrating African beauty, with the mission of empowering the next generation. Here’s Renee’s story in her own words.
I don’t doubt the potential of The Nubian Princesses, because I had a clear vision of it even before it became a reality. When it comes to fear, I don’t let it stop me. Instead, I choose to lean into it.
The Shock and The Inspiration
I started The Nubian Princesses after an experience with a four-year-old girl that left a lasting impression on me.
One afternoon, we visited a newborn—a mixed-race baby—and that four-year-old little girl expressed a strong desire to have the same skin colour and the same hair as the baby. Despite my reassurances that she was beautiful as she was, I could sense her disappointment.
It troubled me that such a young child would feel this way. Later that day, I couldn’t shake the incident. A voice inside kept asking what I was going to do about it. At first, I resisted, knowing this would be a big undertaking.
I had just graduated from university, moved to London, and was trying to establish my career as a journalist. I didn’t have the money or the readiness to take on something so significant. But the thought wouldn’t leave me.
I’ve always been passionate about Africa, the condition of its people, and the well-being of the next generation. I realised I had to do something. That moment inspired me to design a line of African Princess dolls with the goal of inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls, helping them see their beauty and worth just as they are.
I believe it’s essential to start early in building a strong sense of self, and through this, we can raise future African generations with pride, dignity, and balance. The Nubian Princesses was born from this mission to let every child know they are enough, just as they are
More Than A Toy Business
I have designed a set of four African Princess dolls, each representing a different corner of Africa. In the next five years, my goal is to launch all four princesses, each accompanied by a unique storyline that highlights her cultural background and personal adventures.
These stories are crucial, as they add an educational element, teaching children about the rich diversity and heritage of Africa.
In the next ten years, I envision The Nubian Princesses becoming a globally established and renowned brand. By then, I hope we will have expanded beyond dolls to include books, educational materials, and multimedia content that continue to inspire and educate.
Additionally, we plan to venture into building schools that align with our educational ethos. These schools will not only focus on traditional academic subjects but also emphasise cultural education, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
Our aim is to create a lasting impact, fostering a generation of children who are confident, knowledgeable, and proud of their heritage.
By integrating education into every aspect of our brand, we aspire to be more than just a toy company—we aim to be a catalyst for positive change and empowerment.
Looking Back and Ahead
When I first started, I had only one product, which took seven years to develop from conception to production. Our first princess is Kiraa, from West Africa, whose name means the way or the journey.
Now, the business has grown significantly. We have four products, and have launched the storybook for our next princess—Sigi, from Southern Africa. We’ll be introducing the Sigi doll next, as I’m developing each product one at a time.
I can see the range continually expanding, and I’m excited about the progress we’ve made. I’m not sure I had specific expectations when I first started. I was simply thrilled to have brought my vision to life and fulfilled the promise I made, even sooner than I had planned.
Initially, it was all about the joy of creation, but the reality of running a business quickly set in. I soon realised I needed to understand and manage every aspect of it. It’s been a steep learning curve, and I’m still learning every day. There have been challenges along the way.
For example, in the early days, I had to seek permission from the royal name cabinet office to use the word Princess before I could trademark The Nubian Princesses, which they granted.
Despite the hurdles, the growth and development of my business have been incredibly rewarding, and I’m optimistic about its future.
The Wisdom of Patience
I don’t doubt the potential of The Nubian Princesses, because I had a clear vision of it even before it became a reality. When it comes to fear, I don’t let it stop me. Instead, I choose to lean into it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience. Anyone who knows me understands that patience is something I’ve had to develop over time.
Running a business has taught me that things often take longer than expected and that perseverance is key.
Another significant learning experience has been understanding the value of finding the right people to work with.
There are many individuals and businesses out there who will make promises, but finding reliable and trustworthy partners is challenging.
It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who are not only skilled but also share your vision and values. Learning from other business owners and their experiences has been invaluable in navigating these challenges.
So, is there anything I could compromise on about my business? Well, I can say this for sure: I will never compromise on the core values and mission of The Nubian Princesses:
Our primary goal is to help girls understand and embrace their true selves. We are deeply committed to fostering a sense of self-determination and empowerment in the new generation of African girls.
It’s essential to remove any feelings of alienation and awaken the curiosity and strength that already exist within them. Our passion lies in ensuring that every product and initiative we undertake aligns with this mission.
We aim to inspire, educate, and uplift, helping young girls develop a strong, positive sense of identity and self-worth. This commitment is non-negotiable and remains at the heart of everything we do.
Doubt and Fear
Now, what is it that sets us apart from others in the industry? First, each of our princesses is designed to be representative of the region she comes from, ensuring authenticity in her appearance and cultural background.
Secondly, each princess takes on different aspects of important themes through her adventures, focusing on subjects such as education, self-confidence, and empowerment.
But our vision goes beyond just creating African Princess dolls. We prioritise education and cultural representation, offering something unique that isn’t widely available.
Yes, each doll comes with a rich storyline and educational content aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls. This blend of play, learning, and cultural pride is what sets us apart.
Our mission isn’t just to provide toys, but to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, making The Nubian Princesses truly unique in the industry.
So, how do I deal with fear and doubt? Certainly, I don’t doubt the potential of The Nubian Princesses, because I had a clear vision of it even before it became a reality.
When it comes to fear, I don’t let it stop me. Instead, I choose to lean into it, understanding that facing my fears head-on leads to growth and ultimately, freedom.
Embracing fear as a part of the journey has been essential, as it helps me push boundaries and achieve what I once thought impossible.