Female Founder Name: Mala Bryan

Business Name: Malaville Toys

Industry: Retail

Instagram Handle: @malabryan / @malavilledolls

What inspired you to start your business?

I started my business when I saw a lack of diversity in the fashion doll market.

When did you start?

I launched my company in 2015

Why this specific industry?

I am an avid fashion doll collector and when I was not able to find certain dolls for my collection I got the idea to design and launch them.

What obstacles did you face starting up, and how did you overcome them?

Obstacles I faced starting my company was finding the right platform to sell my products. Once I started selling and shipping products, I managed to find the best way for them.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

Since starting, I realized that doing a bit more research in different areas of that business is very important.

Why work for yourself when there’s stability in working for others?

I’ve had the pleasure of working for others for many years and once I started working for myself, I really felt like I’d found my calling. What I’m doing right now, I would not be able to do if I were to work for someone else.

What is the one characteristic that you possess that has helped make you so successful?

I’m actually very creative so that has really helped me a lot, especially during my designing process.

What’s your guiding business philosophy?

That would be to keep breaking barriers when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the toys market.

At what moment did this venture become real for you?

It became real when I sold out my first container of dolls within the first 8 month of receiving them.

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur?

I’d say the most challenging part has been the constant funds that I’ve had to pump into the business just to keep the dream alive.

What makes it all worth it?

It’s is all worth it when I see the smiling faces of the people who owns my dolls or any of my other products.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

My best advice is to find something that will provide a solution to a certain problem. If it is something you are truly passionate about, still to it and it will all be worth it in the end.

How do you define success?

My definition of success is being able to execute an idea that has been formed in my head. Once it has materialized, I consider it a success.

What did you do differently from the rest of us?

I’d like to say I do things differently but I am pretty sure there’s someone out there doing things just as I am. I am definitely one that does not follow the rules.

What do you believe is the female founder effect?

The female founder effect is a recipe for success. I think everything is better with a female’s touch to it.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action society needs to move closer to Generation Equality goals?

I believe the best form of action would be to start having serious and loud conversations about it. Just like with everything that need change in society, it might take time. But planting the seeds on the right places to have a great impact.

Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?

When I started my modeling career, I had an older model guide me in the early stages. She taught me everything I needed to know about the industry. That taught me a very valuable lesson that I still carry on today, is to never be intimidated by power and to know and understand my rights. I’ve always stood my ground for what I’ve believed and that has earned me great respect in that field.

What is your superpower?

My superpower is my persistence. I will stick to something for years until I get the results I’m looking for.

What centers you?

At this point in my life, my son centers me. He humbles me too!

What is your next adventure?

My next adventure is stationery, it’s something I’m obsessed with. So I am currently production my own line of crayons that will feature specially formulated colors to match various skin tones.

Best advice for female founders

There’s a lot of support for female founders out there so now is the time to take advantage of it.