Dr. Lisa Williams, a pioneer and leader in manufacturing authentic multicultural dolls and a 2023 Toy of the Year Finalist for Champion of Diversity and Inclusion, announced the rebranding and structure of her company from World of EPI to The Dr. Lisa Company. The new name reflects the company’s strategic approach in continuing its mission with multicultural representation of dolls and accessories while expanding into baby and juvenile, animation, publishing, licensing, and more.
“When I founded World of EPI 20 years ago my mission was to inspire children to see their beauty, brilliance, and power reflected back to them and to foster imagination during positive play,” Williams said. “Representation matters, and through this expansion, we are heightening our role in a multitude of areas where I know we can continue to make a difference. “And on a more personal level, our hope is that The Dr. Lisa Company inspires current and future entrepreneurs, as well as others to truly follow their dreams.”
The Dr. Lisa Company will serve as the umbrella organization for three key divisions: toys and publishing, animation and strategic licensing. New partnerships will be announced as early as this week and forthcoming. As part of the company’s expansion, Dr. Lisa appointed Lee Clemons III as Executive Vice President of Sales, Licensing and Partnerships. Mr. Clemons’ is a seasoned retail executive with more than 28 years of experience in global consumer products, and more than 15 in the baby & juvenile industry itself. Lee’s area of expertise includes strategic and tactical planning, market share expansion and growth, brand management, client relations/contract negotiations, new product development and retail execution.. Lee currently resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas and can be reached at (479) 601-6861.
“Lee is an analytical strategist with keen business acumen and a passionate understanding of the goal of The Dr. Lisa Company,” Williams said. “I am thrilled to have him on our team to help us in the expansion of our business in providing developmental skills and inspiration to all children, ensuring they see their beauty reflected in dolls, books, toys and content.”
Over the course of two decades, The Dr. Lisa Company has become a pioneer in manufacturing authentically created dolls featuring one-of-a-kind face sculpts, custom-blended skin tones, and a variety of natural hair textures found in ethnicities worldwide. Dr. Lisa is a 2023 Toy of the Year Finalist in the Champion of Diversity and Inclusion category and is recognized as an individual who has shown a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse community in the toy industry. In addition, the company’s The Fresh Beats Dolls is a 2023 Finalist for the coveted Doll of the Year. The Toy of the Year Award winners will be announced on Friday, September 29, in New York City ahead of this year’s Toy Fair.
“Building self-esteem is the cornerstone of all the work I do because low self-esteem can limit a child’s potential and have a negative impact on communities and society at large,” she continued.
The Fresh Lines include TOTY Finalist Fresh Beats, The Fresh Dolls, Fresh Squad Platinum Collection, Positively Perfect Toddlers, Fresh Cuddles Plush, Fresh Inspirations Coloring Books, Fresh Fairies Collectibles, licensed products including Disney+’ The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Rock the Bells, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fresh Fierce Collection (named the 2022 Toy Association’s Doll of the Year) and more. The new Dr. Lisa Company website and logo is now live at https://freshdolls.com/. The Dr. Lisa Company is exhibiting at Booth 2779 at New York Toy Fair 2023.