Niche Biz: Ugly Dolls
Uglydolls may not be the most attractive plush toys in the world–one has three eyes, another sports buckteeth–but they were born from two people’s passion.
David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim had both dreamed of making toys since childhood, and when they met at school in New York City 10 years ago, they found a kinship as unique as the dolls they imagined. “We both loved illustrating our own characters and coming up with stories,” says Horvath. “Things sort of formed. There was this master plan–we just didn’t know how or when.”
In September 2001, Kim’s student visa expired and she had to return to Korea. Horvath kept their vision alive through letters, always signing his with a drawing of Wage, a character they had created together. The following December, Kim brought Wage to life for the very first time with needle and thread and mailed it to Horvath as a surprise. When e-tailer and fellow entrepreneur Eric Nakamura saw the doll, he immediately ordered 20 to sell in his store, Giant Robot. They sold out in a day, and over the next 18 months, Kim hand-sewed 1,500 more.
Targeted to people of all ages, Uglydolls are sold globally in 2,500 retail stores such as FAO Schwarz and Newbury Comics, and distribution continues to grow–sales are expected to at least double in 2007. Uglydolls have attracted a cult following of fans drawn to the one-of-a-kind characters.
Photo by Uglydolls.
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