Growing up in Sri Lanka, Shabnam Nuhuman noticed something that quietly stayed with her into adulthood. While dolls filled toy shelves and playrooms, none ever truly reflected her.

“As a little girl, I saw dolls with fair skin and blonde hair, or dolls with black skin and dark hair,” she recalls. “But I never had a doll that looked like me.”

That feeling of missing representation would later inspire Mini Colettos, now recognised as Australia’s most ethnically diverse doll range, created so children everywhere can find a doll that feels familiar, comforting and reflective of who they are.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Shabnam and Mushy, Mini Colettos features more than 30 dolls, male and female, with a wide range of hair colours, textures and lengths, eye colours, skin tones and facial features. Together, they represent African, Hispanic, European and Asian heritages, with the range continuing to grow.

“I never had a doll that looked like me, and that experience stayed with me into adulthood,” Shabnam says.

From early learning to inclusive play

After moving to Australia in 2006, Shabnam completed her studies in early childhood education, going on to work as a Room Leader, Assistant Centre Manager and Centre Manager. Spending her days alongside young children and families, she developed a strong understanding of child development, play-based learning and the importance of inclusive environments.

“Working closely with families, educators and specialists helped me see how dolls can positively influence a child’s development,” she says. “But I could also see there was a gap in the range of dolls available.”

For Shabnam, dolls are more than toys. They are tools that support emotional expression, imaginative play and connection, helping children make sense of themselves and the world around them.

A shared vision becomes Mini Colettos

At the same time, Mushy was working at Melbourne-based toy company Knox and Floyd Imports. In 2015, the couple acquired the business, bringing together Mushy’s experience in sales, marketing and operations with Shabnam’s background in early childhood education.

Together, they began working towards a shared vision: creating an Australian-owned and designed doll brand that celebrates diversity through play.

“The vision was to create a range of dolls that represent a broad range of ethnicities,” Shabnam says. “The response to Mini Colettos has been incredible.”

Crafted with care, quality and intention

Mini Colettos dolls are designed in Australia and manufactured in Spain, partnering with a world-renowned doll maker known for artisan craftsmanship and ethical production. Each doll is safety tested, anatomically correct, fragrance free and made using high-quality, non-toxic materials.

“Quality, safety and ethical production were non-negotiable priorities at every stage,” Mushy says. “We oversaw prototypes, tested materials and refined every detail until the dolls met our standards.”

Beyond their physical design, the dolls are intentionally aligned with developmental principles, supporting imaginative play, emotional growth and social connection.

Representation that builds confidence

As parents themselves, Mushy and Shabnam have spent time thinking about how children relate to their dolls, the stories they create and the comfort dolls can provide.

“Families appreciate the diversity and inclusivity of the range,” Mushy says. “Many parents tell us their children form strong emotional bonds and a real sense of belonging with their dolls. That’s the greatest validation for us.”

The range continues to expand, with the couple currently working towards designing a doll to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, guided by respect, consultation and cultural care.

“With all respect, we are hoping to connect with the right representative who can guide us and ensure we take the correct steps,” Mushy says.

A growing global community

Since launching in 2022, Mini Colettos has sold more than 28,000 dolls worldwide and generated more than $500,000 in revenue. The range is available online and through select boutiques and includes handcrafted outfits and accessories designed to encourage extended play and storytelling.

“We want Mini Colettos to be companions in children’s stories,” Shabnam says. “Helping them explore their feelings, express themselves and celebrate their uniqueness while sparking joy every step of the way.”

For more information, visit minicolettos.com

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