A Donegal businessman is returning from England where he is set to launch a “child friendly” doll.
Ballybofey man Ian Harkin already has a successful company, Arklu, which has sold thousands of dolls including his famous Kate Middleton royal doll.
Now Ian has launched Lottie, a ‘responsible’ doll, and plans to create 10 jobs in the process.
The businessman has already won three international awards for the doll.
“We did a lot of research amongst parents who were worried that their daughters were growing old too quickly and that many dolls appeared too sexual.
“The doll, which is aimed at 3 to 9 year olds, is based on the body of a 9 year old using scientific data.
“And we have given her pets such as a dog called Biscuits and a horse called Black beauty and we are concentrating on her getting outside into the outdoors and having a healthy lifestyle.
“We have her enjoying the things a nine year old should be doing and not being a pop star, going shopping or going nightclubbing,” he said.
Lottie is already selling across Ireland and Ian is planning to launch her across the US next month.
Not a man to rest on his laurels, he is also planning a range of six other dolls.
“We will be looking for sales people, finance support and people with design-based skills.
“Lottie has really taken off but as the market grows we will need people to fill those positions,” he said.