My Story

My Story
How Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs Came to Be

My journey into crafting and doll-making began in 1997, when my mother requested a Black Santa. That Santa led to creating rabbits, bears, and angels. The first angel I made was for my sister, to keep her company while she was in the hospital. During my night shifts with her, we’d talk—about everything—but often about how rare it was to find Black dolls that truly reflected us. Dolls that were cute, beautiful, and true to who we are as Black people. She wanted them for her nieces, my daughters.

I had seen plenty of patterns while working on my earlier crafts, but none felt right. They weren’t “us.” I had already made my sister an angel and a beautiful chocolate rabbit, so I decided to make her a doll.

Some may remember the old “Kewpie” dolls—funny-looking in plastic, and even funnier in cloth. That was as close as I could get at first. I made a couple, but something was missing. After tweaking and reworking the pattern, I finally created a doll for my sister that was exactly what I’d envisioned—“true, cute, and beautiful.” From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew I had found something worth pouring my heart into.

I carry the walk and the feet of my grandmother, Limmie Lucille Webb Pounds, and her son, my father, William Henry Earl (Bill) Pounds. My sewing, dressmaking, and hairstyling skills come from my maternal grandmother, Vernelle “Mommie” Wright, and my mother, Bennie Joyce Pounds. My sisters, Felita and Annelida Richardson, gave me encouragement and inspiration. They, along with my other beautiful and talented African American, Black, Colored, Negro, and Mulatto ancestors—known and unknown—laid the foundation for this work. All of them, now transitioned, left me with a legacy, unique gifts, and even these pigeon-toed feet I share with my children, grandchildren, and the dolls that will live on for generations. Without them—and without God—none of this journey would have been possible.

For everything else, I thank my children Jamyl, Niambi, and Jalia, my “homies” Joy, Lisa, Marilyn, and Marlene, and my Aunties Faye and Pat. Their love and support over the years have been priceless.

Thank you for taking the time to read and learn my story. I hope you enjoy what you see in the pages ahead as much as I enjoy creating these dolls and bringing them to life. They keep me grounded, bring me peace, and carry the love of generations before me.

Peace and blessings to you and yours,
Debra — aka Paddlefoot