Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Showing posts with label brand ambassador. Show all posts

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Does Your Brand Attract Brand Ambassadors?

Since a part of life is an overflowing email inbox, what can brands do to stand out so that their emails are opened?

I've shared a myriad of memorable email marketing campaigns here on my blog with subject lines ranging from "A Special Thank You Gift" to "We love your social profile!" to "Life is short. Buy the artwork" from an artist, to "Thank you for attending our musical, we want your feedback" sent within an hour of a show's ending from a theater, to a message from a wildlife conservation nonprofit "written by" William Shatner.

These emails stood out due to their subject lines, and as a result, I quickly opened them! However, for the hundreds, if not thousands, of other emails that find their way into my inbox, they are routinely ignored and/or deleted - except one.

Recently, I received an email from the kitchen accessories and cooking store brand Sur la table. Here was the subject line: "Be a Brand Ambassador. Cook. Share. Get Rewarded."

And here was the email's message:

"Calling all cooks and creators. Love creating food content? Apply to our brand ambassador program and earn up to 12 percent commission, gift cards, and exclusive opportunities with Sur la table.
Who You Are: You could spend an entire Saturday at Sur la table and not even notice; you love creating content almost as much as you love eating what you make; you have 500+ followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube; and you're over 18 years old and based in the United States.
How It Works: Fill out your profile, tell us about your cooking style, the content you create, and the platforms you're active on. Post what you're making, share kitchen moments, review products, and take on weekly challenges. Every action you take earns points toward your next reward. Unlock rewards at every tier. Every milestone pays out: gift cards, a growing commission rate up to 12 percent, and new levels of access."

In addition, Sur la table will provide brand ambassadors with content ideas, brand guidelines, approved hashtags, sample posts, and best practices for posting.

According to Envision Creative Art based in Maryland, "The best brands don't sell — they make you want to join the club. They don't chase customers. They build a vibe so clear, a message so magnetic, that people want in. It's not about pushing a product. It's about creating a world people want to be part of. If your brand feels like a community, not a transaction — you're doing it right."

What a wonderful way to attract fans who love to cook and also "live" on their social platforms - and it all started from an email.

What lessons can your brand learn from this unique brand ambassador program?

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Happy International Tiger Day!

Celebrated annually on July 29th, International Tiger Day, was established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia by 13 tiger range countries (defined as countries where the animals roam free). The day's purpose is to raise awareness and support for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

Here are some interesting facts about tigers:

(1) Like human fingerprints, no two tigers have the exact same stripe pattern.

(2) A tiger's roar can be heard from nearly two miles away.

(3) A tiger's night vision is six times better than a human's.

(4) Tigers can leap up to 33 feet in a single bound.

(5) The tiger's closest relative is the lion. However, while lions are social animals who prefer to live in groups, tigers are solitary.

According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Tiger ranks third among the animals, and the next Year of the Tiger will be 2034. The Tiger is a symbol of strength and courage. Many Chinese children wear hats or shoes with a tiger image for good luck. People born in the year of the Tiger usually have a down-to-earth personality and a down-to-earth work ethic. With great confidence, they can be competent leaders. Some famous people who were born in Years of the Tiger include Queen Elizabeth (1926), Leonardo DiCaprio (1974), and Lady Gaga (1986).

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some brands featuring tigers in their logos and brand storytelling.

DETROIT TIGERS

According to Wikipedia, "The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit as a member of the minor league Western League in 1894 and is the only Western League team still in its original city. They are also the oldest American League team still playing in their original city under their original name. Since their establishment in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984).

The team was referred to as the Wolverines and Creams in their inaugural season in 1894 before they became the Tigers. There are various legends about how they got their nickname. One involves the striped socks they wore. However, the earliest known use of it appeared in the Detroit Free Press on April 16, 1895. In the book "A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium," author Richard Bak states that the name originated from the Detroit Light Guard military unit, who were known as "The Tigers." They had played significant roles in certain Civil War battles and in the 1898 Spanish–American War. Upon entry into the majors, the ballclub sought and received formal permission from the Light Guard to use its trademark. From that day forth, the team has been known as the Tigers.

The Tigers are the only team in Major League Baseball to have a color on their road uniforms that is not on their home uniforms (orange). The Tigers first added orange to their road uniform in 1903, but it was not until 1972 that the Tigers made orange an accent color on their road uniforms full-time. The Tigers also wore the "orange D" navy caps at home during the late 1940s through the 1950s...The Tigers wear a white and navy blue home jersey with "Tigres" across the chest for their annual "¡Fiesta Tigres!" game to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino players and coaches to the game of baseball."

CINCINNATI BENGALS

According to Wikipedia, "The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division...The team's official mascot is a Bengal tiger named Who Dey, and its jersey number is 1. The team also has the Ben-Gals, the team's cheerleading squad..In 1997, the Bengals designed a logo consisting of a leaping tiger, and it was added to the uniform sleeves. Another alternate logo consisted of a Bengal's head facing to the left. However, the orange helmet with black tiger stripes continued to be the trademark. In 2004, a new tiger stripe pattern and more accents were added to the uniforms. The black jerseys now featured orange tiger-striped sleeves and white side panels, while the white jerseys began to use black tiger-striped sleeves and orange shoulders. In 2018, a new logo consisting of an orange "B" covered with black tiger stripes was introduced."

PRINCETON TIGERS

According to Wikipedia, "The Princeton Tigers are the athletic teams of Princeton University. The school sponsors 35 varsity teams in 20 sports. The name "Tigers" originated in the early 1880s when students began wearing orange and black stripes on their jerseys and caps, prompting sportswriters to give them the moniker. And an undergraduate dressed as a tiger mascot began appearing at football and basketball games starting in the 1940s."

TONY THE TIGER FROM KELLOGG'S FROSTED FLAKES CEREAL

According to Wikipedia, "Tony the Tiger is the advertising cartoon anthropomorphic tiger mascot for Frosted Flakes (also known as Frosties) breakfast cereal, appearing on its packaging and advertising. After the original Kellogg Company spun off its North American cereal business in late 2023, the mascot is owned by WK Kellogg Co. in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean markets and by Kellanova in the rest of the world. Since Tony's debut in 1952, the character has spanned several generations and has become a breakfast cereal icon." Who can forget Tony's classic line, "They're GRRRRRREAT!"

CLINIQUE MAKE-UP

Fzine shared in January 2022, "For the Year of the Tiger (2022), the packaging of Clinique's spot corrector and moisturising lotion got a vibrant and auspicious red upgrade with gold tiger caps and an all-red bottle. Spot the cheeky tiger head design on the cap of the lotion."

What other famous brands feature tigers in their logos or brand storytelling? Chime in and share.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Happy Bastille Day!

Do you consider yourself to be a Francophile? Since I've lived in France twice, I definitely consider myself a Francophile, or in other words, someone with an appreciation for the French culture, language, people, and history. The word is formed from the prefix "Franco" (meaning French) and the Greek suffix "phile" (meaning lover of). Use of word was first recorded in 1887, according to Merriam-Webster.

Bastille Day ("le 14 Juillet" in French) commemorates a key turning point of the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille in 1789, and has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1880. According to Britannica, "From the beginning, speeches, military parades, and fireworks, along with public revelry, were part of the celebration. The slogan "Vive le 14 juillet!" ("Long live the 14th of July!") has continued to be associated with the day." And the oldest and largest military parade in Europe is held on that date each year on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, featuring troops, tanks, and fighter jet flyovers with red, white, and blue smoke.

According to travel expert Rick Steves, "The Storming of the Bastille transformed more than just France. It inspired many other nations to demand liberty — to rise from medieval oppression to modern democracy. Anyone with a sense of history can recognize the enormous debt the world owes to those brave Parisians who stormed the Bastille to fight for a government of the people. It's a cultural rallying point, symbolizing freedom of all kinds. If you're in France on Bastille Day, join the proud locals in their sheer joy of personal liberty. Indeed, wherever you are on July 14th, lift a glass to freedom and declare, 'Vive la France!'"

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out five famous French brands.

AIR FRANCE

According to Wikipedia, "Air France is the flag carrier of France, and is headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. The airline is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group and one of the founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance. As of 2013, Air France served 29 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 201 destinations in 78 countries. The airline maintains its global and domestic hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Tracing its origins back to the 1910s, Air France was formed on August 30th, 1933 through the merger of five existing airlines in France...During World War II, Air France moved its operations to Casablanca, Morocco...Air France recruited its first female flight attendants in 1946...From 1976 to 2003, Air France became one of only two airlines (British Airways being the other) to regularly operate supersonic services (daily trans-atlantic Concorde service).

Upon its formation, Air France adopted the seahorse logo of its predecessor Air Orient, known as the hippocampe ailé (sometimes derisively called "la crevette" or shrimp by its employees), as its insignia. Prior to the Air France-KLM merger in 2003, the hippocampe ailé was used on the nose section of aircraft next to the Groupe Air France title; after the merger, the Air France-KLM logo was substituted at the nose area, and the hippocampe ailé was relocated to engine nacelles (containers that cover and protect airplane engines). The acronym "AF" has also featured prominently on the airline's flag and its signage. On January 7th, 2009, Air France officially changed its logo to a red stripe."

MICHELIN

Michelin is a French multinational tire manufacturer based in France known for its tires for automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. According to Forbes, "The company has been the world's largest tire manufacturer by annual revenue since 2021."

According to the brand's website, "In 1900, there were fewer than 3,000 cars on the roads of France. To increase the demand for cars, and accordingly car tires, the car tire manufacturers and brothers Édouard and André Michelin published a guide for French motorists, the Guide Michelin. Nearly 35,000 copies of this first, free edition were distributed. It provided information to motorists such as maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, car mechanics listings, hotels, and petrol stations throughout France. The founders thought the Guide might encourage car owners to drive more, which would increase tire wear and in turn boost replacement sales...The Michelin roadmaps were reproduced in England for the Allied invasion during World War II. In 1940, the Germans also reproduced the 1938 edition of Michelin maps for their invasion...The Michelin Guide ended printed copies in 2021 in most markets. After 121 years, Michelin transitioned to digital publication and released a proprietary app. This allowed Michelin to distribute the guide to a larger audience at no charge."

According to the brand's website, "Back in the late 19th century, in the early days of the company, the Michelin brothers were exhibiting their products at a fair in Lyon when one of them noticed that if you added arms and legs to the pile of tires they were showcasing, it would look like a man. A few years later, with the contribution of a caricaturist, the Michelin Man was born...In those days, in old movies, tires were white, so the character naturally adopted that color, which he has kept to this day. Also, the main tire market back then wasn't for cars, but for bicycle wheels, so he was created as an assemblage of thin rings, unlike the ones we're familiar with today. He immediately became Michelin's brand ambassador. This friendly mascot who inspired trust and emphasized the comfort provided by Michelin tires, was a big success."

And as a further brand extension, according to Wikipedia, "While the Michelin Guide was originally created as a guide for French motorists and has been published since 1900, it later developed into an international reference for dining and travel. Michelin inspectors (reviewers) visit restaurants anonymously and award one, two, or three stars - and inspectors' meals and expenses are paid for by Michelin, never by a restaurant being reviewed:

(1) One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard.

(2) Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly-crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired.

(3) Three MICHELIN Stars is the highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics."

PERRIER

According to the brand's website, "Perrier natural mineral water originates in Vergèze, France. Beneath the surface, deep within the secret depths of the Garrigues massif and the vast Vistrenque plain, ancient limestone rocks shape the exceptional water. Our goal is ensuring a continuous supply of its high-quality water, both now and for future generations."

In 1898, Dr. Louis Perrier bought a spring and created a company for the production of mineral water, drinks, and hygienic products. In the same year, the spring got its modern name Perrier, after the name of the new owner. Since 1992 the brand has been owned by the Swiss company Nestle. And Perrier is the official water of Stade Roland Garros, home of the French Open tennis tournament.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

According to the brand's website, "Born in Paris and raised among three sisters, Christian Louboutin grew up fascinated by femininity — a living work of art to be exalted. At the age of ten, he encountered a pictogram banning high heels to protect museum floors. By sixteen, he became an intern at the Folies Bergère, already designing shoes for the cabaret's glittering dancers. A self-taught apprentice, Christian refined his craft alongside master artisans. In 1991, driven by a desire for creative freedom, he opened his first boutique in Paris. He painted the soles of his shoes with a nail polish in a vivid red, thus creating his legendary red sole. The House expands to New York, and soon, celebrities embrace his creations, turning Louboutins into red-carpet icons. (What were TV character Carrie Bradshaw's fave heels? Yep, Louboutins!) In 2009, Christian and pop star Mika share more than a few affinities, vibrant universes, a love for the stage, and childhoods surrounded by three sisters. From this encounter is born the men's collection, a new chapter for the House of red sole. In 2021, Christian launched the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" collection in collaboration with Idris and Sabrina Elba, to support charitable organizations working toward social justice. In 2022, Christian announces the launch of collections for the entire family: adults, children, and even pets. In 2025, Christian presents an eyewear collection with art deco accents and signature red touches. Though global in reach, the Christian Louboutin universe remains rooted in Paris, a city whose charm permeates every creation."

How did the iconic red sole happen? According to the website, "It all began in 1992, in the designer's Parisian atelier. As he was finalizing the prototype of the Pensée model, Christian was captivated by the elegance of the silhouette — but found the black sole too dull, disrupting the harmony of the design. His eyes fell on his assistant, who was applying a vibrant red nail polish. In a spontaneous gesture, he grabbed the bottle and painted the sole from toe to heel. The transformation was immediate — the shoe came to life. The red sole is more than just a color — it's a statement. A symbol of passion, confidence, and audacity, this vibrant red captures the very soul of the Maison. Far beyond an aesthetic detail, it has become a true icon of modern luxury. Wearing Christian Louboutin is about walking with assurance and freedom. A manifesto of style, it reflects Christian Louboutin's unique vision. This red sole has left its mark on the collective imagination — from red carpets to the silver screen."

SHARE THIS: Inspiration can strike at any moment. From architecture, an object, a pattern, or even the way someone walks. If you keep your eyes open, there will always be something to spark your imagination. ~Christian Louboutin #BastilleDay #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

HERMES

According to the brand's website, "For six generations, Hermès has been an independent, family-owned, artisanal, creative, innovative, and responsible French house. While designing timeless and durable objects, it seeks to safeguard, pass on, and develop its know-how and exceptional skills in line with its human values rooted in craftsmanship. Hermès is committed to retaining the majority of its production in France through its 63 production and training sites, while developing its network of almost 300 stores in 45 countries. The group employs more than 26,000 people around the world, including 16,300 in France. Since 2013, Hermès has been led by Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation family member. The brand is known for its scarves, handbags, jewelry, watches, leather goods, shoes, boots, and more."

According to Madison Avenue Couture, "At the heart of the Hermès logo lies a rich narrative of timeless elegance, artistry, and expertise. The horse and carriage motif reflects the brand's origins in crafting the finest equestrian gear and its commitment to creating products that blend heritage with innovation...The iconic Hermès symbolism speaks to the enduring power of luxury. Just as the carriage was a mode of elegant travel for the aristocracy, Hermès products are vehicles of self-expression and style. For many, owning their first piece adorned with the Hermès logo means they have truly arrived. The original Hermès brand logo was produced in black on an ivory background with a gold foil trim. However, during World War II, material shortages left no colors available but bright orange cardboard for packaging. First adopted in 1942 out of necessity, the now-iconic Hermès orange boxes soon came to symbolize luxury and modernity. Initially imprinted simply with black text, the Hermès logo was added in 1950, transforming it into a timeless emblem of style and exclusivity...The Hermès logo has undergone subtle changes since its introduction, reflecting the brand's ability to evolve while remaining connected to its heritage. After its introduction in 1950, the carriage and horse Hermès logo was further refined in the 1970s, taking a more minimalist approach to the image. The updated logo, known as the Duc Carriage, simplified the lines of the horse, carriage, and groom, giving the emblem a sleek, modern appearance and a distinct sense of power. Later in the 1970s, the Hermès wordmark was added to the Duc Carriage, with the name Hermès in all capitals, rendered in a handsome serif font. Through subtle changes, the Hermès brand logo has evolved while maintaining its timeless appeal. It stands as a symbol of meticulous craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation — the very strengths Hermès is built upon."

Which other French brands, logos, or brand ambassadors stand out to you? Chime in and share, and merci beaucoup!

SHARE THIS: Sir Winston Churchill was a Francophile who often expressed his admiration for France, though his attempts to speak French were atrocious, per French historian François Kersaudy. ~Wikipedia #BastilleDay #Francophile #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: One Mile at a Time (Air France), Perrier, Christian Louboutin, Michelin, and Hermes.

Read "What Francophile Actually Means (And How to Embrace It)" by Natalee of Madalyn et Rose:

https://www.madalynetrose.com/what-is-a-francophile/

Read "10 Signs You Might Be a Francophile" by Genevieve:

https://www.cafegenevieve.com/10-signs-you-might-be-a-francophile/

Read how Bastille Day is celebrated in other countries:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day

Read here on my Blog: "Let's Celebrate Eiffel Tower Day!" (March 31, 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/lets-celebrate-eiffel-tower-day.html

Watch a documentary of the 50th Anniversary of the Concorde presented by Air France:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzKqAgYBo1M

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

A Marketing Collaboration Created in the Stars!

One of the most famous pieces of art is THE STARRY NIGHT by Vincent van Gogh, which was painted in mid-June 1889 (thus, I'm celebrating today on my blog since it's mid-June). And since 1941, the artwork has been on view at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

How do you introduce art to people who don't ordinarily embrace art? One way is to create interesting marketing collaborations with famous brands, and MoMA has definitely done that with Mattel.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Applause for an Impressive Nonprofit Marketing Initiative!

On the evening of April 14th at 6pm, there was an impressive fundraising event held at Christie's auction house in Paris, France. While I was not in attendance in person, I watched via YouTube and would like to share highlights.

NPR reported in late March, "Pablo Picasso's paintings are some of the world's most expensive works of art, sometimes fetching more than $100 million at auction. But, now, anyone can try their luck at nabbing one for just 100 euros ($116). France's leading financial supporter of Alzheimer's research is raffling Picasso's 1941 painting "Tête de femme (Head of a Woman)," which is worth more than a million euros ($1.2 million). Proceeds from the "1 Picasso for 100 euros" campaign will help go to fund research into Alzheimer's, a common form of dementia that is a leading cause of death worldwide.

The raffle was created and coordinated by French television producer Peri Cochin, who held two similar events in coordination with the Picasso estate. Claudia Borgogno from the Italian town of Ventimiglia won the still life "Nature Morte" (1921) for the inaugural 2020 edition, which raised 5.1 million euros ($5.9 million) for CARE International to rehabilitate wells and sanitary installations in Cameroon, Madagascar, and Morocco. And in 2013, Jeffrey Gonano in Pennsylvania/USA won "L'homme au gibus" (1914). That raffle raised 4.8 million euros ($5.6 million) for the International Association to Save Tyre to support traditional crafts in southern Lebanon. Currently, the paintings are held at museums near the winners' homes, though Cochin noted that selling the works is an option."

Picasso's grandson, Olivier Widmaier Picasso, a co-owner of the painter's estate, said that his grandfather would have been pleased with the raffle. "He was a very generous man. He was very discreet, but he loved to help his siblings, family and friends, and also people who were in need."

From a personal standpoint, I had never watched an art raffle for charity online, so this one was very exciting and full of anticipation. All 120,000 tickets were sold worldwide, and the winner of the Picasso artwork was a man based in Paris, France - he was phoned with the news in real time. He had only purchased ONE ticket the previous weekend. Wow! The raffle raised 14 million euros ($13.4 million), and after one million went to Opera Gallery for fees, the rest went to the French Alzheimer's charity.

Hopefully, other nonprofits were also watching - and learning - how they might add online art auctions to their fundraising tool boxes.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Happy Birthday to Barbie!

On March 9th, 1959, the Barbie doll made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. And the rest is history, or more accurately, HERstory.

Co-creator Ruth Handler said in a 1977 interview with The New York Times, "Every little girl needed a doll through which to project herself into her dream of her future. If she was going to do role-playing of what she would be like when she was 16 or 17, it was a little stupid to play with a doll that had a flat chest. So I gave the doll beautiful breasts. And Barbie kept pace with the times. During Camelot, she sported a Jacqueline Kennedy hairdo. During the 1970's, her career choices and outfits began to change to include a doctor, astronaut, and veterinarian, among others. My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, a girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices."

Barbie has become one of the world's most popular dolls and owes its success to adapting to the ever-changing markets of various cultures and countries by launching Barbie dolls of shapes, colors, and sizes, and customization to the inhabitants of certain regions. Because Barbie has often been criticized for representing an unattainable beauty ideal for girls and women, the doll has evolved both in style and shape over the years. The Barbie brand also honors pioneering women from throughout history.

According to Forbes, "Mattel successfully reframes how we think about Barbie Dolls. That Barbie Dolls are not about what the doll looks like, but about how a child looks at the dolls. In other words, Barbie Dolls are a means, not an end. When we see a child playing with a Barbie Doll it's not a buxom babe projecting negative influence onto the child. It's imagination at work, a blank slate, a world of possibilities shaped like a doll. Better yet, the Barbie Doll is a conduit for the development of a child's self-image. A professor, a veterinarian, a businesswoman. Not a bimbo, as many adults have been conditioned to believe, but a businesswoman. The controversies surrounding Barbie Dolls were never initiated by kids. They were always the product of adults."

Here are some interesting facts about Barbie. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she is from a fictional town in Wisconsin. March 9th is celebrated each year as National Barbie Day, because that was the day she was introduced at the American Toy Fair in New York City in 1959. Barbie recognizes careers in which women are traditionally under-represented to show girls that they can be anything and to encourage discovery and exploration through play, and since her inception, she has had over 250 different careers.

According to Mattel, "Barbie traveled into space in 1965, four years before man walked on the moon. In 1973, Barbie saved lives as a surgeon, at a time when very few women were in the operating room. In 1985, she took to the boardroom as "Day to Night" CEO Barbie, just as women began to break the glass ceiling. In 1992, Barbie ran for president for the first time. In 2016, she ran with the first all-female ticket. To encourage more girls to explore the STEM field, Barbie has been a computer engineer, video game developer, Mars explorer, and robotics engineer. In 2016, to better reflect the world girls see today, Barbie introduced three new body types: curvy, petite, and tall. The launch of the new body types landed Barbie on the cover of TIME Magazine. And in 2018, Barbie shined a light on empowering role models from the past and present to inspire more girls. The campaign honored extraordinary women from around the world and launched on International Women's Day featuring Frida Kahlo, Katherine Johnson, and Amelia Earhart."

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Barbie Made News in 2025

During 2025, Barbie made news due to the brand's recognition of some inspiring women as well as holiday customs and colors. This post serves as a recap and a celebration.

But first, some HERstory. Mattel's Barbie has become one of the world's most popular dolls. Introduced in 1959, the Barbie doll owes its success to adapting to the ever-changing markets of various cultures and countries by launching Barbie dolls of shapes, colors, and sizes, and customization to the inhabitants of certain regions. Because Barbie has often been criticized for representing an unattainable beauty ideal for girls and women, the doll has evolved both in style and shape over the years.

The Barbie brand also honors pioneering women from throughout history. According to Mattel, "Barbie recognizes all female role models. The Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to the incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before."

Here are some interesting facts about Barbie. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Since her inception, she has had 200 different careers. Around the world, a Barbie doll is sold every three seconds, and March 9th is celebrated annually as National Barbie Day.

BARBIE SIGNATURE DOLL

According to the description, "Mattel was founded eight decades ago and has been empowering generations through play ever since. This Mattel 80th Anniversary Barbie doll celebrates the legacy of the iconic toymaker. Barbie doll looks red carpet-ready in a glittery gown accentuated by bow-like, tulle sleeves and a dramatic tulle bustle and train. Ruby pumps complement her dazzling look, while drop earrings with a golden "M" pay homage to the old-school Matty Mattel logo. Her blonde hair is piled high, with face-framing pieces that accentuate her bold lip. Adding to the deluxe details are black nails that peek out from sheer gloves. The Mattel 80th Anniversary Barbie doll is a fitting tribute to a legacy that has spanned decades and inspired children of all ages."

BARBIE CELEBRATES CLUELESS

According to Mattel, "Barbie celebrates the 30th anniversary of Clueless with the Cher Horowitz doll, perfect for collectors and film fanatics alike. The doll rocks her iconic sunshine-yellow plaid pleated skirt and matching blazer, paired with over-the-knee socks, and platform heels. With her mini white backpack, cell phone, and learner's permit in hand, Cher is the '90s it-girl, ready to cruise the streets of Beverly Hills with her bestie Dionne by her side.

Barbie also celebrates the 30th anniversary of Clueless with the Dionne Davenport doll. She gets major snaps for her chic black-and-white plaid ensemble, complete with her iconic top hat. She expertly accessorizes the look with black knee-high socks and black platform heels to match. With her cell phone in hand and bestie Cher on speed dial, Dionne is ready for whatever the day brings – playing matchmaker, hitting the mall, or making a buzz in Beverly Hills."

BARBIE AND THE SUPER BOWL

Barbie celebrated Super Bowl LIX with her officially licensed Chiefs and Eagles team gear. One Barbie supported the Chiefs, and another version supported the Eagles. Each wore a stylish sweatshirt with a logo paired with matching shorts and sneakers. A cheerful foam finger was also included.

BARBIE TRIBUTE COLLECTION - DEBBIE ALLEN

According to the Barbie website, "The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture. In October, a collectible Barbie doll was unveiled to honor Debbie Allen, an award-winning actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, director, producer, and author who rose to stardom despite facing many barriers. Her doll wears an outfit inspired her look from the hit series FAME. Her shimmery, off-shoulder top is cinched at the waist with a gold belt. Purple fringe pants and legwarmers complete this dance-ready ensemble. Her street-meets-dance look channels an aesthetic that is still iconic today! A multi-disciplinary artist with a prolific and illustrious career, one of her proudest achievements is the non-profit Debbie Allen Dance Academy she founded in 2001."

BARBIE INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES - VENUS WILLIAMS

As reported by the World Tennis Association, "Venus Williams' legendary push for equal prize money for women tennis players won't just be immortalized in tennis history books. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is being commemorated with a new Barbie doll in her likeness. The doll, which is part of Barbie's new Inspiring Women collection, features Williams in the outfit she wore at Wimbledon in 2007, the first year that the grass-court major offered equal prize money for men's and women's singles players. Williams won the tournament, and told USA Today ahead of the August 15 on-sale date for her doll, that it was a "huge moment" in her career, on and off the court. Venus worked with Mattel during the design process - and the doll wears accessories to match the ones Williams wore when she beat Marion Bartoli for the fourth of her five Wimbledon singles titles, including a green gem necklace, drop earrings, wristbands and visors, as well as Reebok sneakers."

Venus said, "To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too."

BARBIE INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES - ELLEN OCHOA

According to CollectSpace, "As the first Hispanic woman to fly into space, Ellen Ochoa has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Now, she is joining an even more elite group of honorees: space travelers with their own Barbie doll. In September, Mattel revealed the "Barbie Inspiring Women Ellen Ochoa" doll. It's only the fifth time that the iconic fashion doll has honored a real-life space explorer and only the third such doll to be offered for sale to the public. The new Barbie is styled after Ochoa's appearance at the time of her first of four spaceflights in 1993, when she launched on the space shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist on the STS-56 crew. The doll is dressed in a simplified version of the bright orange advanced crew escape system (ACES) pressure suit that Ochoa wore on that flight (as evident by the mission patch), complete with gloves, boots and a helmet. As noted on the doll's packaging, Ochoa followed up her nearly 42 days in space by becoming the second woman and first Latina to be the director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in 2013. She retired five years later, concluding a 30-year career with the space agency."

Ochoa explained, "Before I became the first Hispanic woman in space, my journey in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] was fueled by a deep curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown That's why being honored by Barbie — a brand that inspires imagination and possibility — means so much to me. It's important to me to empower young people to bring their curiosity and personal viewpoint into whatever dreams they choose to pursue — just as I've aimed to do throughout my career. This partnership with Barbie feels like an exciting next step in that mission."

Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, said, "Barbie is honored to introduce Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space and advocate for STEM education, as the latest addition to the Inspiring Women series. As a NASA trailblazer and advocate for women to pursue careers in STEM, we're truly over the moon to amplify her story. Together, we hope this Inspiring Women doll reminds the next generation that with courage, passion and determination, they can be anything they want because Ellen proves that even the sky isn't the limit."

BARBIE SIGNATURE LINE - STEVIE NICKS

According to the description, "Barbie celebrates Stevie Nicks, the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll and first woman to be inducted twice into the Hall of Fame - first with Fleetwood Mac, then as a solo artist. This Stevie Nicks doll -- the second in the Barbie Signature line -- is inspired by her famous look on the cover of Bella Donna, the 1981 album that launched her illustrious solo career. A woman taken by the wind, her iconic flowing white dress features a layered skirt, ruched bodice, and billowy sleeves that sweep the floor -- a hallmark of Stevie’s iconic bewitching boho style. She’s ready to groove on stage in her high-heeled boots, iconic top hat, and beaded earrings peeking through her long, golden waves. With a microphone accessory in hand, this songstress looks just like a white-winged dove."

FIRST BARBIE WITH TYPE-1 DIABETES

Mattel announced the debut of its the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in July. "This addition to the line enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child's own lived experience, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion and empathy – all pillars of the Barbie brand's mission."

According to Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, "Introducing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes marks an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation. Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.”

The brand's press release explained, "To ensure the doll design truly captures the community, Barbie partnered with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. T1D is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and/or long-term complications.

Barbie worked closely with Breakthrough T1D to accurately reflect the medical equipment for this condition and the doll's look:

* Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): The doll wears a CGM on her arm to help manage her type 1 diabetes. CGMs are small, wearable devices that continuously measure a person’s blood-sugar levels.To keep her CGM in place, she uses heart-shaped medical tape – Barbie pink, of course – along with a phone that displays a CGM app to help track her blood sugar levels throughout the day.

* Insulin Pump: Barbie has an insulin pump, a small, wearable medical device that allows for automated insulin dosing as needed, attached to her waist.

* Blue Polka Dot Outfit: The doll wears a stylish polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles. Both the color blue and circle print are nods to the global symbols that represent diabetes awareness.

* Purse: The doll comes with a pastel blue purse, perfect for Barbie to carry any essentials, such as type 1 diabetes supplies or snacks, when she's on the go.

The Barbie Fashionistas line features more than 175 looks across various skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashion styles, including a Blind Barbie doll, a Barbie doll with Down Syndrome, and a Barbie doll with Hearing Aids, among others. In 2020, Barbie kicked off a multi-year study with researchers at Cardiff University on the short-term and long-term benefits of doll play. It has been found that doll play serves an incredible purpose during key developmental stages, as it may help set children on a course for success by fostering empathy and developing social skills needed to excel, all while imagining their futures on an equal playing field."

DIWALI BARBIE

According to Mattel, "Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, Barbie doll wears her finest lehenga from Anita Dongre. The Indian couturier has built a global fashion empire with a mission to empower rural women artisans and sustain the exquisite craftsmanship of the country. Like every garment from Anita Dongre, this Midnight Bloom look is a labor of love and an exquisite work of art. This Moonlight Bloom look features a choli top, floral koti vest and lehenga skirt lush with dahlias, jasmine and Indian lotus, representing strength and beauty. The look is finished with golden shoes, bangles and earrings that dazzle by the light! Like every garment from Anita Dongre, the design is both a labor of love and an exquisite work of art."

LUNAR NEW YEAR BARBIE

According to Mattel, "As the firecrackers ignite, Barbie steps into the Lunar New Year celebration in a lucky red qipao (which symbolizes empowerment and beauty). She steals the scene in this quintessential dress with a modern mermaid gown silhouette, traditional mandarin collar, meihua plum blossom prints, and sheer bell sleeves that flutter as she claps to a festive lion dance. Her dress features a plum blossom floral print, a flower that symbolizes prosperity and resilience, because it can bloom in the cold of winter. To complete her look, Chinese knots, a symbol of good fortune, appear at the collar and adorn her belt. Golden drop earrings, matching the knot color, are also meant to bring good luck. The doll was designed by Joyce Chen."

According to Barbie doll designer Joyce Chen, "Being able to design the Lunar New Year Barbie series has felt really impactful for both me as a designer and to the consumer market that has always been yearning for more representation in the doll category. Growing up as an Asian American, I feel like it was rare to find toys or dolls that I could connect with. Being able to design the Lunar New Year dolls has been so meaningful for me because I can get in touch with and be inspired by my own culture. I also see how important it is for others when they have a doll that they can relate to. It makes me happy to create such a special Barbie for a holiday that is celebrated by many...I love seeing the continued growth of diversity and representation in dolls, and hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with."

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS BARBIE AND KEN

According to the description, "The Barbie Día De Muertos collection honors the festive holiday through a curated exploration of fashion that highlights the culture, rituals, and symbols often used during this day of remembrance. Barbie's gown is inspired by the marigold flower, that is traditionally used in Mexican culture to adorn the altars and graves of loved ones. Signifying a warm welcome to both the living and the deceased, these flowers bloom across the dress’s bodice and hem, as well as the crown that frames the doll’s striking calavera face paint. Her ruffled cream gown is trimmed in bright ribbon and scalloped gold lace. Sheer blouson sleeves are a delicate contrast to chunky drop earrings and stacked necklaces. Ken doll's suit is inspired by the marigold flower, that is traditionally used in Mexican culture to adorn the altars and graves of loved ones. Signifying a warm welcome to both the living and the deceased, these flowers sprawl in metallic gold trim down his vest and trouser legs. Bright marigolds bloom at his shirt cuffs, too."

WOMEN IN MUSIC CAREERS

During 2025, Barbie honored women in music with two dolls representing two important roles: musical artist and tour manager. The doll teamed up with Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keyes, her recording and mix engineer, Ann Mincieli, and their She Is The Music initiative to honor women who chose a career in the music industry. The 2025 Barbie Women in Music Career of the Year Set also aims to inspire the next generation of women who will the music industry's future creators.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

In early March, ahead of International Women's Day, Mattel announced eight new Barbies to celebrate the power of friendship. According to Mattel, "Women are more likely to achieve happiness and success if they have close and supportive friends. The dolls honoring this notion include U.S. Olympic gold medalists Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, British actresses and friends Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, Australian Grand Slam tennis champions Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty, and Brazilian actress Paola Antonini and the real woman she portrayed in a T.V. series, Kelen Ferreira." Unfortunately, the dolls were created as one-of-a-kind for each of the women - and were not for sale.

BARBIE AND MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

According to the MoMA website, “Mattel has launched a new capsule collection in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), celebrating the fusion of design, creativity, and play. The limited-edition series includes Barbie, Hot Wheels, UNO, and more, each reimagined through the lens of modern art and the museum’s timeless influence on global design.

As the collection’s centerpiece, the MoMA-inspired Barbie captures the essence of modern creativity — sleek lines, abstract color palettes, and fashion that echoes the harmony between art and individuality. Barbie's look feels at once timeless and contemporary, bridging childhood nostalgia with the sophistication of gallery-worthy design.

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece “The Starry Night,” the doll transforms one of the world’s most iconic paintings into couture fashion. Barbie wears an exquisite evening gown in swirling shades of deep blue and turquoise, echoing the brushstrokes and rhythm of Van Gogh’s night sky. The fabric captures the motion and emotion of the artwork, while her sculpted blonde hair, accented with shimmering blue tones, mirrors the painting’s luminous energy. Every detail — from the fluid silhouette of the dress to the sculptural curls framing her face — pays homage to Van Gogh’s vision of light and movement.

BARBIE AND WICKED FOR GOOD

Mattel was one of numerous cobranding partners with the the second movie (in the two-movie franchise) that arrived in theaters in November directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

According to Mattel, "Love without limits with Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good Enchanting Glinda Fashion Doll! Just like in the film, this Glinda doll stuns in her true-to-movie premium gown with sparkly, multi-layer organza skirt, flutter shoulders and shimmery long sleeves. Her wand, tiara and heels pair beautifully with the removable outfit. Her long, blonde hair with gentle curls completes the legendary look."

And also according to Mattel, "It’s time to fly with Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good Thrillifying Elphaba Fashion Doll! Just like in the film, Elphaba stuns in her true-to-movie gown with textured, sparkly details and cape with frayed edges. Her broom, hat, Grimmerie and boots pair beautifully with the removable outfit. Her long, flowing braided hair completes the legendary look. The positively green witch dazzles in a true-to-movie premium gown and cape. No escape from Emerald City is complete without Elphaba doll’s accessories – her iconic broom, hat, boots, and Grimmerie."

BARBIE YOU CREATE AWARD

Barbie You Create has been named a TIME Best Invention of 2025, chosen by TIME for innovations that are changing how we live. According to TIME, "With thousands of styling opportunities, each Barbie You Create kit comes with three diverse articulated body types, swappable heads, face-paint varieties, mix-and-match fashions with a universal fit, and premium wigs – all the makings for the most unique and customizable way to build, style, and pose with Barbie."

Saturday, July 5, 2025

When it comes to customer experiences, one brand always saves the day!

Today is an important date in the world of e-commerce because on this date in 1994, Jeff Bezos launched Amazon. Initially created as an online bookseller, it has evolved into an online marketplace where almost anything can be found and purchased, sometimes earning the nickname "the disrupter of industries" according Entrepreneur magazine and, in the process over the years, also earning the nickname "The Everything Store" by The New York Times. This post serves as a birthday greeting to Amazon!

According to Wikipedia, "The company, originally named Cadabra, was founded in the converted garage of Bezos' house and was renamed to Amazon in November 1994. Bezos chose the Seattle area for its abundance of technical talent from Microsoft and the University of Washington, as well as its smaller population for sales tax purposes and the proximity to a major book distribution warehouse in Roseburg, Oregon. The Amazon website launched for public sales on July 16, 1995, and initially sourced its books directly from wholesalers and publishers. Amazon went public in May 1997. It began selling music and videos in 1998, and began international operations by acquiring online sellers of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. In 1999, it initiated the sale of a diverse range of products, including music, video games, consumer electronics, home improvement items, software, games, and toys."

Recently, I received an email from a well-known jewelry brand, a brand that has become even more widely known due to its latest brand spokesperson, Ariana Grande, who has become a mega-star due to the international success of WICKED, THE MOVIE (parts one and two). In the email, there were several nice jewelry items with links to the products on the brand's website. I visited the website to take a look and then decided to visit a local store to try several items on in person.

Once I arrived at the local store, I saw two salespeople and two other customers - so the store was definitely not busy. Once one customer left, I asked the available salesperson for assistance because she did not approach me - and she did not welcome me to the store either. I showed her the items I was interested in trying on, and she checked inventory on her handheld device. She told me that there were no bracelets or necklaces in stock at her store. Note, I had checked the website prior to my in-store visit and learned that the store had the items in stock. While shaking my head, I asked to see some other items and showed the salesperson the email I had received, and again, she said the items were not in stock at her store. I thanked her and left.

What did I do upon returning home and booting up my computer? If you guessed "logged into Amazon," you'd be correct. I immediately logged into my Amazon account and searched for the desired item, the Gema Bracelet Mixed cuts, Multicolored, Rhodium plated from Swarovski - surprisingly at a lower price than from the store - and purchased it. I also learned that there were other items in the Gema Crystal Collection that had not been advertised by the brand, either in-store on online.

As a result of this purchase from Amazon and not from Swarovski, I started to think about how completely different the two customer experience journeys were. According to customer experience expert and author Annette Franz, "A journey map is a visual story-capturing/storytelling exercise during which you paint the picture of the customer experience for a specific interaction by walking in the customers' shoes to capture their steps, needs, and perceptions of the interaction. Journey mapping is a creative process that allows you to understand – and then redesign – the customer experience. The output is not just a "pretty picture" once the map is developed, it is meant to be a catalyst for change."

Therefore, if this famous jewelry brand wishes to keep customers so that they purchase directly from them rather than sending customers elsewhere, it would behoove them to improve their customer journey mapping process.

To quote Zen Yinger, who shared her thoughts about Amazon on my blog during my Spring Leadership Series last year: "What sets Amazon apart is not just the convenience it offers, but the unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction...In essence, Amazon isn't just a company; it's a symbol of customer-centric leadership, innovation, inclusivity, adaptability, and responsibility. It represents the evolution of an industry leader that not only meets - but anticipates - the needs of a dynamic and interconnected world."

And lastly, let's return to a quote from Annette Franz that appeared here on my blog in 2016, "You need to ensure that you deliver a great experience at all stages of the customer lifecycle." Seems like there are a lot of take-away lessons for Swarovski from my recent experience, because according to Bill Gates, "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Let's Celebrate World Circus Day!

What are your memories from going to the circus as a child? Were you entertained by clowns, acrobats, or wild animals? Or, were you introduced to the modern-day version of the circus due to performances by Cirque du Soleil? Whatever the case may be, today's a special day for circus fans because it's World Circus Day!

According to NationalToday.com, "World Circus Day is celebrated on April 17 every year. This holiday was created to shine a spotlight on circus creators, performers, and artists. As one of the most popular and universal forms of entertainment, circus art is brought to the forefront to create awareness for everyone involved in the industry. This day is dedicated to emphasizing their craft, talents, and skills. It also helps them raise funds, attract audiences, and enter the zeitgeist of the entertainment scene. From veteran performers to up-and-coming artists, this day is dedicated to their hard work and dedication. Circus art is not as easy as it looks — it takes years of training and perseverance to achieve mastery. Today, we celebrate them and their contributions to the arts."

Here's a circus timeline:

1768: First Modern Circus Introduced

In London, England, Philip Astley created the first modern circus, providing a model for future circus shows. He pioneered horse riding tricks as a form of entertainment in front of a public audience and initially called this performance arena "Circle," but the term evolved and later became known as "Circus." Astley exported his circus to France and was able to build 18 more across Europe.

1825: Invention of the Circus Tent

The circus tent, or "big top," was first used by Joshua Purdy Brown, allowing circuses to travel and perform anywhere.

1884: Birth of "The Greatest Show on Earth"

P.T. Barnum and J.A. Bailey founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which later merged with Ringling Bros. to become "The Greatest Show on Earth."

1956: End of Big-Top Era and Start of Arena Shows

For financial reasons, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey moved their shows from tents to permanent venues, essentially ending the traditional big-top circus era.

1984: Cirque du Soleil Founded

The start of the contemporary circus era with the founding of Cirque du Soleil, introducing a new artistic and story-driven approach to circus performance.

2010: First World Circus Day Celebrated

Lead by the Federation Mondiale du Cirque, the first World Circus Day was celebrated on April 17th, to honor and promote the art of circus globally.

Here are some circus superstitions:

The color green: Circus performers don't wear green costumes because it's considered unlucky to wear green in the ring.

Never whistle or eat peanuts: Circus performers never whistle or eat peanuts backstage as these are considered to be bad luck.

Never say "Break a Leg" before a show - it's bad luck.

Elephants' tail hair: All circus performers who carry hair from an elephant's tail in their pockets during performances will have good luck.

Never say goodbye, it's always "See you down the road."

And last but not least, from a marketing perspective, how have circuses evolved? First, as a result of the public controversy surrounding wild animals as part of circus performances, live animals are no longer part of circus performances. Second, industry brand leader Ringling Bros. returned in 2023 after a five-year absence with a totally-revamped production that replaced its menagerie of performing animals with 75 wildly-talented humans from 18 countries. And lastly, the Cirque du Soleil umbrella of artistic circus shows scratches the surface of the circus concept but actually combines music, artistry, and acrobatics with storytelling.

While "Ringling Bros. producer Feld Grossman has been described as a kind of Ted Lasso of in-person entertainment: he makes people feel pretty good about themselves, at least for a few hours," can the circus form of entertainment survive in the era of online distractions? Time will tell.

Image Credit: Vectorstock.com.

Did you know that there are schools to learn how to be a circus performer? Take a look!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_school

And, on a related note, according to the European Circus Association (ECA), this year's World Circus Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 19th IN EUROPE. According to the ECA's website, "The European Circus Association was established to unite Europe's circuses in order to promote and preserve circus arts and culture as part of Europe's cultural heritage. ECA is a non-profit organization. Its members include circus owners and directors, festivals, animal trainers and artists as well as other organizations representing the same interests. Together the ECA believes we can ensure that the circus continues to enchant, educate, and entertain children of all ages. This includes all kinds of circus, travelling or permanent, big or small, involving varying mixes of artistic displays, acrobatics, comedy, and trained animals."

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Let's Celebrate National Barbie Day!

On March 9th, 1959, the Barbie doll made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. And the rest is history, or more accurately stated, HERstory.

In 1956, Ruth and Elliot Handler took their two teenage children, Barbara and Ken, on a trip to Europe, and during the trip, they saw a doll that looked like an adult woman. This doll was different from the baby dolls that most little girls played with back in America. And after seeing her young daughter ignore her baby dolls to play make-believe with paper dolls of adult women, Handler realized there was an important market niche for a toy that allowed little girls to imagine the future.

Ruth was inspired, and three years later, Mattel's version of the adult doll, which she named after her daughter, debuted and became a big success. The Barbie doll also had a wardrobe of outfits that could be purchased separately. In 1960, the Handlers took their company, Mattel, public, and Barbie quickly became an icon, with a wardrobe and career options that mirrored women's changing goals. In Barbie's first full year of production, there were 300,000 dolls sold.

Ruth Handler said in a 1977 interview with The New York Times, "Every little girl needed a doll through which to project herself into her dream of her future. If she was going to do role-playing of what she would be like when she was 16 or 17, it was a little stupid to play with a doll that had a flat chest. So I gave the doll beautiful breasts. And Barbie kept pace with the times. During Camelot, she sported a Jacqueline Kennedy hairdo. During the 1970's, her career choices and outfits began to change to include a doctor, astronaut, and veterinarian, among others. My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, a girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices."

According to Mattel, "Barbie traveled into space in 1965, four years before man walked on the moon. In 1973, Barbie saved lives as a surgeon, at a time when very few women were in the operating room. In 1985, she took to the boardroom as "Day to Night" CEO Barbie, just as women began to break the glass ceiling. In 1992, Barbie ran for president for the first time. In 2016, she ran with the first all-female ticket. To encourage more girls to explore the STEM field, Barbie has been a computer engineer, video game developer, Mars explorer, and robotics engineer. In 2016, to better reflect the world girls see today, Barbie introduced three new body types: curvy, petite, and tall. The launch of the new body types landed Barbie on the cover of Time magazine. And in 2018, Barbie shined a light on empowering role models from the past and present to inspire more girls. The campaign honored extraordinary women from around the world and launched on International Women's Day featuring Frida Kahlo, Katherine Johnson, and Amelia Earhart."

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Marketing News of the Week: Advertising, Branding, Community Support, and More

During the last week, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, community stewardship, employee experience, personal branding, and more.

INSENSITIVE ADVERTISING

According to EuroNews, "Pakistan's national airline has said that an ad campaign showing a plane heading toward the Eiffel Tower was never intended to evoke the memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. The illustration shows a plane superimposed over the French flag and tilted toward the Paris landmark, with the words "Paris, we're coming today." The ad was posted on X by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on 10 January, the day the company resumed flights to European Union countries after a four-year ban by the bloc's aviation safety agency. On January 14th, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the ad as an act of "stupidity." PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said, "We want to make it clear that we had no intention to hurt the feelings of anyone. The Eiffel Tower was shown in the ad because it's one of the best places in the world."

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

Due to the catastrophic wildfires that have been raging in the Los Angeles area since January 7th and the destruction they have caused, many organizations have stepped up to provide food and clothing to the people most affected. In addition, many brands have shown their dedication to being thoughtful corporate citizens.

Living Spaces, the furniture company, stated on its website, "We Support LA. Free mattress set for fire victims. As of January 16th, the company has donated 192 mattresses for LA fire relief. According to the website, "We want to extend our heartfelt support to the communities and families impacted by the recent wildfires. Los Angeles is our home, and we stand with you in recovering and rebuilding from the devastation. To help ease the burden, we are offering a Revive Hawaii mattress and foundation in any size to anyone who has lost their home. Just show us your FEMA or insurance paperwork, and we will make sure you have what you need to get a good night’s sleep. From our family to yours, we are here for you."

According to MLB.com, "As devastating wildfires ravage the Los Angeles area, the sports world is hoping to provide whatever help it can for those who have been impacted by the disaster. MLB, other major professional sports leagues and 15 Los Angeles sports organizations are partnering with Fanatics to produce an "LA Strong" merchandise collection, beginning with t-shirts and expanding to other products. Fanatics and the participating leagues and teams will not profit from the sale of items in this collection, with donations going directly to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The American Red Cross provides assistance to those affected by the fires and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides much needed support and equipment to first responders."

The Walt Disney Company committed $15 million to help with response and rebuilding efforts. The money will help services on the ground, such as the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and more. CEO Bob Iger said, "As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation. Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world."

ROYAL WARRANTS AND PRINCESS OF WALES

In what could easily be called the biggest brand ambassador news from England, according to Tatler, "As reigning monarch, King Charles decides which members of the royal family are permitted to hand out royal warrants, signifying their own personal use of a specific brand. Kate Middleton is set to break from decades of tradition and bestow her first set of royal warrants for the first time ever, it has been confirmed. When the Princess of Wales announces her decisions, it will mark the first time in over 70 years that a royal bearing the title Princess of Wales has had the opportunity to grant the honour – an opportunity that was not bestowed upon Princess Diana.

It's one of the highest honours a British brand can receive: a seal of approval from the Princess of Wales herself, who has said she wishes to recognize British skills and industry. Catherine's impact on the world of British business is monumental. The so-called 'Kate Effect,' referring to the stratospheric uptick in sales of a garment worn by the mother-of-three, has reportedly added one billion pounds to the fashion industry as of 2021. For any brand, be it a style favourite or a technological go-to, receiving an official nod as one of Catherine's personal staples will surely see sales skyrocket.

Over the years, the Princess of Wales has built up a portfolio of preferred brands, especially when it comes to fashion. Many will expect Alexander McQueen, considered Catherine's go-to fashion house, to soon bear her coat of arms. From her Victorian-inspired lace wedding gown designed by creative director Sarah Burton, to the red double-breasted coat that she wore for her milestone return to the Together At Christmas carol concert last December, the Princess of Wales turns to the legendary designer for her most personal of engagements.

As for Catherine, no timeline has been specified for the awards, but brands throughout the country will be waiting with bated breath to see if they might benefit from the 'Kate Effect.' From Mulberry to Manolo Blahnik, Boden to L.K Bennett – for a royal as synonymous with style as the Princess of Wales, the list is both extensive and exclusive."

According to the Independent, "Companies holding a royal warrant are recognised for providing goods or services to the monarchy and are allowed to use the coat of arms of the royal they are associated with on packaging, as part of advertising or on stationery. Companies are also required to demonstrate that they have an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy and action plan – a requirement brought in by Charles as the Prince of Wales. A royal warrant is usually granted for up to five years and reviewed in the year before it is due to expire so that a decision can be made as to whether it should be renewed for another period of up to five years. Last year more than 500 companies were granted royal warrants, a list which was largely drawn from companies that previously held a royal warrant of appointment from Queen Elizabeth II or from King Charles when he was Prince of Wales."

STARBUCKS POLICY

Starbucks announced that it was reversing a 2018 policy that invited everyone into its stores, and now, if you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you will have to buy something. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers, "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone."

STARBUCKS MISSION

Starbucks announced its new mission statement, "To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time."

According to the brand's website, "Our mission statement defines what sets Starbucks apart – our identity and our responsibility in the world. Our name, Starbucks Coffee Company, also captures our role. Coffee reflects our commitment to source, roast and serve the highest-quality coffee, and Company captures our role in bringing people together to inspire and nurture the human spirit. According to Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO, "When the barista hands the customer their cup of coffee, it is this moment of connection that doesn't happen in any other moment in the day, for a lot of people. The humanity of that moment is really powerful. When you stop and think about it, what are we all about? We provide the best coffee in the world, and we do it with the purpose of having these moments of connection with each other. If we keep it very straightforward – coffee, people and humanity – we're going to be in really good shape."

BAN OF RED DYE

According to Good Housekeeping, "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs as of January 15th. Over 20 consumer advocacy groups had argued for the removal of Red Dye No. 3 from food and dietary supplements citing studies that high doses of the color additive had been linked to cancer in rats. The move follows California's 2023 ban, which prohibits the sale of foods containing Red Dye No. 3 in the state starting in 2027, and aligns the U.S. with much of the world, including the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, where the dye is already restricted.

Not everything containing Red Dye No. 3 falls into the food categories below. The dye is also used in drugs and dietary supplements. If you're unsure, check the product's ingredient label before purchasing, and keep in mind that Red Dye No. 3 may also be listed as "Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "Red #3."

Common food products that can contain Red Dye No. 3 include:

*Sprinkles

*Icing

*Baking mixes

*Cereals

*Berry- and cherry-flavored candy

*Strawberry milk

*Peppermint candies

*Soda

*Fruit cocktail

*Cookies

*Maraschino cherries

*Smoked sausages, bacon and other types of processed meats

*Ice cream and frozen yogurt treats

*Chewing gum and mints

*Biscuits

*Fruit and vegetable juices

*Seasoning mixes and marinades

MORE MACY'S CLOSURES

Macy's is expected to close 65 locations by the end of 2025, an increase from the 50 locations the company said it would initially close this year. The retailer announced back in February 2024 plans to shut down 150 "underproductive" Macy's store locations by 2026. The plan "is designed to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth. According to Tony Spring, Macy's Chairman and CEO, "Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing under-productive Macy's stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go–forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service."

CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF DEI

Axios reported that Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads) is eliminating its DEI efforts, effective immediately, including ones that focused on hiring a diverse workforce, training, and sourcing supplies from diverse-owned companies. Its DEI department will also be eliminated. In a memo leaked to the outlet, Meta said it was making these changes because the "legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing."

DEATH OF BOB UECKER

According to AP, "Bob Uecker, who parlayed a forgettable playing career into a punch line for movie and TV appearances as Mr. Baseball and a Hall of Fame broadcasting tenure, has died at age 90. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, "Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime." Uecker was best known as a colorful comedian and broadcaster whose sense of humor and self-deprecating style earned him fame and affection beyond his .200 batting average...Uecker often joked, "Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets."...He got his big break off the field after opening for Don Rickles at Al Hirt's nightclub in Atlanta in 1969. That performance caught Hirt's attention, and the musician set him up to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances - and it was Carson who dubbed Uecker 'Mr. Baseball.' And the name stuck."

SUPER BOWL 59

The biggest football game of the year takes place three weeks from today - on February 9th! Which brand's ads are you looking forward to watching?

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Fanatics and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Barbie Made News in 2024

During 2024, Barbie made news due to the brand's recognition of some inspiring women as well as holiday customs and colors. This post serves as a recap and a celebration.

And during 2024, to celebrate the 65th birthday of Barbie, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts partnered with Mattel and launched the limited-edition Barbie Collection featuring four doughnuts: the Barbie Pink Doughnut, the Barbie Berries 'n Kreme Doughnut, the Malibu Dream Party Doughnut, and the Barbie Sweet 65th Doughnut.

According to Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme, "We're excited to celebrate the Barbie brand's 65th birthday with a collaboration that's full of fun and flavor. We're bringing Barbie's iconic fashions to life through delicious doughnuts that are sure to thrill Barbie and Krispy Kreme fans alike."

According to Meredith Norrie, Mattel's Vice President of Global Licensing and Consumer Products, "Barbie and Krispy Kreme are two brands that immediately spark joy and elicit sweet memories. As we continue to celebrate Barbie's 65th anniversary this year, Krispy Kreme is the perfect partner to join us, inviting fans across generations to enjoy the perfect blend of flavor and style with nods to Barbie sprinkled into every bite."

BARBIE'S CAREER OF THE YEAR COLLECTION

In January, most likely inspired by the "Barbie" blockbuster film that appealed to movie fans of all ages during the summer of 2023, Mattel announced that its annual "Career of the Year" collection would feature a slate of film-related occupations including a film director, a studio executive, a cinematographer, and a movie star.

While Barbie has worked in more than 250 professions, the annual "Career of the Year" dolls highlight positions in which women are under-represented. According to Mattel, the dolls "inspire imaginations with endless possibilities."

LUNAR NEW YEAR BARBIE

In February, Mattel unveiled its 2024 Lunar New Year Barbie doll: "Barbie is enchanting in a traditional xifu costume, inspired by the beauty of Peking Opera, a cultural treasure of China and often performed to celebrate Lunar New Year and other Chinese holidays. Her elegant robe in lucky red with a colorful peony print symbolizes good fortune. Her dramatic water sleeves are used to create beautiful hand motions and expressions on stage. The look is completed with an ornate headdress with peony accents and cyan blue shoes with pink poms."

INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES HONORED KRISTI YAMAGUCHI

In May, Mattel's Barbie "Inspiring Women Series" - that pays tribute to courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before - celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by paying homage to trailblazing figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, a two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist from the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France - and the first Asian-American woman to win a gold medal in figure skating. The doll sparkles in a black leotard with gold accents, a reproduction of the costume she wore for her gold medal performance. Following her Olympic career, she became an author and advocate, serving as the founder of nonprofit Always Dream, which is aimed at increasing children's literacy.

BLIND BARBIE

In August, Mattel unveiled its first blind Barbie doll, and alongside the blind Barbie, Mattel also released a Black Barbie with Down syndrome to further diversify its line and "allow even more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play." According to company press release, "We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging. We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle."

"Mattel partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure that details of the blind Barbie, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication, accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision."

"In 2023, Mattel introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which won the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year award presented by the Toy Association. This year, Barbie once again partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to introduce its next doll with Down syndrome to the Barbie Fashionistas 2024 lineup."

DIWALI BARBIE

In October, Mattel unveiled a new Diwali Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "In a continued commitment to promoting celebrations of heritage, Barbie is unveiling its first ever Barbie Diwali doll collaboration with globally recognized Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. Blending tradition with Barbie's place in global fashion, the Barbie Diwali doll celebrates India's cultural richness with a worldwide audience. The limited-edition Barbie doll wears a Moonlight Bloom set with a choli top, floral Koti vest and lehenga skirt adorned with dahlias, jasmine and Indian lotus — symbols of strength and beauty. The outfit has been accessorized with gold bangles and shimmering earrings to complete the look and reflect the radiant lights of the festival."

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DOLLS

Also in October, Mattel launched a special edition Día de Muertos Barbie doll created by Mexican fashion designer Kris Goyri. According to ABC7, "This doll is a tribute to the Mexican celebration in honor of deceased loved ones. This special edition Day of the Dead doll wears a pure white dress inspired by indigenous Oaxaca styles and adorned with papier-mâché cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) that symbolize the path to the afterlife. Goyri emphasizes the importance of connecting with pre-Hispanic roots and traditional crafts, such as those seen in the sash at the waist, representing a typical weaving of Mexican artisans. Goyri hand-designed the makeup, ensuring it captured the essence of the "Catrina," a dapper skull or skeleton character associated with Día de Muertos, and created the hairstyle to achieve authentic Mexican accents. This collaboration not only honors a much-loved tradition but also reflects Barbie's effort to celebrate cultural diversity. This limited-edition doll shows the importance of representation in the toy industry and the need to understand different cultures."

In addition, Mattel launched its 2024 Día de Muertos Collection designed by Javier Maebe. According to Mattel, "The Barbie doll looks luminous wearing a long, black ruffled gown with intricate, colorful detailing and embroidered sugar skulls. Her orange headband highlights her updo and evokes the festival's iconic marigold flowers. Calavera face paint and bright pink accessories complete her festive look. While sold separately, both Barbie and Ken dolls wear complimentary patterns."

BARBIE TRIBUTE COLLECTION HONORED RITA MORENO

In November, The Barbie Tribute Collection - that celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture - introduced its Rita Moreno Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "This collectible Barbie doll honors award-winning actress, singer, dancer, and activist Rita Moreno. She is a rare recipient and the first Latina and Puerto-Rican to win the coveted EGOT – America’s most prestigious awards in television, music, film, and theater. The Mattel Rita Moreno doll wears an elegant black and gold boatneck gown reminiscent of her iconic outfit that she's worn twice on the red carpet, once in 1962 and again in 2018. Opera length gloves and classic heels complete her elegant ensemble."

However, during November, Mattel went into crisis mode once shoppers noticed that the packaging for its WICKED dolls included a website for pornography rather than the movie's correct website. Mattel said in a statement, "We were made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. The listed website is not appropriate for children. For consumers who have bought the dolls, discard the product packaging or obscure the link." However, some consumers are trying to make Mattel's loss their gain: Multiple sellers have listed the toys on eBay for as much as $500 (rather than the $40 regular price), some advertising "RARE URL ERROR MISPRINT."

What inspirational women would you like to see transformed into a Barbie doll? Tune in next January to see who Mattel recognizes with this unique honor during 2025.

Image Credit: Mattel and Krispy Kreme.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

SHARE THIS: If your brand feels like a community, not a transaction — you're doing it right. ~Envision Creative Art #BrandExperience #BrandAmbassadors #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Here are some interesting facts about tigers:

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some brands featuring tigers in their logos and brand storytelling.

DETROIT TIGERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

PRINCETON TIGERS

TONY THE TIGER FROM KELLOGG'S FROSTED FLAKES CEREAL

CLINIQUE MAKE-UP

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

AIR FRANCE

MICHELIN

PERRIER

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

HERMES

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

SHARE THIS: By partnering with other brands and businesses, you can amplify your marketing efforts to reach new audiences and create more engaging campaigns. ~Bynder #MarketingCollab #Cobranding #MarketingTips #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

SHARE THIS: When I was a child, my mother said to me, "If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk, you'll end up as Pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso. ~Pablo Picasso #1Picassofor100Euros #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Monday, March 9, 2026

SHARE THIS: Barbie's career line reinforces the brand's purpose to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. ~Mattel #NationalBarbieDay #YouCanBeAnything #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

BARBIE SIGNATURE DOLL

BARBIE CELEBRATES CLUELESS

BARBIE AND THE SUPER BOWL

BARBIE TRIBUTE COLLECTION - DEBBIE ALLEN

BARBIE INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES - VENUS WILLIAMS

BARBIE INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES - ELLEN OCHOA

BARBIE SIGNATURE LINE - STEVIE NICKS

FIRST BARBIE WITH TYPE-1 DIABETES

DIWALI BARBIE

LUNAR NEW YEAR BARBIE

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS BARBIE AND KEN

WOMEN IN MUSIC CAREERS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

BARBIE AND MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

BARBIE AND WICKED FOR GOOD

BARBIE YOU CREATE AWARD

SHARE THIS: Barbie's line reinforces the brand's purpose to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. ~Mattel #BarbieInspires #YouCanBeAnything #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Saturday, July 5, 2025

SHARE THIS: We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. ~Jeff Bezos #CustomerExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Here's a circus timeline:

Here are some circus superstitions:

Sunday, March 9, 2025

SHARE THIS: Barbie's career line reinforces the brand's purpose to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. ~Mattel #DebbieLaskeysBlog #NationalBarbieDay

Sunday, January 19, 2025

INSENSITIVE ADVERTISING

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

ROYAL WARRANTS AND PRINCESS OF WALES

STARBUCKS POLICY

STARBUCKS MISSION

BAN OF RED DYE

MORE MACY'S CLOSURES

CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF DEI

DEATH OF BOB UECKER

SUPER BOWL 59

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

BARBIE'S CAREER OF THE YEAR COLLECTION

LUNAR NEW YEAR BARBIE

INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES HONORED KRISTI YAMAGUCHI

BLIND BARBIE

DIWALI BARBIE

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DOLLS

BARBIE TRIBUTE COLLECTION HONORED RITA MORENO