It’s almost that time again and I am as excited as a kid in a candy store. I get to pitch the Niyakids to Walmart during the Women in Toys Winning Moves Workshop. This will be my second face-to-face meeting with a doll buyer, my first pitch was at this year’s Toy Fair in New York. It was incredibly amazing! Suzanne Mills-Winkler, my partner and I were ready for show-and-tell with prototypes from the American Inventor Show, ABC Kids Expo and a sample of the original Niya doll. I’m still trying to figure out how in the world we were able to fit all of those dolls in one small space? Lights! Cameras! Action! We were on and after it was over, we heard those three magic words that warmed our hearts—“there is interest.” However, they came with a disclaimer. The buyer said, “Walmart needs to see a following before placing an order.” This is where the fun begins. We need your help in getting our Facebook numbers up by liking and telling your friends to” like” the NIyakids page. Don’t forget to visit the new Niyakids website where there are fun and engaging products that promote diversity. You are an important part of the journey. Let us hear from you. 
The friendship that I have with all of my children is by far the strongest place of comfort for me and a source of strength. Children are gifts. We Are Friends is a love note to children that says no matter the shape, size or color, they matter. Congratulations and best wishes with yet another milestone project.
-Lebo M Grammy-Producer, Arranger and Composer, "Voice and spirit of The Lion King."
