Barbie isn’t just about shopping; The famous doll is heading into the entrepreneurial world.
Mattel released Entrepreneur Barbie – its 2014 Career-of-the-Year Doll – Wednesday, for sale on Amazon and on Mattel’s website.
“Entering the entrepreneurial world, this independent professional is ready for the next big pitch,” the Mattel release says, furthering describing the doll as a ‘smart, stylish career woman.’ The doll still wears its signature pink color, but she also comes with a smartphone, tablet, and briefcase.
The official Barbie Twitter account engaged its followers by asking questions such as “What was the best career advice you ever received?” and using the hashtag #BarbieChat and #unapologetic as part of the doll’s marketing. The tweets have also included statistics about women in technology and business, as well as messages to encourage girls and women to pursue their dreams.
As part of her background story, Entrepreneur Barbie has her eight “Chief Inspirational Officers,” who are real-life entrepreneurs like Rent the Runway founders Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss and microfunding website Plum Alley founder Deborah Jackson.
Many may say that Barbie has come a long way since the doll’s inception more than 50 years ago. Mattel has expanded Barbie to have interest in a wide range of careers and hobbies, from being a cheerleader or a teacher to being an astronaut or US president.
But Barbie still faces criticisms, like having an unrealistic image. Her vital statistics have never officially been revealed, but there have been estimates that if Barbie were 5’9”, she would have a 36-inch bust, an 18-inch waist, and a 33-inch hips, according to The Daily Mail. Barbie has also been estimated to weigh 110 lbs. and having a body mass index of 16.24.
In April 2014, Mattel revealed worldwide gross sales for its Barbie brand were down 14 percent in the first quarter and have been declining overall in recent years, according to Mattel’s earnings releases.
The doll costs $12.99 on both Amazon and Mattel’s website. It will go on sale to more retailers in August.
