Building Self-Love and Confidence

The Journey of Philly & Friends

As a mother, entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in the playroom, my journey with Philly & Friends has always been about more than just products; it has been about creating something meaningful that will uplift, inspire and empower children, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds - for us, it’s all about raising wholesome children with a strong identity.

The Birth of Philly & Friends: A Personal Mission

The seed for Philly & Friends was planted when I was pregnant with my daughter, whose nickname is Philly. As I searched for books and toys that represented children like her - Black, beautiful and full of potential - I was faced with a stark reality. The shelves were dominated by characters and narratives that didn’t reflect the rich diversity of our world. This lack of representation stirred something in me. I wanted her and children around the world to grow up seeing themselves and others positively in the stories they read, the toys they played with and the media they consumed.

That desire led to me writing my debut book, Who Do I See in the Mirror? and the creation of Philly & Friends; a brand that celebrates diversity and inclusion through beautifully crafted, culturally inclusive products that empower children to embrace their identity and uniqueness. The heartbeat of our brand is the idea that every child is special, worthy and full of potential.

Who Do I See in the Mirror?: A Story That Resonates

Our first book, Who Do I See in the Mirror? holds a special place in my heart. It is a gentle yet powerful story about selfacceptance, following a little girl named Philly as she embarks on a journey to discover what makes her truly special. In a world where societal standards can often define and limit our perceptions of beauty, this book challenges those norms and encourages children to look beyond the physical and celebrate the qualities that make them uniquely beautiful - inside and out.

At its core, Who Do I See in the Mirror? is about self-love, identity and confidence. It speaks to the experiences of many children, especially those from diverse backgrounds, who might not see themselves reflected in mainstream media or literature. The feedback from parents, educators and children alike has been incredible. To know that this book has resonated with so many and is helping children to see themselves in a positive light is beyond rewarding. It reaffirms the importance of diverse storytelling and the need for books that speak to the lived experiences of children from all walks of life.

The Broader Vision of Philly & Friends

While Who Do I See in the Mirror? is a cornerstone of our work, Philly & Friends is more than just books. We are committed to creating an ecosystem that supports the healthy development of children, from toys that encourage creative play to learning toys that inspire confidence.

One of the most exciting elements of Philly & Friends is our African Queens Small World Play Puzzles. These puzzles showcase strong, influential women from Africa’s rich history, allowing children to play and learn about empowering female role models.

Advocating for Change

As a brand, we are deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. These are not just buzzwords for us, but are woven into the fabric of everything we do. Philly & Friends seeks to challenge the status quo by ensuring that all children, no matter their background, can see themselves positively in the stories they read and the toys they engage with.

We know that diverse representation in media and products is crucial for children’s self-esteem, and we will continue to be advocates for this change in the publishing and toy industries. It is our mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see themselves reflected, appreciated and celebrated.

Impacting Lives Beyond Products

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey with Philly & Friends is witnessing the impact it has had on young lives. I often receive messages from parents, teachers and carers who share how our products have sparked important conversations with their children about self-love, diversity and identity. These moments of connection and learning are exactly what Philly & Friends is all about - creating opportunities for growth, empathy and understanding.

Our school visits and creative workshops are one of my favourite things about Philly & Friends. I get to directly witness little kids light up with joy to the realisation that they are special and deserve to be loved and celebrated.

Additionally, through our ‘Buy a Book, Give a Book’ initiative, we sponsor books for underprivileged children, which allows us to support communities where children may not have easy access to books that reflect their identities or empower their dreams.

Looking to the Future

In a world that is increasingly diverse, it is vital that the stories we tell reflect the beauty and richness of that diversity. Through Philly & Friends, I hope to continue playing a part in shaping a more inclusive future for our children - one where they can always see the magic in the mirror.

VESE AGHOGHOVBIA www.phillyandfriends.com