Hello Hair dolls are more than toys; they blend play and education. The dolls are designed with diverse hair textures and skin tones and cater to various age groups. “For toddlers, it’s about play and exploration. For tweens, it’s about learning hair care and styling,” Anita explains.

The dolls also support parents, hairstylists, and educators in fostering conversations about hair care and representation. “Hair education shouldn’t just be for stylists,” Anita says. “Our dolls make it accessible for everyone.”

For Anita, the most rewarding moments since launching Hello Hair stem from having the courage to start again. After the closure of Fleeky Beauty, Anita embraced a growth mindset, turning past challenges into stepping stones for Hello Hair.

Her determination paid off when Taraji P. Henson, an icon of authenticity and representation, reached out. “Growing up, Taraji helped me love myself. Having her acknowledge Hello Hair felt like a full-circle moment,” Anita says. This connection began after a viral video introducing Hello Hair dolls garnered over a million views despite initial backlash.

“The comments about the dolls’ eyes being ‘too open’ or ‘creepy’ could have discouraged me,” Anita recalls. “Instead, I engaged with every comment, thanked the viewers, and learned from the experience.”

A highlight of Anita’s journey was her appearance on Dragons' Den. Encouraged by her mentor, Stephanie Williams, Anita entered the den and secured a deal with Arlene Dickinson and Wes Hall. “It was surreal to achieve something I once thought was out of reach,” she says.

For Anita, hair is deeply political. “In Canada, microaggressions around Black hair are common, and we don’t talk about them enough,” she states. Hello Hair aims to spark these conversations with initiatives like the upcoming podcast Rise in Your Roots, where diverse individuals share their hair journeys.

“Hair is an entryway to understanding identity,” Anita says. “When we talk about hair, we dive into the deepness of an individual and how hair has been a part of that.”

Looking ahead, Anita envisions Hello Hair’s educational programs expanding nationwide and connecting with communities. Upcoming projects include:

• The Rise in Your Roots podcast
•  A symposium in Hamilton focusing on hair health and harmony
• Collaborations with organizations for hair workshops

Anita Grant’s journey exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the power of representation. She’s redefining beauty standards through Hello Hair and inspiring others to embrace their true selves.