About Jean Ann and Shirley  & "Still Plays With Dolls"

not really us

        "You're from Kansas City?  So am I!"  And so they met -- just before dinner at the 2000 Gene Convention in Chicago.  Shirley and Jean Ann had both traveled to their first doll convention, alone.  Over the next two years, they went to over a dozen doll conventions and events together.

        "We've come to know so many wonderful doll collectors, and we look forward to seeing them wherever we go.  Of course, we love to see the dolls, too!"  says Jean Ann.  In fact, they had to travel to see their favorite dolls in person since there were few sources where they lived.  Finally, Jean Ann shared her dream of having her own shop, and Shirley began to wonder if it might be just the thing for them since they shared such a passion for doll collecting, got along so well, and had such complementary skills.  

        In the meantime, Shirley had been working on her fashion doll outfits, each featuring a hand knit sweater, which she sold over her website and at conventions.  She won some competitions, and then caught the attention of Robert Tonner who commissioned her to design a few outfits for Tyler Wentworth.  In early 2003, Shirley's work was featured in both "Contemporary Doll Collector" and "DOLLS" magazines.   Now she had a little name recognition going, which couldn't hurt!

        Jean Ann spent her early years as an elementary and pre-school teacher.  Most recently, while working in retail, she has continued her education with course work in merchandising and interior design.  Raising four children, volunteering on school and community organizations, chairing committees and successful fund-raising events, has broadened her financial and organizational skills.

        Shirley had worked for many years in sales and marketing, eventually as a vice president of a medium-sized company.  Here she learned what it took to run a business, work with customers and vendors, manage employees and finances, and use advertising, public relations and customer service to increase sales and customer satisfaction.  She also learned how to create websites and use technology to increase the flow of information about the company and its products and services.

        Together, Jean Ann and Shirley felt they had the skills needed to be successful with a doll shop and accompanying website.  Over the year before opening, they worked on their dream.  They looked at retail sites, studied demographics, talked to collectors, dealers and manufacturers, worked out finances and brainstormed extensively on how to offer the best merchandise at competitive prices with top-level customer service.

        "Now our website and our store are open for business.  Shop around, let us know what you think, and how we can help you with your doll collection,"  says Shirley.  "We'll keep our website updated frequently, so visit us often!"

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©Still Plays With Dolls 2010