Detroit resident and founder of the Detroit Doll Show Sandra Epps.
A wheelchair didn’t stop her. Lupus or a bout of low self-esteem didn’t damage her. Even COVID-19 and the loss of her relatives back-to-back didn’t diminish her.
Detroit resident Sandra Epps, an inspirational author, artist and professional face and body painter, and founder of Sandy’s Land LLC, is back (after a two-year hiatus) and returning with her annual Detroit Doll Show.
“With women and girls of color already being disproportionately marginalized…dealing with discrimination because of the hairstyles and skin complexion, I wanted to do my part to remind them of their greatness,” she told the Michigan Chronicle previously.
Epps was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 14 and the disease has attacked her central nervous system, kidney and heart.
“I was confined to a wheelchair twice and had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. However, it was the negative impact the disease had on my self-esteem that changed my life,” Epps said, adding that after years of struggling with how she looked due to hair loss and weight gain, she decided that she wanted to fashion a full-time career encouraging women and girls to love themselves.
Epps ensures that others know the power within them through her key message, “Love the Skin You’re In,” according to her website. Through her entertainment service, Sandy’s Land LLC, she has a mission to “Party with a Purpose” and makes a full career of inspiring women and girls who look like her.
The annual Detroit Doll Show, which is the largest doll show of its kind, was founded in 2011 and attracts over 1,400 attendees. Previous shows climbed to over 2,000 visitors, including guests from around the world.
The Detroit Doll Show celebrates history, culture, self-love and diversity with the promotion of Black dolls. The Doll Show typically brings in up to 50 vendors including doll makers and manufacturers from around the globe. The Detroit Doll Show also includes children’s authors and fine artists with unique handmade items that provide products promoting positive Black imagery. This annual event has a program that includes a doll look-alike contest, workshops, arts and crafts, a photo doll box, panel discussions, hands-on games, a photo booth, music provided by a DJ, and the Doll Legacy Award for individuals who have or are doing things to uplift people in their community.
Attendees will be able to visit a variety of vendors that include children’s authors, surprise characters, a celebrity guest, African head wrap, black memorabilia and black dolls. The event is in the heart of the west side community will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, at the Marygrove Conservancy, 8425 W. McNichols, with free parking.
The program will include a legacy award presentation to honor Dr. Khalid El-Hakim, founder of Black History 101 Mobile Museum, and Professor Yla Eason, founder and president of Olmec Toys, Inc. (creator of Sun-Man, one of the first Black Action Figures). There will be also be Food Trucks, Best Dressed Reborn Doll contest and African Drumming.
NyRee Hardyway, a friend and fan of Sandy’s Land, told the Michigan Chronicle previously that their friendship has blossomed over time.
“She’s one of my favorite people,” Hardyway said. “She continues to amaze me with her artistry and ability to organize the doll show which has given the largest platform to doll artists and collectors.”
Cheryl Lynn Pope agrees. “Events like this change the narrative of how girls see themselves. To see the amazement in the eyes of the girls that attend the Detroit Doll Show is awe-inspiring…I have never missed a Doll Show…I’ve brought my daughter every year since its inception,” she said.
Epps said that she is looking forward to the upcoming show and what others will experience despite her hurdles.
“I always call them growth opportunities when stuff happened,” Epps said of the pandemic and more. “Now coming back ,it feels like fresh, like I’m doing it all over again…. Like a family reunion.”
Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. For more information search eventbrite 2022 Detroit Doll Show or email detroitdollshow@gmail.com.
For more information visit sandyslandllc.com/detroit-doll-show.
