Things I Learnt from Barbie, the Brand

So, the recent Barbie movie is making big waves, big story, and generated $1 billion so far (as of Aug 10, 2023). I haven't watched the movie yet, but it got me curious about the whole Barbie business. We all know it wasn't an overnight success, but a journey spanning over 60 years to get where they are now. I decided to dive into their super long history of ups, downs, twists and turns. It's been quite a ride, and here are some cool things that got me all inspired:

1. It Always Starts with a Vision -

Barbie's founder, Ruth Handler - the more I read about her, the more I have the upmost respect for her. She wasn't just a visionary, she was also persistent to make it happen. Barbie isn't just a regular toy, it’s a platform for a child’s imagination to run wild. That's a total game-changer for toys and how kids have fun, especially young girls.?

2. Attention to details -

Tiny details, from realistic-looking fingers, knees that can bend, and a body that can twist. They made every bit count to give kids the best play experience. That’s customer experience enhancement before the term customer experience is a thing.

3. Overcoming the test of times -

They have evolved so much in the 60 years they are in business. Different eras, different ways people think, all sorts of cultures, and trends. They persevered, changed with the times, and survived until today.?

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4. Facing challenges -

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There are many challenges they have to overcome. From people not liking the toy, rejection from society, going up against a total boys' world of toys, competition coming from everywhere - inside and outside, the legal issue and the banishing of their founder Ruth Handler. They faced it all and came out strong until today.

5. Staying faithful to their core belief and mission statement -? -

Through the years, even with changes in how Barbie looked, her style, and everything else - they stuck to the core value. Barbie is the platform for imagination for young girls.

I feel like these lessons are something we can totally use in life, whether it's in business or getting fit. It all boils down to having a clear goal, a strong belief, and the persistence to be consistent. Perhaps then, we too can achieve what we want and bring value to the world and to ourselves. What are your thoughts? Is there anything you learnt from the Barbie story that can be applied to your business?