Collector Spotlight
Meet Sonia, Our Collector of the Month!
At Paradise Galleries, we believe every doll tells a story... but the most heartwarming stories come from the collectors who cherish them. This month, we’re thrilled to shine our Collector Spotlight on Sonia, a passionate member of our community whose love for dolls runs deep.
From the moment she welcomed her first Paradise Galleries baby, Sonia has brought creativity, joy, and a true collector’s spirit to every addition in her growing family. Join us as we get to know Sonia, discover what inspires her collection, and celebrate the magic of doll collecting through her eyes.
Do you remember your very first Paradise Galleries doll? What made it special to you?
My collection is still quite small, but it's very meaningful to me. I'm relatively new to this wonderful world of Paradise Galleries babies, and the first time I saw Crabby Cakes by artist Ping Lau, I was amazed. It felt like I was looking at the exact same facial expression my daughter Laura used to make when she was a baby. From that moment on, I fell in love with her and was lucky enough to add her to my collection. She will always be my favorite PG baby because she reminds me of that special time with my daughter.
What inspired you to start collecting Paradise Galleries dolls in particular?
I believe I had an unspoken debt to my inner child. My mother passed away from a painful illness when I was just eight years old. She left us just days after Christmas, and with her, the hope of ever receiving the doll of my dreams also disappeared. As adults, we often think things like this don’t matter, but it’s so important to reconnect with that inner child, to hold her close, and tell her that now we’re together, celebrating the joys of the heart. Paradise Galleries came into my life at a time when childhood memories had started to hurt again. Thanks to Sandra Correa, a member of the Friends of Paradise Galleries group, I discovered this beautiful world, met so many wonderful collectors, got to know the artists behind each creation, and welcomed these gorgeous babies into my life. I can honestly say that many of the emotional voids from my childhood have been filled thanks to my Paradise Galleries babies.
Is there a particular doll in your collection that holds a very special memory or story?
Aside from Crabby Cakes, who as I mentioned is my favorite because she reminds me of my daughter Laura as a baby, I have another very special baby in my collection: Sweetie Pie. She’s my mini-me. She looks a lot like me, and she represents my inner child. Her smiling little face is a constant reminder that everything is now okay inside me.
Do you have a favorite sculptor or artist from Paradise Galleries?
I admire all the artists behind each Paradise Galleries doll, but I feel a special admiration for Ping Lau. Every personality, every expression, and every detail in her sculpts is absolutely magical and extraordinary.
Are there any themes or types of dolls you’re especially drawn to?
The type of dolls that attract me the most are the bigger babies, those over 21 inches. I just love big babies! They’re fun, mischievous, and full of playful charm that always makes me smile, especially when I pose them for pictures. They remind me of my time as a kindergarten teacher, and it’s also much easier to find cute outfits to dress them in.
Have you connected with other collectors through your hobby? What does the doll community mean to you?
I’ve met wonderful people thanks to the Friends of Paradise Galleries group, and through it, I’ve grown deeply connected to this beautiful hobby by learning more about these babies and how to care for them. The respect, love, and kindness I receive in the comments on each of my posts fill me with joy. It means even more to know that thanks to the photos of my babies, many women have felt inspired to add them to their own collections and experience the happiness these little ones bring into a home.The PG doll community has become a part of my everyday life. You could even say it’s like a sisterhood, where all the babies feel like my little nieces and nephews
Shop Sonia's Favorites!